West Chester
Morning News
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, West Chester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Gary Smith, longtime CCEDC CEO, will be inducted into the Chester County Hall of Fame on Thursday, May 28 at Phoenixville Foundry — celebrating his 50 years in economic development as civic, business and community leaders gather to honor his achievements. VISTA Today
- ➤ Safe Harbor of Chester County will host its Cheers for Change 30th anniversary event on March 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Teca Restaurant and Bar (38 E. Gay Street) to honor 30 years of support for individuals experiencing homelessness. VISTA Today
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Johnny O's Speakeasy opened today in West Chester inside the historic First National Bank building at 9 Prime. The venue (which charges $2,500 per year for membership and gives a 10 percent discount on upstairs dining) serves prohibition-style cocktails and small bites. VISTA Today
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Chester County OIC is seeking a Workforce Development Manager & a part-time Testing Administrator to enhance training programs for local adults. Interested candidates should email their resume to the provided contacts to support the nonprofit’s work in the community. VISTA Today
- ➤ Dr. Tammy James of West Chester University will receive the PSAC L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3:00 p.m. before the home basketball game against Lock Haven; the award honors her 25 years of supporting students. VISTA Today
- ➤ Henderson BSU’s Alice Thomas Scholarship Banquet, supported by CCOIC, will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Henderson High School; CCOIC President and CEO Javonna Wylie will deliver the keynote address to honor student achievement and raise funds for the scholarship fund (celebrating a century of Black heritage). VISTA Today
- ➤ Octorara Area School District hosted a Legislative Luncheon where district leaders outlined its strategic plan and shared student experiences with state legislators. Students from the Culinary Arts program prepared lunch and offered insights into their education. MyChesCo
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Chester County will soon begin inspections of the century-old Downingtown Trestle Bridge as part of a project to expand the Chester Valley Trail. Design work will start next year with rehabilitation expected to complete in five to seven years. The Philadelphia Inquirer
- ➤ East Vincent planning commissioners voted Tuesday to recommend that the township deny a proposed data center at the historic Pennhurst site due to non-compliance with zoning ordinances plus technical deficiencies. The township will hold a conditional use hearing on March 16 to review any revised plans from the developer. The Philadelphia Inquirer
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Wawa recalled certain 16 oz milk beverages after identifying potential soft plastic pieces that could pose a choking hazard. The recall affects stores in PA, NJ, DE, and MD, and customers are advised to dispose of these products and contact Wawa for refunds (gift cards). WFMZ-TV
- ➤ Chester County Health Department cited four restaurants on Feb. 17 for food handling, sanitation, plumbing and equipment issues. Sites in Kimberton, Spring City, Coatesville and West Chester prompt residents to report unsanitary conditions (via county website). MyChesCo
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Bob Mina runs Snowmelt Derby (a winter guessing game) that has drawn over 100 players worldwide using Facebook to guess when the snow will melt. The contest (held annually in West Chester for over a decade) awards the winner homemade cookies and bragging rights. VISTA Today
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Comedy Jam
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Windish Entertainment — Tickets required — Get ready for a night packed with punchlines featuring talented comedians.
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Dueling Pianos with The Philly Keys
7:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $31 – $36 — Enjoy a high-energy, all-request dueling piano show where no genre is off limits.
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LoCali Live: Anthony Baldini
6-8 p.m. — LoCali Wine Lounge — Enjoy sipping wine while experiencing heartfelt acoustic sessions from local musicians.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout West Chester Morning News
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