Good morning, West Chester.

County officials announced a redesign of the Downingtown Trestle Bridge as part of the Chester Valley Trail extension.

Safety inspections will start over the next several months before redesign projects begin next year with construction lasting five to seven years.

Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue rescued two litters of kittens after Lowe's employees found them in boxes on a top shelf at the Downingtown store on Saturday.

The rescue plans to put the three- or four-week-old kittens up for adoption soon (they have names inspired by garden tools).

A long term project led by the King of Prussia Business Improvement District will join seven segments of the Chester Valley Trail with the Schuylkill River Trail for safe biking+walking along a continuous route.

The project will take up to 10 years and cost $8 million.

Whalen’s Greenhouses in Toughkenamon has grown millions of wholesale plants for local retailers since 1933 from its facility (140,000 sqft) and remains a family-owned operation serving Philly-area garden centers and landscapers today.

Tim Compton, executive director of Historic Yellow Springs — selected as one of the 2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars — will be honored at an award reception on Thursday, Apr.

30 at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern.

West Chester University is hosting Research and Creative Activity Day tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sykes Student Union Ballrooms (part of Celebrating WCU Week), where faculty and students display innovative research on water quality and music therapy through poster sessions and lightning talks.

West Chester University’s Office of Sustainability will host the 2026 Zero Waste Summit on Monday, Apr.

20 at the Sykes Student Union Ballroom (110 West Rosedale Avenue) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring interactive sustainability activities, DIY projects, student presentations, and a repair café to promote waste reduction.

State Rep. Dan Williams chaired a hearing to assess how new federal work requirements under H.R.

1 have reduced SNAP benefits since Sept. 1, leaving thousands at risk of losing aid. Lawmakers plan to help vulnerable residents (adults 18 to 64) navigate the changes.

Inspections on Apr. 13 found food safety violations and pest issues at several eateries including Bierhaul Townhouse LLC in West Chester and Cousin Burgers in Phoenixville; officials said some issues were corrected during inspections and urged residents to report ongoing concerns.

Blackbird Health is offering comprehensive evaluations for children who may have both ADHD and autism — a dual approach that gathers observations from home, school, and clinical assessments to tailor support plans.

Families in the region can reach out to begin this process soon.

Residents can enjoy scenic hikes this spring and summer across Chester County.

Options include Marsh Creek State Park in Downingtown with a 7.7-mile trail, West Chester's Okehocking Preserve with picnic spots, the 18.2-mile Chester Valley Trail from Exton, and Phoenixville's 4.2-mile French Creek Trail.

Chris and Tessie Payne lived with family for nine months to save for a four-bedroom Colonial in West Chester.

After selling their one-bedroom Manayunk rowhouse and getting help from parents, they bought the property for $781,000 after several rounds of negotiations.

Running Home 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Downtown West Chester PA — $25 – $30 — Family-friendly 5K event promoting community support for local single working parents.

Dueling Pianos Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate all-request dueling piano show with high energy and audience interaction.

Laugh Lounge Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $31 – $36 — Enjoy three hilarious performers in a night of diverse comedic styles.

Willy Wonka Jr.

2-5 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $18 – $27 — Enjoy a whimsical musical journey through Willy Wonka's chocolate factory filled with magic and music.

Moms & Mimosas Lunch and Floral Workshop

11 a.m. — West Chester Seafood Kitchen — Ticket info available — Celebrate Mother's Day with seafood, mimosas, and floral design in a warm atmosphere.

USPA Tested & Open Mother of All Meets

8 a.m. — Alpha Phlyte Fitness West Chester — Registration required — Compete in a powerlifting meet with both tested and non-tested divisions.