Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of June.
Good morning, West Chester.
Franklin Township's Big Elk Creek remains central to local history and landscape as it shaped early settlement, agriculture, and community life — its clear waters support wildlife and offer scenic views near Kemblesville.
Exton-based West Pharmaceutical Services announced Michel Lagarde as its new CEO, effective Aug.
31 — he replaces Eric Green after 11 years. The board also named Robert F. Friel as chairman on the same day.
Baldwin’s Book Barn in West Chester was named one of America’s best independent bookstores by Condé Nast Traveler — the historic barn spans five stories, houses over 300,000 books and is managed by longtime local Carol Pfaff Rauch who selects estate collections and rare finds for its shelves.
Erica Austin and Lt. Vontel Green received Widener University’s 2026 William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service for their long-standing leadership and commitment to strengthening the campus community.
Green has served since 2011 while Austin has led University Safety Systems since 2003.
Fifth-graders at Greystone Elementary celebrated inclusion during a recent Mini Bubble Walk where they ran, walked, and blew bubbles to support advocacy by The Arc of Chester County.
The event taught empathy and acceptance while encouraging students to appreciate differences.
Chester County Futures has launched a free virtual career series for students and young professionals that started Tuesday, June 2 and continues with sessions on June 9, June 16 and June 23, offering advice on networking, resumes & interviews from expert mentors.
The Green Family Foundation and Firstrust Bank awarded $360K in scholarships to 18 high school seniors at a ceremony held at The Franklin Institute earlier this week.
Each student received a four-year $20K award along with a personalized gift package including a hat and a poster of their winning essay.
Officials urged residents in Chester County to conserve water after wells ran dry amid worsening drought and a dry spring.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recommended a voluntary 10–15% reduction since recent rain did not replenish groundwater levels.
Chester County Hospital's Patient and Family Advisory Committee (established in 2017) meets monthly to share feedback that has led to improvements in discharge planning and postpartum care for Hispanic patients in the community.
The 15-member group will accept new volunteer applications this fall.
Chester County health inspectors found food safety violations at several local eateries on Tuesday, noting cockroach activity at Juice Pod in Downingtown and multiple sanitation lapses at Palermo’s Pizza in Phoenixville.
Other restaurants in Pottstown and West Chester showed concerns while some passed inspection.
According to May data, Devon, Berwyn, and Malvern lead Chester County's luxury market with typical home prices near $1 million.
The report shows high-end neighborhoods, including West Chester and Willistown Township, attract buyers with historic charm & growing demand.
Turks Head Music Festival
12-7 p.m. — Everhart Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of music, art, and community with local bands and vendors.
Silent Book Club Gathering
9-11 a.m. — Matlack Florist - Garden Center — Free entry — A peaceful space for book lovers to share their literary passions.
Hops for Homes Beer Festival
12-5 p.m. — Chester County Art Association — $45 — Sample craft brews and support affordable housing efforts with Habitat for Humanity.
Summer Kickoff Concert with Lenape Brass
6-7:30 p.m. — Westtown Township Oakbourne Park — Free entry — Celebrate America with a concert featuring classic tunes and tasty hotdogs.
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