According to Pennsylvania State Police at the Embreeville Barracks, a 43-year-old Malvern woman is missing. Police are searching for Anna Bronislawa Maciejewska, who was last seen on April 10 operating a navy blue 2011 Audi A4 bearing PA registration HTF2919. She may be in need of her medication, which she does not have with her. Anyone with information regarding her location should contact police by dialing 9-1-1 or by contacting state police at Embreeville at (610) 486-6280.
West Chester University’s School of Business has earned reaccreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. West Chester is one of only 26 schools of business in Pennsylvania and among the five percent of business schools globally to earn AACSB accreditation. Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr., Senior Vice Provost and Interim Dean of the College of Business and Public Management said: “I can’t thank all of our faculty and staff enough for their hard work and dedication in making this reaccreditation possible. Everything our faculty and staff have done has been connected to the mission of the school, which is to prepare students to be successful within the evolving regional and global economies.” The AACSB accreditation process includes rigorous self-evaluation and peer-review elements. All AACSB-accredited institutions must enter the Continuous Improvement Review process every five years to ensure they continue to demonstrate engagement, innovation, and impact to meet the standards. WCU’s reporting period covered fall 2011 through spring 2016. During that time, every department in the School of Business within the College of Business and Public Management demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement as an innovative leader responsive to the educational demands of the regional community.
The Chester County Press is reporting that residents in a Landenberg community made sure New Garden Township officials could hear them when it comes to a proposed 125-foot cell tower to be constructed by a North Carolina company. Residents voiced their complaints at a conditional use hearing during a New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting Monday, which was moderated by Township Solicitor Vince Pompo. Their issues, when it comes to the tower which is to be built along Yeatmans Station Road, is that it may obstruct their views and diminish their property values. The planned tower would be next to the Watson Mill-Nivin Lane community. According to the Chester County Press, the conditional use hearing was suspended after more than an hour of testimony. The hearing will resume prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 15, beginning at 7 p.m.
The group Chester County AVOID, which stands for Chester County Advocates for Victims of Impaired Driving, is hosting an upcoming training class and needs volunteers. According to a post on Facebook, the group states it is in “need of volunteer drinkers for an upcoming law enforcement training class.” This class will take place at the Goodwill Fire Company in West Chester on May 10 and May 11, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (volunteers commit to one day only). Food, alcohol, and transportation is provided. Law enforcement officers are ineligible to volunteer. Eligibility guidelines for volunteer drinkers can be found here: http://www.patips.net/alcohol/volunteerdrinkerapp_REV.pdf The post further states: “Standard field sobriety testing training (SFST) equips our officers with the foundational knowledge of detecting impaired persons and is a critical skill in our shared mission to eliminate the preventable tragedies in our community caused by impaired driving.”
According to Downingtown Police, a Chester Springs woman stole some high-end food items from Wegmans Saturday. Gloria Satriale allegedly left the Wegman’s Food Markets located at 1056 East Lancaster Avenue in East Caln Township with unpaid merchandise at 3:30 p.m. Police say the 55-year-old had hidden two trays of crab claws inside a reusable shopping bag, as well as a spiral ham. The food was hidden under items she already had purchased. Satriale has been cited for Retail Theft. The total value of those stolen items is $298.65.
An East Brandywine Township Supervisors meeting Wednesday night elicited passionate comments from township residents with regard to what they say is business stagnation in the Guthriesville area. Several residents got up and spoke during a public comments portion of the meeting, specifically saying they are disheartened by the township’s use of eminent domination to condemn sections of property along Route 322, on the site adjacent to the former Croppers/Stauffers supermarket. These residents say the township’s actions are keeping “buildings empty” and preventing progress in the township, namely having a grocery store. Some other residents have asserted that the township has condemned certain easements in an effort to court Giant to come to the township, instead. Township officials, however, say that soliciting which businesses come to the township is not in their power and their actions with respect to those easements are to make sure a safe access road is built at the site.
According to a report in the Daily Local News, Natural Lands Trust will send a direct mail appeal to residents in northern Chester County Friday, requesting private contributions to help save Bryn Coed Farms. Sources say this is an unprecedented effort by the region’s largest land conservation organization. In October of last year, the organization announced its effort to preserve the 1,505-acre area in northern Chester County. In late September, Natural Lands Trust and the current property owners, the Dietrich family—heirs to the Ludens cough drop company—executed an agreement of sale for the property. Natural Lands Trust was given six months to conduct environmental testing on the land. Located primarily in West Vincent Township, Chester County, with portions also in East and West Pikeland Townships, the property is one of the largest remaining undeveloped, unprotected tracts of land in the Greater Philadelphia region. Under current zoning, nearly 700 homes could be built on the property if it is not placed under protection. Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, said: “Opportunities to preserve iconic landscapes like Bryn Coed Farms don’t come around every day, or even every lifetime. We cannot squander this chance. ” The money raised through this funding effort will go toward meeting the trust’s goal of getting $5 million to block out 500 of the farm’s 1,505 acres for use as a public land preserve, with 10 miles of walking, hiking, and recreation trails, open to the public every day of the year.
The Chester County Health Department is changing the days and times it offers many of its clinical services to the public, effective May 1. Personal health services include immunizations and testing for tuberculosis, HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Immunization clinics will be held on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on a walk-in basis. Additionally, immunizations are available by appointment on Fridays. All clinics will be closed on official holidays. For more information about Chester County Health Department’s programs and services, please visit www.chesco.org/health or call 610-344-6252.
According to Coatesville Police, a 22-year-old Coatesville man was arrested after he crashed into two parked vehicles, threw a knife and shot at patrons of a motorcycle club with a pellet gun. Johsua Johnson was charged after the disturbance April 11 around 7 p.m. in the area of North 8th Avenue. After striking the vehicles, Johnson fled in a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. When an officer attempted to stop the vehicle, Johnson broke off in chase, driving erratically at a high rate of speed. Johnson crashed into another motorist and parked vehicle along North 4th and East Chestnut Streets. Both he and the motorist sustained injuries and were taken to Brandywine Hospital. Johnson was charged with multiple criminal and traffic offenses, arraigned and sent to Chester County Prison after failing to post $75,000 cash bail.
According to North Coventry Township Police, they are searching for a man who allegedly robbed a bank in North Coventry Township Friday night. Officials say a man handed the teller a note at the BB&T Bank in the 1100 block of Town Square Road, near Route 100. The note claimed the man had a bomb. He then fled on foot in the direction of the Lowes store, with an undisclosed amount of money. No bomb was found, and nobody was hurt during the incident. The suspect is described as a black male approximately 30-40 years old, approximately 5′ 10″ tall with a thin build. He was wearing black pants, a gray button-down shirt and a gray hat. Anyone with information on the robbery or suspect should contact North Coventry Township police at 610-323-8360.
A conditional use hearing Wednesday at the Westtown School to address Toll Brothers’ plans to build on the more than 300-acre Crebilly Farm in Westtown Township saw spirited comments between the township’s solicitor for the planning commission, Michael Gill and an historical expert hired by the builder, Robert Wise. At stake is a more than 300-home development that many open space proponents and historic preservationists are concerned about because the property, between Routes 202 and 926, is the last remaining large tract of open space along Route 202 in the area. The famous Revolutionary era Battle of Brandywine also took place on Crebilly Farm, with several historic structures still on the property. Gill and Wise exchanged words over the historical significance of the more than 300-acre farm. In front of a packed room filled with township residents the men specifically waged a war of their own concerning the land’s history during the Battle of Brandywine in September of 1777. Wise was quoted by the Daily Local News as saying: “I have not encountered anything that shows a battle or skirmish was fought there.” Toll Brothers may move construction 600 feet to the east, away from New Street or add a historical marker to subdivision plans. Concerning the historical issues, Wise claims the Darlington Tavern is the only building on the property eligible for the National Historic Register. The Tavern may be moved, although Toll Brothers could not say where at this time. With respect to open space requirements, a Toll Brothers representative at an earlier hearing said that the 25.5 acres set aside in the developer’s plans would be considered part of the required 60 percent open space calculation. Another conditional use hearing to be scheduled by the township will take place next month.
News broke Friday afternoon in the Philadelphia region that an instructional aide at Conestoga High School in Berwyn was arrested on charges that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student. That person was identified as 67-year-old Arthur Phillips of Wayne, who worked in the school’s television production studio. He had been an employee of the school since 2006. Phillips was arraigned on Friday afternoon in district court. His female victim told police Phillips regularly emailed her and that Phillips had befriended her at the beginning of the school year. Conestoga High School officials were able to give police those emails, which dated back to January. Phillips also allegedly took the girl places in his car. The victim also told police that she and Phillips had sex on more than 10 occasions and would also grope and sexually assault her, even though she would tell Phillips “no.” The incidents would allegedly happen in his school office and his car.
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Christopher M. Fiorentino was formally installed as West Chester University’s 15th president during a formal investiture ceremony held on its campus on Friday, April 21. Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and Cynthia D. Shapira, chair of the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, presided and administered the oath of office during the ceremony. Fiorentino now leads the largest state-owned university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nearly 1,000 faculty, students, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends filled the hall to witness the inauguration. Among those who gave greetings were State Senator Andy Dinniman, State Representative Carolyn Comitta, Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, and West Chester Borough Council President Diane C. LeBold. Fiorentino was selected as president of the University on January 5, 2017, by the State System’s Board of Governors. Prior to being named president, Fiorentino held the position of interim president at the University since April of 2016, following the retirement of former president Greg R. Weisenstein. Fiorentino said: “I have dedicated my career to this institution and to higher education, and I truly see it as the culmination of my career to serve as president.”
Chester County publisher Squire Cheyney Books released Monday “First Date Homicides,” a murder mystery by Bruce E. Mowday based on facts relating to the Christian genocide and terrorism that is taking place across the globe. The central crimes in Chester County and the Philadelphia area and the characters are fictitious, even though some of the characters have traits of real people. The information about the terrorism and the Christian genocide are real and background crimes used in the book did take place. Mowday said: “My other books are non-fiction and this book began as one. To try to develop a balanced view of world events, I read many different internet news sites from across the world. I noticed that many acts of terrorism and genocide were taking place in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia that were never reported in the United States. I took notes and read government reports and realized the story had to be told.” Mowday will give a talk and sign books on May 5 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the West Chester Book Outlet, 967 Paoli Pike, in the Goshen Shopping Center, home to the former Chester County Book Company. A talk on First Date Homicides is scheduled for May 16 before the National Association For Retired Employees in Coatesville at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the book is $19.95, and signed copies can be obtained from the author by contacting Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.
According to West Whiteland Township police, they arrested a man who allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman during a road-rage incident April 13. The victim told police the incident began at the intersection of Boot Road and Pottstown Pike when the suspect, described as a white man in his 50s, followed the woman through back roads. He was driving a white Toyota Prius when he allegedly physically assaulted the woman when she was stopped at a traffic light in West Whiteland Township. Afterward, she drove to the police department to report the assault. Police say they found the suspect with the public’s help. That suspect has not been identified because charges are pending, although police say he lives or works in the area.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, two people were involved in a fatal motorcycle accident along the Route 30 bypass in Valley Township. early Monday morning. Police say that about 2 a.m., a 60-year-old man from Narvon who was operating the motorcycle crashed into the guiderail, causing both passengers to be ejected. That motorcyle operator, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead on the scene. His 59-year-old female passenger, who police say is from Coatesville, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Paoli Hospital. There were multiple emergency responders on the scene, including Coatesville’s Westwood Fire Company and Brandywine Hospital’s Medic 93.
Chester County’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Services is raising community awareness for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day taking place on Saturday, April 29th. Organized nationwide by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides local sites for safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29nd, temporary prescription drug disposal sites will be set up throughout Chester County, in locations including Avondale, Berwyn, Coatesville, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Malvern, Phoenixville and West Grove. These temporary sites will join the 23 permanent drug disposal sites throughout the county. Vince Brown, Executive Director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services said: “Prescription drug abuse is an ever-growing epidemic nationwide, and Chester County is not immune to the problem.” Collection boxes for prescription drugs in Chester County are at 23 permanent locations, and for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 29th, an additional 10 temporary locations will be established. For a full list of permanent locations, go to www.chesco.org/DrugandAlcohol, and for temporary locations, go to www.DEA.gov. For more information and resources, visit the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services website: www.chesco.org/DrugandAlcohol, or call the Chester County Information and Referral line at 866-286-3767.
According to Coatesville City police, on Friday, April 21, at approximately 4:30 p.m. they received a report of Felix Calle operating a black Jeep in the 100 bock of East Lincoln Highway. Calle was wanted for escape by the West Brandywine Police Department. At approimately 4:55 p.m., Officer Lang located the vehicle southbound on Route 82 and attempted to stop the vehicle, which was reported stolen by Phoenixville Borough Police. Calle failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed west bound on Lincoln Highway, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. Calle crashed head-on into another vehicle that was traveling east bound on the bridge leading into Valley Township. He then exited the stolen vehicle and ran westbound, and officers pursued Calle. He was apprehended by Corporal Michels and Officer Reece after a struggle. Corporal Michels sustained an injury to his right eye and received treatment on scene by EMS personnel. As result of the collision caused by Calle, both vehicles sustained disabling damage. The driver of the struck vehicle received medical treatment by EMS personnel and was released on scene. Calle transported to Paoli for medical evaluation for injuries resulting from the collision and later arraigned by video by the Honorable Judge Michaels on both cases. Calle was charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Recklessly Endanger Another Person, Fleeing and Eluding, Receiving Stolen Property and related traffic violations. The Judge instituted a $75,000 cash bail for the Coatesville incidents and $100,000 on West Brandywine Township’s case. Calle failed post bail and he is currently being held in Chester County Prison.
Republican Supervisor candidate Tim Vogel has offered $1,000 for information leading to the recovery of stolen campaign yard signs and/or the conviction of the individual(s) responsible. Vogel, a tech entrepreneur and first-time candidate for public office said: “I accept that shenanigans like this sometimes happen. However, it is clear that this is more than mere mischief and that my yard signs are being removed from the front yards of my supporters in a systematic way. Should anyone witness campaign signs being stolen, they should report the incident immediately to the Embreeville Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police at (610) 486-6280. Witnesses should not confront the perpetrators. Vogel says that in just the last week, more than 50 signs have been stolen, most of those taken less than 24 hours after having been put up. Vogel added: “West Bradford deserves an above-board, issues-focused race. That’s why I’ve been stressing the importance of running our township like a business and eliminating costly perks like free health insurance for West Bradford’s Supervisors and their families.”