Residents’ concerns about project linger in Nottingham
A West Nottingham Township farm could be sold to make way for a Rutter’s convenience store. Local residents are worried about truck traffic and other issues as a Zoning Hearing Board meeting is continued to Oct. 13…
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
new use for the property.
The Kimble Farm is owned by Walter Kimble and his wife Joyce, John Kimble (the brother of Walt) and two adult children of a deceased brother. Needless to say, everyone within that extended ownership group has reasons for finally wanting or needing to sell the farm. Walter and Joyce Kimble plan to keep 5 acres of the farm and the outbuildings. They will continue to live there. The taxes on the property can be burdensome for the owners.
Approximately 100 acres of the farm, which are being rented out to another farmer, could be sold to Rutter’s, but not without lengthy discussions and some approvals from the West Nottingham Township Board of Supervisors and the township’s Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board. The township’s residents, especially those who live near the farm, have opinions, too.
Chester County
Prison: Are we safe?
By JP Phillips Contributing Writer
and ended up on the roof. He jumped to the ground with the intention of climbing the perimeter fence to freedom. He was spotted when a correction officer noticed others in the yard looking up as Hackett struggled to get through the razor wire.
Officers quickly apprehended Hackett, who never got close to breaching the prison grounds. Crisis averted. It’s been two years since Danilo Cavalcante escaped and traumatized the residents of Chester County for two weeks before he was apprehended. Since then, the prison has spent almost $10 million for capital upgrades to ensure the facility is updated and secure. But the question remains— are we safe? On Tuesday—one day prior to the attempted prison break—the Chester County
The Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) met on Aug. 27 at the Herr’s Visitor Center to discuss the variances requested by M & G Realty on behalf of Rutter’s convenience stores. Zoning Hearing Board members
Dan Siegfried, the chair, Frank Lobb, the vice chair, and Tom Lander, a member of the board, met before a large group of residents. Rutter’s is a chain of convenience stores and gas stations with 86 locations in eastern, central and western Pennsylvania, the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, and central Maryland.
Phillie Phanatic and lots of fun at the 40th annual Mushroom Festival
The Kennett Township Police Department has officially earned accreditation status through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC), a program of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. On April 8 and 9, on-site
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Chester County lawmakers, teachers and administrators gathered at Rainbow Elementary School in Coatesville on Thursday, Sept. 4 for a roundtable discussion on education funding with Children First, a child advocacy organization aiming to improve the lives of children throughout the area. A main focus of the discussion was on adequacy
Photo by Chris Barber
The Phillie Phanatic delighted the Mushroom Festival audience with a visit during the fried mushroom eating contest. For a story and photos highlighting all the fun at the 2025 Mushroom Festival, please see Page 1B.
Photo by Gabbie Burton Chester County lawmakers, teachers and administrators gathered at Rainbow Elementary School in
Residents’ concerns...
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Ryan Jennings, the attorney for the ZHB, set ground rules for the proceedings which included a request for an orderly meeting and no outbursts.
It was quickly noted that a continuance was requested by M & G and subsequently approved by ZHB members.
The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at Herr’s Visitors Center in Nottingham.
Jennings answered a few questions and explained how residents could gain party status and have their testimony entered into the record in an orderly fashion.
As the crowd slowly dispersed, some disparaging comments from those in attendance could be overheard. No one wanted to be quoted, but one lady who has a business bordering on
the property said, “It backs right up to my property. I’m not happy about that.”
The one comment most often overheard was residents expressing their belief that the proposed Rutter’s project would bring more trucks through Nottingham. A proposed warehouse project in neighboring East Nottingham Township also has residents concerned that there will be a large increase in traffic. It is still not clear what the proposed warehouses would be used for.
Residents are not only concerned about the possible loss of another farm, there are also concerns about having a Rutter’s convenience store locate in the township because of the traffic it would draw to the local roads. Some residents compared the convenience store to a truck stop—and this is only the latest project in the area that has increased the number of vehicles on roadways. Obviously,
this is not the first convenience store to locate in West Nottingham Township. Wawa has been operating there since the early 2000s, but the Nottingham location does not have parking for trucks. Another commercial property, CVS, is well over 12,000 square feet, about the size of Rutter’s, and it sits beside Wawa. And on the other side of Route 272 is Herr Foods, which has been operating there for decades.
David Ross, a member of the West Nottingham Township Planning Commission, explained, “We created the commercial district in 2012 to direct development in that part to protect our rural area. That whole area is defined in the West Nottingham Township 2006 Comprehensive Plan and in the 2012 Regional Comprehensive Plan. The plan was designed as a walkable community. The idea is to expand the village to what it once was.
Eventually we would have a pedestrian bridge over the bypass. After we completed the comprehensive plan, we had numerous public meetings. At that time, due to the desire to preserve agricultural land, we came up with Transfer Development Rights.”
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) is a land-use planning tool that allows landowners to sell their property’s development rights to another property owner, enabling them to develop at a higher density than normally allowed. This system separates development potential from a piece of land (the “sending site”) and allows it to be transferred to another area (the “receiving site”). TDR programs are used to preserve land with conservation value, such as farmland or open space, while simultaneously directing growth to areas better suited for development.
While municipal leaders in the Oxford area have undertaken numerous efforts to encourage smart growth, the question remains—what has created the “truck problem” in the area?
It should be pointed out that the truck problem will not change, with or without a new Rutter’s convenience store, because more than 70 percent of all U.S. freight is moved by trucks. The commercial and residential developments in the area are impacting the truck traffic that is being seen in the Oxford area today.
Developments really started to pile up in the late 1960s. That is evidenced by the building of the Route 1 bypass, which was installed because the population was increasing at that time. According to U.S. Census data the population of Chester County in 1970 was 278,311. The population in 1980 was 316,660, or an increase of 13.8 per-
cent, over just one decade. The Kennett-Oxford Bypass was installed in two main sections in the mid- to late-1960s. The second section started in 1968 and was completed in 1970. In a previous interview Kimble explained, “Our farm has been a farm since the early 1800s. Someone has farmed this since that time and now I rent the property out to another farmer. My story is not much different than most farmers in this area. We have all lost pieces of our farms when the Route 1 bypass was constructed. I don’t think people realize how much farmers have been pushed around because of the development that has taken place.” The Route 1 bypass, could have been the beginning of the end for many farmers. Farms were divided by the bypass making it inconvenient, if not impossible, to continue to farm.
and County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Josh Maxwell to discuss this very question.
Back on Aug. 31, 2023— the day that Cavalcante escaped—the prison had significant problems with both security and infrastructure. According to the prison’s website, the last major renovations took place 40 years prior. When asked about this, Boettlin, who has worked at the prison for 29 years, said, “Well, we had the addition put on in ‘07, but that’s about it. Yeah, you’re probably spot on.”
For the past two years, efforts have been made to make up for lost time. As reported in the Sept. 2, 2024 edition of the Chester County Press, the year-one improvements included: security mesh and razor wire to close off the area between alleyway walls where Cavalcante got onto the roof; more roof and fence razor wire; bright, distinctive clothing to differentiate prisoners based on threat levels; new internet cables and cameras (both motion-detectors and stationary); replacement of an antiquated gate and door operating system with logic controllers; body scanners; X-ray machines at entry points; a mail scanner to keep weapons and other contraband out. Infrastructure improvements included: new roofing; updated air handling systems; new water heaters; a renovated gym; renovated employee locker rooms and other areas.
Improving communications with the community and other prison professionals is an ongoing focus.
“We’ve also focused on building relationships with our partners and other
facilities, both state correctional, federal, and local, because if whatever’s impacting them at their levels, if we’re not feeling it yet, we will, or vice versa,” Holland said. He presents a report at Pocopson Township every three months before their regularly scheduled township meeting and updates the public on prison developments and improvements.
The perimeter detection system for the prison is now mostly installed, and will be completed by November.
“If anybody hits that fence, there’s going to be a camera that goes right to it,” explained Holland. A staff of camera monitors and perimeter officers will then see the issue and determine if it is a concern. Microwaves cross roadways to monitor anything entering or leaving the grounds. “Perimeter officers have tablets with them now that they can pull up immediately in the car to see where there was a detection,” Holland continued. “They can also see if something is happening inside the prison walls.”
Card readers are installed which allow employees access to only the areas for which they are authorized. It will be fully operational by the end of September.
Three canines—Uno, Banks, and Nugget—now help patrol the prison in shifts. “The dogs can detect either electronic cell phones or those things like drugs,
bombs, or gunpowder,” Holland said. “Sometimes there’s planned searches that we know about, and then sometimes if, let’s say, we’re doing a search or we get information that, there’s a shank (improvised weapon) or something on one of the blocks, then we’ll lead that.”
The dogs are also available to help in the community if they are needed—they could help find a missing person, for example. “Two of my correction officers are also sworn in as deputy sheriffs, which means when they’re out in the field, they have the same enforcement powers and law enforce authority as a sheriff,” Holland said.
Drones were recently added as a reconnaissance tool. “We actually have been training once a week now,” Howard explained. “We have random officers that are selected to go out there. They’ll take it up; they’ll fly the perimeter. Eventually, we want to get to the point that we can have drones that are set up to autonomously just fly at random times around the facility when we have people out in the yard work release center.”
Filling Correctional Officer 1 (prison guard) vacancies is a continuing problem. When Cavalcante escaped, there were 55 vacancies. As of July 2025, there were 67. Holland felt that this number is slightly misleading, as some of those officers were promoted and the lowerlevel positions haven’t yet been filled. Holland noted
that summer is a difficult time for hiring. He and Maxwell emphasized that better working conditions and training programs have been instituted over the last two years. Additionally, they said, prisoners are treated better and have more opportunities to learn trades and educate themselves so they can be contributing members of society—all adding up to a better, although still challenging, workplace.
Holland said that prison guard vacancies are not unique to Chester County Prison--it is an industrywide problem.
As last week’s escape attempt made crystal clear, there might always be someone determined to escape and willing to take their chances with razor wire and getting caught, or die while trying to escape.
The big missing piece of the security plan is the proposed security mesh roof that would enclose all of the exercise yards. This was agreed to by the Prison Board in a community meeting in Sept. 2023, just after Cavalcante’s escape, but the original design had to be scrapped due to the constitutional requirement that prisoners need to be
exposed to natural sunlight for part of the day. A new design was put out for bid in Feb. of this year, but was deemed too expensive. Currently, the yards have three solid walls and a chain-link fence topped with razor wire that blocks the fourth side. The proposed fourth side would be 16 feet high: the lower eight feet composed of regular chain-link fencing, and then eight feet of anti-climb fence where the holes are too small to insert fingers to grab onto it. Then the area would be totally roofed by chain link fencing. Besides keeping prisoners in, it would also keep weapons and contraband attached to drones out.
“Drugs and everything else get flown in and dropped into the yard,” Holland said, adding that they are also looking to add an intercept drone. “Once we know that something is in our air space, we have the authority to go eventually and take that out… It’s not just an escape portion. It’s everything else that that mitigates or eliminates for us, especially contraband coming into the facility.”
Holland is currently having discussions with contractors about the anticlimb fence and fence-roof enclosures for all yards, and is expected to recommend a vendor to the Prison Board shortly. Construction is targeted to begin later this year or early in 2026.
Which brings us back to the initial question: Are we safe?
“I think the public’s safer, and I think the COs (Correction Officers) are safer here because we’re
with a crime that requires incarceration— from parole violation to murder— who is not eligible for or does not make bail, is held at the Chester County
until their trial date.
treating our inmates better,” Holland said. “If we can reduce the time to get canines here, get drones in there and everything else, it actually shrinks potentially anything from happening. Or being protracted more than it has to be. So, the more we train with it, the more we prepare for that, for some reason, this seems like it’s less likely to happen because we’re trained in that direction. So our big mantra out here is, we train hard to fight easy.”
“I think we’re much safer,” Maxwell said. “The idea is you are always looking for the next thing. So, we want to stay hungry. Hungry dogs hunt…and we want to be hungry dogs here and make sure that we’re looking for the next thing. So, we always want to be safer—99 percent is not good enough.”
Press met with Warden Howard Holland, Prison Captain Scott Boettlin,
Courtesy Photo Thwarted escapee Thomas Hackett was charged with indecent exposure and open lewdness back in June. He is awaiting trial. Anyone in Chester County who is charged
Prison
Photo by JP Phillips
Photo by JP Philips
Captain Scott Boettlin, Warden Howard Holland, and County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Josh Maxwell recently discussed security enhancements at the Chester County Prison.
Remaining pieces of farms were sold and developed.
Fast forward to 2025 and it is quite obvious how developments have continued to expand.
For instance, one municipality, Lower Oxford Township, which borders Oxford Borough, has numerous developments planned for the future.
Lower Oxford, Secretary/ Treasurer, Deborah Kinney stated in December of 2024, “Developments in Lower Oxford Township for new single-family residences as of this date are BK Campbell EnterprisesPine View Estates, located between Conner Road and Baltimore Pike with 184 units. There are 83 permits issued for homes that have use & occupancy permits issued and are occupied. Two permits for homes have been issued that are currently under construction (total 85 units). BK Campbell Enterprises - Reedville
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funding and the current state budget impasse stalling funding to school districts throughout Pennsylvania.
Five districts in the county, Coatesville, Oxford, Avon Grove, Downingtown and Kennett, were deemed to be underfunded and are recipients of adequacy funding.
These school districts received their first installments in 2024 totaling $9 million but are still in need
$70 million to close the funding gap.
To reach adequate funding, Kennett Consolidated School
Village located at Reedville Road and Conner Road has 154 units. Site work is currently under construction with no permits for homes issued to date.” In Lower Oxford Township, some of those housing developments are further along. There are signs of residential growth on the other side of Oxford Borough, too. If you are leaving West Nottingham Township, by way of Old Baltimore Pike, you see a development to the left spreading toward the bypass. That was the Featherman farm.
If you turn left on Forge Road, developments dot the area all the way to where Forge Road intersects with Hopewell Road. Farms have been sold and replaced by developments in every direction in the Oxford Area School District. The sale of all those farms that were replaced by developments has certainly
District needs $17 per student in additional funding, Downingtown Area School District requires $705, Avon Grove School District needs $3,061, Oxford Area School District needs $3,873 and Coatesville Area School District requires $4,068 per student in additional funding.
“Just two years ago, in 2023, Pennsylvania’s highest court declared that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and that more than half of our school districts in the state are underfunded,” said Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, Children First K-12 policy
helped bring in more traffic, including truck traffic.
The possible addition of a Rutter’s convenience store will be debated again on Oct. 13. Will this project bring more trucks into the community or will they just give the truckers already passing through a place to stop for a respite from their long day of work?
Ashley Donnelly, from M & G Realty, spoke to team members at Rutter’s who said, “Our customers will primarily be made up of local residents and regular commuter traffic, who stop at our store for the convenience. With the location being directly adjacent to Route 1, we don’t anticipate a measurable increase in local road traffic.”
Another factor to consider is the economic impact of Rutter’s. Will Rutter’s bring more employment to the area? Will it increase the tax base for West Nottingham Township?
director. “Today’s conversation is a dialogue that will allow state lawmakers to hear directly from superintendents, school board members, administrators and senior citizens. We’ll talk about how schools have used previous state investments and what are the biggest voting challenges that remain in this year.”
The roundtable featured five lawmakers, State Senators Carolyn Comitta and Katie Muth and State Representatives Paul Friel, Danielle Friel Otten and Chris Pielli, as well as 13 stakeholders representing Continued on Page 4A
“Across our company, we employ over 3,000 people, with locations like Nottingham averaging around 50 employees. We hire team members for retail and food services, as well as store managers for all of our locations. Our hourly wage currently starts at $18 per hour,” a spokesperson for Rutter’s explained.
She added, “A store manager’s salary starts upwards of $100,000 and eligible employee benefits include health benefits, a 401K match, tuition assistance and much more.”
The fact that Rutter’s would be selling alcohol at their store does concern some people, even though a local restaurant allows the public to drink wine and beer. Donnelly said that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board license requires a minimum of 30 seats, which Rutter’s plans to provide. The final design is not yet completed.
The current plan shows that out of the 100 acres Rutter’s plans to build on about 10 acres.
The number of parking spaces designated for commercial drivers hasn’t yet been finalized.
Donnelly said, “We will not have trucks idling. State law restricts that and we will also post signs to that effect. We also don’t permit overnight parking on our lots. Our goal is to provide a safe place for commercial driver to use our facilities, get food and drink, and take their legally required breaks during their trips.”
Federal law requires truck drivers to take mandatory rest under the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, including a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour on-duty window, and a 10-hour off-duty period to reset the 14-hour clock.
Drivers must also com-
plete a 34-hour restart after reaching 60 or 70 hours on duty in a 7- or 8-day period to reset their weekly driving hours. These rules, enforced by the FMCSA using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), aim to reduce fatigue and prevent accidents.
When asked about the closeness to residences, Donnelly explained, the planned development area would be about 550 feet from the property line of residences along one road and about 1,000 feet from the nearest residence along the other road.
The planned store size is 13,467 square feet which is close to size of the CVS store.
Will Rutter’s be bringing more truck traffic to the area, and if so, how much? Only time will tell, but more answers may start to come when the Zoning Hearing Board meeting continues on Oct.13.
Photo by Gabbie Burton
The roundtable featured five lawmakers, State Senators Carolyn Comitta and Katie Muth and State Representatives Paul Friel, Danielle Friel Otten and Chris Pielli, as well as 13 stakeholders representing Coatesville, Downingtown, West Chester, Avon Grove, Phoenixville, Great Valley and Tredyffrin-Easttown school districts.
As we approach September 13, the second anniversary of “The Oxford Fire,” I am reflecting on the survivors and that traumatic event in their lives.
Having spent significant time with them immediately following the tragedy which displaced
Coatesville, Downingtown, West Chester, Avon Grove, Phoenixville, Great Valley and Tredyffrin-Easttown school districts.
Comitta directed her first question to Coatesville, Avon Grove and Downingtown stakeholders asking, “What are the challenges your district is facing? What are some of the priorities you have for this school year, and how can more state funding help?”
Robert O’Donnell, superintendent of Downingtown School District, noted special education costs as a major challenge, as did Avon Grove superintendent Scott DeShong. Additionally, DeShong mentioned support for English language learners.
“In our district, as with the other districts in the southern part of the county, we continue to see an
Accreditation...
Proud to call you friend
26 families, I am in awe of where they are today.
These immigrant families have learned to navigate the world that had been turned upside down as they ran from their apartments in pajamas, holding children and pets in their arms. There had been no time to even grab shoes, to say
increase in the number of English language learners in our programs,” he said. “We’ve been dependent on state funding to increase the staffing in that area. We require some additional professional learning for our regular education teachers that work with students and integrate students into their classroom and bring them up to level quickly. So, in addition to what Downingtown shared with the special education piece, our English language learners are a significant challenge for us and the other districts in the southern part of the county.”
Both O’Donnell and DeShong also commented on the burden to the taxpayers if there is not enough state funding to support these necessary programs in the districts.
“Avon Grove is a pretty rural district,” DeShong said. “All of our tax base, 90 percent of our tax base comes from residential and
Continued from Page 1A effort.” Porterfield said, “Some departments can spend upwards of 10 years working toward accreditation. We pulled this off in a year. I’m very proud of that. I’m proud of our department and proud to work in Kennett Township to continue to serve this community the way that we do.”
“From the outside, some might not expect our department to achieve accreditation—our current station is far from ideal,” said Gordon. “But our officers worked together with determination and creativity to meet PLEAC’s rigorous standards. I’m grateful to our township manager, elected officials, and most of all, to accreditation manager Gretchen Porterfield. While I may be the one recognized as chief, this achievement is truly the result of her extraordinary
The township’s police department also extended a special thank you to Jennifer Ruggeri, an accreditation specialist with Lexipol. Her expertise was instrumental for everything from preparing documentation and coordinating mock
nothing of important documents. They had been told to leave immediately by police officers who saved all the lives in those buildings. We cannot thank those officers enough!
Today, with the help of this Oxford community, these families are not only surviving, they are thriv-
farmland taxes, so we don’t have the benefit of a large commercial base. Anytime we increase taxes, it really goes on the burden of our homeowners.”
The topic of taxes and funding challenges led Coatesville Superintendent Anthony Rybarczyk to discuss the impact charter schools have on the district and their budget.
“For Coatesville, one of our biggest challenges is the charter schools,” he said. “When you’re looking at $74 million of your budget go out the door to charter schools, when we have programs in our district that are, I will say, better than what they’re providing, we want our students to come back to us and give them an opportunity to grow and thrive. So we want to see how we can look at that funding formula for the charter schools and how it’s impacting our district overall. I know there’s work that’s already being
assessments to monitoring compliance progress in PowerDMS, the department’s digital accreditation management system, and ensuring a smooth on-site review.
“This accomplishment reflects the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of the men and women of the Kennett Township Police Department,” said Dobbins. “I want to thank each of our officers for the time and energy they put into this process.”
“Accreditation strengthens the department’s ability to provide effective, efficient service to our residents
ing. They are relocated into other homes, most able to remain in the Oxford Area School District so that children would not be faced with more transitions. They continue to smile, happily greet you on the streets and in the parks, and reach out to help others. Yes, you read that
done for the cyber charter schools, but ours is the brick and mortar. That’s where the bigger issue is.”
The conversation on charter schools took up a significant portion of the roundtable with other districts including Avon Grove, Downingtown and West Chester providing input into issues of accountability with both in-person and cyber charter schools.
O’Donnell shared that Downingtown had three students who transferred to cyber public schools before moving out of the district while still being charged for those students claiming residency in the district.
“Three students hadn’t been with us for three years, we were getting billed for that and if we don’t pay them, it gets deducted, so we have to pay,” he said.
“All three had IEPs as well so there’s $100,000 attached to three kids for the cyber school from the same family that didn’t even live in
correctly! These wonderful immigrant families not only received help from us, but are always looking for ways to help us – to return the favor.
What could have ended in devastation – like the empty lots where the buildings were – these immigrant families rose from the ashes, just like the new downtown Oxford will! I am so very proud to call them my friends – actually more like my extended family!
the district.”
Caryn Ghrayeb, a Downingtown school board member, commented that cyber charter schools should have the responsibility to verify that a student lives within the district they are charging in order to prevent misappropriated funds.
“But do [the cyber charter schools] care as long as they are getting paid?”
Muth asked.
A collective “no” was heard from around the table.
After the discussion on charter schools, ReyesKaura shifted gears to talk about improvements the school districts have been able to make with additional funding from the state. Coatesville Area School District was able to re-open five elementary school libraries, hire additional librarians and support social workers in the district. DeShong shared that Avon Grove focused funding toward getting students to stay in school and hired
an additional teacher for English language learners and ultimately increased graduation rates by 30 percent for English language learners.
While the many difficulties and concerns voiced by the district officials are certainly heavy to bear, the discussion ended on an assurance from the lawmakers to continue supporting the school districts. There were words of hope and encouragement from around the table.
“I speak for [board members] in Chester County, perhaps across the state, we do not choose to serve because of our own district,” said Bill Wood, an Avon Grove School Board member and Chester County Schools Boards Legislative Council chair. “We choose to serve because we believe in the promise of public education to provide a quality education for all students, and that requires fair funding,”
and reinforces our commitment to professionalism and public safety,” added Richard Leff, the chair of the township’s Board of Supervisors.
limitations, the
pursuit
best
and community
Peggy Ann Russell Oxford resident September 8, 2025
Courtesy photos
James Adams, the accreditation program coordinator with Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, presents the Certificate of Law Enforcement Accreditation to the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors—Richard Leff (chair), M. Patricia Muller (vice chair), and Geoffrey Gamble, Esq. (member).
The accreditation team included, from left to right, Matthew Gordon, the Kennett Township Chief of Police; Ted Otteni, the township director of public works; James Adams, the accreditation program coordinator with Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association; Jeffrey Call, KTPD Corporal; Gretchen Porterfield, KTPD Administrative Manager; Miguel Juarez, KTPD Detective; and township supervisors Richard Leff, Geoffrey Gamble, and M. Patricia Muller.
The Kennett Township Police Department officially accepted the the Certificate of Law Enforcement Accreditation at the PLEAC meeting in Lancaster in June. Pictured at the meeting are Lee Benson, Chief of West Whiteland Police Department and the chairman for PLEAC; Gretchen Porterfield, the KTPD administrative manager; Matthew Gordon, KTPD Chief of Police; Alison Dobbins, the Kennett Township Manager; and Scott Bohn, former Chief of West Chester Police Department and the current executive director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
This milestone reflects the Kennett Township Police Department’s
of accountability,
practices,
trust. Despite infrastructure
department demonstrated resilience and collaboration—proving that excellence is defined not by facilities, but by the people who serve.
Over the last few months, we have published a number of stories highlighting some of the positive things taking place in Oxford. There are a number of new shops and businesses opening in downtown Oxford, or businesses expanding to new, larger locations.
The Oxford Arts Alliance is presenting engaging art exhibitions to showcase the work of the burgeoning arts community and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.
(OMI) continues to plan its regular rotation of First Friday events to bring the community together.
High hopes for Oxford
The Housing Partnership of Chester County recently unveiled the early work that has been completed on an Oxford home through a program that encourages the rehabilitation of abandoned or blighted properties.
Step by step, day by day, Oxford is improving itself.
It was two years ago this week that a devastating fire ripped through several buildings in Oxford’s downtown, destroying businesses and displacing approximately 100 residents. There’s no way to quickly recover from such a devastating fire in the heart of the downtown. In some ways, progress has been painfully
slow. But the progress has also been very impressive. Good things are happening in the borough—despite the fire and despite all the day-to-day challenges that small businesses and small towns face in 2025.
The fire delayed—but did not stop—the years-long effort to bring a theater back to downtown Oxford. At one time in its history, Oxford could boast of having three movie theaters in its downtown, and community leaders have long wanted to bring a theater to town. The idea is that the venue would serve as a catalyst for economic growth by bringing more
visitors to the downtown for regular, and longer, visits.
OMI worked with Oxford Borough officials and community leaders to secure a $2,144,166 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project Grant to help fund the Oxford Theatre project—and when that happened in the spring of 2022, it seemed as if the theater would soon become a reality. But then, a little more than a year later, the fire did its stunning damage and the future of the theater project was uncertain.
Fast forward two years and now the project is moving forward again and there are all kinds of signs that
Oxford’s resiliency in the face of hardships will pay off with a revitalized, reimagined downtown.
Plans are moving forward for the new buildings that will rise up in place of those destroyed by the fire two years ago.
Oxford secured a grant to redevelop Niblock Alley through a public and private partnership that will dramatically enhance the borough’s small downtown area. There are also planned improvements to the Broad Street bridge, including structural and aesthetic improvements, the addition of a separated and raised sidewalk to increase
Teachers support communities.
safety for pedestrians, and decorative wrought iron fencing for increased aesthetics and safety.
Oxford is also utilizing grant funding to make smart investments in a variety of infrastructure upgrades. For example, water line improvements as part of the Niblock Alley project will also help the large buildings on Third Street.
Oxford’s comeback from the devastating project is impressive but hardly surprising. We have high hopes for Oxford as the comeback continues in the years ahead.
Now is the time to support teachers.
mental health of the chil-
By Natalie Eades
A loud knock broke the sound of the pouring rain on my front porch. I was seven years old, stuck at home recuperating from surgery, and that knock changed everything. My second-grade teacher, who didn’t own a car, had walked two miles in the rain to bring me a big brown teddy bear. I named him Bo-Bo, and decades later, I still hold the bear and that memory close. That small act of kindness from my teacher made an impact on me that I’ve carried for a lifetime. Now that I’m a teacher myself, I think about the example she set every day. Teachers don’t just teach inside a classroom — sometimes they show up in our lives, even during rainstorms, but who shows up for teachers? The work of early child educators goes far beyond the walls of the classroom; we support the emotional and
dren and families we serve, yet many teachers go home after a long day unable to make ends meet. We lack the financial resources to afford a reliable car, secure housing or fresh food. Some say that teachers go into the profession knowing they will make sacrifices, but statistics show that 78 percent of teachers have thoughts or plans of leaving the teaching profession. This is where guaranteed income can help to change lives. For the past 18 months, I’ve been receiving $500 a month through a Guaranteed Income pilot program at the Gordon Early Literacy Center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. That monthly support has changed my life dramatically. Before the payments began, I was constantly struggling to afford the rising costs of food and to help my adult daughter with her rent, and I was often unable to catch up on monthly bills. I’d go to the
Opinion
grocery store with a strict list and no flexibility. Fresh vegetables were a luxury, and we couldn’t afford to be creative in the kitchen.
The extra monthly income has tangibly altered our daily lives. It has allowed me more freedom to choose fresh vegetables over frozen, and to try interesting new dishes for dinner.
The extra income also helped my adult daughter. She works two jobs to pay for her rent and support herself in college. Over the past 18 months, I was able to help her a little more financially, which gave her the freedom to pick up fewer shifts at the restaurant so she could devote her time to a leadership role at her university. Taking on that new role led her to being chosen for a graduateship that covers half her tuition for the next year. This isn’t just a win for our family — she plans to work in education, so this is a win for our community,
Pennsylvania’s legal system is being abused—and everyone pays the price
By State Rep. Torren Ecker
Pennsylvania’s legal system is facing a growing challenge from those who exploit it for personal or financial gain. For the second year in a row, Pennsylvania has appeared in the judicial report published by the American Tort Reform Association. The underlying concerns [in the report] are worth serious attention. This year’s report highlights persistent issues in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and raises concerns about recent decisions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. At the heart of the issue is how certain legal actors are using, or rather misusing, them.
The problem is not just perception. Pennsylvania’s legal climate is having real-world consequences. Businesses are rethinking whether to invest or expand here, citing unpredictable liability and the growing cost of litigation. Health care providers worry about increasing malpractice exposure. Average citizens are left footing the bill for a system weighed down by opportunistic lawsuits.
Consider the impact on employers choosing where to grow. States that attract outof-state plaintiffs and allow complex litigation driven by unclear precedent become less attractive places to do business. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is heading down that road, and we’re seeing the consequences in lost opportunities and economic hesitation. Recent legal developments, such as changes to longstanding doctrines around liability, insurance and venue have created uncertainty. These changes do not just affect attorneys or corporations; they ripple across the economy. A legal environment where even the threat of a lawsuit can deter innovation or force defensive decision-making benefits no one. Importantly, this is not about attacking the judiciary. Pennsylvania’s courts are filled with dedicated public servants committed to upholding the law. But, when legal outcomes are increasingly driven by those who manipulate the system through aggressive forum shopping, inflated damage
claims or loosely grounded lawsuits, it puts pressure on everyone else in the system.
The Legislature can help restore balance by enacting reasonable reforms that discourage abusive practices. They include curbing excessive damage awards, setting clearer standards for liability and limiting the ability to file cases in jurisdictions with little connection to the claim. These changes will not prevent legitimate lawsuits. Instead, they will help ensure the courts remain accessible to those with real grievances while discouraging those who see litigation as a business strategy.
Reforming Pennsylvania’s legal climate is about restoring confidence for every Pennsylvanian who depends on a fair and functioning justice system. Justice should be about accountability and fairness. By addressing lawsuit abuse head-on, we can ensure our courts continue to serve those who need them most and remain a pillar of trust in our democracy.
State Rep. Torren Ecker represents Adams and Cumberland counties.
Teachers change lives and improve community but are far too often expected to do this work while juggling food and housing insecurity, medical debt or having to get second jobs to make ends meet. We pour our energy into supporting children in our community while worrying if we can provide for our own. Guaranteed income isn’t a handout: It’s a recognition and appreciation for
the invisible work that teachers do every day. It’s a tool that helps both the educator and the community that they serve, and Chester County would greatly benefit from more such pilot programs at HeadStart and other early learning centers. I still think about the teacher who brought me Bo-Bo in the rain all those years ago. That teacher’s kindness transformed me not just as a student but actually helped to shape the person I’ve become. As a teacher myself, I want to
spread kindness and make an impact, too. When a teacher’s basic needs are met, they can focus on their students and community even more. The guaranteed income gave me the breathing room to be a better teacher, and it helped my family to thrive, not just survive.
In addition to teaching, Natalie Eades of Coatesville is a student enrolled in a writing course taught by Dr. Dyan Neary at West Chester University. She submitted this essay as a class assignment.
A look at statistics for mandated reporters charged with failure to report in Pa.
Guest Column
as well. When educators are supported, entire communities thrive.
Mushroom Festival again lands Kennett Square on the map
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The national Mushroom Festival did Kennett Square proud this past weekend, just as it has every year for the last 40 years.
Tens of thousands of visitors showed up at the 40th annual event, undeterred by periods of rain that minimized attendance somewhat at the start of Sunday morning’s festivities.
Festival co-chairs Gina Puoci and Gale Ferranto took the step of bringing back the old tradition of a kickoff parade this year as a way to welcome in the popular event and honor the area’s largest industry. That effort was cut short, however, by storms that were predicted and arrived at the exact evening hours planned for the procession.
Nonetheless, in a spirit of consolation, the Kennett High School Band put together their online version of “Sweet Caroline” to fill the gap.
When Saturday morning arrived, weather forecasters were announcing warnings of an afternoon arrival of a storm so powerful that it might be accompanied by a tornado. The attraction of the Mushroom Festival was so great, however, that visitors came by the thousands for the start.
The crowd remained and the storm never arrived.
The visitors came from all over.
In the crowd, conversations could be heard by people who were talking about arriving from their homes.
“I live in New Jersey,” said one.
“I came from Harrisburg,” said another.
“I took the Blue Route to get here.”
They were well rewarded for their travels.
Several hundred vendors selling a wide variety of items, including many that were hand-made, greeted the visitors: windmills, baby clothes, local honey, dog bandannas and more.
The food was abundant, with local restaurants bringing their most popular creations to street stands, while others who came from afar offered lemonade, ice cream and sandwiches. Many people were seen chomping down mushroom treats as early as the opening hour, shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The Mushroom Festival offered demonstrations, souvenirs, music, children’s activities and, perhaps most importantly, a view of the borough’s small-town charm.
One display that drew many people, and has for years, was the growing tent. Representatives of the local mushroom companies stood beside live beds of the growing crop and explained the process of growing mushrooms to
those who watched and asked questions about details.
In the past, the lines at this site had grown so long and time-consuming that Puoci and Ferranto devised the system of two doors to the tent and the removal of non-growing samples. Several of the growers expressed satisfaction with the plan.
“I think the two doors worked,” one said.
Two mushroom-related competitions drew large audiences and plenty of excitement: Cooking and eating.
The culinary contest, called “Chopped” from the television show that spawned the process, involved giving contestants a mystery package of food and asking them to make a winning dish from it. At the Mushroom Festival, the “mystery package” appropriately contained mushrooms and other oddly related foodstuffs.
This year, that contest spanned two semi-finals over two days and was won by college student Alexa Urteaga from New Jersey, who created what she named “lomo saleado.”
The other excitement that grew cheering crowds was the mushroom eating contest on Sunday afternoon.
Thirteen competitors
attempted to eat the most fried mushrooms in a brief time frame.
As the minutes ticked down, it was obvious that the so-called “professional eaters” in the back row had the edge over the “amateurs” in the front.
It was won by repeat victor Molly Schuyler, who downed about seven pounds in the contest.
Meanwhile, the audience cheered and was buoyed by the excitement of being visited by the Phillie Phanatic, who spent the better part of the hour delighting the mushroomeating audience.
There was an enhanced children’s section at the west end of the street that included a Lego demonstration and the familiar jumping tents.
For every block of Kennett’s main street, State Street, there were events and demonstrations heavily represented.
Even South Broad Street took an important role on Saturday as the Marshall Steam Museum of Hockessin played host to of the Stanley Steamers demonstration.
Kennett Consolidated School District
Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders greeted visitors and was joined at times by students from her schools who earned ser-
vice points for their help.
Meanwhile, the living symbol of the festival, “Fun Gus” made his way around the streets hugging kids.
The souvenir stand again sold the annual Mushroom Festival T-shirt, this year designed by artist Joy Sydenstricker,, and members of the Masons service club repeated their yearslong sales tradition of offering mushroom soup.
There was also a 50-50 raffle and vote-for items of painted mushrooms and
“Cute as a Button” monetary votes for photos of cute kids.
The Mushroom Festival was started four decades ago by a group of local business representatives and has grown dramatically ever since.
Kennett Square is widely known as the Mushroom Capital of the World because the majority of mushrooms grown in the U.S. are grown in the area, and the crop continues to be synonymous with Kennett Square.
The Fun Guy enchants youngsters as he roams the streets of Kennett Square for the festival.
Photos by Chris Barber
Eating contestants attempt to outdo the rest by downing the most fried mushrooms.
Mushroom growers explain to visitors how the crops are produced.
Visitors examine Stanley Steamer cars on display on South Broad Street on Saturday.
A young fan examines one of the painted mushrooms.
Sunday started with rainy streets, but large crowds arrived by noon.
Kennett Consolidated School District Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders welcomes some of her student volunteers at the festival.
Alexa Urteaga produces her winning “lomo salcado” at the cooking contest.
A family of children explores the taste of mushrooms at the festival.
LINDA WALLACE
Linda J. Wallace, 82, of Oxford, went home to be with The Lord on August 22, 2025 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. Born in White Plains, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Henry and Elsie Fischer Thomas.
She was the wife of the late Lester D. McMichael, Sr., with whom she shared 23 years of marriage, and was the step-mother to Peggy Boohar, Becky Taylor, Dave McMichael, Janet Tice and Vickie Stoker, with seven step-grandchildren and many step-great grandchildren.
Linda married James D. Wallace in 1993 and they shared many years of happiness until his passing in 2015. She was step-mother to Lloyd Wallace and had two step-grandchildren.
Linda is survived by two children, Allen Thompson and his wife, Cheryl, of Lincoln University and Christine McMichael Harper and her husband, Shawn, of Oxford, and four grandchildren, Alyssa Duckworth, Jared Thompson, Ryan Harper, and Rachael Harper.
Linda loved cooking, bowling, and having get-togethers with family and friends. Linda never met “a stranger” and never forgot a birthday or special occasion. She loved giving cards and gifts to family, friends, and co-workers from Herr Foods, Inc. in Nottingham. She worked there for 22 years before retiring in 2013.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at the Union Cemetery at the intersection of Route 472 and Street Road in Kirkwood, Pa.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
JOANNE B. ECKMAN
JoAnne Bencivengo Eckman, of Kennett Square, passed away on August 28, 2025. She was 82. She was the wife of Walter Martin Eckman, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the youngest daughter of the late Marie Serviss Bencivengo and the late Michael Bencivengo.
JoAnne graduated from Chestnut Hill College and LaSalle University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at several Philadelphia hospitals, retiring from Temple University Hospital, where she was the trauma coordinator and nursing director for critical care. She held all of her nursing friends in high regard, most especially her team at Temple University Hospital: Karen, Gretel, Ercele, Jigs, Debbie, Apple, and Terri.
She is survived by her husband, Walter, whom she fondly called “Bud.” He called her “Kid.” She is also survived by her sister, Michael Keenehan of Orland, Pa; beloved nieces and nephews, Kathleen Marie, Cristin, Tara, Carrie and Lance; two step-daughters, Deborah Roy (Dwight) of Wethersfield, Conn. and Pamela Motter (Patrick) of Avondale; two granddaughters, Heather and Lily; one grandson, Robert; and many beloved cousins, including her dear friend, Raymond Bencivengo.
She was predeceased by her sister, Marie Lapworth and her niece, Nina Sobel.
JoAnne loved to spoil her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with them, taking them shopping, finding the perfect gift, and creating special memories together.
A celebration of life service was held on Sept. 8 at the Avondale Presbyterian Church.
Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (484) 734-8100 of Kennett Square. To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Celebrate library card sign-up month with free, family fun
Families, children, and residents are invited to sign up for a library card and explore the endless possibilities offered by Chester County Library in Exton at the 3rd annual Library Card Sign-Up Fest, hosted by the Chester County Library and State Sen. Carolyn Comitta.
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at the Chester County Library in Exton. In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, attendees can enjoy a variety of free, familyfriendly activities and programs. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the library or in any of the Exton Square Mall lots.
“From books to educational programs to job-training workshops, there are endless possibilities for all ages at
Chester County Libraries,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “If you need to apply for your library card, or you already have one, I encourage you to stop by our event and experience all the fun, informative, and engaging programming available at our free, public libraries.”
Michael Skay, the Chester County Library Board President, said, “Libraries are more than just books—they are dynamic spaces that shape lives, foster connections, and provide opportunities for all.
Whether through early literacy programs, job-seeker support, or lifelong learning initiatives, our libraries remain a cornerstone of community engagement and personal growth.”
The event coincides with Library Card Sign-Up
Month, celebrated each September since 1987 by the American Library Association (ALA). During this time, libraries across the country join in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for a library card.
In addition to applying for a library card, attendees can enjoy free KidSight vision screenings for children ages 3 to 6, explore STEM and Makerspace activities, build with LEGO bricks, and play in a bubble zone. Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico will help children create bookmarks, and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Zoo & STEM on Wheels will be on site. Sen. Comitta will host a special story time at 1:15 p.m., followed by character visits from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Families can also meet local first responders
and explore touch-a-truck stations, enjoy free Maggie Moo’s ice cream, and discover even more surprises throughout the afternoon.
Donations of new or gently used children’s books will be collected at the event to benefit local nonprofits.
The mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries is to provide informational, educational, and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners. Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway in Exton. For hours or more information, visit the website at chescolibraries.org.
County officials, community leaders participate in Summit on Affordable Housing
This year’s theme centered on how faith-based communities can help
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe recently partnered with Allies for Housing in Chester County to host the 4th annual Summit on Affordable Housing. The event brought together elected officials, municipal leaders, faith-based organizations, housing advocates, and individuals with lived experience to advance the conversation on housing solutions.
This year’s theme, “YIGBY: Yes In God’s Back Yard,” highlighted the pivotal role that communities of faith are playing in addressing Chester County’s housing needs. YIGBY is an emerging model that fosters partnerships among faith-based organizations, municipalities, and elected officials to reimagine and repurpose underutilized religious properties for affordable housing development.
Chester County Commissioners Chair
Josh Maxwell remarked, “Addressing our affordable housing challenges can feel daunting, but when more people get involved, solutions emerge. For example, if each of the county’s 73 municipalities committed to creating just four affordable housing units annually, we would add nearly 300 units every year.
“We need strong partnerships—among municipalities, faith-based organizations, developers, and investors—to generate creative solutions. This summit has been a catalyst for those collaborations.”
The summit featured a panel discussion that included the Reverend Sarah Strosahl-Kagi from Royersford Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Mary Ann Mertz from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, Kyla Weisman Bayer from Mission First Housing Group, and Tom Leonard from Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.
Founded in 2022, Allies for Housing is dedicated to
Mary Potts (née Adams), of Morgantown, Pa., passed away peacefully on Aug. 28 while surrounded by her family. She was 70. Mary was born in Abington, Pa. on Nov. 19, 1954. She grew up with her six younger brothers and sisters in the Philadelphia area where she graduated from Little Flower High School and met her future husband, John, as a teenager. They spent 55 wonderful years together, raising three children. Mary worked as a medical transcriptionist at several locations.
Mary was known for her love of travel, cooking, baking, animals, and quilting. She hand-made quilts for family milestones whenever she could, and she enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of many other quilters both in Pennsylvania and during her time living in Quad Cities, Illinois. She cherished spending time with her large family, especially around the holidays where they shared food and caught up for the year.
Mary is survived by her husband, John; her daughter, Kathryn Conlow (John); two sons, John (Brianna)
expanding housing inventory through networking, education, and advocacy.
“One of our primary goals is to increase the number of rental units available to households earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income, equivalent to $50,000 for an individual
or $71,640 for a family of four in Chester County,” said Keith Burress of Allies for Housing.
“This challenge extends far beyond Chester County—it’s recognized as a critical national issue,” Burress added. “By developing new models and
and Michael (Stephanie Greiser). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Peter, Mark, Claire, and Jeffrey Conlow and Avah Baez, and by her siblings, Michael Adams (Jeannie), Ellen Adams (John Zajano), David Adams (Eileen), Margaret Levy (Jeffrey), Colleen Smith (Patrick), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, David J. Adams and Mary Elizabeth (Napoleon Adams) Mackey as well as her sister, Kathleen Huckel (Kevin).
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on September 12 at The Church of Saint Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road in Mohnton, Pa. Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. with mass to follow at 11 a.m. Mary’s ashes will be inurned at All Souls Cemetery in Coatesville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary’s honor to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County at 58 Kennel Road, Birdsboro, PA, 19508. Mary will be deeply missed, but she will still be with her family and friends through the love she shared, lessons she taught, and the close family she created. Arrangements have been entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.meyersfh.com.
Robert K. Tumolo, 81, of Oxford, passed away on September 6, 2025 at Twin Pines Health Care Center, West Grove. He was the husband of the late Deborah Dugan Tumolo. Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Edward and Margaret Honiker Tumolo.
Robert was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam war.
He was employed with Verizon as a service technician and retired in 2002.
Robert enjoyed gardening, cooking, woodworking and building bird houses and Adirondack chairs.
He is survived by two sons, Bryan Tumolo (Morgan L.) of Nottingham and Chris A. Tumolo of Oxford, one granddaughter, Alyssa Tumolo, one sister, Jean Tumolo of Wallingford, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one son, Robbie Tumolo, and three siblings, Peggy Riccio, Eddie Tumolo and Jack Tumolo.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.
Courtesy photo
Families, children, and residents are invited to sign up for a library card and
explore the endless possibilities offered by Chester County Library in Exton at the 3rd annual Library Card Sign-Up Fest, hosted by the Chester County Library and State Sen. Carolyn Comitta on Sept. 14.
ROBERT K. TUMOLO
MARY D. POTTS
Obituaries
Courtesy photos
Reverend Sarah Strosahl-Kagi from Royersford Baptist Church (left) and Reverend Dr. Mary Ann Mertz from St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oxford were part of the panel discussion at the 4th Annual Summit on Affordable Housing.
Chester County Commissioners Chair Josh Maxwell speaks with attendees at the recent Summit on Affordable Housing.
Legals/Classifieds
Notice: West Grove & Jennersville Self Storage, LLC
Will be holding a LIVE PUBLIC ONLINE
West Grove Mini Storage, 280 Kelton Road, West Grove, PA 19390
Sept 19 @ 10:00 am
Contents in the following units will be sold due to nonpayment of rent pursuant to the PA Self Service Storage Facilities Act to satisfy the owner’s lien.
West Grove Mini Storage, 280 Kelton Rd., West Grove, PA 19390 (610) 869-4032
404 J Kauffman; 1218 W Sherry; 454 R Combs; 624 R Harrison; 420 & 428 A Osborne; 1216 J Ellis; 622 F Davis; 1201 A McDaniel; 224 D Burger
Jennersville Self Storage, 3 Briar Drive, West Grove, PA 19390 (610) 869-7060
160 C Antonini; 281 K Kalb
Property will be sold by unit to the highest bidder. Cash Payments after the auction ends.
Company reserves the right to remove any storage unit from sale, refuse any online bid and cancel sale without prior notice.
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Peter Joseph Surdo, late of Kennett Square, East Marlborough Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS Of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Elizabeth Woolslare, Administrator, 6436 Hearthstone Lane, Erie, PA 16505.
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ESTATE NOTICE
Emily Jean Talbott, late of Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania died 5/15/25. The Executrix of the Estate is Susan Crane. All persons having claims or demands against the Estate of said decedent are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Susan Crane c/o George S. Donze, Esquire, Donze & Donze, 696 Unionville Road, Suite 6, Kennett Square, PA 19348
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Ann P. Orr Late of Berwyn, Easttown Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Andrew A. Orr, Jr., Executor, 110 Grays Lane, Haverford, PA 19041.
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
East Penn Railroad, LLC will receive sealed bids at its office
located at 505 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 until 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, Thursday, September 18, 2025, for the ESPN ESAID 202308311402 Siding Extension Project. At that time, all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. A link to the virtual bid opening will be provided to all registered plan holders. The work of this procurement consists of furnishing materials for track rehabilitation under the following four (4) contracts: Contract 1 – Rail & Other Track Material (OTM); Contract 2 – Ties; Contract 3 – Special Trackwork; Contract 4 – Ballast & Subballast.
Electronic copies of the Bid Packages may be obtained at no cost by emailing Drew Bessette, P.E., at dbessette@ benesch.com. No formal pre-bid meeting will be conducted for this project. All steel products supplied under these contracts shall comply with Buy America domestic steel requirements. While WBE/MBE participation is not required, it is strongly encouraged. The Railroad reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept any bid, to reject any or all bids, and to adjust the scope of work to align with available funding if deemed in its best interest.
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NOTICE
PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD
NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: In re: Application of Peter Paulsen seeking a variance from the 20 foot side yard setback requirement under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-603.E, and such other relief as may
Notice of Self Storage Sale
Please take notice Storage First Kennett Square 328 W Mulberry St., Kennett Square PA 19348 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 9/23/2025 at 10:00 AM. Edwin Ford unit #56
This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
be required, so as to allow construction of an addition to the residential dwelling that would be located just 8 feet three inches from the rear property line on property located at 2066 Parkersville Road, West Chester, PA (UPI #64-1-3) in the Township’s R-3 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Christina Church at 610-3887323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street Kennett Square, PA 19348
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ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF OLLIE MARIE
PAISLEY a/k/a OLLIE M. PAISLEY, DECEASED. Late of New Garden Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MARVIN L. PAISLEY, EXECUTOR, 528 Egypt Run Rd., Landenberg, PA 19350, Or to his Attorney: TIMOTHY H. KNAUER, 7921 Ashley Pointe Dr., Lakeland, FL 33811
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PUBLIC NOTICE
A Land Patent in Chester County, PA is being perfected upon Rural Route 25 Bills Way in Landenberg. Anyone interested in challenging this claim by November 10, 2025, do so at AmericanMeetingGroup.com/ mccaffrey
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By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 18th , 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 20th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-9-242
Writ of Execution No. 2025-00410
DEBT $423,454.55
PROPERTY SITUATE IN UPPER OXFORD TOWNSHIP SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: EVAN SHOWS
Tax Parcel # 57-03-007
PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS DEFENDANT: EVAN SHOWS
SALE ADDRESS: 453 Ray Mar Road, Oxford, PA 19363
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 8p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 18th ,
2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 20th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-9-244
Writ of Execution No. 2023-06411 DEBT $89,352.69
Property situate in the LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR # 56-03-0059.010
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC VS DEFENDANT: KAREN D. BINGHAM
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 8p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 18th , 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street,
West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 20th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No.2-9-252 Writ of Execution No. 2023-06970 DEBT $69,345.45
The following property situated in the city of Parkesburg, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania:
ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land known as parts of lots Nos, 5 and 6 on a plan of lots called “Park Terrace” situated in the Borough of Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a new description made by J.W. Harry, C.E., January 8, 1951, follows to wit:
BEGINNING at a point in the west line of Octorara Avenue (sixty feet wide) at the northeast corner of Lot No, 4 as shown on said plan of lots; thence along the northerly line of said Lot No, 4, North eighty- eight (88) degrees West, one hundred seventy-four (174) feet to a point in a line of land now or late of Thomas C. Young; thence along southwest corner of Lot No. 7 as shown on said lot plan; thence along the southerly line of said Lot No. 7, South eighty-eight (88) degrees East, eighty-four (84) feet to a point, a corner of remaining land of the grantors herein, about being convey to Romayne W. Dennison and Lewis Dennison; thence along the same for the following two courses and distances (1) South two (2) degrees West, forty (40) feet to a point; (2) South eighty-eight (88) degrees East, ninety (90) feet to a point in the west line of Octorara Avenue aforesaid; thence along the same South two (2) degrees West, ten (I 0) feet to the place of beginning.
CONTAINS fifty-one hundred (5,100) square feet of land more or less,
This being the same property conveyed to Jacob Denson and Janet Louise Denson, as joint tenants with right of survivorship, dated 12/28/2016 and recorded on 01/11/20217 in instrument no, 11521319, in the Chester County recorders office.
Title to said premises is vested in by deed from dated May 4, 2018 and recorded May 16, 2018 in Deed Book 9743, Page 335 Instrument Number 11607224.
Tax Parcel # 8-3-9
PLAINTIFF: The Huntington National Bank VS DEFENDANT: Jason LaMar Denson, Known Surviving Heir of Janet L. Denson a/k/a Janet Louise Denson and Unknown Surviving Heirs of Janet L. Denson a/k/a Janet Louise Denson
SALE ADDRESS: 320 Octorara Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF
8p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 18th , 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 20th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-9-253
Writ of Execution No. 2023-00544 DEBT $525,605.33
All that certain messuage, tenement and bad of land, situate on the Easterly side of an unimproved road leading from U.S. No. 1 to Hayesville in Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance with a survey made 3/26/52 by Arthur Crowel, Registered Surveyor, as follows, to wit;
Legals/Classifieds
Beginning at an iron pipe, situate on the Westerly side of an unimproved road leading from U.S. Route No. 1 to Hayesville in line of land of T.E. Conner Estate; thence crossing said road and by land of T.E, Conner Estate North 83 degrees East 656 feet to an iron pipe in line of George and William Walls; thence by land of the said Walls South 17 degrees 15 minutes East 300 feet to an iron pipe a corner of land of Lester M. Norris; thence by land of the said Lester M. Norris North 83 degrees West 662 feet to a point near the East side of the aforementioned road, said point of ending being 17 feet from a pipe on the West side of said road; thence in and along said road North 16 degrees 07 minutes West 290.5 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
UPI # 56-9-7
PLAINTIFF: Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC VS DEFENDANT: Luther Moyer
SALE ADDRESS: 230 Reedville Road, Oxford, PA 19363
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 8p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on
Thursday, September 18th , 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 20th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-9-257
Writ of Execution No. 2024-07588
DEBT $110,521.06
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Sadsbury, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated April 27, 1999 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on May 7, 1999, in Deed Book Volume 4559 at Page 1393.
Tax Parcel # 37-1-26.2
PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS DEFENDANT: Thomas J. Reid
SALE ADDRESS: 762 North Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, PA 19365 a/k/a 762 North Octorara Trail, Sadsbury Township, PA 19365
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 8p-27-3t
Classifieds
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Historic Chadds Ford Days will feature battle reenactment
The Chadds Ford Historical Society announced that a battle reenactment will take place during the annual Chadds Ford Days event on September 13 and 14. Chadds Ford Days is one of the most popular events in the area each year. The battle reenactment offers attendees a chance to journey back to September 11, 1777, the day when the British army engaged Gen. George Washington’s troops at “Chads’ Ford.”
Two timed skirmishes and a firing demonstration will take place each day. Additionally, reenactors, camp followers, demonstrators and other historians will be on site for all to engage with.
Chadds Ford Days will
A battle reenactment will take place on September 13 and 14.
also include live music, food, and beverages, and much more.
Chadds Ford Days will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 14. Tavern
Night in the Grove will be a part of the festivities on September 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Additionally for the kids, at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, there will be a presentation titled, “School of the Soldier” with 1st
Delaware. Experience what it would be like to be a soldier in Washington’s Army. Youth will join the Regiment on the field using wooden muskets to learn drill and firing commands.
The event takes place at The Chadds Ford Historical
Society’s Barn Visitors Center at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford.
Admission is available at the gate on the day of the event—$10 for adults 18 and older and $5 for children between the ages of 7 and 17. There is free
admission for children six years and younger and for Chadds Ford Historical Society members.
More information about the Chadds Ford Historical Society and its events can be found online at www. chaddsfordhistory.org.
Delaware Art Museum hosts second annual DelArt Sails South in Lewes
The Delaware Art Museum, the state’s largest and most prominent visual arts institution, will celebrate its commitment to statewide engagement with the return of DelArt Sails South, a festive evening showcasing Delaware-based artists, live music, and coastal community spirit. This special event takes place in Lewes on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Now in its second year, DelArt Sails South brings the Museum’s mission directly to Sussex County, providing guests the opportunity to meet and hear from Delaware-based artists Mark Harris, Robert C. Jackson, and Rebecca Raubacher—all represented in the museum’s permanent collection—as they discuss their work with Margaret Winslow, DelArt’s head curator and curator of contemporary art.
Attendees can connect with DelArt staff, leadership, and volunteers and enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a coastal-inspired reception with food stations, hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance at delart.org/event/delartsailssouth. Proceeds benefit the museum’s programs and community outreach initiatives in Sussex County.
Festive evening showcases Delaware-based artists
Expanding Art Access in Sussex County
Over the past year, the Delaware Art Museum has significantly expanded its programs and partnerships across Sussex County. Through lectures, collaborative exhibitions, school visits, and community-led events, DelArt continues its work to make the arts more accessible and relevant to all Delawareans.
Christine “Chris” King, former drama teacher at Cape Henlopen High School and member of the DelArt Sussex County Advisory Council, said, “Art is an innate part of who we are as humans. I’ve always been excited to be part of the team on the ground floor, building the foundation to expand accessibility to the arts in our community. What excites me most about DelArt’s commitment to increasing programming in Sussex County, is our collective ability to further the educational and experiential aspects of our vibrant arts community.”
Molly Giordano, the executive director of the Delaware Art Museum, said, “DelArt staff and volunteers have been grateful to brainstorm with Sussex County residents and part-
ner organizations over the past year. Their guidance helped us host lectures and programs with partners like the Rehoboth Art League, Lewes Public Library, and the Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning at the University of Delaware.
DelArt’s collection represents our entire state. I’m excited to continue piloting school outreach, artist talks, bus trips, and events
that connect the state’s largest art museum with Delawareans living in Southern Delaware.”
If you go:
WHAT: Second Annual DelArt Sails South
WHEN: Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
COST: $75
Location and info: delart. org/event/delartsailssouth
About the Delaware Art Museum
Founded in 1912 and located in Wilmington, the Delaware Art Museum is home to a world-class collection of American art and illustration, with highlights including works by Howard Pyle, the Brandywine School, John Sloan, and the Pre-Raphaelites. The museum is nationally rec-
photo
ognized for its exhibitions, education programs, and commitment to making the arts accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. Through its collections and programs, DelArt aims to inspire creativity, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. With growing outreach across all three Delaware counties, DelArt is committed to being a cultural resource for the entire state.
Chester County Parks + Preservation welcomes new open lands preservation coordinator
Chester County Parks + Preservation director David Stauffer announced the promotion of Monica Mullaji as the county’s new Open Lands Preservation coordinator. Mullaji initially joined the department as an intern before serving as the Open Lands stewardship coordinator for more than two years. As the Open Lands Preservation coordinator, Mullaji is responsible for overseeing the county’s Preservation Partnership Program which provides grant funding to municipalities and non-profit land
conservation organizations to permanently preserve significant natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources; enhance public access to those lands; provide public benefit; and implement county and municipal land use policies.
“Monica’s dedication to preserving and protecting Chester County’s natural resources and open spaces for future generations is an asset to our department and the wider community. We look forward to the continued success of the Preservation Partnership
Program under Monica’s guidance,” said Stauffer.
Mullaji succeeds Judy Thomas who retired after 23 years with Chester County.
“I look forward to continuing to strengthen and develop open space opportunities in my new role and am grateful to carry on the decades of innovative conservation work that Chester County is known for,” said Mullaji.
Mullaji, a resident of Collegeville, Pa., is a graduate of Temple University with a master of science in city and regional
planning. They have additional experience in parks and recreation and sustainable agriculture.
The Chester County Parks + Preservation Department provides preservation, recreation, educational, and stewardship services to the residents and visitors of Chester County so they can connect with natural and cultural resources and thrive in a sustainable healthy community.
Learn more about Chester County’s Open Lands program at https:// www.chesco.org/4521/ Open-Lands.
Courtesy
Courtesy photo
Monica Mullaji has been promoted and will now serve as Chester County’s new open lands preservation coordinator.
Courtesy photos There is plenty of food and fun for people of all ages. Step back in time during Chadds Ford Days.
