Susanna DeWese to Lead Chester County Public Defender's Office After Two Decades of Service

WEST CHESTER, PA — After 23 years in the Chester County Public Defender's Office, Susanna DeWese is taking the top job. County officials announced her appointment as Chief Public Defender, with her start date set for August 5 — the day current Chief Nathan Schenker retires following a tenure that county leadership praised for its dedication to equitable client representation.

DeWese has spent the last six of her 23 years in the office serving as First Assistant Public Defender, a role that placed her at the center of the office's administrative operations. She has overseen daily management, staff supervision, budgeting, grant administration, training programs, and long-term strategic planning — a scope that County Administrator Erik Walschburger said made her the clear choice to lead the office forward.

Chester County OIC Returns to Gateway Park for Fifth Annual Community Block Party

COATESVILLE, PA — Chester County OIC's fifth annual Bigger Than the Block Party returns to Gateway Park in Coatesville on Friday, June 26, from 3 to 7 p.m., drawing together community resources, live entertainment, and a pointed message about transportation as a barrier to economic opportunity. This year's theme — Mobility and Transportation — was shaped in part by a striking data point from the organization's own workforce programs: of 101 recent graduates from a job training cohort, only 17 had reliable transportation to reach their new positions.

Motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur Wallo267 will headline the event, offering 200 free autographed copies of his newest book and participating in a live meet-and-greet. Philadelphia radio veteran Tracey "Uncle O" Jackson will also appear. The afternoon will include a community resource fair with workforce development and educational programming, food from Chef Ken and local food trucks, and family activities and giveaways. Admission is free, with registration available for the Picnic at the Park experience.

Chester County Hosts Hazardous Waste Collection in Coatesville Friday

TOUGHKENAMON, PA — Cars, Coffee & Airplanes is back at New Garden Flying Field this Saturday, June 27, bringing together automotive and aviation enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind morning on the airport ramp. The event welcomes vehicles of all makes and models to the show, while pilots are encouraged to fly in and display their aircraft alongside the cars — an uncommon combination that gives the gathering its distinctive character.

EAA Chapter 240 will be serving its popular Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon, with donuts and refreshments also available throughout the event. Whether you're a car lover, a pilot, or simply looking for a unique and relaxed way to spend a Saturday morning, the event offers something a little different — and no shortage of photo opportunities along the way.

New Leader, Familiar Landscape: Chester County Tourism Names Its Next Executive Director

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Tourism has appointed Alicia M. Richie as its new executive director, bringing in an experienced tourism leader to helm one of southeastern Pennsylvania's most economically significant visitor destinations. Richie holds the Certified Destination Management Executive credential and has held senior roles at organizations including the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, Visit Philadelphia, Discover Lehigh Valley, and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, among others. Her work has included major destination branding efforts and campaigns connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the America 250 anniversary.

Richie has signaled particular interest in amplifying Chester County's equestrian heritage — including its steeplechase events, fox hunting trails, and top-tier venues — alongside the Brandywine Valley's broader draws of historic sites, world-class gardens, and local culinary culture. She is scheduled to officially begin her role on August 24, 2026.


Upcoming local eventsâ€Ļ

Catch The Rain Workshop (Oxford) - June 25, 6pm-7pm

West Brandywine Free Movie Night (Downingtown) - June 25, 8:30pm

Car and Bike Show (Downingtown) - June 26, 4pm-11pm

Cars, Coffee, and Airplanes (Toughkenamon) - June 27, 8am-12pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - June 27, 9am-1pm

Picnic in The Park (Kerr Park) - June 27, 10am-1pm

4th of July BBQ Pig Roast (Downingtown) - July 4, 12pm-3pm

Blue Star Memorial By-Way (Uwchlan) - July 5, 1pm-3pm

West Bradford Summer Movie Night (Broad Run Park) - July 9, 8:30pm

Summer Pawty (Kerr Park) - July 11, 10am-12pm

EB Food Truck Festival (East Brandywine) - July 11, 5pm-9pm

Your Business Featured in Downingtown Local Pulse!

Is growing your business on your to-do list for 2026? Here at DLP we have new affordable options for showcasing your message in the most prominent and popular daily newsletter in Downingtown! You can check out our sponsorship options at our online storefront or just reach out by hitting “replay”

Let’s make 2026 your best year yet! 🍾đŸĨŗ

Have you subscribed yet? Join over 4,000 Downingtown residents and keep updated with Downingtown Local Pulse!

We could use your help

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!

One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in Downingtown and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share Downingtown Local Pulse with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇

Catch up on previous issuesâ€Ļ

Reply

Avatar

or to participate

Keep Reading