***☀️ Limited Summer Posting Schedule 😎 ***

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CALN TWP — Caln Township police responded to the 100 block of Larson Drive shortly after 9 a.m. Friday following reports of a hot air balloon landing in the roadway. The balloon, operated by Glenmoore-based Air Ventures Balloon Flights, had departed from the Chester Springs area around 7:15 a.m. carrying three crew members and four passengers. Officials said changing wind and weather conditions during the flight led the pilot to set down at the Larson Drive location, describing it as an accessible landing spot rather than the result of any onboard emergency. No injuries were reported among those on the balloon or nearby residents, and the balloon sustained no damage; surrounding homes and property were likewise unaffected. An Air Ventures recovery crew arrived afterward to retrieve the balloon, and police confirmed the situation was resolved without complications.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — State officials celebrated the opening of a new $7.5 million visitor center at Marsh Creek State Park near Exton on Friday, describing it as a major upgrade to one of Pennsylvania's most visited state parks. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources emphasized the facility's sustainable design and self-sustaining energy production as part of its broader strategy to modernize infrastructure across the state park system. Officials said the new center is meant to benefit both park staff and the public for years to come, enhancing access and amenities at the 1,784-acre park, which includes the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake.

COATESVILLE, PA — A Chester County judge has sentenced all six men charged in the 2023 killing of Dametrius McClain-Jackson, bringing a multi-year case to its conclusion. Victor Lara-Ortiz and Zaire Harley were convicted by a jury in May of first-degree murder and related offenses and were sentenced to life in prison without parole, while co-defendants Markel Jones, Richard Rochester-Cottle, Quadir Lavender and Gary White had previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the crime. Authorities say the group had intended to target a rival but instead killed McClain-Jackson, one of their own. The Coatesville City Police Department led the investigation with support from Chester County Detectives and the Pennsylvania State Police, and the case was prosecuted by the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

WEST BRADFORD TWP — West Bradford Township's Recreation Commission is preparing to host its annual Fall Family Fun Festival at Broad Run Park on Saturday, October 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. The free, rain-or-shine event is designed as a community gathering for families of all ages, with fall-themed activities including pumpkin and face painting, old-fashioned hayrides, and live music performed around a bonfire. Organizers are calling on local residents and businesses to get involved as volunteers or vendors ahead of the event, with interested parties encouraged to contact Joseph Antonelli at (610) 269-4174 or via email at [email protected]. More details about the festival's full slate of activities are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Host Jenny Leigh talks with boudoir photographer John Thompson, who traded a nearly decade-long law enforcement career in Georgia for a fresh start in Chester County after meeting his wife, Victoria. Thompson shares how he built JWTIV Photo into an award-winning boudoir business focused on everyday women — moms, brides, and first responders — rather than models, and how he and Victoria create a comfortable, full-day client experience from consultation to reveal.

He speaks openly about overcoming stereotypes as a male photographer, the professional credentials and training behind his work, and the emotional impact of helping clients see themselves in a new light — an experience that's also been part of his own healing from his time in law enforcement. The episode wraps with a look at what sets his business apart and his love for life in Chester County as a transplant who's made it home.

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Coming Soon:
430 FARMHOUSE RD Downingtown ($399,990)
39 NANCY LN #191 Downingtown ($324,000)

Just Listed:
106 HILLTOP DR Downingtown ($599,000)
411 NATIONAL DR Downingtown ($549,000)
10 TERRY CT Downingtown ($389,000)
23 ROSE TREE DR Downingtown ($599,000)
132 ASCOT CT #64 Downingtown ($300,000)
2782 SHELBURNE Downingtown ($390,000)
406 GARFIELD AVE Downingtown ($400,000)
4813 HORSESHOE PIKE Downingtown ($510,000)
57 LILA LN Downingtown ($650,000)
123 BRADFORD AVE Downingtown ($375,000)
429 GARFIELD AVE Downingtown ($400,000)
32 HERON HILL DR Downingtown ($799,000) Price Improvement $12k
1476 E STONINGTON DR Downingtown ($1,225,000)
209 DECLAN CT Downingtown ($580,000)
514 LYANNA WAY Downingtown ($451,990)
241 ROOSEVELT AVE Downingtown ($425,000)
45 W PENNSYLVANIA AVE Downingtown ($1,500,000)
552 PRIZER CT Downingtown ($650,000)
100 CAMPBELL CIR #D-33 Downingtown ($335,000)
129 MADISON WAY Downingtown ($525,000) Price Improvement $10k
3212 TYNING LN Downingtown ($599,900) Price Improvement $10k



See more listings at ChesterCountyRealty.com

INSTANT HOME VALUE CLICK HERE

Upcoming local events…

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Aug 29, 9am-1pm

Wild Mammals of PA Parks (Springton Manor Farm) - Aug 29, 11am-12pm

Night of Light (West Chester) - Aug 31, 6:30pm-8pm

Pastries With The Police (Wallace twp) - Sept 12, 10am-12pm

Kids Day @ East Caln Park (Bell Tavern) - Sept 12, 10am

Battle of the Bands (Downingtown VFW) - Sept 12, 12pm

Annual Cheers to CVC: Battle of the Badges (Exton) - Sept 17, 5pm-8pm

Upper Uwchlan Litter Clean-up (Upper Uwchlan) - Sept 19, 9am-11am

Historic Chadds Ford Days - Sept 19, 10am-5pm

Battle of The Coulds March up Ship Rd (Uwchlan) - Sept 19, 10am-1pm

Third Annual PawPaw Festival (Bondsville Park) - Sept 19, 11am

Master Plans Presentation: Lionville and Rossi Parks (Exton) - Sept 23, 7pm

Lithium Battery Collection Event (West Bradford) - Sept 26, 9am-11am

Downingtown Fall Fest - Oct 4, 11am-4pm

East Brandywine Fall Festival - Oct 4, 12pm-3pm

Family Fall Fest (Broad Run Park) - Oct 10, 4pm-7pm

Catch up on previous issues…

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