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LOWER MERION TWP — A Philadelphia man is being held on $1 million bail after being charged in a summer burglary spree that spanned Montgomery and Chester Counties. Jabir Hanif Parker, 24, faces charges including burglary, conspiracy and theft in connection with break-ins in Bryn Mawr on June 22, Wynnewood on July 5 and Tredyffrin Township on July 18. The first two netted 40 pieces of jewelry worth nearly $800,000 — including a $26,000 Rolex, a $45,000 Tiffany necklace and $75,000 David Yurman earrings — plus a home safe. The third was interrupted when a resident encountered the intruder just inside the front door. Prosecutors have not named the victims, but multiple Philadelphia outlets, citing investigative sources, have reported that the home belonged to Saquon Barkley, whose family was inside and unharmed.

Investigators used geofencing to find a single cellphone present at all three locations and traced it to Mr. Parker. A nanny camera captured his voice during the Wynnewood burglary, his phone and Gmail records showed searches related to the stolen jewelry, and a white GMC Yukon Denali he rented was returned about 90 minutes after the Tredyffrin break-in. He was arrested Sept. 1 with help from the F.B.I., state police and other agencies. At a hearing Wednesday, Judge Steven T. O'Neill rejected a defense request to reduce bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 10, and police are seeking additional suspects.

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CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — The Chester Springs Library is recruiting new members for its board of trustees in anticipation of several seats opening in 2027. The library is seeking residents who care about the institution and want to help it grow, with a particular need for expertise in real estate, legal matters, finance, fundraising, building and facilities, and grant writing. Officials stressed that the invitation extends to anyone whose skills or interests could benefit the library, not only those in the listed fields. Prospective trustees are encouraged to send questions or expressions of interest to [email protected], and the library has said it is happy to have an informal conversation with anyone considering the role.

WEST VINCENT TWP — The French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has permanently protected 78.3 acres of farmland, woodland and stream corridor along Pughtown Road in West Vincent Township, ending a preservation effort that spanned more than 20 years. The easement, completed Aug. 13 in partnership with landowners Paul and Cynthia Black, the township and Chester County, connects the parcel to neighboring preserved properties to form a 236-acre corridor that will stay undeveloped forever. The land had been the largest unprotected tract along the road and a prime candidate for building; the Blacks bought it in 2022 specifically to preserve it, their third such project with the trust. Mr. Black said the couple's three adjoining deals, along with the earlier preservation of the nearby Bryn Coed estate, have eliminated plans for 88 houses and 21 condominiums in the area.

The project was funded by a $917,000 grant from the township and county, with $246,547 coming from the county's Preservation Partnership Program and the rest from West Vincent's dedicated open space fund, which supervisors approved unanimously. The Blacks also donated part of the easement's value. Township and trust leaders praised the family, saying the agreement replaces development pressure with protected farmland, forest and clean water for future generations.

WEST BRADFORD TWP — West Bradford Township has closed Shadyside Road between Creagh Knoll and Route 322 until further notice, according to an alert posted by the township. No cause or expected duration was provided. Officials are asking residents and commuters who normally use that stretch to plan ahead, allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes while the closure is in effect. The township apologized for the inconvenience and is expected to share updates as the situation changes.

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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Upcoming local events…

America250 Concert & Drone Show (Exton) - Sept 3, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Sept 5, 9am-1pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Sept 12, 9am-1pm

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

Caln Community Day (Caln) - Sept 12, 4pm-8pm

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

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

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Sept 19, 9am-1pm

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

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Sept 26, 9am-1pm

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

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Oct 3, 9am-1pm

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

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

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Kerr Park) - Oct 10, 9am-1pm

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

Catch up on previous issues…

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