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Chesterland Marks 225 Years Since Founding with Community Celebration Free Program Set for April 23 at Library Staff Report Chester Township will commemorate the 225th anniversary of its founding this April with a community celebration honoring Revolutionary War veteran Justice Miner, whose arrival in 1801 marked the beginning of the settlement. Chester Township Trustees recently recognized the milestone with an official proclamation honoring Justice Miner and his wife, Mabel Plumb Miner, for establishing the community’s first homestead. To mark the occasion, the Chester Grave Hunters and community partners will host a free public
program April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Geauga West Library. The event is part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, which highlights local connections to the nation’s founding. Organizers said Chesterland’s history is uniquely tied to the Revolutionary War through Miner, who served under Gen. George Washington. His journey from military service to frontier settler reflects the broader American story of expansion and community building. The program will feature a living history presentation in which Justice Miner will be portrayed sharing his experiences, from serving at West Point to clearing land at what is now the southwest cor-
ner of Heath and Mayfield roads. A portrayal of Washington also is planned, including the presentation of the township’s proclamation and remarks on early American life. Miner was a fifth-generation descendant of Thomas Minor of Stonington, Conn. His extended family lineage includes several notable Americans, including President Ulysses S. Grant, Vice President Charles Fairbanks and actors Don Knotts, Eva Marie Saint, Chevy Chase, the Baldwin brothers, Rainn Wilson and Timothy Hutton. In addition to the historical program, the event will recognize
Revolutionary War patriots buried in Chesterland’s three historic cemeteries. Organizers said the celebration is designed for all ages and will include interactive storytelling, photo opportunities with historical figures and a birthday cake marking the township’s 225th anniversary. “This anniversary gives us a rare opportunity to connect with the people and events that built the community we call home,” organizers said in a statement. “Justice Miner’s story is not only Chesterland’s story — it’s an American story.”
Wolverines Reach For New Heights in 2026 By Cameron Palmer sports@karlovemedia.com
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Softball Looks to Build Off District Title By Cameron Palmer sports@karlovecmedia.com West Geauga claimed its first-ever district championship in the fastpitch era of high school softball last season, and they enter 2026 with seven returning starters and 10 returners with varsity letters from last season. That mix of postseason experience and team experience is the backbone for the Wolverines this year. “It’s a double-edged sword,” said West Geauga head coach Mark
Percassi. “First of all, it was awesome. I think the girls had a ton of fun as we kept progressing. Obviously, you feel good about being there, but then they also realize that it's a brand new year, right? The record is 0-0. We've done nothing this year; today's a new day.” With most of last year’s team returning to the diamond and having been involved in some form of sports since then, there’s certainly reason to believe. “There’s a good faction of these girls that play summer ball, travel, See Softball • Page 6
Last year ended well for the West Geauga baseball team, which won its first playoff game in a Sectional Final since 2012 and nearly won its first CVC title since 2007. With those goals being well within reach, the Wolverines are aiming to take the next step. West Geauga Coach Brett Munn said the team had three goals: Win the Chagrin Valley Conference, reach a District finals and win 15 games.
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With the idea of a conference championship in mind, plus an opportunity to play for a District Title, the Wolverines will have a great postseason-prep when they face Perry and Hawken, two constant CVC and playoff threats in their last two series of the year. That will make for the perfect playoff primer. “It’s good because their top arms that we're gonna see are going to be similar to whatever tournament arms we see,” Coach Munn said. “So then it gets you ready for tourSee Baseball • Page 6
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