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Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
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Volume 57, No. 26
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Chesterland CHESTERLAND News NEWS
Wolverines Defeat Panthers, Finish As OHSAA Regional Runners-Up By Alan Kornspan sports@karlovecmedia.com The West Geauga Wolverines Softball Team had an incredible 2026 season! This Wolverines squad did what no other softball team had done before in school history, they played for an OHSAA Regional Title against the Field Falcons on May 29 at Kent State University's Devine Diamond. And although the Wolverines lost to the Falcons 15-5 in the OHSAA Regional Title Game, they set the bar high for subsequent Wolverines’ softball teams. “Unbelievable young ladies, incredible team, we just didn't have it today,” West Geauga Head Coach Mark Percassi said. “They hit the ball hard. We hit the ball some, but right at them. They made plays.” He continued: “We faced other DI kids that we got out the past three games. Today was their day, they just crushed the ball. I thought we were just a little bit off. We didn't make a couple plays here and there See Softball • Page 9
ALAN KORNSPAN/KMG
On this pitch, Wolverines junior Faelynn Beckrest hit a two-run home run over the right field fence in the OHSAA Regional Title Game at Devine Diamond at Kent State University on May 29.
‘A ‘Thank You’ That I’ll Never Forget’ Honor Flight Leaves Lasting Impact on Vietnam Veteran By Emma MacNiven macniven@karlovecmedia.com
J ALBERT STUDIOS
Vietnam War veteran Rusty Ruckel tips a hat to World War II veteran Audie Murphy at Arlington Cemetery April 25.
For 80-year old Vietnam War veteran Rusty Ruckel, a recent Cleveland Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. became more than a visit to the nation’s memorials — it became the homecoming he and many other veterans never received. The Chester Township resident served in Vietnam from 1963 to 1964 as an adviser in the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, known as MACV, See Veteran • Page 4
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