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Volume 55, No. 4
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CHESTERLAND NEWS Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Your Community Newspaper Since 1967
INSIDE!
West G Signs School Officer Agreements With Chester, Russell
Grassroots Org. Raises Farmers For the Future
By Brian Doering brian@karlovecmedia.com
Even during summer, work doesn’t stop for West Geauga Schools, as officials continue to hammer out safety agreements with area law enforcement for the 2023-2024 school year. West Geauga Schools Board of Education members approved two agreements June 26 with both Chester Township and Russell Township police departments to provide patrol and safety officers in the district’s school buildings. Superintendent Richard Markwardt said he is pleased with the partnerships. “I think having an armed officer in each school is one of our best protective strategies,” he said. “These individuals will not only offer security but will serve as an educational and community resource for our students and their families.” At the April 24 meeting of the board Markwardt — along with Chester and Russell township police officials — discussed security initiatives put into place following a shooting scare April 3 at West Geauga High School, and ensuing pressure from parents for stronger safety measures in the district. Senior Brandon Michael Morrissette, 18, was arrested that day after coming to the school with a handgun and plans to shoot multiple students. Markwardt noted having a school resource officer is vital to averting a shooting, and expanding the district’s SRO presence has been an ongoing conversation, even prior to April 3. The agreement with Russell Township will span three years, from July 1 of 2023 through June 30 of 2026, while Chester’s agreement will be for a single school year and may be renewed on an annual basis. Chester police will provide one See West G • Page 4
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Chester Township Park District has made many upgrades to the Parkside Park gazebo and perennial garden.
Upgrades Continue At Parkside Park
By Albert Parker
Chester Park District Chairman The Chester Park District is responsible for several park lands within Chester Township. The focus of attention is Parkside Park located at the intersection of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads, which is the most visible and important location identifying Chester Township. 2022 has been a busy year for the park district in the maintenance and improvements to Parkside. Several major improvements will be the goals for 2023 and beyond. All projects are prioritized by funding and impact and are the purpose of the park district and Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase. Below are completed improvements and future goals that the district will be pursuing to keep Parkside as the pre-eminent community park in Geauga County.
The all-important gazebo has been upgraded, with lighting improvements, repainting and refurbished carpentry. With the talents of the Perennial Garden Committee, the Parkside gazebo and perennial garden remain the most prominent identifying features of Chester Township. All park picnic tables and shelters have been cleaned and stained and three cooking grills added. Existing wood picnic tables are being replaced in an ongoing program with tables constructed from recycled plastic tables and replacement of seats and backs in the benches with recycled plastic, which will not require repainting or the risk of splintering. A bocce court has been added in the horseshoe courts area. Playground equipment has been maintained to the highest safety standards. Summerfest, Winterfest, Veterans Day and Memorial Day will continue to provide
popular programs, including the leadership of the Chester Rotary, and the popularity of the summer music series sponsored by The Kiwanis. Parkside has been chosen to be the primary baseball field for the West Geauga High School girls softball team and the park district will be providing top quality facilities to welcome them, including new bleachers. Another goal for 2023-24 is to add three new pickleball courts at the east end of the park. Long term project goals include improvements to the restroom facility for year-around use, as well as drainage improvements and paving of the parking lot. Chester Township Park District, the Chester Township administration welcome the community’s support and invite the public to enjoy the activities available at Parkside.
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