Good morning, West Chester.

An inmate at Chester County prison nearly escaped Wednesday when fellow inmates saw Thomas Hackett climbing barbed wire around 2:30 p.m.—a correctional officer stopped him before he reached further fence, and he was treated for cuts and charged with attempted escape after being held for indecent exposure and open lewdness.

The 2025 Kennett Square Mushroom Festival brings fresh events including a kickoff parade on Sept.

4, a Lego mushroom exhibit, cooking demonstrations on Union Street, and an EN FUEGO! Eating Contest with hotter sauces. The two-day festival runs Sept. 6 and 7 with live music from West Chester’s The Gilroys extending Saturday’s event — adding a new twist to this community favorite.

PECO was named a top U.S. utility in economic development by Site Selection magazine—its efforts in 2024 helped secure 16 commercial projects that added 7,505 jobs and over $21.18 billion in local investment, marking its 15th recognition.

Since Sept. 1, Pennsylvania required adults ages 18 to 54 without a dependent child to work, volunteer, or study at least 20 hours a week to keep SNAP benefits — failing to meet the requirements limits benefits to three months over three years.

Exemptions cover parents with minors, those with health issues, and pregnant individuals — though some exemptions will end on Oct. 31 as new restrictions start on Nov. 1.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

3:30-4:30 p.m. — East Goshen Township Park — Registration fees apply — A community running program promoting fitness for kids from Pre-K to 8th grade.

Oktoberfest 2025

12-8 p.m. — Downtown West Chester PA — $6 specials — Celebrate the fourth annual Oktoberfest with food and drinks in the heart of Chester County.