Backpack event connects the needy with the caring

Almost 1,400 students in need get back to school supplies, bags By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff Writer, The Times Jane Johnson, a member of the committee for the Back to School event and a board member of the Bridge Academy and Community Center, helped students choose their backpacks filled with school supplies Friday at Scott Middle School. Photo courtesy of Coatesville Back to School: Prepare for Success...

6 county watershed projects win state grants

City of Coatesville to get $150,000 for storm-water management The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will invest more than $20.65 million in watershed protection projects, the state announced on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Six watershed protection projects in Chester County will receive $980,828 of the state funding through the Growing Greener Program, State Sen. Andy Dinniman in a news...

Police: Public showing app-titude for technology

Coatesville residents using new anonymous messaging system By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times A new billboard lets Coatesville residents know about an innovative way to contact police anonymously. Right next to the sign welcoming people to the City of Coatesville is another inviting them to communicate anonymously with its Police Department. Introduced on Dec. 4, the CitizenObserver...

Alleged gang leader receives state prison term

Charges included robbery, drug-dealing and probation violations By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times William C. “Pumpkin” Shockley Jr., 25, of Coatesville, was sentenced to 7 to 15 1/2 years in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 4. “Slim to none.” That’s how the prosecutor described the rehabilitation potential of an alleged Coatesville gang leader who was sentenced Wednesday morning...

Work to begin on replacing city sewer pipes

Pa. American Water warns traffic disruptions likely on East Lincoln Highway Pennsylvania American Water announced Tuesday that it would start of construction to replace nearly 1,700 feet of aging sewer main in the City of Coatesville. The cost of the sewer collection system improvements, which will replace outdated, undersized clay pipe, is approximately $1 million, a company news release said. Starting...

Landlord fees continue to generate acrimony

Both sides accusing each other of inappropriate behavior By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville City Councilwoman-elect Marie Hess, currently the head of the Parks and Recreation Commission, asks City Council to consider naming a new playground after James R. “Bubble” Lopp, a longtime Public Works employee. Sparks continued to fly in the ongoing dispute between City...

PennDOT: Crack-sealing planned on U.S. 30 Bypass

Intermittent lane closures will occur at Rt. 82 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) wants residents to be aware of possible traffic delays as a result of area road projects scheduled this week. Crews will be working to seal cracks on the U.S. 30 Bypass in both directions in Sadsbury Township and the City of Coatesville. Intermittent lane closure will be required at Rt. 82 from...

Day of bonding, beautifying Brandywine

Volunteers being sought for Saturday morning creek cleanup Organizers of the Brandywine Creek Cleanup on Saturday are seeking residents’ help to spruce up a treasured resource. Sponsored by the City of Coatesville, the Brandywine Valley Association (BVA), the Coatesville Community Policing Committee, and the Coatesville Parks and Recreation Commission, the event will begin rain or shine at 8 a.m....

Coatesville vows transparent process to select police chief

Media invited to observe as well-credentialed search committee begins to narrow field By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The City of Coatesville, in need of new police leadership, wants to avoid the criticism generated during the selection of some past chiefs, a process sometimes shrouded in special interests. For that reason, representatives of the media have been invited to observe...