PA State Police host free ‘Camp Cadet’

Chesco kids seek achievement, growth and pride By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times AVONDALE– The Pennsylvania State Police,  Avondale Barracks recently hosted its free, week-long ‘Camp Cadet’ for approximately 120 Chester County youth.  Founded locally in 1971, this annual mid-August event partners both local and state law enforcement to provide positive life skills, foster...

How to plan the perfect outing

A few tips to keep your plans from unraveling By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times When was the last time you were in charge of a fun outing? Whether for your sweetheart, your family, friends, or colleagues, we’ve all dreamed of being the perfect “cruise director”. Well, we might not all be Julie McCoy from the Love Boat (yes, I’m dating myself I know), but before you plan another fun outing,...

Art Watch: The Shape of things to come

September sculptures abound in steel, ceramic, wood, fiber, marble, rubber tires and even hats! By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times September marks the beginning of the new art season, with new shows and exhibitions throughout Chester County. Make sure to sign up for Fall art classes that are starting up in each of the local art associations, and the theme of “The Art of Sculpture” is showcased...

County Historical Society gets $400K grant from National Endowment for the Humanities

The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) announced Tuesday that it had received an implementation grant of $400,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the upcoming exhibition Chester County: A Place in History. The grant program is extremely competitive. Of the 212 grants awarded nationally, CCHS was one of only ten to receive funding in the Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations...

On Your Table: Easy Dishes for Summer’s last hurrah

Make the most of the unofficial end of the summer By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Grilled Chicken Skewers are easy and fast to prepare as well as cook (Photo courtesy of Jenn Segal of Once Upon a Chef) Just because Labor Day marks the official end of summer doesn’t mean we can’t have one last hurrah of outdoor eating before resigning ourselves to casseroles and slow cooked meals...

CASD focuses on positives as school year starts

Residents question hiring decisions; no decision on status of CASD police By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff Writer, The Times While Coatesville Area School District officials described the preparations for the 2015-16 school year, some residents questioned the district’s hiring practices during the recent CASD Board of Education meeting. CALN – As the CASD board of directors and superintendent Dr....

Mosquito spraying: why doesn’t the county want to talk about it?

County needs to answer questions about spraying program By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times The Kennett Township web site has two running headers at the top: “Monarch Butterfly population decline” and “Mosquito Spraying by Chester County Health Department 8/19/2015.” Could these two occurrences be connected, as with bee colonies and insect-eating bird populations being...

What To Do: Enjoy an old fashioned circus

Also: BBQ, wolves in the moonlight & reggae By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The big top comes alive when Cole Bros. Circus comes to New Castle, Del. this weekend. If you want to truly appreciate the circus — to take in all the sights, sounds and smells of the circus — then the best way to experience the circus is the old-fashioned way. The best way is to be sitting in the...

American Water to spend $9.7M on water, sewer upgrades

COATESVILLE – Pennsylvania American Water today announced the start of construction projects to upgrade its water and sewer systems serving customers in western Chester County and a portion of Lancaster County. The company’s sewer system improvements totaling approximately $3.2 million are set for the City of Coatesville and Valley Township, while water main rehabilitation work estimated at $6.5...

Still no answers as to motive for courthouse knife attack

Coatesville man, shot and killed by deputies, had troubled past By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The folding knife authorities say Curtis Smith used in an attack on Sheriff’s Deputies at the Chester County Courthouse Tuesday, which resulted in Smith’s death. WEST CHESTER — While the “what” of Tuesday’s knife-attack, fatal shooting at the county courthouse is much clearer following...