Chester County’s Blocker tabbed to head State Police

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf today nominated New London’s Tyree C. Blocker to be the next commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. Blocker, 62, has 30 years of experience with the Pennsylvania State Police, starting as a trooper and rising to the rank of major before retiring in 2005. Long active in local law enforcement, he served as a member of a working group to help Coatesville...

Chester County Historical Society mourns death of Lukens

Rob Lukens WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Historical Society announced Monday that its president, Rob Lukens, died Sunday, following a battle with cancer. The organization issued the following statement Monday morning: “It is with deep regret and a profound sadness that we inform you of the death of our President, Rob Lukens, PhD, August 1st, following a long fight with cancer.

CASD moves to outsource mental health workers

Cost savings and questions over certifications cited as reason By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff Writer, The Times Coatesville Area School District Superintendent of Schools Cathy Taschner discusses a plan to outsource mental health services in the district during last week’s Board of Education meeting. CALN – The Coatesville Area School District board of directors took strides to improve the security,...

What To Do: Don’t let the heat keep you from outdoor fun

Everything from music to fairs to festivals to enjoy the summer warmth By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times “Weird” Al Yankovic is just one of the headline performers coming to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in the coming weeks. For those of you willing to abandon the comfort of air-conditioned spaces and venture out into the hot and humid August weather, there are plenty...

Lewis to host job fair at Victory, Aug. 28

State Rep. Harry Lewis (R-74) PARKESBURG — Rep. Harry Lewis Jr. (R-Chester) invites 74th District residents to attend his job fair on Friday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parkesburg Victory Brewing Co., 3129 Lower Valley Road, in Parkesburg. “With area company layoffs looming, I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with more than 30 employers who have full-time...

On Stage: WCU’s Flanick shines in ‘Nunsense’

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times When an actress auditions for a role in the hit musical “Nunsense,” it is to her advantage to have familiarity with the show, first-hand experience in dealing with nuns or both. Back in April, Erika Flanick auditioned for a role in “Nunsense” with neither. Flanick, a West Chester University theater major, did not let it hold her back. As a result, she...

Pocopson Home nurse charged with drug theft

Coatesville resident alleged to have forged paperwork By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Carolyn Howett POCOPSON — A Coatesville woman was charged Tuesday with taking narcotics from the Pocopson Home. Carolyn Howett, 36, who had worked as a licensed practical nurse at the Chester County-owned senior care facility for about 15 years was charged with taking 26 Zolpidem pills and a vial of morphine....

Art Watch: Inside Mala Galleria

After growing up in passionate, turbulent Belgrade, gallery owner finds home in Kennett Sq.  By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times Lots of local art abounds in the streets of Chester County this week, but Art Watch this week will be spending some quality time getting to know the fascinating and inspiring gallery owner of Mala Galleria in Kennett Square. Mala Galleria in Kennett Square is a wonderful...

House Bill 809 would further cut local control

Bill would let state make housing, zoning choices instead of local communities By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times Along with about 50 other people, I attended a hearing at West Chester Borough Hall on July 20 about House Bill 809 proposed to the PA House of Representatives. On the positive side, we have a democratic process that allows citizens to find out what our legislators are doing and to...

Caln’s District 28 softball champs ready for state tourney

U10 team starts quest for state title, Tuesday By Lauren Parker-Gill, Staff Writer, The Times Caln’s U10 girls softball team won the District 28 Little League title and now will compete for the Pennsylvania title this week. CALN – Excitement was in the air and under the lights at last Wednesday’s softball practice for the Caln Little League Softball 10 U All Star team, their coaches and parents...