County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul

Commissioners authorize finalizing of $42.1 million contract By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone authorized the completion of a $42.1 million contract to replace the county’s emergency radio system. It is expected to be signed at the commissioners’ Feb. 14 meeting. As expected at Thursday’s...

Handful of area residents arrested for drunken-driving

Two of the incidents stemmed from traffic crashes, police said Updated at 5:20 p.m. Friday to add two more drunken-driving arrests State police from the Embreeville barracks are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred Jan. 19 in Caln Township. Police said R.S. Collins, 51, of West Chester, rear-ended a 2002 Chevrolet, which was stopped for a traffic light at the end of the Rt. 340 ramp from...

Get the dirt on composting techniques

Free county class even offers certification opportunity Dishing the dirt in an environmentally responsible way is one positive offshoot of a new free class. The Chester County Board of Commissioners, through the Chester County Solid Waste Authority, is offering a Certified Master Composting Class at two county locations. Attendance is required for one class a week for all three weeks to receive certification. One...

County reaps financial power of conservation

Energy-savings program generated $38,000 in 2012 By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County received $38,000 in 2012 from an energy-savings program, a number expected to increase to $62,000 in 2013. Imagine turning off your electricity for a few hours, getting paid to use a generator, and getting a stipend on top of that. In essence, Chester County residents experienced just...

Coatesville schools revise security plans

Address safety in wake of Sandy Hook shootings; parents push for JROTC funding By Kyle Corrazza, Staff Writer, The Times CALN – The Coatesville Area School Board passed measures to step up security in all schools at its meeting Tuesday night. Board members said they found the actions necessary in light of last month’s Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. Board President J. Neil...

Tax preparation that is free of stress, fees

Faith-based collaboration will provide IRS-certified volunteers The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is being run by Life Transforming Ministries in Coatesville. Tax outreach is being offered to area residents who qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which is run by Life Transforming Ministries in Coatesville. Modeled after a similar IRS program, VITA has been...

County reviews revenue-boosters for Pocopson Home

Commissioners also get update on long-awaited 9-1-1 overhaul By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello and Kathi Cozzone applauded presentations on the Pocopson Home and the 9-1-1 system at Tuesday’s Sunshine Meeting. The health of the county’s citizens – and its finances – dominated the Chester County Commissioners’...

MLK Day celebrated with energetic service

Coatesville Area Senior High served as hub for multitude of activities By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Brielle Bullock (from left); her mother Quiana Bullock; and Will Royal entertain an audience in the CASH gymnasium with their Zumba moves. Not everyone could match the hip-swiveling moves of 18-year-old Will Royal, who participated in a Zumba dance-exercise session at Coatesville...

Charges multiply for couple accused in dog-fighting ring

Corruption of minors added to offenses faced by pair, who were held for trial By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Shane L. Santiago, who allegedly told investigators that he planned to turn his passion for dog fighting into a family business, was held for trial on Friday on charges that include animal cruelty. A West Brandywine Township couple accused of maintaining a home-based, dog-fighting...

Coatesville holds off Downingtown East, 67-57

Mentally tough effort spurs Red Raiders to Ches-Mont win By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times Coatesville’s Chris Jones comes off of a pick in the third quarter of Thursday’s game. Even when he does not score many, Jones is a constant threat from outside. CALN – In close games, skill and physical advantage are not enough to win. Players must control their emotions to stay focused...