County officials: new home construction in ’21 hits 20-year high

A new report from the Chester County Planning Commission shows that more homes were built in the county in 2021 than in any year since 2001, and that the growth was largely driven by apartment construction. The report also said that despite soaring prices, more homes were sold than in any year since 2005. “The numbers for units built and sold and the prices for which they were sold are staggering,...

On Stage Extra: Joe Sumner proving he isn’t just a famous son

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Joe Sumner When a musician has a legendary rock star as a parent, it can open doors or be a big burden – or both. Joe Sumner, who will be headlining at show at MilkBoy Philadelphia MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215- 925-6455, www.milkboyphilly.com) on May 16, doesn’t have to worry about such things. The talented singer/guitarist/songwriter...

Teen charged in threats against Coatesville HS

According to Caln Township Police, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on May 11, school officials learned of a circulating post on social media (Snapchat) that a shooting was to occur at the Coatesville Area High School. As a result, all students and staff were diverted to the Scott Middle School.  Additionally, the Chester County Intermediate Unit, which is directly adjacent to the school district campus,...

Downingtown Area School District invites community to an elementary construction Town Hall

Downingtown Area School District (DASD) invites all community members to participate in a Town Hall event on Tuesday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at STEM Academy (335 Manor Ave. Downingtown, PA 19335) and will review the various elementary construction opportunities currently under board consideration. The evening will conclude with a moderated question-and-answer opportunity with the...

CCEDC announces diversity plan

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) announced the approval of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan comprising input from more than 50 community and business leaders as well as new programs focused on strengthening minority- and women-owned businesses in Chester County. The plan, which was approved by CCEDC’s Board of Directors, was formulated over the last year by...

Wolf announces new funding for CCIU Training to Career Program

Gov. Tom Wolf today announced new funding for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC), to support a job training program in Chester County that will help place individuals exiting the justice system with jobs in the manufacturing industry. “I’m proud we can support this re-entry program,” said Gov. Wolf. “This program...

Officials: AGHS project debt service $19M below estimates, on schedule for fall opening

Avon Grove School District administrators gather for a photo in front of the new Avon Grove High School. On April 12, Avon Grove School District (AGSD) announced that the district’s debt service for its Comprehensive Facilities Plan is $19 million below original estimates. The Facilities Plan includes construction of a new Avon Grove High School (AGHS), slated to open for students this fall, as well...

W. Caln woman honored for protecting kids

Pa Family Support Alliance, the state’s leader in child abuse prevention, has awarded Deborah Willett with the Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award. This award is given to four individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support and protect Pennsylvania’s children. Deborah Willett Willett is the Program Coordinator at Coatesville Center for Community Health. In the organization’s...

AGSD announces administrative appointments

Ardis Yocum, Janice Lear and Ashley Penn join Avon Grove School District’s administration. On Thursday, the Board of School Directors approved the appointments of Janice T. Lear as the new principal for Fred S. Engle Middle School (FSEMS), Ashley L. Penn as assistant principal for Avon Grove High School (AGHS) and Ardis Yocum as transportation specialist for Avon Grove School District (AGSD). Effective...

Berks, Chester & Montgomery authorize creation of Passenger Rail Authority

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline approved today the creation of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, completing the approval last week of the Authority by the Commissioners from Berks and Montgomery Counties. The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) will oversee and implement the restoration of passenger rail service between Reading...