Spencer announces run for 158th state house seat

Leon Spencer KENNETT SQUARE — Leon Spencer, Jr., the former Mayor of Kennett Square, announced Saturday that he will run for State Representative in the 158th Legislative District. Surrounded by about 100 supporters on the steps of his alma mater, Kennett High School, Spencer announced his run for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Christina Sappey,...

DASD’s Lonardi to retire in June

Dr. Emilie Lonardi delivers the conferring of degrees during the 2021 DASD graduation ceremonies. DOWNINGTOWN — During the February 9 Downingtown Area School District (DASD) board meeting, the board of directors approved the retirement of district superintendent, Dr. Emilie M. Lonardi, effective June 30, 2022. Dr. Lonardi has served as a superintendent for the past 24 years, with the last five in...

County, community work together on use of American Recovery Act funds

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz (center), Josh Maxwell (center left) and Michelle Kichline (center right) welcome the county’s ARPA advisory committee members to the inaugural meeting. A committee of volunteers has begun work to create a system that prioritizes, requests, and reviews proposals for Chester County’s share of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The committee will...

Avondale, So. Chester Regional Police sign extension for police services

On February 10th, 2022, the Public Safety Commissioners for the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department approved a three-year extension for police services in the Borough of Avondale retroactive to January 1st, 2022, through December 31st, 2024. After a brief and positive negotiation with the newly elected Mayor and Council from Avondale, the Avondale Borough Council unanimously approved...

United Way calls for state Earned Income Tax Credit

While many Chester County residents have returned to the workforce, they still face a variety of economic challenges such as rising food, housing, utility, transportation and childcare costs. A state Earned Income Tax Credit would be a good first step to providing relief to working Pennsylvanians. Our Chester County Delegation, along with the rest of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and Governor...

Commissioners, legislators meet with school officials to address student mental health

Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the CCIU, speaks to legislators and superintendents. Chester County’s school superintendents shared their concerns regarding the increased demand for mental health services for students with state and county elected officials at a special information session held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on February 2, 2022.    Organized by Pennsylvania...

Health services task force formed at cope with hospital closures

With Tower Health’s closure of Jennersville Hospital on December 31, and the closure of Brandywine Hospital’s doors today, The Alliance for Health Equity (The Alliance), formerly the Brandywine Health Foundation, has announced the formation of the Health Services Leadership Group Task Force. The group, made up of leaders representing nearly 20 local and county organizations, will develop strategies...

County seeks volunteers for USA 250th commission

The Chester County Commissioners took the first step last week toward planning the county’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The first order of business: the establishment of the America250PA Chester County Commission. “We have so much to be proud of in Chester County including the contributions we have made and continue to make to America’s history,” said Chester County...

Houlahan invites community to participate in 2nd Valentines for Vets event

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan distributes valentines at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, 2021. After a successful inaugural card drive last year, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced the return of her office’s Valentines for Veterans project today. Houlahan is inviting students and community members to participate in the project by making cards for area veterans, thanking them for their service. “Last...

DASD community invited to attend a virtual focus group on January 24

The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is in the process of reviewing their communication initiatives and is seeking input from school personnel, parents and the community through a series of focus groups. Focus group participants will share their perceptions about the district as well as its communications strategy. Parents, staff and students have been invited to attend focus groups via the...