State, local officials remind everyone to wear a mask

On Tuesday, state and federal officials — including  Chester County legislator — joined Gov. Tom Wolf in reminding Pennsylvanians to wear a mask to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. “As we increasingly resume public activities in our commonwealth, we need to remain vigilant about taking precautions, especially wearing a mask that covers our noses and mouths while around other people,”...

Dinniman: repeal 2017 fireworks law

WEST CHESTER — State Senator Andy Dinniman said today he supports legislation to repeal Pennsylvania’s 2017 fireworks law after fireworks accidents have led to injuries, claimed lives, and resulted in fires and significant property damage in just the past few weeks.  “The ongoing and near-constant use of powerful fireworks in a disrespectful and downright careless manner has become...

Mortgage/Rent relief focus of next Restore Chesco Webinar, July 9

WEST CHESTER — The next in a series of webinars hosted by the Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force, focusing on mortgage and rent relief for county residents, is scheduled for Thursday July 9, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. The webinar covers the CARES Rent Relief program, created for Chester County renters financially impacted by the pandemic to pick up where assistance from the Commonwealth support program...

After pandemic delay, Lenape Bridge reopens

Route 52 (Lenape Rd) Reopen 102853 BIRMINGHAM — After what seems like years of constant detours, delays and closures — from construction on the Rt. 52 Roundabout, the 926 Bridge and the Lenape Bridge, traffic in the Birmingham/Pocopson area finally returned to normal this week with the delayed completion of the Lenape Bridge rehabilitation. Work stopped on the project in March, due to the pandemic,...

Wolf broadens rules for wearing masks

By Mike McGann, Editor The Times @mikemcgannpa Gov. Tom Wolf has a simple message for Pennsylvanians: if you’re not home, wear a mask. Always. Wolf expanded his order on masks Wednesday to include pretty much every activity outside of the home with an eye on slowing the spread of COVID-19, which experienced its highest rate of new cases in the US ever on Wednesday — and alarming growth in Allegheny...

Avon Grove SD breaks ground for new high school

Avon Grove School District officials celebrate the groundbreaking for its new high school last week. PENN — After a lengthy process — and debate within the community — the Avon Grove School District broke ground for a new high school last week. Local law firm UTBF’s Andrew D.H. Rau said he was pleased to participate in the June 24th groundbreaking for the new Avon Grove High School, set to...

County opens call center for questions on reopening

WEST CHESTER — As Chester County begins its green phase of operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, County officials have added a call center service for business and resident questions on reopening guidelines and practices.  Part of the “Restore Chester County” initiative, the call center is operated by Chester County Health Department staff, with input from members of the County Commissioners’...

Sappey, Comitta announce grant for WC Senior Center

State Reps. Christina Sappey and Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, announced Friday that a $35,000 senior center grant has been approved for West Chester Area Senior Center. The grant comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 2019-20 Senior Community Center Grants, totaling $2 million in funding from the Pennsylvania Lottery. “These grants will be used to make improvements and renovations on...

County OKs $1.77M to support affordable housing in Kennett, WC

The Melton Center Apartments WEST CHESTER — Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline approved two contracts this week awarding more than $1.7 million in funds to support two affordable housing projects in Chester County. The two developments are the Melton Center Apartments in West Chester and Red Clay Manor in Kennett Square. “As one of the wealthiest counties...

Chesco goes Green; most businesses allowed to reopen

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa After more than three months of COVID-19 shutdown, Chester County is largely opening up today. While virtually no businesses will reopen at full capacity, everything beyond those that require large public gatherings (concerts, sporting events, etc) are allowed to resume operation as of today. Still, there are limits — COVID-19 is raging through many...