COVID-19 Update, May 1: Wolf to start reopening in 22 counties; Chester likely to among last to open

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Gov. Tom Wolf began the slow process of reopening the state Friday by saying 22 counties will shift from from fully closed — or red status — to partially open — or yellow status — on next Friday, May 8. The 24 counties that will move from red to yellow on May 8 are: Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie,...

Storms knock out power for thousands; many won’t see restoration until late Saturday

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Folks all over Chester County are cleaning up and some are still dealing with power outages after a wind/rain storm passed through Chester County, Thursday. While thousands of customers in the county lost power, Thursday, many have seen their power restored, according to PECO. Still, others have been told not to expect power restoration until late Saturday...

Commissioners extend tax deadlines

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at this week’s public Commissioners’ Meeting to extend the deadline for payment of County property taxes, due to the economic impact of the coronavirus.  Recognizing that the finances of many Chester County taxpayers have been negatively affected by the closure of local businesses, layoffs and uncertainty of financial...

COVID-19 Update, April 30: State case load stabilizes, county cases continue to grow

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa New cases of the COVID-19 virus continued bounce up and down statewide — up slightly on Wednesday — as Pennsylvania seems to be more in a plateau than a true decline — although Chester County has seen four straight days of higher numbers; meanwhile, state Labor and Industry Department officials are offering tips for those trying to navigate the...

Commissioners forming COVID-19 Business Task Force

WEST CHESTER — Even as Pennsylvania remains under a stay at home order by Governor Wolf, the Chester County Commissioners have been meeting – virtually – with business and economic leaders and health officials, to formulate plans to get Chester County back to work when the impact of COVID-19 lessens. Chester County’s approach to the restoration and continued growth of its economy is the creation...

COVID-19 Update, April 29: State moves to address scattered food shortages

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The number of cases of COVD-19 continued its slow downward trend — some days up, some days down, but the overall number gradually going down — Tuesday, as state officials moved to address some localized food shortages by allowing food and ingredients originally intended for the food service industry to be sold by restaurants and grocery stores. The...

Commissioners extend essential-services only order; look to reopen county parks in May

WEST CHESTER — After consultation with county health officials, the Chester County Commissioners announced Wednesday the extension of the county government’s essential services-only operation through to Friday, May 15 at all county buildings. In addition, the Commissioners announced a gradual re-opening of all seven parks owned by Chester County Government. The county’s Black Rock Sanctuary,...

Muth, VanDePol call for investigation of COVID-19 deaths at Southeast Veterans’ Center

The Southeast Veterans’ Center State Senator Katie Muth (D-44) and Chester County Coroner Christina VandePol, M.D. are calling for an immediate investigation into the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Southeast Veterans’ Center in East Vincent Township, Chester County. As of Sunday, April 26, 27 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Chester County Coroner’s Office, the...

COVID-19 Update, April 28: Wolf moves to reopen outdoor recreation facilities

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mmcgannpa Gov. Tom Wolf is slowly easing restriction prompted by the COVID-19 pendemic, announcing Monday a limited reopening of outdoor recreational activities including golf, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned camp grounds, as the latest new case numbers ticked up slightly. As of May 1, the recreational facilities may reopen, but are required to follow...

Ag names Harrison principal at Penn London

Kelly Harrison WEST GROVE  — The Avon Grove School District (AGSD) announced Monday that Kelly Harrison has been selected as principal of Penn London Elementary School (PLES), effective July 1, 2020. Harrison is well known to the school community and familiar with the traditions and practices at PLES, as she currently serves as the assistant principal. Harrison is eager to transition to her new...