The Electoral College: dead or alive?

By Nathaniel Smith, Columnist, The Times Our Founders did not really trust people to decide the country’s destiny. That’s why they set up a Senate selected by the legislators in each state, not by popular vote (such as that was at the time). And that’s why they set up an Electoral College to cushion the weight of population in choosing a president. The US House is based on the population...

On Stage (Extra): Make the holidays come alive with local productions

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times  The Nutcracker by The Pennsylvania Ballet For many families, going to a theater to watch a live on-stage production of a holiday show is an annual tradition – especially shows such as “A Christmas Carol,” “Best Christmas Ever” and various plays based on the Nativity scene. Without a doubt, the most popular holiday productions are ballet performances...

What To Do: Events fun and solemn to celebrate the holidays

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The March to Valley Forge. The holiday spirit is in the air and Christmas events are everywhere. Over the next week or so, you can head in any direction and find a holiday event to attend — and maybe even a few events that are not holiday-related. On December 19 from 6-8 p.m., Valley Forge National Historical Park (Route 23, Valley Forge, 610-783-1099,...

Art Watch: Options to give artfully

‘Tis the season to give the gift of artworks By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times December is the month of gift-giving, celebration and family, and throughout our area, galleries and arts associations are presenting reasonably priced artworks that are perfect for gift-giving and also perfect for a fun shopping experience. Art is always the best gift, whether it is an original painting, a photograph,...

On Stage: Pink Martini is tough to define

Final rush of shows coming this weekend before holidays By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Pink Martini With the arrival of the homestretch for the 2016 concert season, many acts are on the road – trying to get in a few more shows before the holiday season arrives in full swing. There is a full slate on interesting area shows for December 15 including a multi-genre “little orchestra,”...

Cashing in: eight charged with taking 55 tons of nickel

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times An example of one of the “super sacks” of nickel reportedly stolen from ArcelorMittal in South Coatesville. SOUTH COATESVILLE — While the good old nickel coin might not seem like it is worth much these days, its namesake metal, which makes up 25% of the coin, is a lot more valuable and apparently was targeted for theft in a big way — to the tune of...

Officials warn coming cold snap a danger to pets, too

With the temperatures expected to drop sharply in the next couple of day in and around Chester County, folks are reminded that we need not just to worry about our two-legged friends, but those with four as well: our pets. State officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during a dangerous cold snap across much of the state over the next few days.

Police: keep your car locked, hide valuables from sight

Keep it locked, local police say. With the holiday season fast approaching, another season is upon us: auto break-in and theft season, according to local police. With a few steps of caution, Coatesville Police advise that you can keep your car, valuables and even your home a whole lot safer this holiday season. The first tip is to keep your car locked and windows rolled up any time your are not in...

Coatesville’s Shop with a Cop brightens holidays for local kids

Community, local law enforcement, volunteers and organizations come together for 14th year By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times McGruff the Crime Dog was on hand to greet the officers and children participating in the 14th annual Shop with a Cop Saturday morning at the Parkesburg Wal-Mart. COATESVILLE – Christmas came early for 78 children in the city Saturday morning, as they were selected...

Comitta looks to be in good shape on 156th recount

Will there be a local price for GOP overreach? By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So much for putting the feet up and enjoying the holiday season before wading back into this column in 2017 — so consider it a pre-holiday gift (or curse) — as news makes a surprise return needed. While the last provisional ballots have to be counted, it appears that Carolyn Comitta has pulled off a narrow win in...