Anti-gang legislation fast-tracked in Chester County

D.A. credits teamwork for quick passage of law spurred by double homicide By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Graffiti often signals the presence of rival gangs who want to mark their territory, according to police. At a December bonfire gathering in New Garden Township, gang rivalry turned deadly as knife-wielding assailants killed two partygoers. The homicides resulted in the enactment...

Letter: input need for county human services plan

To The Editor, Recently, Chester County was accepted into the Commonwealth’s Pilot Program for certain critical human services.  This pilot program provides a block grant to Chester County, rather than individual allocations, for the following human services categories:  Mental Health Services, Intellectual Disability Services, Homeless Assistance, Child Welfare, Drug and Alcohol Services, and...

Historical society raising bar on heritage lessons

 Whip Tavern will host ‘History on Tap’ program on Oct. 23 The Whip Tavern will be the site of the next “History on Tap” program by the Chester County Historical Society. Engaging history will be brewing on Oct. 23 at the Whip Tavern in West Marlborough Township. The scenic venue is a fitting backdrop for the latest chapter of “History on Tap,” a traveling program presented...

Will HB 1077 impact statehouse races?

Will abortion politics motivate voters to vote for Democrats? By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times I hate the subject of abortion. With a deep, dark abiding passion. But it’s possible I may have underestimated its impact on the 2012 elections when it comes to local state house races. I spent the better part of my Saturday morning last week on the courthouse steps in West Chester listening to a rally...

County chosen for human-services funding program

Selection will provide flexibility in allocating resources, officials said County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farell, and Ryan Costello applaud the county’s selection for a state block-grant program. Chester County was one of 20 counties selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to participate in the Human Services Block Grant program, county officials said...

State house seats could be in play

GOP leaders privately worried about turnout, impact of Romney’s stumbles By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times While the national races get the big attention, political insiders in the state tend to keep close tabs on races here in Chester County these days. As the population and demographics in the county have shifted in the last decade, the once-solidly Republican county is much more of a bell...

Letter: Data must be gathered before making Pocopson Home decision

To The Editor, As a follow up to recent news coverage on Pocopson Home, I wanted to offer additional commentary to the public on my position relating to Pocopson. To date, the County has commissioned an outside consultant to inform the Commissioners about how a non-profit managed facility would operate versus continuing to operate as we currently do.  This report will be an important factor in any...

Rewarding military service with price breaks

New Veterans ID & Discount Program to launch in county on Friday Many areas businesses are not waiting for Veterans Day to thank the men and women who have served in the military. From dining to dentistry, car repair to chiropractic care, a host of vendors are participating in a new program for veterans. On Friday, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Rick Loughery, whose office manages DD-214 military...

Op/Ed: Meals on Wheels saves for taxpayers

Program allows seniors to continue living in their homes, rather than needing full-time care By Jeani Purcell, Special to The Times Jean who is a 78 year- old widow lost the use of her right hand after she suffered a stroke.  After 45 days in the hospital she returned to her home of 48 years, discovering that she could no longer prepare meals safely.  She turned to her local Meals on Wheels (MOW)...

Training center inaugurated by veteran firefighter

Lonnie Brown thrilled to teach first class at campus in South Coatesville  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Instructor Lonnie Brown says the county’s new training center is a dramatic improvement over the makeshift classrooms he’s used in the past. Plans for a Chester County Public Safety Training Campus languished for half a century before coming to fruition on Sunday...