Parents don’t have — and shouldn’t have — the only voice in public education

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa I hate to break it to you, but parents don’t — and shouldn’t — get the last word when it comes to public education. Should parents have some say? Sure, and they do (arguably an outsized voice already), but they are far from the only constituency school districts and school boards have to balance to truly represent the greater community. The needs...

The lies that kill

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The lies are killing people. Thankfully, the open deception about COVID-19 has been of limited impact here in Chester County, save the odd spittle-flecked angry email or comment claiming the virus is fake, masking is a plot against freedom, the election was rigged and that Donald Trump would be reinstated on Aug. 13. None of that is true, of course, but...

DOH: Pa. mask mandate likely to end June 28

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Vector color chalk drawn illustration of medical mask on black chalkboard background. One more month. Pennsylvania’s mask mandates will end no later than June 28, the state Department of Health (DOH) announced Thursday. Already, folks who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks in many situations — stores, businesses and such are still allowed...

New COVID testing system could help keep Chesco schools open this fall

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Scanning the QR code on this fast COVID antigen test, via an app, allows rapid data collection and the ability to forecast outbreaks. While virtually every adult (and most kids over age 12) will likely have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine if they (or their parents) want it, it seems increasingly likely that for kids 11 and under, vaccines will be few and...

Community COVID Vaccination event in Coatesville, May 6

COATESVILLE — There will be a community COVID vaccination event on Thursday, May 6 at the Jubilee Evangelistic Ministries, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required and can be obtained by calling (610) 380-9601. The event is open to all over age 16. The May 6 event — at 920 E. Lincoln Highway — is targeted for those unable to travel to one of the county vaccination sites or those unable...

Coatesville VA lowers eligibility for COVID vaccine to age 55

Gary Giorno, a Vietnam era Veteran, receives his second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Coatesville VA Medical Center vaccination clinic on March 12, 2021. Giorno shared his thoughts about the process during his observation period before checking out. CALN — Coatesville VA Medical Center (VAMC) began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans age 55 and over on Monday. The decision to...

Chesco schools to receive a total of $31M in COVID funds

WEST CHESTER — School districts and charter schools in Chester County are slated to receive more than $31 million in total federal COVID-19 pandemic support, according to estimated allocations released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The funds come as part of $2.2 billion in pandemic education relief that Pennsylvania is set to receive from the second federal stimulus plan passed by...

YMCA installs bi-polar ionization units to help battle COVID

In addition to the installation of Needle Point Bi-Polar Ionization Units, all YGBW equipment is spaced at least 6 feet apart or has been marked as not available to ensure social distancing at all times. YGBW has implemented numerous health and safety protocols since reopening last June to create the safest environment possible. WEST CHESTER – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), a nonprofit association...