West Nile found in Chester Co. mosquitos

The Chester County Health Department is informing residents that mosquito samples collected in Uwchlan Township on June 24 have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive mosquito sample identified in Chester County for the 2014 season. The mosquito traps are placed in various locations in the County as part of routine surveillance by Health Department officials. The...

New summer reading program targets in-need kids

Kennett focuses efforts on young, struggling readers with summer program By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times Educators in the Kennett Consolidated School District are using a new program to keep kids reading over the summer. KENNETT — Tracey Marino, the Principal at Greenwood Elementary, is passionate about mitigating summer learning loss.  She has turned her passion into developing a...

KHS athletes to continue playing in college

Kennett High School athletes (1st row, l-r) Katie DeStefano, Sydney Eckert, Mackenzie Jaros, (2nd row, l-r): Brett Rose, Cory Tomasetti, and Lucio Pizzini will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. KENNETT SQUARE — A number of Kennett High School 2014 graduates will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. From private colleges to large state universities, six...

Have a fun and fabulous Fourth!

Fashion, food and fireworks make Independence Day one of my favorite holidays By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times How can it be time for the 4th of July?  With school ending so late, it seems as if half of the summer is finished before it has begun! Celebrating Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Growing up, we attended our town festivities that included a bike...

Bad state budget could wipe out Corbett and local legislators

If House plan is the final budget, GOP could face electoral doom in November By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times It looks like Gov. Tom Corbett could be winning his budget battle, but could be losing the war — and maybe a handful of state legislative seats in Chester County. We may have a better sense how bad the mess will be once a state budget is passed, maybe even by Monday. The House of Representatives...

KEF announces $10k Super Grant & outstanding teacher awards

Six KCSD teachers honored, super grant awarded for library reading program By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times The 2014 Kennett Education Foundation “Outstanding Teachers” awardees are: from left to right: Marybeth Kufen, Mary D Lang Kindergarten Center, Patti Tatum, Kennett Middle School, April Reynolds, Bancroft Elementary School, Jodi Davidson, Kennett High School, Jennifer Miller,...

What To Do: Longwood Concerts, Philly’s 4th and more!

The holiday weekend starts early — a week early, as family-friendly events abound By Denny Dyroff, Correspondent, The Times The West Philadelphia Orchestra brings its unique blend of musical styles to Longwood Gardens tonight, kicking off a series of Summer Soirees — an outdoor performance series. Some things are sure bets — things that you can rely upon — things that will never...

On Stage: Honey Island Swamp Band born from stormy times

N.O.-based band formed in wake of Katrina at Ardmore, Sat. By Denny Dyroff, Correspondent, The Times New Orleans-based Honey Island Swamp Band makes its Delaware Valley debut Saturday night at the Ardmore Music Hall. When Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in August 2005, it swept away vehicles, buildings and just about everything in its path — including people. Thousands of the...

Op/Ed: All budgets reflect values

By Susan Rzucidlo, Candidate, State Representative, 158th District Susan Rzucidlo Budget season in Harrisburg is in full swing. Mark Kennedy Shriver, (Former Maryland Representative and now with Save the Children), once said, “All budgets reflect values.” This is a statement with which I agree. What values does this year’s budget reflect? As we face a $1.2 billion dollar deficit, Gov....

Galer names Mitchell as new winemaker

Virginia Smith Mitchell Named as third-ever winemaker at award-winning Chester County winery EAST MARLBOROUGH — Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery announced this week that it has has hired a new Winemaker, Virginia Smith Mitchell, to continue the management of their award-winning wines. She joins Galer with an extensive and diverse history in the wine making industry. Mitchell was the Assistant...