A look back at a year in local news from the greater Kennett area
By P.J. D’Annunzio, Staff Writer, KennettTimes.com
Scudder Stevens became the first Democrat elected Township Supervisor in Kennett Township in generations — just one of many news headlines that we saw in 2011.
The New Year: a time for new beginnings, a time for fresh perspectives, but also a time for recollection. From its christening in April of last year to this very day, we at The Kennett Times have striven to bring you reporting of the highest quality: that means accuracy, clarity, and most of all, what matters most to you, the reader.
With us, you’re not simply a demographic; you’re a part of our community. The Kennett Times, and its sister sites The Unionville Times and the newly launched Coatesville Times, are locally owned and operated. Unlike local print-based competition, we feel a sense of responsibility for our community and to good journalism in general. In short, we care.
And as we usher in 2012, we’re taking this opportunity to look back at what you cared most about: the stories that helped to shape our community not only last year, but in days yet to come:
In the realm of politics, November’s Kennett Township Board of Supervisors race saw one of the most heated contests in the county. Much of the friction was derived from residents’ distrust over the financial management of the township’s BOS. A lack of transactional evidence for an annual audit, a mysterious accountant, and the overall inability of the incumbent’s administration to answer pressing questions aided Scudder Stevens in securing the overwhelming majority of the vote. After ousting Chairman Allan Falcoff, Stevens became the first Democrat in Kennett Township’s history to attain a seat on the BOS.
The Kennett High School football team reached new heights, contending for a post-season berth in 2011.
It was also a year of firsts in sports. Kennett High’s 2011 Blue Demons Football squad became the first team since the resurrection the school’s football program to achieve a winning season. Outstanding players like Barry Tomasetti Jr. and Anthony Torello helped to bring the team closer to their playoff goals then ever before, but it is Head Coach Scott Green who is credited with kicking off one of the biggest turnarounds in local school sports.
In New Garden Township, residents contended with officials and developers over the proposed construction of a Wal-Mart super center near the township’s border with Delaware. Many residents opposed the super-center due to the potential eye-sore it would create in contrast to open space as well as the influx of traffic on rural roads. Despite staunch voicing from citizens, the township and developers agreed to move forward with the proposed plans.
Early last year, the Kennett Consolidated School District initiated a major reorganization of its elementary school system. With the conversion of Mary D. Lang Elementary into an all-kindergarten center, the newly constructed Bancroft Elementary opened its doors to an ever growing student body. This growth has come to illustrate the ever-improving nature of KCSD as an educational force in the region as well as its up and coming status as one of the finest districts in the area, with it’s reabsortion of several former charter school students.
Finally, the 26th Annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival drew record crowds as patrons from all over the Delaware Valley flocked to sample Kennett Square’s famous fungi and view culinary demonstrations from Iron Chef Jose Garces, Master Chef Jenny Behm, and Top Chef Kevin Spraga. Other featured events included the famous Antique and Classic Car Show, the Amateur Mushroom Soup Cook-off, mushroom soup tasting at the Kennett Masonic Lodge, and carnival games.
We have received a multitude of positive feedback from our readers, many of whom have converted from other, traditional local newspapers to our free online format. We are thankful for and greatly encouraged by your support. As we welcome 2012, it is our continuing mission to bring you the very best in local news, arts and entertainment, sports, and more.
To all who depend on us for the best local coverage, we thank you for your continued readership. We welcome your feedback and hope that you continue to rely on The Kennett Times for clarity, correctness, and fact-driven stories in our hometown.
Happy New Year!
