When it comes to opening schools, Trump has to either put up or shut up

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Open the schools! Or else. Says President Donald Trump. Okay, there’s almost no one (besides a few kids, maybe) who do not want to see our public schools reopen this fall. My college-age kids are counting the minutes they can return to their campus. As great as our teachers have done over video, there’s no question that kids learn better in the classroom and...

What To Do: Bash on the Brandywine makes a splash

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Bash on the Brandywine Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been no live events such as festivals outdoor concerts or cultural celebrations for months – and it has seemed like an eternity. Now, with the relaxing of “stay at home” and “no social gatherings” restrictions, the schedule of events has started to pick up. While far from...

Wolf extends band on foreclosures and evictions through Aug. 31

Gov. Tom Wolf Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday signed a new executive order that protects homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until Aug. 31, if they have not received assistance from a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) or are not already receiving relief through one of several federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders. Lenders and...

On Stage: Candlelight offers comedy as area’s first reopened indoor venue

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Julia Scotti COVID-19 has been messing with live entertainment schedules for a while now. For more than four months, live performances have been scarcer than factual statements coming from the nation’s top elected officials. It has only been the last few weeks that restaurants and other venues have been permitted to allow customers inside. One...

County planning to hold hearing on proposed So. Chester Trail Project

Last year, the Chester County Commissioners accepted a grant award to perform a study that would examine the feasibility of developing a multi-use trail to serve the communities in southern Chester County. On Tuesday, July 14, the Chester County Planning Commission will hold the first public meeting discussing this project. The meeting will be held from 7:00pm-9:00pm via Zoom, and will also be...

DA announces charges in alleged E. Whiteland sex trafficking of minors ring

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against eight individuals Wednesday related to an alleged sex trafficking operation out of East Whiteland, luring and holding adults and minors — including a 14-year-old — against their will and forcing them to engage in prostitution. “The allegations in this case are difficult to digest because of the calculated and deviant...

Chester County’s farmers rise to meet COVID-19 challenge

Alejandro Romero, an employee at Pietro Industries in Kennett Square, wearing a specially created t-shirt that reminds Pietro staff, and the community, that agriculture employees are heroes, performing essential jobs that keep us fed even during difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our nation in so many profound ways, and agriculture, an essential business in every way, has been...

Don’t Retire, ReFire: Compassion in an unsettled world

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times My messages in the last few months have taken me in directions that have stirred up many emotions, changing, often times, moment by moment. I can assure you that my message here is not a diatribe that will only bring sadness and discontent to you, my Readers. Instead, my hope is that I can, in some way, give you a different interpretation of what you’re...

State, local officials remind everyone to wear a mask

On Tuesday, state and federal officials — including  Chester County legislator — joined Gov. Tom Wolf in reminding Pennsylvanians to wear a mask to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. “As we increasingly resume public activities in our commonwealth, we need to remain vigilant about taking precautions, especially wearing a mask that covers our noses and mouths while around other...

Unionville HS student wins award for child saving invention

Pranavh Vallabhaneni Chadds Ford 9th grader Pranavh Vallabhaneni was honored recently for his ingenuity at the 5th annual Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, presented by Raytheon Technologies. He was among nearly 500 award-winning K-12 inventors from across the nation who were celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony held on July 2. Invention Convention Worldwide is a global K-12 invention...