Commissioners declare state of emergency due to COVID resurgance

WEST CHESTER – At this week’s public meeting, the Chester County Commissioners approved a Declaration of Disaster Emergency, effective from Dec. 1 for 90 days. The declaration is pursuant to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code and is “in response to the significant, increased health, emergency and safety concerns presented by the coronavirus.”
By approving and signing...
COVID-19 Update, Dec. 9: Gov. Wolf tests positive for COVID

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Ahead of expected tightened restrictions in Pennsylvania, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for the virus.
Wolf released the following statement, Wednesday afternoon:
“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well....
Deadline nearing for Chesco rental assistance funds

WEST CHESTER — Chester County officials remind all qualified county residents who may need rental assistance because of the impact of COVID-19, that applications for funding should be submitted by Monday, Dec. 14.
In September, the Chester County Commissioners approved $1.8 million in CARES funding to help cover rental payments and additional services such as utilities for those with job and...
GOP members in Pa. legislature — again — want to throw out your vote

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
It’s been a month since Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump for the presidency — as it turns out by some seven million votes and more than 70 electoral votes, the biggest win by a challenger for the presidency since Franklin Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover in 1932.
And yet, too many seem convinced that somehow state legislatures, the U.S. Supreme...
Have a Happy — and safe — Thanksgiving!

It’s been a year like no other, but we at The Times are thankful for so many readers who have continued to depend upon us for local news and information. It’s been a challenging year for our Chester County communities, but we remain thankful to live and work in such a special place.
We hope that however you mark the holiday, you are able to stay safe, yet connect with your loved ones...
Grant program helps add volunteers for fire/EMS, but more are still needed

Paul Mattes
A three-year, grant-funded effort to recruit volunteer firefighters for Chester County’s 45 fire companies and 32 ambulance companies yielded over 300 prospective new volunteer submissions.
Of those who responded are now volunteer firefighters or EMTs, while others are still in the process, said Neil Vaughn, Past President for the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, which received...
Families urged to apply for COVID-19 childcare grants from county

WEST CHESTER — As families struggle to cover the cost of childcare during COVID-19, the Chester County Commissioners are urging them to apply for financial relief before the December 30, 2020 deadline.
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), which administers Chester County’s childcare grant program, says as of Wednesday, 639 families representing 1,135 children have been approved for...
COVID 19 Update, Nov. 18: State sets records for cases, hospitalizations, state tightens some rules, no changes for Chesco as yet

Editor’s Note: After nearly daily updates from late March through June, the pandemic eased enough for use to reduce coverage. The recent explosion of cases, hospitalizations and deaths nationally and in state have prompted a return to semi-regular reports again.
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The Wolf Administration moved to boost COVID-19 mitigation efforts, as case numbers...
As pandemic rages, we can’t give up the fight

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The election is over — Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States.
You know what’s not over? The COVID-19 pandemic. More than 180,000 new cases were reported Friday, some 5,500 in Pennsylvania. Over the last week, Chester County is averaging 100 new cases a day — and generally speaking, we’re doing better than average, But still...
Trump, Pa. Republicans trying to steal an election they lost

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
In the last few days, Chester County has become famous — just maybe not in the way most of us would like.
In the fevered dreams of some, Chester County’s officials are part of a vast conspiracy to prevent Donald Trump from being reelected President. Social media is roaring — people from thousands of miles away lecture me on what happened in...