Storm skirts south, largely sparing county

Four school districts close, but storm’s impact less than feared By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Market Street in West Chester was largely clear by mid-morning Monday, but many sidestreets — particularly in the southern part of the county has slippery patches — as the turned out be less severe than originally forecast. Chester County appears to have been spared the worst of a late-winter...

County conventions leave May questions

Few primary battles were settled at either county convention By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times There was a little high drama at the two county party conventions, and in many ways the status quo was largely maintained. There were just a handful of endorsement battles at the meetings — and maybe only one vote there changes the landscape for May. We’ll  get to the Democratic endorsements, which...

Another weekend, another – sigh – storm forecast

County emergency officials are offering reminder tips for coping With the National Weather Service (NWS) and many commercial weather services predicting that another significant winter storm may be heading to Chester County, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services has issued some reminders: Only use 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies. Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages...

Weather interferes with transit – and meeting about it

County officials seeking public input at rescheduled session on March 5 The recent weather has wreaked havoc with transportation in numerous ways. A meeting organized by the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) in partnership with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to get input on a county-wide Public Transportation Plan had to be rescheduled a couple of weeks ago. Originally...

Corbett moves to reappoint Powelson to PUC

Kennett Square resident has chaired utilities commission since 2011 Robert F. Powelson HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett moved Tuesday to reappoint Robert F. Powelson of Kennett Square to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or PUC. Powelson has served as a PUC chairman since February 2011. “As chairman, Rob Powelson has worked tirelessly for Pennsylvania ratepayers and consumers,”...

Freezing rain advisory posted for Wednesday morning

National Weather Service urging commuters to be cautious By now, some of you are probably wondering what’s next: a plague of locusts? No, freezing rain, says the National Weather Service, which has posted an advisory in the region for Wednesday morning, Feb. 19. The advisory – in effect from 7 to 10 a.m. Wednesday – predicts ice accumulations of less than five-hundredths of an inch. The...

Preservationist tapped for Rebecca Lukens Award

Natural Lands Trust head lauded by National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum Molly K. Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, has been selected as the recipient of the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award. Photo by Bob Williams Bestowed by the Graystone Society’s National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, the honor goes to individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens,...

Op/Ed: Commissioners praise county workers for storm efforts

By Ryan Costello, Kathi Cozzone, & Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioners Chester County Commissioners (from left) Kathi Cozzone, Terence Farrell and Ryan Costello. Chester County’s winter weather certainly qualified as an extreme emergency this year. Residents endured multiple huge snow storms and devastating ice storms that made county roads dangerous. Schools and businesses were...

Unable to unbury fire hydrants? Here’s an option

Keystone Valley suggests using decorated stick or broom handle to mark spot For safety reasons, Chester County officials have urged residents to clear storm drains and fire hydrants of that nasty, heavy, white stuff.  However, for numerous reasons – not the least of which is the never-ending snowfall and its ever-increasing weight – the Keystone Valley Fire Department is suggesting an option:...

Weather pushes annual anti-violence flash mob inside

Public urged to participate from home or work – and film the action Because of the snow emergency, the annual flash mob dance to raise awareness of gender violence will move inside. The inclement weather has prompted organizers of an annual flash mob dance to protest gender violence scheduled for today, Feb. 14, to regroup. Because Chester County has declared a snow emergency, both venues for...