County: Avoid plumbing woes during big chill

Taking precautions can help prevent costly frozen pipes Weather officials are predicting a combination of bitter cold temperatures and wind across the county from tonight into Wednesday, Jan. 8 – dangerous conditions that could wreak havoc with plumbing, county officials said. In a news release, the county suggested that being prepared and informed could help avoid the messy and often expensive...

County reports heavy rains, 9-1-1 call volume

Sunnier skies due Wednesday, but flood warnings remain in effect Flood warnings continue for the Brandywine Creek, but heavy rain has moved out of the area, county officials report. The Chester County Department of Emergency Services has released the following information on area weather conditions. 24-hour rainfall amounts at 10 a.m. included: Atglen,  3.72 inches; Marshallton, 3.25; West Chester,...

County working to help residents beat heat

Shelters will double as cooling stations, transportation for seniors will increase Fans for seniors who qualify will be available through the Chester County Office of Aging Services. Call 610-344-6350 for information. In response to the excessive heat warning issued Monday by the National Weather Service – in effect through 8 p.m. on Wednesday – the Chester County Health Department and the...

Op/Ed: Chester County government prepared for emergencies

New plan, developed in-house, provides for county services when disaster strikes By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell Being prepared for all emergencies is a daunting task for those elected officials responsible for the safety and well-being of their constituents but planning for such emergencies is necessary. Some months ago the county commissioners took steps to develop...

County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul

 Commissioners authorized finalizing of $42.1 million contract By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone authorized the completion of a $42.1 million contract to replace the county’s emergency radio system. It is expected to be signed at the commissioners’ Feb. 14 meeting. As expected at Thursday’s...

EMS paging switched to new $3.5 million system

Commissioners say changeover will improve efficiency and meet federal mandate By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The new pagers are similar in appearance to the old ones, but the reduced bandwidth of the system should improve efficiency, county officials said. A new $3.5 million emergency-services paging system became operational Tuesday morning – an advance that improves communications...

60-plus eateries vying to satisfy culinary appetites

33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival set for Sunday The 33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival will be held Sunday in downtown West Chester. After feasting on fungi at last weekend’s Mushroom Festival, area foodies will likely be heading to West Chester on Sunday for the 33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival. One of the biggest annual events in the area, the free...

County to be hit by ‘excessive heat event’

Prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures predicted WEST CHESTER – The National Weather Service advises that a major excessive heat event is expected to hit Chester County beginning tomorrow, a period of high temperatures that may extend into Friday, the county’s Department of Emergency Services said in a press release. The release said the county is currently under a heat warning,...