County OKs $1.8M in home rental assistance
WEST CHESTER — To combat an anticipated increase in evictions due to COVID-19, the Chester County Commissioners approved this week $1.8 million in CARES funding to help cover rental payments and additional services for those with job and income losses.
“Previous programs have provided up to $750 in rental assistance, but that’s simply not enough to cover the cost of housing in Chester County,”...
The fact-challenged whiners are winning on COVID, and we’re all going to lose
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Well, ready or not, we’re reopening.
Tomorrow, restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, it looks like the college football leagues that initially cancelled will now try to play and there is increasing pressure for local school districts to resume in-person instruction.
Now, understand, these moves aren’t based on science or that...
County to investigate COVID-19 testing program, may seek to recover payments
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners announced this week an investigation would begin into what appear to be failed antibody tests the county rolled out this spring in the battle to contain COVID-19 — and may attempt to claw back some of the $13 million of CARES Act funds the county spent on the tests.
In a statement issued this week, the Commissioners explained why they opted...
What To Do: More attractions begin to open
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Wharton Esherick Museum
Like tulip bulbs that sit dormant for months and then start to emerge with renewed life each spring, events and attractions around the area are slowly starting to emerge after pandemic-required dormancy.
After being closed for several months because of the COVID-19 shutdowns, the Wharton Esherick Museum (1520 Horse Shoe Trail,...
On Stage: Conrad comes home to Pottstown, playing gigs in Chesco
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Kendal Conrad
Kendal Conrad had a master plan forging a career in music – grow up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, learn to play guitar and write songs, graduate from college, head to Nashville to make music and eventually go out on national tours.
Conrad embarked on that path more than a decade ago and was progressing nicely – until the...
Wolf calls out Trump, GOP, saying they continue to be ‘irresponsible’ on COVID
Gov. Tom Wolf
In the wake of a ruling by a federal judge declaring some of his emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf issued a scathing statement Tuesday, calling out President Donald Trump and Republicans in the legislature (and some of the toady business groups egging them on locally).
In a lengthy, fiery statement, Wolf called out Republicans over distorting the truth,...
Be Smart – don’t waste your dental insurance
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
In this era of uncertainty everyone needs to be careful about so many things. It’s always true that regular dental visits save money in the long run. If you are fortunate enough to have dental benefits it’s imperative to use them to their fullest. Did you know your dental benefits reset every year? It’s true. If your dental insurance...
County unveils interactive map to show 1777 property ownership, battle damage
WEST CHESTER — Just in time for the anniversary of the Battle of the Brandywine this past week, Chester County Archives and Records Services has released a new interactive tool that helps you discover who lived on your property in September 1777.
The 1777 Chester County Property Atlas is an interactive map that allows researchers to easily see who owned properties in 1777, and if those owners...
Op/Ed: Inequitable public schooling in a nation of equality
Zack Zahlaway, Special to The Times
Zack Zahlaway
In a nation built on the principle that all people are created equal, how is it acceptable for certain children to receive more school funding based on their location and family’s income than other children? The fact of the matter is that this hypocritical truth plagues public school systems, especially in Pennsylvania.
In a research report done...
Despite good motivations, county’s antibody test plan was an expensive screw up
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
There are times you hate to be right, and this is one of them.
Way back in May, I questioned the decision by Chester County Health to use untested and likely inaccurate antibody testing (https://chescotimes.com/?p=31851) — and to use it only on a limited population, those with symptoms. I argued that broad diagnostic testing and contact tracing...
