Op/Ed: Rapid industrialization is ruining the Chester County rural character

By Kaitlyn Toth, Special to The Times Kaitlyn Toth Growing up, a core memory of mine was walking to elementary school with my siblings and my mom by my side. The luscious green grass, tall corn stalks, and smell of the fresh morning air, it was the highlight of my day. My childhood is flooded with memories of running through open fields, exploring forests, and riding my bike down trail paths. However,...

23 graduate from county Fall 2023 Fire 1 Academy

The Fall 2023 Fire 1 Academy Class. On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 23 dedicated first responders, representing 14 first responder agencies graduated from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) Fall 2023 Fire 1 Academy, class #2391013. These students spent 188 hours (19 weeknights and 18 weekends) starting on September 6, 2023, at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus...

Commissioners OK funds to renovate Liberty House

The Chester County Commissioners have approved $2.8 million in renovation funding for Phoenixville-based Liberty House, for structural improvements and upgrades to the 48 affordable housing units located there. At last week’s public meeting, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline approved more than $2.8 million in contract funding to Pennrose Properties...

County Awards $5M in Community Revitalization Program Grants

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline unanimously approved $5 million in grants through the County’s Community Revitalization Program (CRP) at today’s public meeting. Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, “The County’s CRP grants help our urban centers – including 15 boroughs and the City of Coatesville – ensure that crucial...

County’s Color 5K Raises $110K for COPE Program to help fight opioid and heroin abuse

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell (top row, far right), Marian Moskowitz (bottom row, fourth from right), and Michelle Kichline (bottom row, fourth from left) present a check for $110,000, representing the funds raised by the 2023 Chester County Color 5K. Accepting the check are Chester County’s Deputy Director of Drug & Alcohol Services, Kate Kinsley (bottom row, third from right), Color...

Deuso announces run for 155th District Seat; seeks to become PA’s 1st transgender state rep

Erica Deuso Erica Deuso (she/they) is a progressive transgender Democrat from Downingtown, who has officially declared her candidacy for State Representative (HD-155, Chester County) in Pennsylvania on November 8th, 2023. Erica brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the political landscape. Erica is a pro-labor, pro-choice, pro-environment Democrat who believes that now, on the heels...

County’s Operation Green Light Program honors veterans

Veterans, family and friends attended Chester County’s Operation Green Light program on the steps of the Historic Courthouse this week. Operation Green Light, from November 6-12, shines a light on the contribution of veterans nationwide, including the 24,000-plus veterans in Chester County. Chester County marked the start of Operation Green Light this week with a ceremony honoring the county’s...

Once again, Democrats sweep county races; elect 5 Common Pleas judges

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Once again, Democrats swept all possible countywide races, Tuesday, winning all of the Row Office races, maintaining control of the County Commissioners and electing five new Democratic judges to the Court of Common Pleas. “Chester County voters chose to re-elect Democrats to lead the county government,” Chester County Democratic Chairwoman Charlotte...

Off year election? Hardly. Tuesday’s election really does matter

By Rich Heiland, Columnist, The Times The best way to ensure our democracy survives these troubled times is not to support any candidate running as under the Republican label, given how that party has endorsed MAGA and has as its agenda the dismantling of democracy.  HERE IN MY little corner of the world we are just three days out from the Nov. 7 elections and the end of that day can’t come soon...

County receives aational award for affordable housing collaboration

The Chester County Department of Community Development has received an Award of Excellence from the National Association for County Community and Economic Development for the creation of its Affordable Housing Developer Collaborative. Pictured with the award are (left to right) Chester County Department of Community Development Planning Supervisor Trish Hennessy, Deputy Director Shaun Bollig, and Director...