State, local police to crack down on DUI this weekend

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania State Police and local police are partnering to make the Independence Day holiday travel safer through enforcement targeted at motorists impaired by drugs or alcohol. “Last year we saw Pennsylvanians make smarter decisions when it came to impaired driving over the Independence Day holiday, and I hope we continue to see that positive...

Officials: play it safe when it comes to fireworks

State safety and law enforcement officials are reminding citizens to follow the law and safety recommendations when enjoying fireworks displays during Fourth of July celebrations. “The best way to safely enjoy fireworks is by viewing the large, professionally-run displays enjoyed in many communities,” said State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “If you do decide to use the smaller fireworks that Pennsylvanians...

On Stage: Youth is served at Flash Music Challenge

Eight local bands to battle at Kennett venue, Sat. & Sun. By Denny Dyroff, Correspondent, The Times The Floats, of Glenmoore, are among eight local bands taking part in the “The Summer Music Challenge — Battle of the Bands” at The Flash in Kennett this weekend. Many of the area’s music venues are taking a little break over the Independence Day holiday but not The Flash in Kennett Square. The...

West Nile found in Chester Co. mosquitos

The Chester County Health Department is informing residents that mosquito samples collected in Uwchlan Township on June 24 have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive mosquito sample identified in Chester County for the 2014 season. The mosquito traps are placed in various locations in the County as part of routine surveillance by Health Department officials. The Health...

New summer reading program targets in-need kids

Kennett focuses efforts on young, struggling readers with summer program By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times Educators in the Kennett Consolidated School District are using a new program to keep kids reading over the summer. KENNETT — Tracey Marino, the Principal at Greenwood Elementary, is passionate about mitigating summer learning loss.  She has turned her passion into developing a new...

Op/Ed.: Keystones not ready to graduate

By Rep. Duane D. Milne, State Representative, 167th Legislative District State Rep. Duane D. Milne As the 2013-14 school year ends, and we look forward to 2014-15, I am calling on my fellow citizens to join me in demanding a halt to the implementation of the Keystone Exams as proposed. In short: the Keystone Exams, if adopted as is, will require Pennsylvania high school students in general to take...

Have a fun and fabulous Fourth!

Fashion, food and fireworks make Independence Day one of my favorite holidays By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times How can it be time for the 4th of July?  With school ending so late, it seems as if half of the summer is finished before it has begun! Celebrating Independence Day has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Growing up, we attended our town festivities that included a bike decorating...

Bad state budget could wipe out Corbett and local legislators

If House plan is the final budget, GOP could face electoral doom in November By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times It looks like Gov. Tom Corbett could be winning his budget battle, but could be losing the war — and maybe a handful of state legislative seats in Chester County. We may have a better sense how bad the mess will be once a state budget is passed, maybe even by Monday. The House of Representatives...

KEF announces $10k Super Grant & outstanding teacher awards

Six KCSD teachers honored, super grant awarded for library reading program By Kim Chiomento, Correspondent, The Times The 2014 Kennett Education Foundation “Outstanding Teachers” awardees are: from left to right: Marybeth Kufen, Mary D Lang Kindergarten Center, Patti Tatum, Kennett Middle School, April Reynolds, Bancroft Elementary School, Jodi Davidson, Kennett High School, Jennifer Miller, Greenwood...

What To Do: United Sports Family Fun, Concerts and more!

The holiday weekend starts early — a week early, as family-friendly events abound By Denny Dyroff, Correspondent, The Times United Sports in Downingtown and Brandywine Hospital present Family Fun Summer Series & Movie Nights, starting tonight, June 27, with fun games and activities and a movie after dark. At times, it can be challenging to keep finding family events that provide youngsters with...