YMCA’s Lawson appointed to Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission

Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, addresses state legislators and members of the press during a press conference in January 2024, announcing the expansion of the state’s Child and Dependent Care tax credit. Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment...

Chesco government awarded top honor for employee well-being

The Chester County Commissioners presented an American Heart Month proclamation at last week’s public meeting to Chester County’s Human Resources Director Michelle Gallo (second left) and Employee Learning and Development Manager Marcy Curth (center), who oversees Chester County Government’s staff wellness program. For the second consecutive year, the American Heart Association (AHA) awarded...

Kennett Consolodated School District mourns the sudden death of a teacher

Kathleen Arvanites The Kennett Consolidated School District is mourning the loss of beloved teacher Kathleen Arvanites, who passed away on Sunday from a sudden illness. Arvanites taught Spanish in the district for more than 15 years, first at Kennett High School before moving to Kennett Middle School. KCSD issued a statement this week, alerting the wider school community: “It is with heavy hearts...

Commissioners demonstrate CPR in honor of American Heart Month

(Left to right) Chester County Commissioners Eric Roe, Chair Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz demonstrate Hands-Only CPR under the instruction of Chester County EMS Operations Coordinator Larry Smythe (right) at the Commissioners’ February 14th Public Meeting. At the Valentine’s Day meeting, the Commissioners Proclaimed February as American Heart Month. When a Valentine’s Day public meeting...

Diggs named Exec. Dir. of Chesco Housing Authority

Paul Diggs The Board of the Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC) has appointed Paul Diggs MPA as Executive Director of the organization, effective immediately.  Diggs comes to this position from the Howard County Maryland – Housing Commission and takes over HACC leadership from retired Executive Director Dale Gravett. Housing Authority Board Chair Pat Bokovitz said, “The Executive Director...

Octorara school president killed in plane crash in W. Caln

Sam Ganow The President of the Octorara Area School District, Sam Ganow, was killed Thursday when his the plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff from Chester County Airport. Ganow, 65, a long-time member of the OASD board, died when the Grumman GA-7 Cougar twin-engine plane he was flying crashed two minutes after takeoff in a wooded area in West Caln, near Old Wilmington Road. Investigators...

Groundhog sees his shadow; early Spring coming?

Although generally a mild winter so far for Chester County, the Commonwealth’s most famous groundhog predicted Friday that an early Spring would come this year. Pennsylvania’s very own world-famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring after not seeing his shadow this morning at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney — marking the 21st time Phil has not seen his shadow during the...

Lionville Middle School’s Kirby named outstanding PA Asst. Principal for 2024

Andrew W. Kirby Andrew W. Kirby, Assistant Principal of Lionville Middle School (LMS) in the Downingtown Area School District, was selected as Pennsylvania’s 2024 Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. As a state winner in the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP) of the Year Program,...

County’s 9-1-1 Center moves to New emergency call infrastructure

Chester County Telecommunicator Mike Arganetto in the Chester County 9-1-1 Center. Chester County has transitioned to the new Next Generation 9-1-1 Statewide Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network, a faster and more efficient way for the 9-1-1 call center to receive emergency calls. The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (DES) transitioned today its Emergency Communications Center...

Penn Medicine opts out of deal to acquire Brandywine Hospital site

Brandywine Hospital. File photo. Citing construction costs and building issues, Penn Medicine has opted out of an agreement to purchase the old Brandywine Hospital, Friday. Penn is expected to look for another facility in the area, which would be used for VA medical services and potentially emergency and acute care for the Coatesville area. Tower Health, which owns the facility an operated it until...