Commissioners ax jury commissioners’ post – again

Two Republicans continue opposition to job; lone Democrat disagrees   By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Democratic Jury Commissioner Martha Smith listens as Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello explains why he plans to vote to eliminate the elected position Smith has held for more than 13 years. The roller-coaster ride for Chester County’s two jury commissioners continued...

Federal evaluators: County well-prepared for disaster

For third consecutive year, it earned perfect score on readiness assessment By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times For the third year in a row, Chester County received a perfect score in emergency readiness from federal evaluators. For the third consecutive year, Chester County has received a perfect score of 100 on the 2013 Federal Technical Assistance Review (TAR), an annual assessment...

County bids quasi-farewell to longtime administrator

Human services director retires but will stay on until replacement is found Although Ruth E. Kranz-Carl has retired as head of the county’s Department of Human Services, she will work part time until her replacement is found. A retirement send-off for a longtime county administrator on Thursday came off good-naturedly a bit half-baked. That’s because Ruth E. Kranz-Carl, who has spent more...

County OKs $520 million budget with 4.9% tax hike

 Not even Leo, the new county K-9, elicits bark of protest By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times K-9 Leo waits for his turn in the spotlight at the county commissioners’ meeting with his handler, John DiBuonaventuro, a longtime first responder and Tredyffrin Township supervisor The Chester County Commissioners on Thursday approved a $520 million budget for 2013 – a blueprint that...

County poised to hike taxes for 1st time in 5 years

Increase is needed to maintain valued services, commissioners said By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Ryan Costello (from left), Terence Farrell and Kathi Cozzone said a tax hike is needed to continue county services that residents value. The Chester County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday night to elicit comment on the preliminary 2013 budget. Even though the...

County observing Mental Illness Awareness Week

Educational materials will be available at multiple locations Chester County Commissioners Ryan Costello (from left), Terence Farrell, and Kathi Cozzone will issue a proclamation Tuesday to spotlight National Mental Illness Awareness Week. Chester County will recognize National Mental Illness Awareness Week, which begins today, with many local activities to promote insight and treatment options, the...

Tourism center’s historic renovation celebrated

Former meetinghouse once served as  hub for abolitionists By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Alicia Lyons (from left) and Mary Beth Tryens enthusiastically tout the award-winning wines of the nearby Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery. Community leaders took a step back in time Wednesday as they celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Brandywine Valley Tourism Information...

County leader elected to regional post for statewide advocacy group

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone will represent District Five of the Pa. County Commissioners Association  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said she is pleased and honored to represent District Five of the state County Commissioners Association. When local officials grapple with the aftershocks of state and federal mandates, the County Commissioners Association...