County unveils new ReadyChesco emergency notification system

WEST CHESTER —  The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (CCDES) announced Monday the upgrade of its mass emergency notification system. The upgrade includes a new identification, ReadyChesCo, which replaces the existing ReadyNotify brand. ReadyChesCo incorporates greater technological capabilities and flexibility. All Chester County residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged...

Mobile pet food pantry to go mobile

WEST CHESTER — State Senator Andy Dinniman has joined with Meals on Wheels of Chester County, the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) and local senior centers to launch a mobile dog food pantry to assist those in need and their pets. Earlier this year, Dinniman and his family worked with the Chester County SPCA to establish Henry’s Cupboard, a pet-food pantry that assists area income-eligible...

TCHS student wins $15K scholarship

Gilberto Correa placed first in the HVAC category at the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA competition in April. He will be attending the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in June. DOWNINGTOWN – Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus student Gilberto Correa didn’t want to get his hopes up. As a first place finisher in the HVAC category at the SkillsUSA...

Nominees for farm awards sought

WEST CHESTER – The Chester County Board of Commissioners, along with the Agricultural Development Council (Ag Council), is accepting nominations for two agricultural awards: Farmer of the Year and Distinguished Agricultural Service. The Farmer of the Year Award is presented to a deserving Chester County individual or family that exemplifies outstanding farm practices, that has an innovative operation...

On Your Table: Farmers Markets in your area

Fresh is best and you can enjoy from local farms — find your local event By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Despite the gloom of this past week or two, summer is arriving across the area and with it the lush produce offered at local farmers markets. We welcome the fresh foods of the new season.  And we are not alone.  Across the country, the number of U.S. farmers markets has...

Chesco’s biggest Memorial Day parade salutes veterans

Kennett Square’s beloved, time-honored tradition marches on By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times Marine First Sergeant and Kennett Square resident, Steven Hunter, walks the parade with son Alex KENNETT SQUARE – Historic Kennett Square hosted its annual Memorial Day Parade Monday. With more than 1,000 participants, near perfect weather, and an estimated record attendance; the parade appeared...

Chester County’s Underground Railroad remembered

Kennett Historical Commission details township, county role in leading slaves to freedom By Jacqueline Kennedy, Correspondent, The Times A map of some of the sites where Chester County residents housed newly-free slaves before and during the Civil War. KENNETT — The Kennett Township Historical Commission held its annual meeting earlier this month that featured a presentation titled “Follow...

County dedicates new tactical village

Chester County Commissioners (center front, Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell), as well as elected officials and representatives from the first responder community, cut the ribbon to officially open the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus Tactical Village. SOUTH COATESVILLE — Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline were joined...

On Your Table: Artisan cheeses from The Farm at Doe Run

Chester County cheese makers craft wide range of tasty products By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Cheese artisans Matt Hettlinger (left) and Samuel Kennedy (right) at work in The Farm at Doe Run’s Creamery (courtesy of Stacey Gentile). Cheese is a living thing.  The cheese artisans at The Farm at Doe Run near Unionville understand this and coax the best flavors from the milk produced...

County moves to preserve 1,000 acres of open space

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners moved Thursday to approve the preservation of more than 1,000 acres of open space, as the county closes in on having preserved some 125,000 acres of open space over the last couple of decades. During Tuesday’s Sunshine meeting of the county commissioners, Bill Gladden, director of the county’s Department of Open Space Preservation, said the grants...