County shifting into flood-recovery mode

5.5 inches of rain prompts evacuations, more than 60 water rescues The water is receding, and now the necessary mop-up will begin. And if county officials had their way, no one would be on the roads right now since many sections remain closed and the recovery will take some time. The storm left these giant sink holes at Colonial Hyundai in Thorndale. Although the waters had largely receded amongst...

County residents: Rain, rain, please go away

NWS says flooding will worsen before it improves; officials advise staying put Updated at 5:40 p.m. with information from the county Dept. of Emergency Services If you haven’t finished your ark, best not to venture out. The latest report from the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests that flooding will worsen before it starts to improve. The Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford floods at 9 feet and...

Chester County warned of possible deluge

Four days of rain predicted, heaviest on Wednesday The National Weather Service says it is becoming apparent that a severe weather system will affect Chester County beginning sometime Monday night, April 28, through Thursday, May 1. At this point, the first light round of rain, less than an inch, is expected Monday night. The heaviest rainfall is expected Wednesday and Wednesday night with two to...

Volunteers sought for earth-shaking endeavor

1,400 trees to be planted in East Fallowfield Township The Brandywine Conservancy is taking the lead on a project to plant 1,400 trees in East Fallowfield Township on Saturday; volunteers are needed. Conservationists hope area residents will dig this important environmental activity: planting 1,400 trees in East Fallowfield Township on Saturday, Oct. 26. The Brandywine Conservancy, Guardians of the...

Quenching thirst for beer – and its history

 Victory Brewing Co. co-founder entertains crowd at CFHS By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Bill Covaleski, co-founder of Victory Brewing Company, shares more beer samples and conversation after his well-received lecture at the Chadds Ford Historical Society. Bill Covaleski, co-founder of Downingtown’s thriving Victory Brewing Company, owes a considerable amount of debt; fortunately...

Hundreds hit the frosty Brandywine

Polar Plunge hits new heights for attendance and fun Swimmers hit the frosty Brandywine Creek as part of the Brandywine Valley Association’s Polar Plunge, Saturday. Hundreds of swimmers hit the water to raise money for the BVA, while a giant crowd looked on. By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times EAST BRADFORD – It was a fabulous, sunny day: a great opportunity for a nice dip in the Brandywine Creek,...

Pocopson gets top marks on runoff study

While local towns fare well in Clean Water Action study, all could do better, authors say By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The 25 municipalities of the Brandywine Creek basin were graded this week for how their ordinances manage storm water runoff, with Pocopson ranking first and Valley and South Coatesville rated worst. PENNSBURY — Local municipalities scored above average in a report card issued...

Ignoring ‘road-closed’ sign will hit drivers in wallet

Drivers who are caught ignoring road-closing signs will get points and fines, and if they require rescue crews, those costs will be assessed as well. New law mandates points, fines and rescue costs for offending motorists Ignoring a “road-closed” sign – a frequent occurrence around the flood-prone Brandywine – became potentially more costly today, state officials said. The Pennsylvania Department...

Pocopson faces $400K in sediment plan costs

Supervisors say they are frustrated by high cost, lack of proof remediation will benefit creek By Kelli Siehl, Staff Writer, The Times Pocopson township officials are worried that new rules on sediment discharge into local streams, such as the Brandywine, seen here from Birmingham, could cost the township some $400,000 over the next five years and may not provide much of a solution. POCOPSON — During...

New stormwater rules could cost E. Marlborough more than $500,000

EPA, State DEP sediment containment rules could hit budget hard, officials say By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times New rules for sediment containment could hit local communities in the Christina River basin (pictured above) hard in the coming years. East Marlborough officials said Monday that it could cost the township more than $500,000 over the next five years to meet the requirements. EAST MARLBOROUGH...