Op/Ed: Chester County government prepared for emergencies
New plan, developed in-house, provides for county services when disaster strikes
By Terence Farrell, Chester County Commissioner
Terence Farrell
Being prepared for all emergencies is a daunting task for those elected officials responsible for the safety and well-being of their constituents but planning for such emergencies is necessary.
Some months ago the county commissioners took steps to develop...
Police: Armed home-invasion with hostages a hoax
Authorities called incident an example of dangerous prank called “swatting”
The 9-1-1 operator relayed details of the report: A home invasion in Westtown Township was unfolding with four armed intruders seizing hostages, according to the caller – self-described as a terrified, 13-year-old hiding in a closet.
A little after midnight on Wednesday, the Chester County Department of...
County’s emergency radio system closer to overhaul
Commissioners authorized finalizing of contract for $42.1 million
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone authorized the completion of a $42.1 million contract to replace the county’s emergency radio system. It is expected to be signed at the commissioners’ Feb. 14 meeting.
As expected at Thursday’s...
60-plus eateries vying to satisfy culinary appetites
The 33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival will be held Sunday in West Chester.
33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival set for Sunday
Area foodies will likely be heading to West Chester on Sunday for the 33rd Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival.
One of the biggest annual events in the area, the free festival will be held from noon to 5:30 p.m. More than 60 restaurants and food...
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...
Feds deem county ready to handle disaster
For second year in row, county gets perfect score on readiness assessment
The Center for Disease Control’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has large quantities of medicine and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency (terrorist attack, flu outbreak, earthquake) severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.
Just in time for National Preparedness...
Emergency preparedness moving full steam ahead
County to distribute tips, information at area train stations
Commuter alert: If someone tries to hand you a newspaper at the train station tomorrow morning from 6 to 9 a.m., they may be county employees, not solicitors.
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services will be distributing safety information at area train stations, one of the many local...
County gets boost from bond-rating giants
Maintaining its AAA status will translate into lower borrowing costs
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Barry Seymour (left), executive director of DVRPC, congratulates Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell on his election to the DVRPC chairmanship.
The three major bond-rating firms reaffirmed Chester County’s AAA status – an assessment deemed more...
County to be hit by ‘excessive heat event’
Prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures predicted
WEST CHESTER – The National Weather Service advises that a major excessive heat event is expected to hit Chester County beginning tomorrow, a period of high temperatures that may extend into Friday, the county’s Department of Emergency Services said in a press release.
The release said the county is currently under a heat warning, which...
