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Posted: May, 13, 2009
Robert Pacana, volunteer assistant fire chief at the West End Fire Company said he was shocked when he learned a fellow Coatesville firefighter was arrested in connection to a spree of arsons that have terrorized residents. More
COUNTY NEWS
Last night at the Chester County GOP Endorsement Convention, the Republican Committee of Chester County endorsed Val DiGiorgio as their County Controller Candidate, Mimi Sack as their Jury Commissioner Candidate, and Dr. Steve Dickter as their County Coroner Candidate. The committee chose to recommend Teena Peters and Frank McElwaine as their Clerk of Courts Candidates; and Ann Duke and Alan Randzin as their County Treasurer Candidates.
Read more
The Chester County Commi ssioners approved budgeting guidelines for 2010. The commissioners agreed the goal is to deliver governmental services, a significant portion of which are legally mandated, in the most efficient and most cost effective manner based on goals developed through the strategic planning process. Read more
If Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and the federal government are truly looking for projects to provide an economic stimulus, they have only to revive the delayed construction of Section 300 of Route 202. Read more
HEADLINE NEWS
The West End Fire Co. today took a proactive stance to news that one of its own had been charged with arson by assuring residents they were committed to regaining the community's trust. Full story
Robert Tracey, who only a few weeks ago resigned as volunteer assistant fire chief for the West End Fire Co. to become a part-time, paid firefighter with the Coatesville Fire Department, was charged today with setting two fires Friday night not far from his home in the city's West End. Full story
The numbers are frightening: Seventy arsons in 13 months; one every six days. And there are no guarantees there won't be more, despite six arrests. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners met recently with County department heads and deputies to present the results of a survey of Chester County citizens addressing quality of life for residents, priority issues and the performance of county personnel. Full story
The Coatesville Redevelopment Authority (RDA) discussed met with developer in a closed-doors executive session Monday night with only the much-delayed Riverwalk being talked about in the public session. Full story
Harry Colon, vice chairman of Coatesville's Redevelopment Authority, believes someone other than City Manager Harry Walker should be serving as its executive director. Full story
Two homes were destroyed in the 200 block of Valley Road today in an early morning fire which arson investigators say was deliberately set. The fire was set less than 24 hours after a Downingtown man was held for trial on charges he set nine fires in Coatesville, including the fire that destroyed 15 homes on Fleetwood Street. Full story
Sixteen candidates, 12 Democrats and 4 Republicans, are vying for four Coatesville council seats up for election this year, according to petitions filed at county Voter Services. Full story
In response to the recent outbreak of fires in the Coatesville area, ArcelorMittal and the Brandywine Health Foundation are partnering with local fire departments to help residents and business owners prevent and prepare for future emergencies. Full story
Developer Don Pulver must begin land development for his proposed Marriott Hotel and multi-level office building within the next 60 days or lose $4.6 million in state grants. Full story
The State of Emergency in Coatesville has been extended an extra two weeks until March 9 when city council will decide whether to continue it further. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker last night called on city council to approve a resolution allowing the city to apply for $500,000 that could be used of offset police and firefighter overtime which the governor's office had put on the fast track for approval more than three weeks ago. Full story
A divided Coatesville council last night approved withdrawing $200,000 from the city's Trust Fund so that it can pay down some $600,000 in overdue bills and make payroll. The city's financial woes have worsened because of more than $150,000 in overtime costs related to a string of arsons that continue to terrorize the city. Full story
Just three days after police arrested two men in connection with a spree of arsonists that have terrorized Coatesville, another arsonist has struck, setting fire to seven school buses in West Brandywine Township. Full story
Twenty-year-old Mark Gilliam wanted to be a volunteer firefighter with the West Bradford Fire Co. He had even been issued firefighting gear and attended a few training sessions before his application was denied on Feb. 11. Full story
Authorities last night arrested a West Chester man in connection with the spree of arsons that have terrorized Coatesville residents. Full story
A Downingtown teenage who reportedly loved to watch things burn was arrested today and charged with nine of the 22 arsons that created a wave of terror in Coatesville. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker was confronted last night with evidence he had withdrawn $500,000 from the city's dwindling Trust Fund and then keeping the withdrawal hidden from council. Full story
Coatesville has amassed more than $600,000 in unpaid bills, some dating back more than six months into last year. At the same time the city is struggling with $100,000 in police overtime because of an arson spree that has locked the city in terror. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker is asking the federal government for $49 million to improve public safety and to salvage what remains of the city's redevelopment which has stagnated since the present council was elected three years ago. Full story
The relief fund for Coatesville fire victims estbalished by Citadel Bank has swelled to $80,000, according to the county Department of Community Development. The fund was set up after shortly after the Fleetwood Street arson attack that destroyed 15 row homes. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker found out Monday night that he wouldn't be able to tap into the city's dwindling Trust Fund without first providing council a more detailed financial picture beyond the fact that police and fire department overtime is skyrocketing because of a spree of arsons plaguing the city. Full story
The Republican party is making a comeback in the Coatesville area according to its new area chairman, Eric Brown, who says the slate of candidates for city offices demonstrates a new vitality. Full story
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey came to Coatesville yesterday to assure residents they weren't alone in the fight to hunt down those responsible for an arson spree that has left 20 families homeless and caused residents to live in fear. Full story
Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews privately has informed city council that he intends to resign once the city is no longer threatened by a serial arsonist who has terrorized the city and neighboring municipalities. Full story
The Friday night fire that destroyed a mobile home on Buck Run Road in East Fallowfield Township has been declared and ignarson by the Chester County Arson task force. The task force is composed of city, county, state and federal law enforcement officials. Full story
After weeks of public outcry, Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews today lowered the curfew for all those under 18 of age to 8 p.m. from 10 p.m. in response to a series of arsons that have left city residents terrorized. Full story
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) yesterday asked the attorney general to provide additional resources to Coatesville to help track down a serial arsonist or arsonists responsible for a string of arsons that has terrorized city residents. Full story
Gov. Ed Rendell today promised Coatesville $500,000 to help fund the hunt for an arsonist who has terrorized the city with 21 house fires in 25 days. The money will be used pay for overtime for the local police and fire departments so that they can expand the investigation and assist fire victims. Full story
Editor's Update: The county Arson Task force has now ruled this fire arson.
Coatesville firefighters Tuesday night fought to bring under control yet another fire in Coatesville, this one just three days after four fires in neighboring municipalities were ruled arson by the county Arson Task Force. Full story
Valley Township supervisors met in emergency session Saturday morning to declare a State of Emergency following two early-morning, porch fires on Church Street, bringing to five the number of arsons in the township that borders Coatesville. Full story
Four early-morning porch fires set today at homes in three municipalities bordering Coatesville have been ruled arson the the Chester County Arson Task Force and may be the act of the same arsonist terrorizing the city. Full story
In response to a letter from two state Senators urging Gov. Ed Rendell to use state resources to assist the city of Coatesville during its state of emergency, more help is on the way. Full story
The Brandywine Health Foundation today announced a gift of $10,000 to Citadel Federal Credit Union's Coatesville Family Fund to aid the families displaced by the recent fires in Coatesville. Issued as a challenge grant to encourage others to come forward, the gift is targeted to the 32 adults and 18 children who are in need of food, clothing and shelter. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners this morning pledged $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for the recent arsons in Coatesville. Full story
Coatesville firefighters this evening responded to a trash fire in the 500 block of Coates street that was described as being intentionally set. However, officials are being cautious about saying whether it is part of a string of arsons terrorizing residents. Full story
More than 100 angry Coatesville residents demanding to know what was being done to protect them from a serial arsonist crowded in to City Hall yesterday and turned what was to be an opportunity to sign up for Town Watch into an interrogation session of city officials. Full story
Firefighters from across the county rushed to Coatesville late last night to assist Coatesville firefighters battle a blaze that threatened to destroy the entire 300 block of Fleetwood Street, the 14th arosn-related fire since the start of the New Year. Full story
In less than two weeks since George Donkewicz was charged with the arson-related death of an 83-year-old Polish immigrant who survived Hitler's labor camps, Coatesville police have arrested two other individuals on arson charges. Full story
Unless Coatesville can soon make revitalization a realty the city faces financial disaster. That was the finding of an independent financial management firm hired through a state early intervention program to help municipalities weather financial crisis. Full story
A complaint was lodged today with the Chester County District Attorney's Office after evidence was found that seven Democrats have been voting in the county and also in New Jersey in the same elections. Full story
The New Life in Christ Fellowship church was briefly barricaded off today as police dealt with a grenade that had been dropped off at the church's gun amnesty program designed to get guns off the street. Full story
Richard Legree, a political power broker in Coatesville, yesterday broke from the Republican Party to become a Democrat and endorsed presidential contender Barrack Obama saying his eight years in a leadership role with the county GOP had been a disappointment. Full story
Coatesville City Finance Director Ricky Dean was fired for job abandonment on Thursday, but efforts to remove Dean began weeks before he suffered injuries in a Sept. 8 auto accident that reportedly prevented him from immediately returning to work. Full story
Coatesville Finance Director Ricky Dean has been fired, the ChesterCountyReporter.com has learned. Dean reportedly was notified of his termination while at home where he is recuperating from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Full story
A seat on Coatesville's powerful Redevelopment Authority is again vacant after Al Baxter, a city minister, resigned one week after being appointed because he failed to meet a city residency requirement. Full story
Coatesville council last night voted 5 to 2 to provide a $1.45 million bridge loan to a private developer and promised a second, $1.4 million loan once the first loan is paid back. Full story
Coatesville's Trust Fund could be used to help potential developers secure financing, City Manager Harry Walker has confirmed. The ChesterCountyReporter has learned the possibility as been discussed both at council and Redevelopment Authority (RDA) executive sessions. Full story
investigation that started out probing the illegal sale of drug paraphernalia in Coatesville soon expanded into illegal drug trafficking ended today with the round up of some 30 individuals on drug trafficking charges. Full story
Coatesville Council Member Marty Eggleston found his announcement that District Attorney Joe Carroll would be a few minutes late arriving at Tuesday nights forum on violence a little unusual. Full story
Coatesville school board President Donna Urban is taking a dim view of City Manager Harry Walker's remarks that the school district isn't living up to its civic responsibilities. Full story
Surveillance cameras, curfews for those on probation, increasing funding for the police department, and requiring parents to take responsibility for their children were some of the issues touched upon last night at a public form on Coatesville's violent street crime. Full story
City Manager Harry Walker last night called Coatesville a city under siege brought about by ill-thoughout county programs that turned the city into a welfare state and the breeding ground for lawlessness. Full story
Read Walker's full statement
The increase in gun-related violence in Coatesville has become a major concern of Coatesville schools Superintendent Rich Como who is already taking steps to ensure there is no spillover onto any of the district's campuses. Full story
While the investigation of an armed robbery at a West Goshen hotel this week is continuing, District Attorney Joe Carroll is wasting no time saying the fatal shooting of one of the robbers was justified. Full story
Competing plans by two utility companies hoping to build gas-to-electricty generating plant on the Flats are fast losing favor with Coatesville officials. Full story
The Brandywine Center has dramatically changed the skyline of Coatesville's East End. Now, the public is being invited to see inside the four-story building that is drawing other developers to the area. Full story
A Philadelphia development firm last night presented the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority with a conceptual plan for the part of the Flats south of the arched railroad bridge that included a 40,500 supermarket along with office space and restaurants. Full story
The increase in violent crime in Coatesville last night caused city council to break down in an emotional display of frustration with Council Member Robin Scott tearfully admitting she no longer knew what to do. Full story
For two families who recently moved into the West End of Coatesville a series of arson's was what sparked them to decide it was time to form a Town Watch. Full story
District Attorney Joe Carroll is moving to Coatesville and today purchased a house on North Eighth Avenue, the center of the city's illegal drug trade and the site of several shootings, the ChesterCountyReporter has learned. Full story
Former Coatesville City Manager Jean Krack was officially named Phoenixville borough manager Monday night. Full story
Coatesville is taking a second look at its curfew after resident complaints about children wandering the streets late night. Full story
When the Brandywine Health Center opened in April, Francis Sheehan remarked she believed it would attract other developers to Coatesville's East End. She wasn't mistaken. Monday night the nation's largest drugstore chain presented city council with plans for a pharmacy and convenience center to be built only a block away. Full story/photo
Coatesville may have to take back some of the properties it sold at public auction last month because the high bids failed to cover outstanding Coatesville school tax liens. Full story
Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews was put under the spotlight at last night's council meeting as residents complained of violent street crime running rampant with the city's Mexican community being singled out by street thugs. Full story
Former Coatesville City Manager Jean Krack said this morning that he is hopeful he will be named borough manager for Phoenixville. Full story
Past Articles
Coatesville Council Member Kurt Schenk circulated a newsletter prior to Monday night's council meeting that explained his vote for renewing City Manager Harry Walker's contract and extending the contract for Police Chief William Matthews.
Full story
Coatesville police will have a Spanish-speaking officer on each shift with the hiring of four new provisional police officers, bringing the department just one person shy of its full compliment of 34 police officers. Full story
Residents who complained to Coatesville council Monday night about abandoned buildings, trash laden streets, and corner drug dealers found a sympathetic ear among council members. Full story
Coatesville Fire Chief Kevin Johnson last night denied that he has tendered his resignation, saying only that he has been having an open dialogue with his bosses. Full story
A change in the Republican leadership for Area 14 which includes Coatesville could mean a major shift in how the local GOP goes about selecting and endorsing candidates for city council seats. Full story
It was shortly after the administration at the Coatesville school district noticed irregularities with the time sheets submitted by two teachers now charged with falsifying instructional logs that tighter controls were put in place by Superintendent Richard Como. Full story
A divided Coatesville council Monday night renewed a three-year contract for City Manager Harry Walker and agreed to a one-year contract extension for Police Chief William Matthews to allow him additional time to recover from an unspecified medical condition now preventing him from obtaining mandatory state certification. Full story
Two former Coatesville school district teachers are free on bail today after being arrested on charges that they bilked the school district out of thousands of dollars by submitting false timecards for homebound instruction. Full story
The Chester County mushroom industry is an economic force in the community in terms of its longevity, the tenure of employees and community investment, according to a Penn Statue University report. Full story
Coatesville council last night approved the sale of the vacant lot next to the Cultural Society in downtown Coatesville to developers who plan to build a four-story apartment building they hope will attract local artists. Full story
The sight of smoke stacks from a gas-to-electricty power plant towering over downtown Coatesville is fading fast, despite the promise from their developers to pump millions of dollars into the city's cash-starved coffers. Full story
Coatesville Democrats turned out in extraorindary record numbers yesterday to vote for presidential hopeful Barrack O'Bama as did Democrats throughout the county. Full story
The Coatesville school board is considering changing Gordon from an elementary school to an educational center for special education student now placed in learning facilities outside the district at a cost of upwards of $9 million annually. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners today announced the hiring of two directors in county departments. Denny G. Bolton will serve as Director of Financial Services and Keith A. Hayes will be Director of Children, Youth and Families. Full story
Renovations to the Coatesville high school will cost taxpayers $46.9 million according to bids the district's operations committee is recommending to the full school board. Full story
The Coatesville school district is looking to save as much as $2.5 million by firing its project manager, Turner Construction, and doing the job in-house with two if its employees. Full story
The attorney representing Robert McNeil in his efforts to buy the Flats for $2.3 million has warned the city Redevelopment Authority that putting a power plant on the site would be a death blow to the Coatesville's redevelopment. Full story
Two independent energy generating companies are vying for the Flats in Coatesville that if either proved successful would poor millions of dollars into the city's financially strapped coffers and could possibly radically transform future revitalization plans. Full story
Florida Power and Light Co.
LS Power Group
Tomorrow night Coatesville council will take another look at this year's proposed budget. And like last year's budget, this one, too, relies on selling off city assets to make up for a revenue shortfall. Full story
Mayhem reigned at last night at Coatesville's public budget hearing with two council members walking out midway through the two-hour meeting and a third rushing home to gather up previous year's budgets in a dispute over just how much financial detail should be in the budget. Full story
Donna Urban was reelected president of the Coatesville school board tonight at its annual reorganization. She had no opposition. Rick Ritter was elected vice president. He beat out current Vice President Bob Knecht who voted for Ritter. Full story
Property that was once hoped by a previous Coatesville council would become part of the proposed Iron Hawk Golf Course was sold back to its former owner at a $212,983 profit to the city. Full story
A bomb scare this morning caused the evacuation of the Coatesville high school in Caln Township. The school district made the following statement: Full story
Despite Coatesville's preliminary 2008 budget calling for a $2.28 million deficit in its general fund there has been little public discussion on just why expenditures are being predicted to exceed the combined 2007 budget by $1.7 million and what needs to be done to balance the budget. Full story
County property owners were officially spared an increase in their real estate taxes when the county commissioners unanimously adopted a final $456. million budget for next year that calls for no tax increase. Full story
Plans for the Coatesville RDA to sell the Lincoln Center at 101 E. Lincoln Highway hit a snag last week when it learned the property may already be under agreement of sale to Don Pulver who has said he wants to build a high-rise office building on the property. Full story
The cash-strapped Coatesville Redevelopment Authority may be close to defaulting on a $7 million loan that was used to spur what at one time was thought would be $700 million in revitalization projects. Full story
Coatesville council was left without a quorum and unable to pass a resolution ending Tuesday night's council meeting because earlier two council members got up and walked of the meeting amid harsh criticism of City Manager Harry Walker by Council Member Marty Eggleston. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners Thursday announced four farms with 258 acres are being preserved through Chester County and partner programs. Full story
District Attorney Joseph Carroll reminded Coatesville council Tuesday night that Police Chief William Matthews still has not received mandatory police certification and will soon be in violation of his employment contract. Full story
Even Don Pulver admitted it has taken a while. "It's been four years since I started coming here," he told Coatesville council last night. "Our purpose for coming here tonight is we're about ready to ask for final land use approval." Full story
Tuesday's election is unlikely to change the alignment of Coatesville's divided council where the so-called Block of Four continue to vote as a block. But, it may signify a significant turn among the electorate. Full story
Coatesville school district Region II voters Tuesday returned Rick Ritter to the school board, not forgetting it was the spreadsheet whiz that helped take the district from the brink of financial insolvency to a reserve surplus that continues to teeter around $22 million. Full story
The Chester County Republican Party steamrolled its way to victory yesterday winning the commissioners race by margins some long-term GOP activists claimed were reminiscent of the 70s. Full story
Congressman Joe Pitts has officially endorsed Republican county commissioner candidates Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell, lauding their commitment to land preservation and urban revitalization. Full story
The First National Bank of Chester County is scheduled to close it's Coatesville branch office at 258 E. Lincoln Hwy. on Jan. 28 and transfer all accounts to a new Downingtown branch office scheduled to open the same day. Full story
The county commissioners yesterday presented a $456 million 2008 budget proposal that calls for no tax increase despite expenditures expected to increase by $17 million or 3.9 percent over this year's budget. Full story
An independent arbitrator has ruled Coatesville acted improperly when in July it reduced the status of two, full-time firefighters to part-time and now must return the two to full-time status and return any lost wages. Full story
Coatesville wants to auction off 17 properties owned either by the city or the Redevelopment Authority that are not considered critical to the city's revitalization hopes. Full story
The Coatesville school board last night advanced the construction of a new Rainbow Elementary School when it approved swapping 7.6 acres the district owns with Valley Township in exchange for the township agreeing to forgo fees and land use requirements. Full story
Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews last night blamed council members for some of the problems within the police department. Full story
An angry district attorney, a wrench-wielding mother, an outraged council member, and more than 100 police officers made for a contentious Coatesville council meeting last night that revolved around juvenile violence, the suspension of a popular police officer, and the failure of the city administration's to replace departing police officers. Full story
Students and faculty at Reeceville Elementary are ready to tackle the nation's weight problem one step at a time with a new program they are calling 'Walk for Wellness'. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners announced yesterday that the Natural Land Trust is in active negotiations with the owners of Shryock Brothers tract for the transfer of the 45-acre site to open space. Full story
Bob McNeil of Penguin Properties has offered the cash-strapped Coatesville Redevelopment a reported $2.5 million for the Flats, a 20-acre site critical to the city's downtown revitalization. Full story
A fire that damaged the second floor of the old G.O. Carlson office building at West Lincoln Highway and Church Street Thursday night was set, according to the city Fire Chief Kevin Johnson. Full story
Those once on the long side of the law are finding it easier to cross back to the right side through a convenient fine payment system that involves Western Union. Full story
Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell, Republican candidates for county commisioner, today proposed county funding for the acquisition of the Shryock property in Upper Uwchlan Township. Full story
The county is three quarters into its 2007 fiscal year with revenues running 19 percent ahead of expenditures, according to most recent monthly report released by the county's finance department. Full story
Lt. Matt Gordon of the Coatesville police department was placed on administrative leave Thursday, it has been learned. Full story
The Sierra Club yesterday joined a growing list of organizations that believe the best hope for Chester County lies in the election of Democrat commissioner candidates Bob Scott and Kathi Cozzone. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker last night presented city council with a list of his administration's accomplishments that was mixed with hope and dismay and also borrowed heavily from the previous administration. Full story
The two Democrat candidates for county commissioners yesterday lambasted a proposal by their Republican opponents that would limit spending on open space preservation to $20 annually unless voters opted through a referendum to spend more. Full story
The two Republican commissioner candidates may be painting their Democrat rivals into a position where voters might view them as typical big spending Democrats, even if its centered on such a hot button issue as open space. Full story
Coatesville's upcoming budget process will be more open and less contentious than last year's City Manager Harry Walker promised council on Monday night. Full story
Coatesville teachers turned out in mast at last night's regular school board meeting to remind board members that once again teachers are starting a new school year without a new contract. Full story
Andrew McCool got the go-ahead from Coatesville council last night to begin converting the old Famous building which has become home to mostly Latinos into a upscale condominium with units priced as low as $149,000. Full story
Kim Bowman, executive director of the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, has been named 'Advocate of the Year' by the Pennsylvania Recovery Organization Alliance (PRO-A). She received her award at the PRO-A Annual Conference held in Harrisburg, during National Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Month. Full story
First National Bank of Chester County recently announced the sale of the Swope Building at High and Market Streets, West Chester, to Number One Limited Partnership. Full story
Coatesville Police Chief William Matthews tonight sought to assure the city's rapidly growing Mexican community that they will receive the same level of police protection as the rest of the city. Full story
The two Republican candidates for county commissioner, Carol Aichele and Terence Ferrell, and District Attorney Joe Carroll are promising if elected to provide $1.5 million to enhance safety at county schools. Full story
It wasn't that long ago that taxpayers in the Coatesville school district were complaining they were paying the highest school taxes in the county and getting the worse education system in return. Full story
The rise of juvenile gangs in Coatesville wasn't on Monday night's council agenda, but it certainly was on the mind of some residents and council members. Full story
Coatesville City Manager knows if he has any chance of luring rail passengers to the Coatesville train station, he must first convince them that it's safe. Full story
Elmwood Gardens, an affordable housing development close to public transportation, will hold a grand opening on Thursday, September 5 at 2:00 p.m. Full story
Coatesville has found the idea place for aging football coaches. Make them school superintendent and watch scores rise in the classroom room instead of on the football field. Full story
View AYP results for Coatesville here
Renovations at two Coatesville middle schools expected to cost taxpayers upwards of $57 million are being delayed as much as two years to make sure financing is in place to finish the project. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker is hoping to spark revitalization along Third Avenue by taking a more economical approach to parking problems in the area near the city's underused train station. Full story
Several members of Coatesville council last night took issue with the city's paid firefighters who created mass hysteria among city residents over a decision to change the status of two career officers to part time. Full story
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced yesterday that high-tech printing company ANRO Inc. will invest $21.25 million to consolidate its three existing Chester County locations into one facility in West Chester, which will result in the creation of least 60 new, high-quality, manufacturing jobs within three years and the retention of 163 current, full-time employees. Full story
Two Chester County airports were awarded a total of $4.5 million as part of $18.5 million in federal funding to be divided among 22 other airports across the state. Full story
State Sen. Andy Dinniman is asking the public's help in tracking down relatives of Master Sgt. Charles Gerhard Linkowski, a Chester County resident who went Missing in Action (MIA) in 1950 while serving in the Korean War. Full story
Coatesville council Member Kurt Schenk is calling for the West End Fire Co. to be taken out of the city's protective service agreement if it fails to repair damage caused by a fire at the firehouse last July. Full story
Coatesville council last night gave preliminary approval to McCool Properties to turn the old Famous Restaurant building into an upscale condominium with units selling at $149,000. Full story
The city's failure to sell off city owned property to fill a $1.5 million budget gap last night forced city council to layoff eight full time employees and make two of the city's paid firefighters part-time. Full story
The Chester County Health Department (CCHD) has been investigating GI illness centered around the West Chester University swimming pool since Friday, July 6th when it received the first call reporting illness. Full report
Rep. Curt Schroder (R-East Brandywine) has expressed displeasure over the state budget that increases spending by 5.3 percent without meeting the needs of Chester County and its growing communities. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker last night sought to reassure skeptics that Carl Chetty remains committed to building Pennock Place, a seven-story condominium, in the city's downtown business district despite inactivity at the Third Avenue site. Full story
The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) and the Chester County Economic Development Council today announced they are forming a strategic alliance to strengthen the economic success of local farms and overall positive impact of local food systems for communities in southeastern Pennsylvania. Full story
The two Republican candidates for county commissioner yesterday came out slugging against transit legislation they claim blackmails county residents into bailing out SEPTA with little or no voice on how the money would be used. Full story
--- Full text of Aichele's comments
Chester County's Republican House members fought last night to stop a flawed legislative plan to revamp the structure and local funding layout of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA). Full story
More than 100 people crowded in front of Coatesville City Hall yesterday to learn that the county commissioners aren't willing to see the popular Coatesville Link fall to Harrisburg budget wrangling. Full story
The Chester County Commissioners Thursday approved having the Chester County District Attorney's office participate in a statewide program to inform victims of crime when a defendant has been released from the county's custody. Full story
A lone ironworker gently nudged the final steel girder into place atop the frame of the soon-to be Brandywine Health and Housing Center while four stories below dignitaries a few second earlier had referred to the topping off ceremony the first day in a very bright future for Coatesville. Full story
The Brandywine Health Foundation has taken the lead in Coatesville's much talked about revitalization with the steel skeleton of its four-story heath and housing center nearly completed. Full story
A Coatesville school board's finance committee is recommending that the school board approve a $72 million bond issue to start the second phase of a $300 million school construction and renovation project. Full story
Two former Chester County prison guards today are facing charges they conspired with a prison inmate to assault another inmate who had to be treated at the Chester County hospital for head wounds and a broken rib. Full story
Coatesville council tonight night unanimously approved a four-year contract with the uniformed police officers union that calls for a 15-percent pay hike spread out over four years and allows the city to save $200,000 annually in health insurance premiums. Full story
Coatesville's new police chief is seeking to keep children under the age of 18 safe from what he called the midnight bewitching hour by changing the curfew on Friday and Saturday nights from 12 midnight to 11 p.m. Full story
Coatesville Council President Patsy Ray was found guilty today of violating the city's code ordinance which prohibits using interior furniture on her porch. Full story
A Coatesville council member accused developer Carl Chetty of dragging his feet regarding the building of a city-approved, high-rise condominium at the corner of North Third Avenue and East Lincoln Highway in the heart of the city's downtown business district. Full story
Coatesville council voted to remove from last night's agenda a motion that called for adopting a schedule of layoffs for city personnel. That decision followed a lengthy, closed-doors executive session that delayed the start of the regular meeting by 30 minutes. Only council President Patsy Ray voted against tabling the layoff motion. Full story
The Coatesville Redevelopment Authority has filed suit against Bart Blatstein of Tower Investments in the hopes of having the courts force the Philadelphia-based developer return the former Record building at 2004-06 E. Lincoln Hwy. Full story
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the timing on bond interst payments
While school district across the county continue to raise school taxes, the Coatesville school district will enter it's third consecutive school year without a tax hike. Full storyAs Coatesville looks for ways to shore up its finances layoffs of city workers other than police officers are being considered.
Those in jeopardy of losing their jobs include two codes officers, the paid part-time firefighters, the animal control officer, the meter maid, and the school crossing guards. Full story
Coatesville Council President Patsy Ray sparked a screaming match at last night's Redevelopment Authority Meeting that quickly ignited a stream of political invectives that spilled out of council chambers into the hallway at City Hall. Full story
Coatesville is considering slashing the size of its detective and drug units to offset budget shortfalls caused by its failure to sell off in a timely fashion city-owned property needed to balance this year's budget. Full story
Carol Aichele and Terence Farrell won the Republican primary in a race that was closer than expected with Farrell defeating independent Republican Sandy Moser by only 1,098 votes. Full story
Both Republican and Democratic voters in Coatesville yesterday signaled that they are not happy with how the city is being governed and rejected a strong write-in effort to oust two council members who have for the last two years being extremely critical of City Manager Harry Walker and the council majority. More
Carole Aichele plants her arms on the polished table in a small conference room on the fifth-floor of the courthouse and leans forward. "You want to talk about what I've done?" There's no mistaking it for a question: It's a command. Full story
The Coatesville school board adopted a preliminary budget last week that was $3 million less than the $137.79 million originally proposed by the school administration. The proposed 2007-08 budget is now $134.64 million with no property tax increase. Full story
Coatesville council voted 4 to 2 Monday night to accept a settlement with the Siana Bellwoar McAndrew that pays the former city's special counsel $100,000. The law firm had filed a wrongful termination suit in January. Full story
Coatesville council voted Monday night to censure Council Member Ed Simpson for his disruptive behavior at last month's council meeting. The censure is little more than a reprimand; however, if the behavior is repeated it would allow council to expel him from a meeting. Full story
The administration at the Coatesville school district last night presented the finance committee with a preliminary 2007-08 budget that calls for no tax hike despite a hefty $12.5 million in expenditures. Full story
The federal lawsuit against four Coatesville council members filed by the city's former special counsel, Steve Siana, has been settled, according to an order signed yesterday by a federal judge. Full story
The Coatesville school board voted last night to move all of its meetings outside of Coatesville because people are too frightened to come into the city following three separate incidents were people were mugged outside the Benner Education Services Center. Full story
At a contentious council meeting last night City Manager Harry Walker defended his selection for police chief and lashed out at District Attorney Joe Carroll for calling the selection process fraudulent. Full story
Coatesville county Monday night named William Matthews, a former Washington D.C. police officer, the city's new police chief at an annual salary of $83,000. Full story
A whistleblower suit filed against Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker by the city's former special counsel has been dismissed by county Common Pleas Court. Full story
Two Republican candidates for county commissioner who failed to garner the party's coveted endorsement at its February convention have filed to run in the spring primary hoping to win the support of county GOP voters. Full story
Kirby Hudson, Coatesville's assistant city manager, wants it known there is a lot more to Coatesville revitalization than what is happening with Chetty Builders, Don Pulver and Iacobucci homes. Full story
Only two of the three incumbent Coatesville council members up for election this November are seeking election. Council members Marty Eggleston and Ed Simpson filed petitions with county Voter Services to run in the spring primary. Council Member Stephanie Smith-Dowridge did not file for reelection. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker today assured business leaders attending a luncheon sponsored by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry that the city's revitalization is alive and well. Full story
Coatesville council last night hired a former colleague of City Manager Harry Walker to head up the city's codes department at an annual salary of $72,000. Full story
Margaret Downey, president of the atheist Free Thought Society, came to last night's Coatesville council meeting hoping to get an apology from council President Patsy for her spontaneous call for prayer during the last council meeting. Full story
Assistant City Manager Kirby Hudson described his arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) on Saturday an unfortunate incident that followed a dinner outing with his family and friends. Full story
Terence Farrell and Carol Aichele last night won the county Republican Party endorsement for two commissioner seats up for election in November. Full story
Terrance Farrell is heading into the county Republican convention tonight leading a five-candidate field for two county commissioners seat up for election this November, according to a straw vote of GOP committee people. Full story
Coatesville police are continuing to investigate an auto accident on 13th Avenue that left a 20-year-old pedestrian dead. Full story
Coatesville Council President Patsy Ray last night led council and a crowded council chambers in a standing ovation for City Manager Harry Walker who earlier apologized for his lack of judgment that led to his arrest on DUI charges. Full story
Previous stories
Coatesville's search for a new police chief has reportedly ended amid controversy whether the selection process was conducted properly. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker continues to have problems related to his operating a motor vehicle. Yesterday state police at Embreeville said a citation related to a Jan. 22 accident involving a city owned vehicle had been filed against Walker. Full story
Coatesville City Manager Harry Walker was arrested early this morning and charged with Driving Under the Influence, according to state police at Embreeville. Full story
The Coatesville school board gave the go-ahead to begin construction of a $29.4 million new Rainbow Elementary School only after stumbling over the wording of the motion that referred to multiple elementary schools. Full story
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently reauthorized the telephone charge residents in Chester County pay for their 911 system which generates about $4.5 million annually. Full story
The Coatesville school board Tuesday night honored two teachers at South Brandywine Middle school for excellence in their respective fields. Full story
Construction crews began work yesterday on the $12.6 million, four-story Brandywine Heath and Housing Center at Chester Avenue and East Lincoln Highway. It is expected construction will be completed early next year. Full story
Eric Brown, a member of the Coatesville school board, remembers seeing it all: the discovery of a $13 million budget shortfall that forced the layoff of scores of teachers and hundreds of aides; repetitive tax hikes that brought out screaming taxpayers; and then financial recovery. Full story
Steve Fromnick, a 30-year resident of Chester County, has been named county director of facilities, by unanimous vote of the county commissioners. Fromnick will earn $95,000 annually. Full story
Coatesville council last night voted 4 to 3 to provide non-uniformed employees not governed by collective bargaining a 3-percent pay hike that city officials say was tiled to the cost of living. Full story
Coatesville council voted 5-to-2 last night to hire a Philadelphia law firm to represent it in a countersuit against Steve Siana, the city's former special counsel, who is suing the city in federal court, claiming he was dismissed because he alerted council to possible wrongdoings. Full story
The once financially troubled Coatesville school district ended the 2005-06 school year with a $26 million surplus the district's independent auditing firm reported at Tuesday night's finance committee meeting. Full story
Patsy Ray used the opportunity of her first public address as council president to call for unity among council members and to lambaste the media, specifically the ChesterCountyReporter.com, WCOJ, and the Daily Local. Full story
For the second month Coatesville council has refused to approval a 3-percent pay for those non-uniformed city employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Full story
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) yesterday released a groundbreaking new study finding that public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200 -- more than the average household pays for food in a year. Full story
Patsy Ray ended yesterday's Coatesville council's reorganization meeting with a slight tap of the gavel that sounded a political sonic boom which shattered the so-called Bloc of Four's control of City Hall. Full story
Coatesville is one of only four municipalities statewide to be awarded state funds to hire additional police officers in the hopes of reducing street violence. Full story
Dr. John Zaleski has resigned from the Coatesville school board, citing personal reasons and additional responsibilities in his professional career. Zaleski is a top researcher at Siemens Medical Solutions; he holds several patents related to medical nanotechnology. Full story
ARSON ALERTS
Keep abreast on what is happenning with help for the victims of the Coatesville arsons at coatesvillerelief.com
The Chester County Arson Task Force has established a $20,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsbile for the arsons terrorizing the Coatesville area. The number to call is: 484-356-6109
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