According to Coatesville Police, a vehicle crashed into a house along the 700 block of Merchant Street on Wednesday, March 22. Through the investigation, police determined that Diane Vesay was determined to have been operating her vehicle while under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was responsible for hitting the house. The 58-year-old Vesay was arrested and released on summons. A preliminary hearing date has yet to be set.
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Coatesville Police Investigate Crash of Vehicle Into House
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Coatesville School Board Releases You Tube Video to Show Update on Contract Negotiations
The Coatesville Area School Board has launched a series of communication initiatives to update the community about teacher contract negotiations. This week, the School Board Negotiating Committee unveiled a video, “Negotiation Update,” which provides an overview on the financial challenges the District faces as the second poorest district in Chester County. The issues which have prevented a contract settlement, and the parties are in a fact-finding process now. The District anticipates receiving recommendations from the state-appointed Fact Finder the week of April 4. The video update can be viewed at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch
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Conditional Use Hearing for Crebilly Farm Development Held at Rustin High
A conditional use hearing Wednesday at Rustin High School to address Toll Brothers’ plans to build on the more than 300 acre Crebilly Farm lasted several hours. At stake is a more than 300-home development that will have significant impact on area traffic patterns and also potentially impact the school district with an influx of hundreds of students. Additionally, open space propents and historic preservationists are concerned because the property, between Routes 202 and 926, is the last remaining large tract of open space along Route 202 in the area. The famous Revolutionary era Battle of Brandywine also took place on Crebilly Farm, with several historic structures still on the property. In addition, waste water treatment and storm water drainage experts were in attendance to explain a variety of scenarios that could possibly take place with the current building plans. The conditional use hearing will continue April 19, at 6 p.m., at Westtown School.
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Dr. Jerry Parker Inducted into Chester County Hall of Fame
(left-right)
Bill Bogle, Chester County Economic Development Council Board Chair
Dr. Jerry Parker, Chester County Hall of Fame award winner and President of Delaware County Community College
Gary Smith, Chester County Economic Development Council President and CEO
Delaware County Community College President Jerry Parker was honored at an event Thursday evening hosted by the Chester County Economic Development Council. Parker was inducted into the Chester County Business Hall of Fame at the 2017 Chester County Economic Development Council’s Business Achievement Award Dinner on Thursday, March 30 at the Phoenixville Foundry. Chester County Economic Development Council CEO Gary Smith said Parker’s “persistence and unfailing vision was paramount in establishing a contemporary educational system that created a highly skilled workforce.” Working with the development council, which he formerly chaired, Parker was instrumental in starting the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties, an organization that supports the region’s manufacturers. Parker received citations from the state House and Senate and the Chester County Commissioners. Commissioners’ Vice Chairwoman Kathi Cozzone co-chaired the Workforce Development Board with Parker.
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Man Charged in Attack on Corrections Officer
A man who attached a Chester County prison officer last week is facing attempted murder charges. Corey Everett Maxey was being held in Chester County prison since December, facing weapons charges in Philadelphia. Last week he attacked a correction officer who hung up a phone call Maxey had made after instructing the inmate to end the call. According to court documents, Maxey “stood up from his seated position and struck the officer in the face and head with a closed fist” more than 20 times, overpowering the officer who had tried unsuccessfully to defend himself. That officer was taken to Paoli Hospital, where he was treated for multiple orbital fractures, cuts to his face, and bruising. Maxey was charged with criminal attempted first degree murder, aggravated assault, assault by a prisoner, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, and harassment following the assault.
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Trial Against Former Westwood Fire Official Continued
The scheduled theft trial of a former official at the Westwood Fire Co. in Valley Township will be continued until next month. The case against Hower Smith III has been delayed several times. According to a report in the Daily Local News, on Monday Smith’s attorney received more than 2,000 pages of newly discovered documents from the fire company that could have an impact on the case. Judge Patrick Carmody noted that 60 prospective jurors had been called to report to the Chester County Justice Center Friday for jury selection so that the trial could begin Monday. The case had been listed for trial 18 times since Smith was arrested in October 2014. Smith served as the fire company’s treasurer since 2007 and has been a member of the fire company since 1979. Smith is accused of stealing money between 2006 and 2012 after thefts were discovered on the company’s credit card following Smith’s vacation in Hawaii. Smith allegedly used the company’s credit card to make over 400 personal purchases, forged signatures on dozens of checks, stole from the company’s safe, and manipulated bingo records to steal from fundraising activities. The stolen money was used for vacations, Phillies season tickets, pool supplies, hotel rooms, and rental cars among other items.
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Weekday Lane Restrictions Scheduled on Business U.S. 30 in Valley Township for Utility Work
PennDOT announced Monday that weekday lane restrictions are scheduled on Business U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway) between Rainbow Road/Country Club Road and St. George Street in Valley Township on Friday, April 7, through Friday, April 14,
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility work. Traffic will be controlled by flagging. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through this area. The work schedule is dependent on the weather.
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Charlestown Township Home Burglarized
The Pennsylvania State Police are reporting that they’re investigating a home burglary that happened sometime between Friday afternoon March 31 and Saturday morning April 1. An unknown suspect or suspects attempted to enter a rear bathroom window of a residence along the 3700 block of Yellow Springs Road. When that attempt was unsuccessful, the alleged thief gained entry into the home via an unsecured garage window located in the front of the residence. Once inside, the suspect or suspects stole an extensive amount of jewelry and collectable coins, as well as a safe. The suspect or suspects further ransacked the victim’s bedrooms and study, casung damage to closet door frames and interior walls. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at the Embreeville Barracks at 610-486-6280.
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Chester County Challenges Residents to Walk ONE BILLION Steps
During National Public Health Week, between April 3rd and April 9th, Chester County is introducing WalkWorks ChesCo!, an initiative challenging county residents of all ages to lace up their sneakers and walk one billion steps before the end of the year. The program is Chester County’s response as a HealthyCommunity 50 member of the national Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge, a two-year competition that empowers U.S cities and counties to create a positive health impact. Last week, Chester County was once again acknowledged as the healthiest county in the state of Pennsylvania by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.There’s three kick off events to challenge Chester County residents to walk one billion steps in the remainder of 2017.
When: Tuesday, April 4th – 3:00 p.m. in Kennett Square
Wednesday, April 5th – 10:00 a.m. in Phoenixville
Thursday, April 6th – 1:00 p.m. in Coatesville
Where: Kennett Square – Genesis HealthCare, 600 S. Broad Street, Kennett Square
Phoenixville – Reeves Park, 148 3rd Avenue, Phoenixville
Coatesville – Gateway Park, 22 Lincoln Highway, Coatesville
WalkWorks ChesCo! is designed to promote, educate and empower residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle one step at a time by creating more places for walking, supporting and promoting walking groups, coordinating walking challenges and creating a website that allows everyone to track and tally their steps towards the one billion goal. The WalkWorks ChesCo! kick off events are being held in three of Chester County’s urban centers where special walking routes have been established highlighting historic and other points of interest. In addition to the Chester County Commissioners and Health Department representatives, the kick-off events bring together county partners supporting the WalkWorks program from local borough and city council representatives to business and non-profit organizations. A key feature of the launch program is a “Ville to Ville Challenge’ with walking groups in Coatesville and Phoenixville calling upon their local communities to walk the most steps in a six-week period.
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Women Arrested, Found with Counterfeit Currency and Narcotics
According to West Whiteland Township Police, Lakeisha Hill of Philadelphia, and Jasmine Showell, of Trenton, were arrested on March 29. The charges were filed after officers responded to a report of an alleged erratic driver on the Route 30 Bypass. A patrol officer located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The officer made contact with the 28-year-old Hill who was operating the vehicle. She was arrested after failing field sobriety tests. She was charged with DUI and then released on a criminal summons. Showell, a 28-year-old passenger in the vehicle, was allegedly in possession of counterfeit currency and narcotics during the traffic stop. She was charged with Forgery and possession of a controlled substance. She was released on a criminal summons. The Uwchlan Township Police Department assisted on the incident.
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Downingtown Man Charged with Theft from Macy’s
Vernon Ross of Downingtown was charged with Retail Theft and Receiving Stolen Property on March 23, 2017. The charges were filed after West Whiteland Township Police say the 24-year-old Ross allegedly took $723 worth of merchandise from Macy’s at the Exton Square Mall. During their investigation, police learned that Ross had a warrant for a parole violation. He was turned over to state constables who transported him to Chester County Prison.
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Student Workers Demand Raise, Tuition Freeze
Students, faculty and community supporters rallied Tuesday at West Chester University for student worker raises and a tuition freeze. Just last month, students delivered hundreds of signatures on petitions, demanding a five-year freeze on tuition and fees, and a $15/hour wage for student workers. A scheduled meeting with school administrators on this topic was cancelled. Members of the Pennsylvania Student Power Network say that student workers perform a variety of vital functions and can’t make ends meet on their current pay.
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Local Businessman Oscar Lasko Dead at 96
The man whose name adorns the outside of the West Chester YMCA has died. Oscar Lasko died Sunday. The 96-year-old was well known as a philanthropist and as a businessman who ran Lasko Metal Products. He also gave to other local organizations in addition to the YMCA, including the Boy Scouts and Chester County Hospital. Lasko was born in West Chester, attending West Chester East High School and Malvern Prep. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in mechanical engineering.
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New Police Chief of Kennett Square Sworn in Monday
The Chester County Press is reporting that Bill Holdsworth was sworn in as the new chief of police of Kennett Square Borough Monday night. This concluded a six-month search to fill the position. The ceremony took place at a council meeting, after council members unanimously approved Holdsworth’s contract. Kennett Square Borough Mayor Matthew Fetick said Holdsworth was “the best qualified candidate” with the experience the borough was looking for. He said that applications were received from candidates from across the country, and that the search committee conducted interviews with about 15 candidates. Fetick said that several borough police officers left within last year, some of them retiring.
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Chester County Antiques Show This Weekend
The 35th Annual Chester County Antiques Show will be held this weekend at the Phelps School in Malvern. The event will benefit the Chester County Historical Society. Participants will be able to purchase or browse from a varied collection of antiques. Each year has a unique theme, and “Botany in Chester County” is the theme for the 2017 show. A preview party will be the evening of Friday, April 7, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a light buffet. General admission to the show will $15 and begins Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and runs until Sunday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be sponsored by PECO.
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Rep. Comitta to Host Evening with PennDOT
State Rep. Carolyn Comitta is inviting community members to an Evening with PennDOT from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 20 in the auditorium of Fugett Middle School at 500 Ellis Lane in West Chester. A panel of representatives from the state Transportation Department’s District 6 will share information about how the department operates and makes decisions about roadway construction and maintenance projects. Comitta said “PennDOT plays such a big role in our community, keeping our roads in good shape so that we can go about our daily lives, but we don’t always know what’s happening behind the scenes. This event is a great chance to learn more about the work that keeps us moving.” Attendees will have the chance to ask questions about local projects during a Q&A session at the end.
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West Chester to Host Blood Drive
According to West Chester Police, the borough police department will be hosting a blood drive in the Borough Council Chambers between the hours of 1 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3rd. If anyone has questions, they can call Ryan Collins at the Police Department at (610) 696-2700.
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PennDOT Announces Lane Closures in East and West Whiteland
PennDOT announced Thursday that lane closures are scheduled next week on U.S. 202 in East Whiteland and West Whiteland townships for construction related to the rehabilitation of two U.S. 202 bridges over Amtrak rail lines. The work schedule is Monday, April 10, through Thursday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with lane closures scheduled on northbound and southbound U.S. 202 between the Boot Road and U.S. 30 interchanges. On Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15, from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m., lane closures are scheduled on northbound and southbound U.S. 202 between the U.S. 30 and Boot Road interchanges. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the construction area because slowdowns may occur.
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Truck Blocking East Gay Street
A semi tractor trailer backed into a utility pole and is blocking the roadway on East Gay and Worthington Streets, in front of the Auto Zone store, in the borough of West Chester. PECO is on site working on the utility pole. We will update you as we receive additional information on this breaking news.
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PA Attorney General’s Office Charges Chester County Residents with Insurance Offenses
Four Chester County residents were among 28 people charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General for insurance-related offenses. Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Thursday the filing of criminal charges against 28 individuals. The charges followed investigations by the Attorney General’s Insurance Fraud Section, as part of a March sweep they conducted. According to the office, the total potential fraud involved in these unrelated cases is more than $1.1 million. Attorney General Shapiro said in a written statement that “Insurance fraud impacts policyholders and consumers across Pennsylvania.”
Those from Chester County include: Darryl Brown, a 34-year-old from West Chester, who has been charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception and criminal use of a communication facility. According to investigators, Brown was involved in an automobile accident at a time when his automobile insurance policy had lapsed. Brown called to obtain a new policy. Later on the same day, he allegedly made false statements about the accident to his insurance company, stating it occurred after he had obtained the new policy. Samuel D. Carbo Jr. of Coatesville was charged with 1,190 counts of failure of an employer to carry workman’s compensation insurance. An investigation confirmed that the 58-year-old Carbo, who operated a trucking company based in Coatesville, failed to maintain workers’ compensation insurance for his employees. Investigators reported that Carbo had multiple contracts with the U.S. Postal Service to transport mail. Kimberly Ann Horne of Cochranville was charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, perjury and false swearing. According to investigators, the 47-year-old suffered a hand injury in 2014 when a sign fell on her in a store that was insured by Donegal Insurance. As she filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for her claimed injuries, Horne allegedly provided false statements about the nature and extent of her injuries. Investigators say they confirmed that Horne, who claimed she had not worked since the accident and was unable to use her right hand, was in fact working as a caretaker and nursing assistant. Debra Gail Rabin of Phoenixville was charged with one count each of insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit theft by deception, criminal use of a communication facility and providing false information to law enforcement authorities. According to a criminal complaint filed in support of the charges, the 63-year-old provided false information to her insurance company and law enforcement authorities claiming that items were stolen from her vehicle when it was repossessed. She also submitted a fraudulent invoice to her insurance company to support her false claim, investigators reported in the criminal complaint.
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