Ice Wine – delicious dessert wine made from iced grapes

By Catrina North, Columnist, The Times Ice wine has had somewhat of an accidental and brief history in the world of wine.  The use of frozen grapes in wine production was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in ancient Roman times, but it seems to have been mostly forgotten until late 18th century eastern Europe. Ice wine, or eiswein, is now becoming more prevalent in the wine world and it is being produced...

More than a foot of snow, but weather may finally be breaking

We could have run more images of snow and ice, but figured our readers (and us, for that matter) would better enjoy a reminder of warmer climates. And forecasters do say it will be warming up next week. As Chester County digs out — although a small snow event is likely for Saturday — it appears that the cycle of arctic weather may finally have broken, as forecasters expect a warming trend next...

Monday is ‘Family Day’ at Chesco Historical Society

Variety of activities will include reenactors for Revolutionary, Civil Wars Noah Lewis will portray Revolutionary War hero Ned Hector during the Chester County Historical Society’s Family Day on Monday, Feb. 17. The Chester County Historical Society is promising an educational, entertaining program of family fun and enrichment on Monday, Feb. 17,  from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2014 Family Day,...

County: Save energy for bit of extra shoveling

During temporary lull, officials recommend clearing storm drains, hydrants For the moment, the snow has stopped falling in most of Chester County, and many residents are immersed in the backbreaking chore of removing it. While this temporary lull is happening, county officials have a request: Please consider saving some energy to shovel any storm drains and fire hydrants that are near your property. When...

Sigh. A foot of snow (or more) blankets county

Schools, county offices closed; hope for warmer weather next week? By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The snow flies Thursday morning in Pocopson, where more than nine inches of snow had fallen by 9 a.m. A mix of snow, sleet and rain is expected to continue throughout the day with additional accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. With more than a foot of snow likely to blanket Chester County, here’s...

Area residents bracing for yet another onslaught

Officials urging people to stay off roads, expected to be treacherous By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Like many Chester County residents, this robin is likely hoping the next round of nasty weather doesn’t include ice. Photo by Dave Lichter The $899 price tag was no deterrent for customers determined not to endure another prolonged power outage, no matter what the cost....

Trivedi ready for third shot at 6th race

Democrat sought seat in 2010, 2012, but likes chances with seat open By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times After a pair of bruising runs against Jim Gerlach for the Sixth District Congressional seat, it looked like Manan Trivedi had had enough. The 39-year-old physician and Navy veteran made a pair of spirited runs against Gerlach, a well-funded incumbent in 2010 and 2012 and both fell short. As things...

Oral Piercing – Is it worth the risk?

It’s smart to know the potential issues before going forward By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, FAGD, Columnist, The Times Body piercing has been a popular form of self-adornment since early tribal cultures began the practice thousands of years ago.  It is important to know are the specific dangers that come with oral piercings. Unlike ears or other areas of cartilage, the inside of the mouth...

Downingtown couple charged with embezzlement

W. Goshen detectives said they stole more than $150,000 from their employer By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Edward Charsha After a five-month investigation, detectives have charged a Downingtown couple with embezzlement, West Goshen Township Police said on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Police said the couple’s alleged scheme began to unravel after the president of Alfred J. Fry III,...

County: 5 percent of residents still powerless

‘Disaster Help Request’ form will facilitate getting people assistance  Nearly a week after the ice storm, Chester County continues to be focused on life safety issues as 5 percent of homes and businesses throughout the county remain without power.  Gathering information regarding need within the communities is critical, said a news release from the county’s Department of Community...