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17 hours ago | 
chestercounty.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
By Marcella Peyre-FerryContributing WriterThe Willowdale Steeplechase races, a beloved Mother’s Day weekend tradition for many, took place on a bright, beautiful, and breezy day on Saturday, May 10. The races are a tradition for many of the spectators who tailgate on the fields overlooking the racecourse. One of those spectators was 88-year-old Frank Ranhofer of Chester Springs and his family who have been enjoying the same spot near the water jump for at least eight years.
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22 hours ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Christiana Borough Council meeting, May 6. What happened: Council appointed Brian Smyth as the borough’s new police chief. Background: Smyth replaces police Chief Russell Moore, who submitted his resignation April 4, citing health reasons. Moore began as chief of police at the beginning of 2024 after the resignation of Richard Finfrock. By the numbers: All the members of the Christiana Borough Police Department work part-time. Smyth’s salary will be $31 per hour.
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2 days ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Borough Council meeting, May 5. Mayor Anthony Cavallaro was absent. What happened: Council officially accepted a resignation letter from Borough Manager Scott Peiffer, setting his retirement date for June 20. He had announced his intention to retire in January. Peiffer started as manager of Quarryville Jan. 1, 2020. Quotable: “I worked in public works at Quarryville since 2011.
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5 days ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Bart Township Board of Supervisors meeting, May 7. What happened: The supervisors are considering the formation of a trail committee to help with problems on the Enola Low Grade Trail in the township. Background: Supervisors have heard reports of horses and vehicles on the trail at previous meetings. On May 7, Forrest Stump, roadmaster, relayed reports of horse-drawn farm machinery on the trail.
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6 days ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Solanco school board meeting, May 5. What happened: The board approved a preliminary budget that shows a $2 million deficit. Projected revenue is $74.41 million, while projected expenditures are $76.52 million. Background: The board originally scheduled the preliminary approval for its April 28 meeting but pushed it back while gathering more information. District Business Manager Sandy said state and federal revenue remains unclear.
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6 days ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Pequea Valley school board meeting, May 6. What happened: The board approved the 2025-26 preliminary budget without a property tax increase. Background: In April, John Bowden, chief finance and operations chief, projected the budget would total $47 million with $46 million in revenue. The state’s Act 1 index would have allowed a maximum tax increase of 4%. The cost: Expenses in the preliminary budget the board passed decreased slightly from April to $46.78 million.
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1 week ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Solanco school board meeting, April 28. What happened: The board tabled approval of the preliminary budget for the 2025-26 school year until the district receives more information on the state budget and funding. Background: The revenue portion of the district’s budget has been unclear in light of budget negotiations in Harrisburg.
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2 weeks ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Octorara Area school board meeting, April 22, Anthony Falgiatore, with a resignation effective April 22, was absent. Jere Zimmerman and Charles Koennecker Jr. were also absent. What happened: The board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Steven Leever, effective July 10. Background: Leever was hired two years ago to replace Michele Orner. Leever will be the new director of career, technical and customized education at the Chester County Intermediate Unit effective July 10.
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2 weeks ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Coatesville Area school board meeting, April 23. Board members Donna Rowland and Robin Seagreaves absent. What happened: The board approved the hiring of Anthony Rybarczyk as the district’s new superintendent. Background: The board named Rybarczyk as substitute superintendent Oct. 28, when it placed previous superintendent Catherine Van Vooren on leave. Rybarczyk had previously served as assistant superintendent.
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2 weeks ago | 
lancasteronline.com | Marcella Peyre-Ferry
When: Leacock Township Board of Supervisors meeting, April 21. What happened: The board directed staff to allow fences along road frontage on farm properties in the agricultural zone, after Jennifer Prunoske, zoning officer, said the zoning ordinance does not allow fences in front yards and does not distinguish between residential and agricultural properties. Background: The township zoning ordinance does not permit fences in front yards without a special exception, Prunoske said.
