Local News Chadds Ford

Antiques, pending sale’s agreement in ruins

Read more about the article Antiques, pending sale’s agreement in ruins
The side of Rocky Hill Castle in Chadds Ford is shown in its past winter splendor. On Tuesday, a fire gutted the interior and severely compromised the stone exterior walls. Photo courtesy of Brandy Ashley

For nearly four hours on Tuesday, Jan. 12, firefighters battled the Rocky Hill Castle blaze on Bullock Road in Chadds Ford Township, a fire that destroyed nearly 200 years of history, cherished family heirlooms, and the completion of an agreement of sale. Brandy Ashley, a former resident of the castle who lives nearby, said a neighbor called about 1:30 a.m. She said she and her…

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Fire destroys 200-year-old Chadds Ford home

Read more about the article Fire destroys 200-year-old Chadds Ford home

An overnight blaze destroyed the almost 200-year-old home “Rocky Hill Castle” at 119 Bullock Road in Chadds Ford. An investigation into the blaze is continuing, but according to Township Fire Marshal and Concordville Fire Company Chief Tom Nelling, the cause of the fire is as yet unknown and may never be determined. “The third floor is in the basement,” he said, adding that investigators might…

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U-CF to consider program cuts

No specific proposals were made, but the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District administration will look at possibly cutting or changing some programs so that next year’s budget can be enacted without the need to go to a referendum for tax increases. As discussed during the Jan. 11 school board work session, the proposed preliminary budget calls for tax increases beyond the Act I limit. The state-mandated…

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CFHS applauds history of outgoing director

Read more about the article CFHS applauds history of outgoing director
Nadia Barakat (left), outgoing executive director of the Chadds Ford Historical Society, poses with Ali Rhodes, a CFHS board member, during Barakat's farewell tribute.

For seven years, Nadia Barakat infused the Chadds Ford Historical Society (CFHS) with her passion and commitment in a variety of roles, culminating in her most recent stint as executive director. On Thursday, Jan. 7, a mix of staff, board members, and volunteers assembled at the CFHS Barn Visitors’ Center to bid her farewell as she embarks on a new chapter, one that will involve…

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Loop road meeting planned

Chadds Ford Township supervisors have scheduled Feb. 24 for another public meeting on the proposed Hillman Drive extension, the fourth and final leg of the loop road around the intersection of Routes 1 and 202. The date was set during the Jan. 5 Board of Supervisors’ meeting after a long discussion on the controversial segment of the loop, which would be at the southwest corner…

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DelCo Council and DA take oath of office

Read more about the article DelCo Council and DA take oath of office

Three members of Delaware County Council – Vice Chair Colleen P. Morrone, John P. McBlain and Michael F. Culp – were sworn in to begin four-year terms on Council at an Induction Ceremony Jan. 4, along with District Attorney John J. Whelan. President Judge Chad F. Kenney presided over the ceremony at 10 a.m. on Jan. 4 in The Honorable John V. Diggins Ceremonial Courtroom…

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New supervisor, solicitor and engineer in Chadds Ford

Read more about the article New supervisor, solicitor and engineer in Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford Township supervisors appointed Michael Maddren to replace Hugh Donaghue as township solicitor during their Jan. 4 organization meeting. Donaghue told the board in November that he no longer wanted to serve. Maddren had been the township’s alternate solicitor. Additionally, the board named Michael Schneider, of Pennoni Associates, as township engineer. Schneider had been the engineer for the Chadds Ford Planning Commission. The appointments…

Read MoreNew supervisor, solicitor and engineer in Chadds Ford

Kennett teen mourned in sea of blue, white

Read more about the article Kennett teen mourned in sea of blue, white
Brian R. Ayllon, 16, of Kennett Square, who died last week, is shown before the 2015 high school prom. His mother said she values the memory and was so glad he got the opportunity to go as a sophomore.

His smile lit up a room, his laughter energized those around him, and his compassion infused all within reach. So the death of 16-year-old Brian Roberto Ayllon of Kennett Square on Dec. 22 of natural causes sent shock waves through the Kennett and Unionville school districts and beyond. And on a rain-swept Tuesday evening, Dec. 29, hundreds upon hundreds gathered at St. Rocco Catholic Church…

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Stonebridge decision likely to be appealed

The Chadds Ford Zoning Hearing Board, in a 3-0 decision, turned down a request to use a Webb Road home as a substance abuse rehab center. The decision could be appealed to federal court. Drew and Nicole Barnabei, owners of Stonebridge Mansion at 681 Webb Road, wanted to use their 25-room house as a residential lifestyle modification treatment facility for substance abusers who would have…

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PennDOT: Snowplows ready; drivers should be

With the arrival of the winter season, PennDOT is urging area motorists to be prepared for driving in inclement weather as crews work to keep state highways passable. “State crews and equipment are ready to serve our citizens by treating and plowing highways to keep them passable during times of snow and mixed precipitation,” said PennDOT District Executive Kenneth M. McClain in a press release.…

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Troopers play Santa for needy families

Read more about the article Troopers play Santa for needy families

Santa had a little help getting some Christmas gifts to Peggy DeShields and her four grandsons of Oxford. That help came in the form of Tpr. Samantha Minnucci and other troopers from Troop J, Avondale barracks, of the Pennsylvania State Police. According to Minnucci, the troopers, along with Walmart and Camp Cadet — the troop’s summer camp program for kids whose families couldn’t otherwise afford to…

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