State Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and State Sen Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) honored the Spring-Ford Area High School Girls' Basketball team at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday for the team's 60-45 win over Cumberland Valley in the 2013 PIAA Class AAAA state championship on March 22.

Paul Ryan will make his first campaign stop in Pennsylvania in Chester County Tuesday. Follow the link below to find out how you can get tickets to the event.

Paul Ryan to attend 'victory rally' in West Goshen

The Chester County Board of Commissioners has declared a ban on open burning for all Chester County residents and businesses, effective immediately.

From a press releases issued Friday afternoon:

The temporary 30-day ban is based on current weather conditions and forecasted conditions, as well as the recent wildfire in French Creek State Park. Gusting winds, combined with dry fields and forests have made conditions extremely unstable for open burning.

Open burning of any combustible material out-of-doors in either a burn barrel (screened or unscreened), fire ring or on the ground is banned. This includes the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, twigs, litter, paper and vegetation from land that has been cleared.

The lack of green foliage in the spring, little rainfall, low humidity and sunny, windy days have increased the chances of forest and brush fires spreading. The William Penn Forestry District 17, which covers Chester County, advises on its website that conditions today are “extreme”, meaning fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely.

“The Forestry District may elevate these conditions to “Red Flag Warning” over the weekend, indicating that critical fire weather conditions are either currently occurring or will shortly be occurring,” said Robert Kagel, Chester County Department of Emergency Services Deputy Director for Emergency Management.

For more information on fire conditions for wildfires and open burning, go to the Pennsylvania Fire Wardens Association District 17 website, www.pffwal17.org.

Freshman state Rep. Warren Kampf, R-157th Dist., announced Monday he will seek a second two-year term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

"During my first year in office, I have answered the public's call to restore fiscal discipline to state government and have focused on making our state more competitive in the national marketplace," Kampf in a prepared statement. "I am proud of my efforts thus far, but know there is still much to be done. Restoring our economy by reversing the failed policies of over-spending and over-borrowing of the previous administration will take time."

Kampf said he is running again because "there is more work to be done both to fulfill his pledge to the people of the 157th District, as well as to keep Pennsylvania on a course toward economic recovery."

"I am continuing to develop comprehensive legislation to address the pension issue in our state by creating a defined contribution retirement plan, like those in the private sector have, for all new state hires and will introduce it early this year," Kampf said. "I will continue to work to ensure education funding remains a top priority in the budget, and push for further reforms to our state's tax structure to help lure new job creators to our state and encourage current businesses to expand and create more jobs."

During his first term, Kampf kept his pledge to lead by example on reform and fiscal discipline, refusing perks like a state-paid automobile and per diems, as well as not accepting the salary COLA for both 2011 and 2012, and not enrolling in the legislature’s defined benefit pension system.

"I ran for this office to try and make a difference for local residents and Pennsylvania, not to take part in the perks of office. I promised to turn my back on those perks in these difficult times and have kept that promise," Kampf said.

An attorney by profession, Kampf served for seven years as a Tredyffrin Township supervisor before his election to the state Legislature.

The 157th House District covers portions of Chester and Montgomery counties.

After less than one-year in office, Chester County Treasurer Ann Duke has set her sight on a bigger political office: Pennsylvania Auditor General.

From the West Chester Daily Local News:

"In these tough economic times, it is crucial that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. I will bring the same commonsense, fiscally conservative reforms I have implemented in the Chester County Treasurer's office to the office of auditor general. We need a principled conservative reformer in the auditor general's office, and that is why I am running."

Read the full story at the link below:

County treasurer talks about her run for state auditor - dailylocal.com

For more information about Duke's campaign, visit her website, http://anndukeforag.com/

After less than one year in office, Chester County treasurer Ann Duke, a Republican, has set her sights on a much bigger office: Pennsylvania Auditor General.

Incumbent two-term Democrat Jack Wagner is prohibited by the state Constitution from seeking another term as auditor general, the state's fiscal watchdog.

Chesco treasurer to run for state auditor general - pottsmerc.com

While PECO is stepping up to help customers avoid future power outages, not a peep out of Met-Ed, which left tens of thousands of Berks County customers in the dark for up to a week.

PECO to spend $2M in Chesco to reduce outages - pottsmerc.com

The West Chester Daily Local News is reporting that veteran state Rep. Curt Schroder, who was elected to Chester County's 155th House District seat in 1994, will not seek another term when his current two-year term ends next year.

Schroder is one of the best known and most popular politicians in Chester County and often runs unopposed for re-election.

"Eighteen years is a long time," Schroder told the newspaper. "I have reached the point where I feel I have just about given all I can to this position."

He told the newspaper he has no immediate plans for the future, but at age 50, you can bet Schroder will find something in the public arena to keep himself busy.

The 155th District is heavily Republican and the county GOP should have no trouble keeping the seat in Republican hands in 2012.

State Rep. Schroder announces he will not seek re-election - dailylocal.com

Chester County Controller Val DiGiorgio was elected chairman of the Republican Committee of Chester County Republicans on Saturday.

DiGiorgio defeated GOP Committeeman John Emmons by a 268-89 margin during a party gathering at West Chester East High School. Emmons is a tea party activist and co-founder of Emmons co-founded the Coalition for Advancing Freedom.

DiGeorgio replaces Joseph 'Skip' Brion, who resigned after 10 years as chairman to take a position with the Corbett administration.

Read more at the link below:

DiGiorgio elected Republican county chairman Saturday - dailylocal.com

Congressman Jim Gerlach, R-PA 6th Dist., is partnering with state and federal agencies to provide information about international trade to local employers.

Gerlach will be holding a Free Trade Agreement Forum for local businesses on Friday to provide information about the resources available for employers interested in selling their American-made products overseas.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Chester County Economic Development Council
WHEN: Registration and light refreshments will be served at 8:00 A.M. The program will begin at 8:30 A.M. and end at 12 noon.
WHERE: Chester County Economic Development Council, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton PA 19341

From a press release issued by Gerlach:

President Obama this week sent free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia to Congress for ratification. These free trade pacts are expected to create new opportunities and new jobs for local companies by lifting tariffs and other barriers imposed on U.S. goods.

The Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, U.S. Commercial Service, World Trade Center Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will discuss the array of resources available to companies. Two local businesses – Allied Wire & Cable of Collegeville and Analytical Graphics Inc. of Exton -- also will share tips on how they have succeeded in international trade.

Just in time for Halloween, Hauntdworld.com has released its 2011 list of the Top 13 Best Haunted Attractions in the United States.

And topping the list? A pair of haunted attractions in suburban Philadelphia: The Bates Motel and Pennhurst Asylum, both operated by the same company.

Here's what Hauntdworld.com has to say about the best haunts in the U.S.:

1. Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride and Pennhurst Asylum Haunted Attraction in Philadelphia, PA Pennsylvania: The Bates Motel Haunted House & Hayride is a unique haunted attraction for several reasons: The Haunted Hayride is located deep in a 200-year-old forest full of overgrown trees creating the ultimate dark trail even during a full moon. This puts customers on edge even before ever entering the first hayride scene. Combined with a digital custom soundtrack, pyrotechnics and continuous scares throughout the ride, this hayride attraction is sure to create the ultimate haunting experience of your life! To read a more detailed article about this attraction, visit their website at www.TheBatesMotel.com. Additionally, The Pennhurst Asylum is one of the scariest haunted attraction sites in the world, mostly due to the setting of this haunt. It's located in a 100-year-old, abandoned mental institute. The building itself will instill real fear and true horror in anyone. The Asylum has been investigated by professional ghost hunters and featured on Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters several times. This attraction is truly haunted. To read a more detailed article about this real haunted house visit their website at www.PennhurstAsylum.com. Bates Motel and Pennhurst Asylum are owned and operated by the same company and are within a short drive of each other. These have to be number one on our list for locations to get scared this Halloween.

To review all 13 haunted attractions, visit Hauntworld.com

Pennsylvania State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th Dist., has some concerns about a proposal to toll Route 422 in SE Pennsylvania:

From an op-ed published in The Pottstown Mercury:

Pennsylvanians have a right to an honest, open debate on the issue. Unfortunately, such honesty and openness is questioned when the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission refuses to share information and then gives two conflicting answers as to why. Whether one is for or against the tolling proposal — and I am opposed to it — access to information is crucial to any public-policy debate.

Why all the secrecy on Route 422 toll plan? - pottsmerc.com

Chester County, Pennsylvania Sheriff Receives State Crime Prevention Award

Governor Corbett Nominates Joseph Brion to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Police: Dunn was driving 130 mph before crash - pottsmerc.com

Four Southeastern Pennsylvania state legislators will hold a press conference Thursday to discuss the proposed tolling of Route 422.

The feasibility study by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission supports a plan to toll the roadway between Pottstown and King of Prussia despite widespread opposition from area residents and lawmakers.

Four members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Montgomery and Chester counties will weigh in on the report's findings during a 2 p.m. press conference at the 422 Business Center in Oaks.

Participating in the event are Reps. Warren Kampf (R-Chester/Montgomery), Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) and Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery).

All four have expressed reservations in the past about tolling Route 422. (Rep. David Maloney, a Republican who represents parts of Berks County, is also opposed to the tolling plan but is not able to attend the press conference.)

For more about the tolling plan, check out this recent article in The Mercury.

The Valley Forge Patriots is sponsoring a Tax Day Tea Party Rally in Phoenixville, from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, April 15, at the corner of Bridge and Main Streets.

"We are urging folks to come out and join us," said Betty Dunkel of the Valley Forge Patriots. "We need to let our legislators know that we are Taxed Enough Already and they need to reduce taxes and cut spending."

The Valley Forge Patriots are a conservative political education and action group that meets the second Friday of every month at PJ Ryans in Phoenixville. The group welcomes new members who are interested in learning the Constitution, holding elected officials accountable, and believe in smaller government and personal responsibility.

Contact Betty Dunkel at 610 933-2015 or go to our MeetUp site at www.meetup.com/vfp-teaparty09/ for more information.

A Tea Party Rally sponsored by the Chester County Liberty Alliance will take place on Saturday, April 16, at 3 PM on the Courthouse steps in West Chester.

Ryan Costello will be sworn in as Chester County newest commissioner on Thursday, February 17, in Courtroom 1 of the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester.

The oath will be administered at 9:15 a.m. by Chester County Common Pleas President Judge James P. MacElree II.

Costello was appointed to serve the remaining term vacated by Carol Aichele, who was named Secretary of the Commonwealth earlier this year.

Costello is currently the Chester County Recorder of Deeds and has served three years of a four year term. Costello previously served as an East Vincent Township Supervisor from 2002 until 2007.

Costello is also a candidate for a full four-year term on the Chester County Board of Supervisors.

Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello got a promotion today.

Costello is the newest member of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, picked from 7 finalists who were interviewed for the post by the county's judges.

Costello, a Republican, will fill the unexpired term of Carol Aichele, who recently joined Gov. Tom Corbett's cabinet.

"I am honored to have earned the confidence and unanimous support of the board of judges to serve as interim Commissioner," Costello told The Mercury shortly after the announcement was made Thursday evening.

Aichele's term runs until the end of the year. Costello is a candidate for a full four-year term on the three-member commissioners' board.

The other two commissioners, Republican Terence Farrell and Democrat Kathi Cozzone, have also announced plans to seek re-election.

Each political party will nominate two candidates in the May primary and the top three vote-getters in the November general election will win seats on the Board of Commissioners.

Republicans have always held the majority on the commissioners' board and a Farrell-Costello team would have the advantage going into November.

Read more about Costello's appointment in a story by reporter Evan Brandt at the link below:

Costello tapped as new Chesco commissioner - pottsmerc.com

Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Corbett announced Wednesday his general counsel will be Stephen S. Aichele, chairman and past managing partner of the Philadelphia law firm Saul Ewing.

The nomination of Stephen Aichele means Pennsylvania will soon be employing two members of the Aichele family, prominent Republicans from Chester County.

On Monday, Corbett selected Aichele's wife, Carol, a Chester County commissioner, as his choice for Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania cabinet members earn $142,310 a year.

The state's Office of General Counsel, which Stephen Aichele will oversee, is the largest of the state's legal enterprises, employing approximately 500 attorneys who represent the governor and 32 executive and independent agencies, according to reporter Michael P. Rellahan.

Secretary of the Commonwealth, which Carol Aichele will supervise, is responsible for overseeing the state's election system and monitoring 800,000 licensed business and health professionals.

Read more about the Aicheles going to Harrisburg in The Mercury.