Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Don't forget the Bridge Bust

Saturday is the day: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/294989

Unity Service is scheduled

The Columbia Area Ministerium is holding a Community Unity Luncheon to honor the service of all community partners on Oct. 10 at  12:30 p.m.at Our Lady of Angels School Cafeteria, 404 Cherry St.
The Luncheon is followed at 2 p.m. with a Community Unity Service at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church 400 Cherry St.,  to Celebrate the Partnerships working together to serve the people of our communities. A Combined Community Choir will sing. Charles Williams, Choir Director at Columbia United Methodist Church, will direct the choir and \Bernie Wickenheiser, Choir Director and Organist at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church will accompany the choir in the Anthems “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, and “A Choral Benediction."
Rev. Vard Gainor will be the preacher for this service. Rev. Gainor presently partners with ministries, churches and businesses to implement Biblical concepts within the marketplace to bring the blessings of God to our communities. He previously served with the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Free Methodist Church assisting churches in seven states engage in community unity. Rev. Gainor also served for five years as Executive Pastor of the Capital Region Pastors’ Network of PA, working with over 100 churches and pastors in the Harrisburg area to foster regional transformation. Vard had also served as a Dean at Elim Bible Institute during a time of significant transformation, and as pastor with three churches. He holds degrees in Business, Science and Technology, and Divinity.
All are encouraged to attend.

Columbia UM is honored

The Columbia United Methodist Church is a recipient of The Kim Jefferson Award for Effective Urban Ministry. The Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church was held May 20 through May 22, at the Lancaster Convention Center.
On Friday, May 21, Ken Sprout, Administrative Council Chairperson, and Senior Pastor Jeffrey Snyder were called up to the stage to be recognized for the award. Rev. Yvette Davis, Director of Urban and Global Ministries for the Eastern PA Conference presented certificates. Bishop Peggy Johnson greeted them and those gathered at Annual Conference gave a standing ovation.
On Sunday, Oct. 10, the South West District Superintendent Jim Todd and Rev Yvette Davis Director of Urban Ministries of the Eastern PA Conference will be with at Columbia United Methodist Church 510 Walnut St. for the  9 and 10:30 a.m. services to present an official plaque from the Northeast Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.
The Kim Jefferson Award is presented by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Urban Steering Committee for significant and effective urban ministry. The Northeast Jurisdiction goes from Virginia to Maine. The award is named in honor of the Reverend Kinmoth “Kim” Jefferson, a member of the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference who served in the Office of Urban Ministry of the General Board of Global Ministries. He was a member of the Field Staff for seven years and Executive Secretary for 18 years. Kim was a pastor in Newark in the 1960's and has served on numerous committees in both United Methodist and Interdenominational/Interfaith Relationships.
To qualify for the award, the ministry must be a provider of justice ministries that address systemic issues. The church supporting the creation, development, and ongoing success of the Community Life Network of Columbia is one of the main reasons we received this award. Rev. Yvette Davis is also Chairperson of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Urban Ministries Network and she said, “it is not just the categorical institution portion leading to transformation. Our many years of leading community prayer such as hosting the Mayor’s Day of Prayer Breakfast on National Day of Prayer, sponsoring community concerts of prayer,
Rev. Davis suggested we hold a Community Service to Celebrate the significant partnerships that unite to improve the quality of life in Columbia.

Columbia Police reports

KRISTYN L. WERNIG, AGE 22, OF DALLASTOWN, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS ON SOUTH FRONT STREET, SEPT. 21.
CANDY L. OBERDORFF, AGE 35, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS ON SOUTH FRONT STREET, SEPT. 21.
GREGORY A. SECHLER, AGE 51, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, AT THE EXIT RAMP IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LINDEN STREET, SEPT. 22.
JEFFREY SCOTT SHANK, JR., AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN THE 300 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, SEPT. 22.
TODD M. SHUTT, AGE 45, OF MIDDLETOWN, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LINDEN STREET AT THE EXIT RAMP, SEPT. 23.
DORSEY O. TURNER, JR., AGE 55, OF PEQUEA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF LOCUST STREET, SEPT.23.
TERRY ESBENSHADE, AGE 34, OF MOHNTON, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD. AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 23.
TODD RICHARD BROWN, AGE 43, OF MILLERSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 23.
BRADY L. WELLER, AGE 23 OF MOUNT JOY, AND PAUL D. MCKEE, AGE 27, OF MIDDLETOWN, WERE CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 24.

ANISA MAHADEO, AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR HARASSMENT AND FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT, ON SOUTH THIRD STREET.
SAMANTHA S. MURPHY, AGE 27, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON ROUTE 441 AND PERRY STREET, SEPT. 26.
EDDIE ANTHONY GONZALEZ, AGE 32, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CHARGED AND ARRAIGNED FOR RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY; TERRORISTIC THREATS WITH INTENT TO TERRORIZE ANOTHER; AND FOR POSSESSION OF A SMALL AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA.
HE WAS COMITTED TO L.C.P., IN LEIU OF $5,000 CASH BAIL. THIS WAS FOR AN INCIDENT ON SEPT. 26  ON NORTH EIGTHTH STREET.

ALVIN JOEL SANTOS, AGE 18, OF COLUMBIA, WAS ARRAIGNED AT CENTRAL BOOKING, LANCASTER, FOR CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO ROBBERY AND SIMPLE ASSAULT, AND COMITTED TO L.C.P. IN LEIU OF $50,000 CASH BAIL. SHAMARI LEE SMITH, AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS ARRAIGNED AT CENTRAL BOOKING, LANCASTER, ALSO, FOR ROBBERY, CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY ROBBERY, FALSE REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY. HE WAS COMITTED TO L.C.P. IN LIEU OF $200,000 CASH BAIL. THE TWO WERE INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT IN THE 200 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, SEPT. 27.

Chamber to host Mixer

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a  Business Mixer, sponsored by Province Bank, 10 South 18th St.
The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m. RSVP to the chamber at 684-5249 by Friday, Oct. 8.
Chamber members can attend free and non-members will be charged $5,

Meters, meters and meters

Saw this one yesterday where Lancaster City is changing its parking meter system: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/294597

Fire Safety open house

The Susquehanna Fire Company, 10th and Manor streets,  will host their Fire Prevention Week Open House, Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Some of the attractions are:  Fire Safety Trailer, Columbia K-9 Officer, SVEMS, Columbia QRS, fire truck rides and refreshents.

Sportsmanship went out the window this afternoon

Columbia hosted a seventh and eighth grade football game this afternoon on the hill against Reading.
Reading is the biggest school on District Three and we all know that Columbia is the smallest school in the area.
The good news is Columbia won the game in the last minute, 32-28.
The bad news was there was an ugly incident in the first half of the game that almost caused the game to be stopped and forfeited.
Just a little background. When I do the announcing at basketball and wrestling, I do a much smaller version of the announcement. First off, no one can hear it or by now, everyone knows it. There are certain games, you read the expanded version and we all know what games they are. But for the most part, what I've found is the sportsmanship policy isn't uniformly enforced throughout the L-L League.
In you haven't noticed, its read to the coaches and captains prior to football games.
So today, being the only person sitting on the Reading side of the field, I heard a lot coming from the Reading sidelines. It wasn't good. The end result was a pair of 15-yard penalties against the Reading coach, a sideline warning and an ejection.
The ejection was a concern. After the Red Knight coach was thumbed from the game, he refused to leave for several minutes. The game was halted and both teams were sent to the sidelines and I even heard the Reading coach mutter some words about getting the official after the game.
The game should have been stopped, if not then, definitely when the Reading coach tried to coach from the bus in the second half.
I didn't have an issue with the ejection because it was warranted. The officials were trying to be nice to the Reading coach by leaving him on the bus but it backfired. It was a little testy there for a while.
The Reading coach poor judgement throughout the game and I really hopes the school takes action against this individual. Coaches are suppose to set the example, not cause the problem.

Former Wrightsville officer fired

A former police officer in Wrightsville was recently fired by Hellam Township: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_16198060

Trial will be held in fatal accident

Here is a link involving a preliminary hearing on a fatal accident earlier this summer: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/294913

There are 4

There are four candidates for the open seat on Columbia Borough Council.
The four are Jim Smith, Carmen Swinehart, Michael Lydon and myself.
Interviews for the position vacated by Anna Gerlitzki, will be held next Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 308 Locust St.

Monday, September 27, 2010

District Three Class A power ratings

District 3 has released their first power ratings of the football seasin. Here are the Class A ratings: http://district3.piaa.org/football/2010/WK4-A.pdf

I am a candidate

For the last 25 years or so, I've covered Columbia Borough Council meetings for the three newspapers that were in our town. I've seen a lot of people come and go; a lot of people not only serve on borough council, but, sit in the audience, that had some great ideas and others that well were a waste of time.
You might say I've seen it all. But over the last year or so, seeing the council meetings from a different venue, that of a citizen who loves my town and someone who wants to help.
I want to help make our town a better place to live, work and have some fun in.
I knew for a few weeks before Anna Gerlitzki officially resigned that there might be an opening on borough council. So I started thinking about possibly applying for the vacant seat or even waiting to run in the next election.
For about a month or so, I was torn between not applying for the opening and applying for it. I had the letter Well, after much consideration and thought on my part, I dropped off my letter of intent last Tuesday night when I was downtown for the Business Expo, sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.
So, why did I apply? One, to help my community be/become the best town in Lancaster County. I think after 25 years of covering meetings, I've seen all the ideas and have ideas of my own that might help our town move forward. Two, it is something I've wanted to do for a few years, but wasn't in the position to do it. Now, I have the time to do it and hopefully help.
As for what my plans are, if I am the person selected for the council seat, I will tell you I will work very hard to serve the 10,000 plus residents of our town. One of the first things, if selected for the opening on borough council that I will do, is ask to meet with all the current members of council, staff and others to find out what is going on, what is planned and what I can do to help move things along. Yes, I have some concerns about different issues in town and hopefully they can be addressed. I am all for everyone -- council, staff and citizens working together and all for openness of letting people know and understand what is going on.
If I am selected as the appointed member of borough council, my door will always be open and I look forward to speaking with everyone to get their ideas, good and bad. I will work hard and hopefully be able to fit in.
I will continue to use this blog to let people know and understand what is going on in our town and it won't always be from my point of view as well.

CBAA scores

Columbia, 42, East Petersburg 22 (B Team)
Columbia 6, East Petersburg (C Team)
Columbia  0, East Petersburg (D Team)

Elco is first league foe

After four weeks of non-league games and a 1-3 record, the Columbia Crimson Tide gets to start all over again this week when they host the Elco Raiders in their first Section 3 game of the season.
The Raiders, who were expected to possibly challenge Lancaster Catholic for the Section 3 title, are an un-Elco like 0-4. They were beaten Friday night in their Section 3 opener by Northern Lebanon by a 33-28 score.
While Elco, coached by Mark Evans is 0-4, they have lost three of their games by a total of 15 points.
Part of Elco's problem is at quarterback. They lost their starting QB prior to their first game and were forced to move RB Tyler George to QB.
George, along with Dylan Hickernell, have combined for more than 300 yards rushing, while Eric Ondo has caught passes for ore than 300 yards.
The Tide is celebrating Homecoming on Friday and is looking for their first win over the Raiders in four seasons and just their third in eight seasons.
NOTES: Here's something to ponder. The combined records of Columbia's first four opponents was 10-6. The combined records of the Tide's next four opponents is 4-12. Columbia's last win over Elco was in 2007 by a 30-22 score. In the last two games, the Raiders have outscored the Tide 114-46.

After four games

Here are some news and notes on the Columbia football team after four non-league games, heading into Friday's Section 3 opener with Elco.
* The Tide has led in the first half of three of its four games -- the lone exception was Friday's game with Boiling Springs.
* Columbia has played teams in York, Cumberland and Berks County. They play the next three games against teams from Lebanon County.
* Last season after four games, the Tide was 0-4 and three of the four games ending in the Mercy Rule.
* Seth Lefever leads the tackle chart with 28 followed by Marcus Fischer with 26. Michael Burke leads the Tide in sacks and tackles for loss. John Marley leads the Tide with two picks.
* On offense, the Tide has rushed for 729 yards, with Brock Taylor leading the way with 216. QB Tyler Harrison has completed 46 of 73 passes for 636 yards and eight scores. Burke is the leading receiver with 23 catches for 385 yards and seven scores, followed by DJ Wells with nine and Nick Nobile and Seth Lefever with seven each.
 * Defensively, the Tide has given up 1,009 in four games on the ground and 517 through the air, 294 of them coming against Daniel Boone.

Week Four Columbia football notebook

Good looking turf field
Friday, the Tide played on turf for the second time in four games. The other was against Northeastern. It will be the best field the Tide will play on this year.
The helicopter flyover before the game was a planned event and added a nice touch to the opening.
I'm sure this will get some comments, but the concession stand food was good. The cheeseburger (yes just one, but it was a double cheeseburger) I had before the game was awesome and the chicken corn soup was good, but a little too spicy for me. Best upcoming stands will be Northern Lebanon, who usually has pretty good soups and Annville-Cleona, who has the best hot dogs in the league.
What I didn't like was the hundreds of young people walking around the "walking" track during the game, often interfering with people watching the game. It seemed more like a social event than a football game. My question  is why go to the game if you aren't going to watch it. Did notice the Bubblers had a student section.
Among those seen walking around was PIAA Executive Director Brad Cashman.

Injuries mount
Two players were injured. John Markley left the game early in the second quarter with an arm injury and was in a sling. Brock Taylor left the game late in the first half. Not dressed for the game were Lamar Porras, Quincy Mancotywa, Tyler Dietz, Dion Matthews, Chris Murray and Victor Rivera. Matthews and Dietz are out with shoulder injuries.

Offensive numbers
Quarterback Tyler Harrison, who is recovering from an ankle injury and didn't have a full week of practice, had a big game. He was 22 of 35 with one pick for 266 yards and one score. Michael Burke caught a season-high nine balls for 95 yards and a score. Harrison completed passes to have different receivers.
DJ Wells caught six balls for 92 yards and also rushed for 58 yards and a score.

Defensive numbers
Still not good. Columbia gave 246 yards on the ground, including 168 to Ryan Miller. QB Jared Bliss made the most of his seven pass attempts, completing six for 98 yards and two scores. Seth Lefever was the top tackler for the game with eight stops.

Extra points
The Tide continues to struggle with points after scores. They converted one of three, a two-point conversation late in the game from Harrison to Burke. They are 2 of 7 in one-point conversions this year and 3 of 8 in two-point conversions.

Other numbers
The Tide has been outscored  in the second quarters of games, 39-27 this season and 41-18 in the third quarters. They have dominated first quarters, outscoring their four opponents, 31-20. Columbia outscored the opposition, 37-36 in the fourth quarter.

Volunteers are needed

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is in need of a couple of volunteers to assist with the admission areas at Saturday's Bridge Bust.
For more information, contact Amy at 684-5249.

Weekly college update

Here is the weekly update of Columbia graduates playing college football.
At Kutztown, Colby Tuell caught six passes for 84 yards in a 52-14 win over Cheyney. For the year, he is second on the team in receptions, 16 for 211 yards.
At Juniata, Brandon Felus started at defensive end in a loss at F&M.
Lebanon Valley was off this week.

Missed opportunities for the Tide

The difference in a win and a loss for the Columbia football team came down to a couple of missed opportunities. Those opportunities added up to a 35-20 non-league loss to Boiling Springs.
On the turf at Boiling Springs, the Tide was moving the ball on offense, but didn’t come up with many big plays on defense until the second half.

The Bubblers scored their first points of the game on their first drive. BS went 76 yards in nine plays, scoring on a 6-yard run by Ryan Miller to take a 7-0 lead with 6:37 left in the first quarter.

After punting on their first possession of the game, the Tide got its offense untracked on their second offensive series.

Starting at their own 20, the Tide behind the passing of Tyler Harrison moved to the BS 4. On the Harrison, the Tide junior quarterback completed three passes to Michael Burke and one to Seth Lefever.

But with four cracks to score inside te four, the Tide couldn’t dent the goal line and gave the ball back to the Bubblers.

After both teams traded punts, BS went in for another score. This time, the Bubblers started at their own 25 and 75 yards and 14 plays later, QB Jared Bliss found Roland Miller and the Bubblers were ahead 14-0 with three minutes left in the first half.

Right before half, the Tide had its second opportunity to score. Columbia got to the Bubbler 11, before self destructing.

The Bubblers went ahead 21-0 on their opening drive of the second half. Starting near midfield, the Bubblers scored with 9:46 left in the quarter on a second Bliss touchdown pass.

Back came the Tide. Behind the running of DJ Wells, Harrison and Johnny Vazquez, the Tide reached the BS 11. On first down, Wells sprinted in from the 11. The Tide botched the PAT and trailed 21-6 with 4:40 left in the third quarter.

Inspired, the Tide forced the Bubblers to punt and got something going again. Starting near midfield, the Tide scored again, this time on a 24-yard pass from Harrison to Burke. Again, Columbia failed to convert the two-point conversion and trailed 21-12 with 68 seconds left in the third quarter.

But the Bubblers answered. Bliss scored, ending a 12-play, 84-yard drive, scoring with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter to take a 28-12 lead.

Columbia answered the score again. Harrison hit passes to Burke, Wells and Nick Nobile to move to the BS 1. Harrison scored on a 1-yard sneak. This time, Columbia converted the two-point conversion as Harrison found Burke in the end zone. With 3:35 left in the game, Columbia trailed 28-20.

But BS iced the game, needing just three plays against a gambling Tide defense, scoring on a 25-yard run by David Cook with 2:22 left.

Columbia tried to comeback. They moved to the BS 11 but a Harrison pass was picked off in the end zone to end the game.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Columbia mentioned on Eagles' show

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell was asked Thursdayt when he visited Columbia High School is he would show a mug he was given on Eagles' Post-Game Live.
Not only did he do it, but spoke highly of his speech and visit to Columbia High School.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Columbia to be featured

Attention Columbia: The football team will be featured on Fox 43 morning news tomorrow at like 7 a.m., along with the band and cheerleaders. Also, Gov. Rendell promised today, he'd showcase the mug he got at the high school Sunday on Post Game Live after the Birds beat the Jaquars. Roll Tide!!!!

Rendell visits Columbia

Governor Ed Rendell smiles as he enters Columbia High School this afternoon.
Pennsylvania's number one politician Gov. Ed Rendell spoke for about an hour this afternoon to the students and staff at Columbia High School.
Rendell was visiting the school as part of a promise made a couple of years ago to Principal Virginia Babic. The school administrator met Rendell in a McDonald's and asked him to visit her school. He was going to fulfill the promise last year, but cancelled out at the last minute.
Thursday, the governor was greeted warmly. As he entered the auditorium, Rendell was greeted with a loud ovation from the students and music provided by the high school band. As he made his way to the front of the auditorium, Rendell shook hands with students and staff.
During his talk with those in attendance, the governor spoke about the importance of education, mandated test scores and lauded the Columbia School District on their improvement with making Adequate Yearly Progress. The governor said the district's two elementary schools -- Park and Taylor, made the AYP, while the high school missed out by not achieving one of the 19 sub-headers, but in his opinion, the high school reached its goal.
After speaking for about 20 minutes on educational issues, Rendell talked about his future after he leaves office at the end of the year and what his accomplishments have been as governor and the future of jobs not only in Pennsylvania, but nationally. He told the students he never speaks from a prepared speech, rather choosing to use index cards or a sheet of paper to highlight what he wants to say. Rendell said the only time he uses a prepared speech is when he presented the state's budget.
"I would say the recession is not over. In my book, we cannot have a recovery until we start creating new jobs, but economists view the recession on the stock market success," Rendell said.
The governor said businesses might be making profits again but they are doing it with less people. "We need to create jobs and there are ways to do it."
Rendell, who has served the last eight years as Pennsylvania's governor, also served two terms as mayor of Philadelphia and prior to that was the District Attorney for Philadelphia. The governor said he's been in public life for 33 years.
He also took questions from the students such as what is his favorite jelly bean flavor and if he wasn't governor, what would he be? Rendell said he's not a big jelly bean eater and wanted to be a basketball player, but settled as a sportscaster. For the last 10 years, Rendell has been part of Philadelphia Eagles' coverage on Comcast Sports Net. After receiving a Columbia High School mug, Rendell promised to show it on the Eagles' Post-Game  Live coverage Sunday.
Rendell also gave the students an example as the way to succeed and get better grades in the classroom.

Royal Farms still has plans for Wrightsville

The location is at the former Myers and List car dealership: http://www.ydr.com/ci_16145616

A drug arrest

There has been a drug arrest in Columbia: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/292847

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Susquehanna Glass owner meets Obama

The owner of Susquehanna Glass,Walt Rowen, got a chance of a lifetime this week: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/291810

Fourth Friday

The art galleries of Columbia will present Fourth Friday in Columbia on Friday, Sept. 24, beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing to 9 p.m. and beyond.

Attendees may experience Columbia's art galleries, participating antique shops, specialty shops, and local eateries. This self-guided tour provides participants with the opportunity to view exhibits from local and visiting artists and to enjoy refreshments.
The Fourth Friday event is free and suitable for people of all ages. For more information,  call 405-0604 or visit www.fourthfridays.org.

An event across the river

There's a big event in Wrightsville: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39745

Car and art at Pig Iron Fest

An event to attend this week: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39651

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Volleyball pictures from tonight




Here are a few pic from tonight's vollryball match with Lancaster Mennonite. Results will come later.

Comments from in town

In case anyone hasn't noticed, there is no "police" vehicle following the street sweeper for the last couple of weeks.
This leads to a question that when the borough hired extra crossing guards and parking enforcement officers, the idea was not to have police fill in as crossing guards and always have someone follow the sweeper.
So, why are we short a crossing guard in the afternoon at the intersection of Ninth and Walnut streets? Why isn't there a vehicle following the sweeper? Seems, the borough's parking enforcement people have told the borough they won't follow the sweeper.
So the questions are why do these people have a job, because as we were told at a council meeting, this was the idea to have people cross trained. Secondly, why aren't borough officials making these people follow the sweeper.
So, are we giving up writing the $10 tickets for a $5 ticket?
Business friendly!

West Hempfield Township police

Police have charged Michael Carson, 23, of Lancaster, with DUI, as the result of an incident on Prospect Road, north of Route 30, Sept. 18.
Police have charged Dale Duffy, 43, of Lancaster, with harassment, as the result of an incident in the 600 block of Summit Drive, Sept. 17.
Police have charged Darnell Franks, 19, of Lancaster, with disorderly conduct, as the result of an incident on Breezy View Road, Sept. 19.
Police have charged Tommy Lee Hills, 41, of Columbia, with DUI, as the result of an incident in the 700 block of Kinderhook Road, Sept. 18.

Donegal blanks Tide

Singles

Brubaker, Donegal, def Geesey, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Gainer, Donegal def Lydon, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Noble, Donegal def Ulrich, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Farmer, Donegal def Beshara, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Tufarolo, Donegal def Barton, Columbia 0-6, 0-6
Doubles
Heistand/Vardament, DHS def Geesey/Beshara CHS 8-0
Zern/Nickchen, DHS def Lydon/Ulrich CHS 8-2

Tide girls blank Reading

The Columbia girls' volleyball teamm won its first match of the year last night defeating Reaadingin straight sets, 26-24, 25-17 and 25-13.
Ashlyn Phillips had six aces and kills during the match and Katie Will had six kills and three blocks.
The Tide is scheduled to host Mennonite tonight.

Columbia Police reports

EDWARD J. FLICK, JR., AGE 78, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT NORTH THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 15.
DOUGLAS CLAIR GARNER, AGE 43, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE FIRST BLOCK OF PLEASANT AVENUE, SEPT. 16.
MICHAEL K. BLIZZARD, AGE 28, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT ROUTE 462 AND CHESTNUT STREET, SEPT. 18.
XIOMARA BURGOS, AGE 25, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOROBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT 3RD. AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 19.
ASSHUR RAAMAH BEATTY, AGE 30, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS AT ROUTE 30 WEST AND ROUTE 441, SEPT. 19.
MITCHELL A. SHUE, AGE 20, OF YOE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH NINTH STREET, SEPT. 17.
JENNIFER L. JACKSON, AGE 53, OF MIDDLETOWN, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE
500 BLOCK OF MILL STREET, SEPT. 19.

JUAN CARLOS COLON, AGE 49, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 30 EAST, SEPT. 20.
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LINDEN STREET AT THE EXIT RAMP, SEPT. 20:  CRYSTAL E. STAYMAN, AGE 18, OF MARIETTA; DAVID ALLEN SNAVELY, AGE 22, OF MANHEIM; SHANIZE LYNN WINKEY,  AGE 22, OF MOUNT JOY.

Monday, September 20, 2010

LNP correspondent dies in crash

He covered Columbia council and school board meetings: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/291562

Vote for the Tide

It's time to vote, not for a new governor, but for the Columbia football program to be featured on Fox 43 on Friday night at Boiling Springs. Congratulations, your matchup, Columbia at Boiling Springs is one of
four games selected for FOX43's High School Football Frenzy "Game of the Week." We encourage you to let your students, alumni and fans know that they can go to our website www.hsfootballfrenzy.com and vote for your game.
The matchup receiving the most votes will be designated as our "Game of the Week" for Friday Night, Sept. 24. If your matchup wins, FOX43 will come out to Boiling Springs and be live for our 30-minute preview show and have a report on location after the game for our highlights at 10 p.m.
Keep in mind we will be there to showcase both schools in the game and would like to have cheerleaders, band members, alumni and fans from both teams with us during our show at 6 p.m. This is your chance to shine as a school and program and show viewers all across our area your school pride. http://www.hsfootballfrenzy.com/

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Boone outscores Tide

If you look at the size of the schools -- Daniel Boone and Columbia, it was not a good thing for the Tide.
Daniel Boone is a Class AAAA school and the Tide, a Class A school. Sort of like David vs. Goliath.
Probably a game that shouldn't be played.
Daniel Boone was coming off a season where they lost to Manheim Central in the District Three Class AAA playoffs. The Tide was coming off its first winless season in 52 seasons.
And on top of that, Friday night, Columbia celebrated its third Athletic Hall of Fame inductions.
And it was Daniel Boone, who came out on top, outscoring the Tide 49-25, to improve to 3-0 on the season. With the loss, the Tide fell to 1-2, heading into Friday's game with Boiling Springs.
The outcome of this one might have been a little different had the Tide converted a few chances.
It looked like a long night three minutes into the game. Boone running back Darrel Scott busted off a 49-yard touchdown to give the visitor's a 7-0 lead.
Thanks to a roughing the passer penalty against Boone, Columbia moved to the Blazer 48 when Brock Taylor sprinted 48 yards to the end zone to give the Tide some points. Dominic Trout converted the PAT and the game was suddenly tied with 8:59 left in the first quarter.
Boone threatened to take control of the game on their next possession, moving to the Tide 36, before quarterback Tom Boldolus misfired on three straight passes.
After the two teams exchanged punts, the Tide took the lead. Shakim McIlwain on second down broke off a 60-yard touchdown run to give the Tide a 13-7 lead. Columbia missed the PAT and it was looking good for the Tide late in the first quarter.
After the two teams exchanged punts, Boone took a one-point lead with 8:11 left in the first half when Bodolus fired the first of his five touchdown passes, this one a 4-yard pass to Scott Martin. The PAT went right through the uprights and Boone led 14-13.
That didn't matter.
The Tide came right back. Tyler Harrison completed back-to-back passes to Michael Burke IV. But two plays after the pass completions to Burke, disaster struck for the Tide. First with 6:37 left in the half, Harrison went out with an ankle injury and was replaced by Seth Lefever. On the next play, McIlwain fumbled at the five and Boone recovered.
That turnover led to a Bodolus 65-yard scoring pass to Randy Van Horn and a 21-13 Boone lead.
And it got worse on the ensuing Boone kickoff. The Blazers weren't kicking deep, settling for a high pooch kick. On this one, the Tide failed to pick up the loose football and Boone recovered at the Tide 33.
Boone went for the kill but Bodolus' pass was picked off by John Markley at the 10 and returned it to the Blazer 33. But the Tide was flagged for an illegal block on the return. Instead of setting up on the Boone side of the field, Columbia got the ball at their 24. They couldn't move the ball and punted. With 16.5 seconds left in the half, Boone scored again as Bodolus found Alex Ewing and at the half, Boone was ahead 28-13.
To open the second half, Boone got the ball and was moving in for another score when Taylor stepped in front of a Bodolus pass and returned it 65 yards for a score. Again, the Tide missed the PAT and trailed 28-19 with 9:20 left in the third quarter.
Boone woke up. Bodolus found Justin Brown for a 33-yard score and all the sudden it was 35-19 Boone with 7:49 left in the third quarter.
Four minutes later, Scott scored on another long run of 59-yards and Boone's advantage was 42-19.
Two possessions and one turnover later, Boone's Boldolus found Jared Stoffers for his fifth TD pass of the game and Boone was ahead 49-19.
The Tide broke its scoring drought with 7:03 left in the game as Johnny Vazquez rumbled in from the 15.

Relaxation on the River

Here is an article from the Sunday News about the river islands. Just brought up a thousand or so questions, but I will keep quiet for now and let people post: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/290190

Wrestlers to hold barbeque

The Columbia wrestling team will hold its fall chicken barbecue ar Scott's Automotive, 12th Street and Lancaster Avenue, Saturday, Sept. 25.

Columbia seeks spring coaches

The Columbia High School is looking for spring coaches in the sports of girls' softball and track and field.
Interested parties are asked to contact Athletic Director Jim Rhoads at 901 Ironville Pike.

College update

Here is the weekly update of college football players from Columbia:
At the Valley, Ben Guiles rushed for 68 yards and Yahya McIntyre caught one pass for eight yards in Lebanon Valley's 21-6 win over Moravian.
At Kutztown, Colby Tuell caught one pass for six yards in Kutztown's 38-13 win over Lock Haven.
At Juniata, Brandon Felus has played in all three games and has recorded five tackles. Juniata plays at F&M on Saturday.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

CBAA plans another fund raiser

The Columbia Boy's Athletic Association will hold a sports auction on Saturday, Nov. 6, at the Wenger Center, 229 Walnut St., from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information, call 314-2714 or 572-7149.

Week Three notebook

Other updates
Monday, the junior varsity team lost to Northeastern. Tuesday, the 7th and 8th grade team outscored E-town, 44-42 and Thursday, the ninth grade team was an 18-14 winner over Pequea Valley.

Injuries
Columbia had two big injuries during the game. Quarterback Tyler Harrison was injured running a keeper with about seven minutes in the first half following a 2-yard gain. In the second half. Brock Taylor, who returned a pick for a score in the first half, was injured following a fourth quarter carry.

In 2011
The Tide's schedule barring last minute changes will be the same, switching the home and away dates. That means Columbia will travel to Boone next year. Boone is a Class AAAA team and leads the series with the Tide 3-2. Like Northeastern last week, this week's game at Boiling Springs will be the first between the Tide and the Bubblers. Boiling Springs replaces L-S on the Tide's schedule. While league play opens this week for the rest of the L-L League, because of the odd number of teams in Section 3, the Tide has another non-league game.

Boiling Springs directions
Remember this is a Penn State home weekend, so there will be plenty of traffic going up through the Harrisburg area. Here is a link to the directions from the South Middleton School District web page: http://www.smsd.us/Welcome.cfm?subpage=71453

Been there before
Although this is the first meeting between the two schools, the Tide has played at Boiling Springs once before in the District Three playoffs.I believe it was one of those games back in the mid to late 1990s vs. Scotland.

Turovers favor Tide
The Tide turned the ball over twice last night, both fumbles. One fumble was midway through the second quarter at the Boone 5, it led to a Blazer score, whic gave DB a 21-13 lead.The second was on the ensuing kickoff, when Boone's short kick was not fielded by the Tide/
But the Tide ended up plus one, picking off three passes -- one returned for a score by Taylor and the other two were by John Markley.

Tide's numbers
Officially, the Tide finished with 153 yards on the ground led by Shakim McElwain with 67 yards and Taylor with 59 yards. Johnny Vazquez added 39 yards. Passing wise, Harrison was 3-for-5 for 55 yards and back-up Seth Lefever was three for nine for 32 yards. Michel Burke caught 4 passes for 85 yards.
On the down side, teh Tide gave up 253 yards on the ground and 294 through the air.
Columbia also punted seven times and had a season-ow seven first downs.
The defense touchdown scored by Taylor in the first half was the Tide's first of the year and the 10th defensive point of the season by the Tide, who picked up four points on safeties against Eastern.
The five touchdown passes were the first given up by the Tide this season.

Updated District Three records

Last season, the District Three Class A football playoffs had just six teams make the post season.
And three weeks into the 2010 sesason, there could be an odd number of teams again. In 2010, there are just 10 Class A teams and already three of those are winless.
The winless teams at 0-2 are Carson Long and Fairfield, along with former Class A power Camp Hill.
Out of the three, Camp Hill might be the only team with a chance of winning.
There are no unbeaten teams in the Class A field. With 2-1 records are Steel-High, Reading Central Catholic, York Catholic, defending champ Millersburg and Halifax, who went winless last year.
The Crimson Tide and Upper Dauphin are 1-2.

Yard sale at Glatfelter

The Columbia Boy's Athletic Association held its fall yard sale today at Glatfelter Field.

Church holds yard and soup sale

St. James Lutheran Church held its annual yard and soup sale today.

Other game stories

Boiling Springs, Columbia's final non-league opponent is 2-1 after a win over Milton Hershey. Here is the Carlisle Sentinel story: http://cumberlink.com/sports/high-school/football/article_dba05156-c2d8-11df-a219-001cc4c03286.html

Elco, the Tide's first league foe is 0-3 following a loss to Lebanon: Here is the Lebanon Daily News story: http://www.gametimepa.com/ci_16105513?source=most_viewed

Northern Lebanon, under new coach Roy Wall is also 0-3 after getting thumped by Hamburg: Here is the Lebanon Daily News story: http://www.gametimepa.com/ci_16105506

Annville-Cleona put up a lot of points in winning its first game of the season: The story from the Lebanon Daily News: http://www.gametimepa.com/ci_16105511

Lancaster Catholic wins a tight one over city rival McCaskey. The Intell-New Era story: http://articles.lancsports.com/local/4/290909

Pequea Valley continues to score points, but they are giving up a lot: The Intell-New Era story: http://articles.lancsports.com/local/4/290886

Donegal continues to struggle, losing its second game of the seasaon. The Reading Eagle story: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=250060

Other views of last night's game

Intell/New Era story: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/290884

Reading Eagle: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=250061

Friday, September 17, 2010

How the opponents did, week 3

Boiling Springs, Columbia's final non-league opponent won its second game tonight by a 20-7 score over Milton Hershey to improve their record to 2-1.
Elco and Northern Lebanon fell to 0-3 on the season. The Raiders were 28-24 losers to Lebanon, while the Vikings were 40-10 losers to Hamburg.
Donegal fell to 1-2 following a 34-7 loss to Conrad Weiser.
And if you think there were a lot of points scored on the hill tonight -- 74, well, that was the third highest scoring game of the night in Section 3.
Annville-Cleona won its first game over Fleetwood by a 68-34 score, while Pequea Valley and Octorara had another offensive explosion. Octorara scored a 54-41 win over the Braves. A-C and PV are 1-2.
Lancaster Catholic was a 17-7 winner over Red Rose city rival McCaskey.

Update on accident

Here's an update on that Long Level accident: http://www.ydr.com/ci_16102787

Bus accident in Long Level

There was an accident this afternoon in Long Level involving a dump truck and tour bus: http://www.ydr.com/ci_16102787

Columbia resident featured

Road to Recovery: http://www.wgal.com/video/25048658/detail.html

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Car Show

Snapped these pictures in the parking lot of Burning Bridge Antique Center. There were a number of old cars parked there, with visitors from all over the east coast, who were walking down Locust Street, heading to Golden Stories. The people were from Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

The ever changing 200 block of Locust Street

The 200 block of Locust Street is ever changing.
There are plans to open the Black Widow tattoo shop next to the Foresters. It will be Columbia's third "official" tattoo shop.
Also, the Spanish-American grocery store, which occupied the former Motter Hardware building, which COLUMBIA TALK, reported last week was closed, now has a for sign in front of the window.
A tad bit up the street, the ice cream shop and the antique shop are closed and both empty.
The "for sale" sign that was up at the Heritage Insurance Agency at Third and Locust streets, is now down.

Parl Rangers plan work details

Now that we're past summer's horrendous heat and unofficial end on Labor Day, the Columbia Park Rangers will again start work details.
The first will be an evening one on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Glatfelter Field, 12th Street and Lancaster Avenue at the children's playground. Rangers will weed and spread mulch at the playground.
The next will be on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. at Zion Hill Cemetery on North Fifth Street just north of the U.S. 30 underpass. Ranger will assist the Rivertownes PA USA as part of a grant they received for doing work and preparing a program.

Tide girls fall to Garden Spot

Singles
Eberly GS def Geesey CHS 6-2, 6-1
Beahan GS def Lydon CHS 6-1, 6-3
Burke GS def Ulrich CHS 6-1, 6-0
Fortuna GS def Beshara CHS 6-1, 6-0
O'Malloy GS def Walton CHS 6-0, 6-2
Doubles
Eberly/Burke GS def Geesey/Walton 8-0
Beahan/Fortuna GS def Lydon/Beshara 8-0

Help wanted

Columbia Borough will accept applications for its vacant council position through Monday, Sept. 27. Interviews will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28 and the new council mebers will be sworn in at the Oct. 11 meeting of borough council.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Upcoming events

Here is a list of upcoming events:
Thursday and Friday: The Columbia Market House will be open.
Friday: Columbia High School holds its third annual Athletic Hall of Fame inductions with a reception prior to its football game with Daniel Boone, with the induction cerremony at halftime.
Those being inducted are the 1987 state basketball championship, Hilary Hershey, Ken Haverstick, Mike Keiper and Steve Ward.
Saturday: The Columbia Quick Response Service will hold a chicken barbeque and rib sale in the parking lot of the Columbia Shopping Center.
Saturday: The Columbia Boy's Athletic Association will hold a yard sale at Glatfelter Field: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39400
Saturday: The Columbia Historic Preservation Society will be held at the Columbia No. 1 Fire Department: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39393
Saturday: St. James Lutheran Church will hold a yard and craft sale: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39006
Saturday: St. Annes Retirement Community and the borough of Mountville will hold a yard sale: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=39005
Tuesday:  The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a business expo at the Columbia Market House from 5-8 p.m.
The public is invited to visit the Business Expo to learn more about the goods and services provided by participating firms. Representatives from businesses ranging from financial planning to massage therapy and more will be on hand to talk to the public. Some participants will offer information and promotional items describing their products and services, while others will have goods for sale at the Business Expo.

For more information, contact the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce at 684-5249.
Saturday, Sept. 25: The members of the Washington Boro Society for Susquehanna River Heritage are serious about preserving the history and traditions of the area, but they also enjoy kicking up their heels for a good time. The organization will hold a hoedown at the Heritage Center, which is located at the intersection of River Road and Blue Rock Road in Washington Boro.

The event will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring place settings, beverages, and a covered dish or dessert to share. Square dancing will follow the meal until 8:30 p.m. The hoedown is open to the community, and there is no cost to participate.
The Susquehanna Fire Company. 10th and Manor streets, will hold their fall chicken barbecue.
Thursday, Sept, 30: The Mayor and Borough Council invite the citizenry to attend a public meeting to be held at 7 p.m. at the Columbia High School Auditorium.
The purpose of this meeting is to present and introduce the recently completed Economic Development Strategic Plan for Columbia Boro undertaking was given to an Advisory Group that represents a cross-section of Borough residents. This group, in collaboration with professional staff guidance from the Lancaster County Planning Commission, was charged with producing a plan that will generate and promote economic growth within an identifiable footprint, as well as, throughout the community. Key to the success of this effort is a positive understanding of the guide document that will be presented at the public meeting, and the valued input from the general public regarding the future o Columbia Borough.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Cross country team hosts Annville-Cleona and Warwick

Columbia hosted its only home cross country meet this afternoon against Annville-Cleona and Warwick.









Wrightsville officer resigns

http://www.ydr.com/ci_16068334?source=most_viewed

Columbia Police reports

JOSHUA DAVID MAGEE, AGE 27, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LINDEN STREET, SEPT. 8.
FRANK R. DOMMEL, AGE 23, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AND FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN THE 200 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, SEPT. 8.

JAMES ALLEN FISHER, AGE 19, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS AT PLANE AND FRONT STREETS, SEPT. 10.

ROGER DALE SEVERT, JR., AGE 41, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS AT BANK AVENUE AND AVENUE H, SEPT. 11.
SASHA ANNE HOFFMAN, AGE 27, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CHARGED AND ARRAIGNED, IN LANCASTER CENTRAL BOOKING, FOR SIMPLE ASSAULT, DOMESTIC RELATED, FOR AN INCIDENT ON UNION STREET, SEPT.10.
HER BAIL WAS SET AT $10,000 STRAIGHT/CASH.

SHAWN PAUL DEITZEL, AGE 22, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 900 BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE, SEPT. 10.
JUNIOR CRUZ, AGE 30, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND  CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, AT FIFTH AND CHERRY
STREETS, SEPT. 8.
CHARLES E. MONTAGUE, AGE 46, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND FOR NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LOCUST STREET, SEPT. 10.
ERIC E. CREEK, AGE 31, OF WASHINGTON BORO., WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT SIXTH AND CHESTNUT STREETS, SEPT. 10.
ENRIQUE BERNARD, AGE 52, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REQUIRED; OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION; AND FOR OPERATION OF VEHIELE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF EMISSIONS, SEPT. 11 IN THE 300 BLOCK OF SOUTH THIRD STREET.

CHARLOTTE H. HUBER, AGE 71, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR RIGHT TURN ON RED, AT THITD AND LINDEN STREETS, SEPT. 14.

Monday, September 13, 2010

West Hempfield Township police reports

Police have charged Jason Champey, 34, of Lancaster, with two counts of simple assault as the result of an incident in the 2800 block of Hemlock Drive at 8:24 a.m., Sept. 11.
Police have charged Michelle L. Hartman, 27, of Columbia, with two counts of arson, risking a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief as the result of an incident in the 2100 block of Oak Hollow Drive, Sept. 12.

Meeting coverage

Because the mobile newsroom ran out of "gas" tonight coming back from the junior varsity game, which Columbia lost 25-6, I was unable to get home in time for tonight's council meeting. Also had to make two personal calls before 7 p.m.

The state champs get in

It's funny that over the course of time during my time of covering sports in Columbia and attending the school on the hill, the number of great teams and athletes I've seen. Yet since the early part of the 1970s through last spring, the number of teams, which could have and probably should have won the gold are many. But if there is one team that came out of no where, it was the 1987 boys' basketball team.
The year before, the Columbia girls' basketball team made it all the way to the state finals before falling to Linesville. There was plenty of hype concerning the team's ability to get back to the big show, but they fell short.
Meanwhile, the Tide boys' team had some good talent such as Albert Ellis, Chris Phiel, Brian Smith, Bo Draper, Keary Smith, Andy Fahringer and a freshman named Mike Wisler.But they stumbled out of the gate, losing seven of their first 10 games.
The Tide hit a hot steak after losing back-to-back games in their own holiday tournament to York Suburban and Conestoga Valley. They won five straight before losing to Warwick and during that stretch, head coach Gary Sutton submitted his resignation to school Superintendent Dawson Detwiler before a game Cocalico.
The team after their loss to Warwick had a 9-8 record. And that was the start of good things for this group of players and coaches.
After losing to Warwick, 68-52, coach Sutton's squad won seven straight including a 101-55 pasting of Cocalico in the final game of the regular season. Heading into the District Three playoffs, the Tide had a pretty good 16-8 record.
The Tide opened districts with its second 101 point game, outscoring Upper Dauphin as Smith and Wisler combined for 61 points. Next up was Kutztown and the Tide survived, 46-45 qualifying for the state playoffs in the process.
Game three of districts was a match up with D-3 heavyweight Trinity and it wasn't a pleasant game as the Shamrocks won 69-57. That semi-final loss put the Tide into the consolation game against Reading Holy Name, which was another Tide loss by a 68-58 score
The hope of that end of the season hot streak was now gone and the Tide, a fourth place finisher in District Three, was sent to Northeast, Pennsylvania to meet Riverside in the first round of the state playoffs.
It was a Saturday and I figured I'd make the trip. One, after a morning of watching cross river rival Eastern play at the Farm Show, I figured there wouldn't be a lot of Columbia people making the trip, outside of parents and a few loyalists. Plus, being a fourth place finisher, not much was expected. Well, someone forgot to tell the Tide, it was suppose to be one and done. Columbia won the game and survived for another day with a 61-56 win. Next up was Wyalusing, which the Tide crushed.
Columbia was now in the Eastern semi-finals, but on a Saturday afternoon at Reading's Geigle Complex with District One power Bristol. The Geigle was packed for the game and in my mind and many others, it probably was one of the best wins in the history of CHS basketball as the Tide won, 82-76. Foul shooting was the key as the Tide went 30 of 34 from the line.
And it started a long line of parades and a rematch with Trinity in the Eastern finals.
Again, many expected the season to end. But at the buzzer Draper rebounded a Smith air ball, putting the winning points in for a Tide 43-42 win. And the celebration was on at Mechanicsburg and back in Columbia.
The Tide was in the state finals and the final foe was Windber from District Five.
As the team left the day before, there were parades, pep rallies and a feeling of confidence that set in with the team and town. I can remember the night before the game sitting with Sutton on the floor/ice at the old Hersheypark Arena watching York Catholic win a state title and liking the feeling I had.
The next morning, I can remember, loading up and leaving with many others from Park School, making the trek to Hershey. That day it seemed like everyone in Columbia was in Hershey. If they weren't tailgating, they were already in the old barn.
It was a close one. I can remember sitting on press row, not wanting to talk to anyone, I wanted to enjoy the moment and as Phiel hit some foul shots in the final minute, I like many were celebrating the win and luckily I could get on the court to celebrate.
That celebration after the game stretched the whole way from Hershey through Elizabethtown, Marietta and Columbia.
It was a great experience and something I will always remember.
The state champs and their coaches will be inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame Friday night. The players -- Draper, who became the legend after that winning shot against Trinity; Phiel, who made the big foul shots; Wisler, Brian and Keary Smith, Ellis, Fahringer, along with John Sheetz, Matt Phillips and Mike Burke and coaches Sutton, Ken Haverstick and Jeff Morral will return.
Also to be inducted are Steve Ward, Hilary Hershey, Mike Keiper and Haverstick as a player.
A reception will be held at 5 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, followed by the induction at halftime of the football game with Daniel Boone.
Aw, the memories, even writing this, I got a little choked up, remembering that dream season.

Former Marietta pastor charged

Found this while surfing the web: http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-former-pastor-marietta-lebanon-homicide,0,4623684.story

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Week two notebook

Injury update
Junior linebacker/tight end Seth Lefever played just defense on Friday after suffering a back bruise last week against Eastern.

The two halfs
Against the Bobcats, Columbia moved the ball at will in the first half. The rushed the ball for 95 yards and passed for 97 more yards. In the second half, the Tide had 64 yards passing, 63 on one play and just six yards rushing. They also had one first down and punted five times.

Burke has big game
Michael Burke IV had 159 yards receiving and three scores. He also returned one kickoff for 31 yards. He has five touchdows for the season.

First turnovers
Columbia had its first turnover of the season when Tyler Harrison was picked off int he first half. They also forced their first turnover, recovering a fumble after a score. The biggest turnover they didn't get was late in the game when Aaron Greene coughed up the football on a late run, but recovered his own fumble.

The difference in the game
Points after touchdowns decided this one. Columbia was one of four, while Northeastern converted all four chances.
Junior High falls
Columbia dropped its first ninth grade game of the season to Northeastern, 14-6 on Wednesday.

Rally falls short

Columbia's bid for its second win of the 2010 football season fell a little short Friday night.
On the turf at Northeastern, the host Bobcats scored 24 straight points to rally to beat the Tide, 32-26.
It was one the Tide left get away.
\Coach Michael Burke III’s team used its ground game on their first possession to move 68 yards in 13 plays to score. That came with 4:47 left in the first quarter on a 1-yard sneak by quarterback Tyler Harrison. Twelve of the 13 plays on the drive were runs by either Harrison, Dominic Trout or DJ Wells. A big play on the drive was a 21-yard pass from Harrison to Michael Burke IV late in the drive. The PAT was blocked and the Tide led 6-0.
It got better on the ensuing kickoff. The Bobcats mis-handled the kickoff as Columbia recovered at the Bobcat 31. Five plays and a couple of penalties later, the Tide scored again on a 15-yard [ass from Harrison to Burke. Again, the Tide couldn’t convert the PAT, but still led 12-0 with three minutes left in the first quarter.
On their next possession, the Tide drove to the Northeastern 11 early in the second quarter before running out of downs.
The Bobcats got back into the game when they picked off a Harrison pass with 7:30 left in the first half. That led to the first of four touchdowns by Aaron Greene, who scored on a 16-yard sprint. The Bobcats, unlike the Tide converted the two-point PAT and trailed 12-8.
Once again the Tide put another late first half score on the board on a 15-yard pass from Harrison to Burke with 25 seconds left in the half. Columbia led 18-8 after not converting the PAT for the third time in the half.
Even without making the extra points, the Tide was in control of the game.
That all started to change on the Bobcats’ first possession of the second half.
Greene, who rushed for 226 yards in the game, was tough to bring down for the Tide. Northeastern pulled within two points on Greene’s 2-yard run with 6:19 left in the third quarter. The two-point PAT was converted and all the sudden it was 18-16, still in favor of the Tide.
As easy as the Tide was moving the football in the first half, they struggled in the second half.
After two possessions, the Tide had minus 14 yards in the second half.
Northeastern finally took the lead three minutes into the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run by Greene, 24-18 and with under two minutes left, the Bobcats took even more control on Greene’s fourth score of the game. NE converted the two-point PAT and led 32-18.
The Tide finally got some momentum in the final minutes when Harrison and Burke combined for a 63-yard score with 53 seconds left. This time the Tide converted the PAT as Harrison found Wells for the conversion to make it 32-26.
All Columbia needed to do was recover the onsides kick and get an attempt to win the game. They didn’t and the Bobcats ran out the clock.

Tide players in college

A couple of Columbia graduates are off to solid starts for their respective college football teams.
Ben Guiles had his second straight 100-yard rushing game at Lebanon Valley in the Duutchmen's 17-14 loss to Grove City.
The Valley, who is 0-2, saw Guiles rush for 154 yards and two scores. He also caught four passes for 58 yards.
Another Columbia grad Yahya McIntyre is also a member of the LVC team, but did not play Saturday.
At Kutztown, Colby Tuell caught four passes for 35 yards in KU's 35-14 win over Mercyhurst.
The previous week, Tuell caught five passes for 86 yards and a TD.
KU is 2-0.
Brandon Felus is a member of the Juniata team.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

District Three update

Here are the updated Class A records:
2-0: Steel High and Millersburg.
1-1: York Catholic, Columbia, Halifax, Upper Dauphin and Reading Central Catholic.
0-1: Carson Long and Fairfield.
0-2: Camp Hill.

Daniel Boone is 2-0

York Daily Record story on win over Susquehannock: http://www.gametimepa.com/ts-ya/ci_16047405

Reading Eagle story: http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=248324

Other views

Intell story on last night's game: http://articles.lancsports.com/local/4/288148

York Daily Record story on last night's game: http://www.gametimepa.com/ts-ya/ci_16046869

How the opposition did

Daniel Boone improved to 2-0 with a huge win over Susquehannock.

The Bubblers are 1-1 after a win over Palmyra. The Bubblers play Milton Hershey Friday.

The Tide's first league opponent is 0-2 following a 38-17 loss  to Pine Grove on Friday night. Coach Mark Evans' team plays Lebanon this week.

The Little Dutchmen are 0-2 following a 14-8 loss to Hamburg. A-C plays Fleetwood this week.

The Vikings lost to Lebanon 49-14 and are 0-2 for new coach Ray Wall.

The Braves, the top scoring team in the L-L League are 1-1 following a 35-28 win over Kutztown. The Braves play Octorara this week.


The state champs are 2-0 following an easy 35-0 win over Hempfield and play city rival McCaskey this week.

The Indians, who play Conrad Weiser this week, are 1-1 following a 21-13 win over Fleetwood.