Monday, January 31, 2011

Eastern administrator charged with DUI

The York Daily Record is reporting the assistant superintendent of the Eastern School District was charged with DUI: http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_17252482

CHS schedule changes

Wednesday's wrestling match with Eastern has been moved to Thursday, Feb. 10, beginning with the junior high match at 5:30 p.m. Columbia will also wrestle Brandywine Heights Saturday at 1 p.m.

Also, as previously announced, all girls' varsity basketball games, with the exception of the Feb. 7 game with Lancaster Catholic, will start at 7 p.m.

West Hempfield Township police reports

Police are investigating the theft of 250 pounds of copper wire, valued at $1,800 from Micro-Fracture in the 200 block of North Donnerville Road, Jan. 27.
Police report a window was broken out of a home by a thrown snowball in the first block of East Main Street, Mountville, Jan.27.

Police have charged Nicholas M. Swedish, 32, of Carnegie, with receiving stolen property as the result of an incident on Route 462 at Prospect Road, Jan. 28.
Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and found the suspect in the vehicle reported stolen from Collier Township, Allegheny County.

Police reported a window was broken out by a BB gun in the 700 block of Prospect Road, Jan. 29.

Police reported officials of the Getty Mart in the 300 block of Highland Drive reported windows were smashed out but no entry was gained to the building, Jan. 28.

Police have charged Scott Greenawalt, 51, of Mountville with public drunkenness as the result of an incident on Huntington Drive, Jan. 29.

Adam Sinners, 23, of Lancaster, was placed in Lancaster County Prison as the result of an incident in the 700 block of Kayo Avenue, Jan. 29.
He was charged after being stopped for driving without headlights on his vehicle. He was charged with DUI, two counts of an Act 64 drug violation, prohibited weapons and driving without headlights.
Sinners was found in possession of an illegal weapon, drugs and drug paraphernalia and became combative with police.

Saving spaces

Throughout town, various forms of using chairs, trash cans and other items have cropped up to save parking spaces.

Who is to shovel these sidewalks?

Columbia Borough's ordinance says all sidewalks must be cleared within eight hours after a snowfall. It farther says a path of three foot wide must be cleared. Apparently someone forgot to tell the owners of the sidewalk which stretches from Florence Street east to the bend on Barber Street. Since many residents of Trinity House use this stretch, they are unshoveled. The owner of the sidewalks -- COLUMBIA BOROUGH!

Police investigate stabbing

Wrightsville Police are investigating a weekend stabbing: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_17249895

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Wrestling is off

Tonight's wrestling match with Brandywine Heights has been postponed until Saturday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

What is a snow emergency?

This is what the borough's code books says about a snow emergency: http://www.ecode360.com/?custId=CO0213

Snow emergency

Columbia Borough has declared a snow emergency, which will be in effect from 8 p.m. tonight until 7 a.m. Friday.

OLA girls place at tournament

The OLA Grls Novice basketball team placed second  in the Resurrection Tournament.  They came in second place, went 3-1 throughout the tournament facing, St. Joe York, OLA White, Resurrection and St. Theresa for the championship game where we lost 15-12.

Games are off

As expected, tonight's basketball games with Garden Spot have been postponed.
The boys' game will be played Saturday, with the j.v. game starting at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity at 7.
The junior high boys' game is postponed.
The girls' game will be played onday at 7 at Garden Spot with the junior high game at 4.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Two Columbia players on "watch list"

Columbia football players Michael Burke IV and Seth Lefever are on a recruiting watch list for next season for the L-L League: http://www.easternparecruits.com/joecleezysportsnetwork/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=281&Itemid=265

SVCC 2011 calendar of events

2011 Schedule of Events


January 21 to February 12 ..............Passport to River Towns
Passports were on sale beginning last November 26. Passport holders may visit participating businesses on these four weekends to enjoy the special discounts and promotions crafted especially for this event.
March 18 ...........................................Annual Gala
The third annual gala is scheduled for Friday, March 18, at Perfect Settings from 6:30 to 10:30 PM. Catered food, live music, and a silent auction will be featured. Visitor Center volunteers will be our invited guests for this event.
April 15 .............................................2nd Annual Taste of River Towns
Held in Union Meeting House, Marietta, this will be a traditional restaurant fair. This is a ticketed event. Tickets will be available for 6:00 to 7:15 or 7:30 to 8:45.
May 28 ...............................................River Run
The River Run is held Memorial Day weekend from 7:00 to 10:30 AM.
June 18 ..............................................Cupcake Contest/Cruisin’ Columbia Marketplace
Planned to coincide with Cruisin’ Columbia, the Marketplace will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (location pending). Independent consultants will have their wares available for sale or order. A Cupcake  Contest will be featured mid-event. Proceeds from the Cupcake Contest will be donated to charity.
June 25 ..............................................Antique, Art and Craft Show
This marks the 31st year for this event. The AAC is always scheduled for the last Saturday in June.
July 22 ...............................................Art in the Park
Scheduled for the 4th Friday in July to coincide with the Fourth Fridays program, this is the second year for this event. Artists will be located in Locust Street Park from 4 to 8 PM. Music will be provided.
August 13 ..........................................Chiques Challenge
The Chiques Challenge is scheduled for the 2nd Saturday in August. This duathlon will begin with registration in Columbia’s River Park, transportation to Vinegar Ferry Road, and a run along the river to and through Marietta. From Marietta, participants will kayak back to Columbia’s River Park.
August 26 ..........................................Art in the Park
Scheduled for the 4th Friday in August to coincide with the Fourth Fridays program, this is the first year this event will be expanded to 2 consecutive months. Artists will be located in Locust Street Park from 4 to 8 PM. Music will be provided.
August 30 to September 9................Summer Silent Auction
In place of the Chamber Picnic, a silent auction will be held featuring items for recreation and relaxation. Bidding will be done via internet.
October 1...........................................Bridge Bust
This is the 23rd year for this event. The Bridge Bust is always held on the first Saturday in
October.
November 5 .......................................MAG Run
Formerly the Fall Flash, this event is scheduled for the first Saturday in November. This is only the third year for this event.
Passport to River Towns
On sale now through the end of the promotion, Passport to River Towns offers special benefits to “travelers” as they visit the 18 participating businesses. Gets stamps from 12 “destinations” and then turn in your “passport” for a chance at a grand-prize drawing of a Kindle and $100 Amazon gift card. An Apple iPod Nano is the second prize. The program runs weekends beginning January 21, 2011 and ending February 12, 2011.

Taste of the River Towns
Friday, April 15, 2011. Making a repeat appearance after last year’s success, this event is in the form of a restaurant fair. It will again take place at the historic Union Meeting House in Marietta. Sample the wares of local restaurants, Bed and Breakfasts and food vendors. Tickets will be available for two time slots: 6 – 7:15 pm and 7:30-8:45 pm.

11th Annual 5k River Run
Saturday, May 28, 2011. The course for this event is a popular one – it crosses the Susquehanna River via the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Rt. 462) between Lancaster & York County which is closed to vehicular traffic during the event. River Run begins in Wrightsville at 8:30 am and finishes in “record time” against this scenic backdrop. Pre-registration is available. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 250 registrants. Participants may also register on the day of the Run beginning at 7:30 am. The Run is held rain or shine.

Cruisin’ Columbia Marketplace
Saturday, June 18, 2011. Planned to coincide with the 7th Annual Cruisin’ Columbia Car Show, the
Marketplace will be held from 10am-2pm at the Boys and Girls Club building in Columbia. Independent consultants will have their wares available for sale or order. A Cupcake Contest will be featured mid-event. Proceeds from the Cupcake Contest will be donated to local food banks.

31st Annual Antique, Art & Craft Show
Saturday, June 25, 2011. This popular outdoor event runs from 9 am to 3 pm and features over 200 vendors filling Locust Street Park and lining the main thoroughfare. Look for a mixture of crafts, antiques, food and entertainment. Free parking & free shuttle service is available. This event is held rain or shine.

2nd Annual Art in the Park
Friday, July 22, 2011. Scheduled to coincide with Columbia’s Fourth Friday programming, Art in the Park features artists in a variety of media located in an open air venue. Stroll from gallery to gallery with a visit in between to Locust Street Park where you may view and purchase exhibited artwork or enjoy music from the Gazebo. Hours are 4-8 pm rain or shine. Light refreshments available for purchase. If you enjoy this event, we offer Art in the Park on a second evening – August 26, 2011.

1st Annual Chiques Challenge
Saturday, August 13, 2011. Participate in the inaugural year of this duathlon event which combines running and kayaking. Registration will begin in Columbia’s River Park. Participants will be transported to Vinegar Ferry Road and run along the river via the Northwest Trail and on through Marietta. There, runners will take to the river aboard a kayak and finish downstream at Columbia. We’ll be leaning on the expertise of Chiques Rock Outfitters to implement this new event. This event is held rain or shine.

2nd Annual Art in the Park
Friday, August 26, 2011. Scheduled to coincide with Columbia’s Fourth Friday programming, Art in the Park features artists in a variety of media located in an open air venue. Stroll from gallery to gallery with a visit in between to Locust Street Park where you may view and purchase exhibited artwork or enjoy music from the Gazebo. Hours are 4-8 pm rain or shine. Light refreshments available for purchase.

23rd Annual Bridge Bust
Saturday, October 1, 2011. Over 300 vendors will offer their wares in the categories of antiques, art, crafts, food and unique items in this unique and popular event. The venue is the Rt. 462 Veterans Memorial Bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville (Lancaster & York County.) The 1.25 mile bridge is closed to traffic for this event. Hours are 8 am – 4 pm. Free parking and free shuttle service is available from both sides of the bridge. The event is held rain or shine. Admission is $2; children 13 and under free. Please, NO pets.

3rd Annual 5k MAG Run
Saturday, November 5, 2011. The course for this event is a popular one – it crosses the Susquehanna River via the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Rt. 462) between Lancaster & York County which is closed to vehicular traffic during the event. Enjoy the scenic course against the fall foliage of the river valley. The Run begins in Wrightsville at 8:30 am and finishes in “record time” against this autumn backdrop. Pre-registration is available. T-shirts guaranteed to the first 250 registrants. Participants may also register on the day of the Runbeginning at 7:30 am. The Run is held rain or shine.
For more information on these events, call 717-684-5249.

Schedule change

The Columbia girls' basketball team will be playing varsity only games for the remainder of the season. Home games will now start at 7 p.m.

Tide to aid the Barons

The Columbia High School booster clubs and community are coming together seeking monetary and other donations in memory of the four Manheim Central students who were recently killed in a vehicle accident. A donation canister will be placed in the gym lobby seeking donations that will be given to Manheim Central when the Tide plays the Barons in an L-L League basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 3.
Anyone unable to make it to any of the home athletic events -- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week and Tuesday and Wednesday next week, can give them to any of the CHS coaches, to be placed in the canister. Business donations are welcome as well.
Checks can be made payable to the Manheim Central Social Services Fund.

Who is responsible?

The sidewalk at the Shawnee Run over the "Cubby" Spiese Bridge on Route 462 is closed as the latest round of snow plowed by PennDOT was plowed over the sidewalk creating an extremely icy condition. This was noticed in several other locations along 462. So, who is responsible for cleaning the sidewalk?

Window broken out

A front window was broken out at Harrington's Bar in the 400 block of Locust Street spewing glass all over the sidewalk. The incident, police said, happened around midnight on Monday.

West Hempfield police investigate burglaries

West Hempfield Township Police are investigating three daylight burglaries that happened Monday, Jan. 25.
Burglaries were reported in the 700 block of Ferndale Rad, the 800 block of Hilltop Road and the 100 block of Stonehouse Lane.
At the Ferndale Road incident, entry was gained through an unlocked door and electronic equipment and money was taken. The same items were taken on Hilltop Drive as entry was gained through a basement window and jewelry was taken in the 100 block of Stonehouse Road.
Anyone with any information on the burglaries is asked to call police at 285-5191.

Also police and fire personnel responded to a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Weis Markets on Monday at 1786 Columbia Ave.
Police said a lit cigarette left in an ashtray caused moderate damage to the vehicle.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Back in the game

Wanted to post this over the weekend. Former LNP sports writer Jeff Reinhart, who was let go  by Lancaster Newspapers at the end of football season has a new blog focussing on the L-l League: http://jeffreinhart.wordpress.com/

Tide's Burke get mention

Columbia's Michael Burke mentioned in an article on scout.com: http://hspennsylvania.scout.com/2/1042325.html

Columbia police reports

DAVID TYLER NOEL, AGE 20, OF HANOVER, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS AT ROUTE 30 AND LINDEN STREET, JAN. 19.

KIRT C. BEECH, AGE 33, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED IN THE 400 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, JAN. 26.
LETICIA R. MARGARITO, AGE 25, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS, ON BARBER STREET, JAN. 20.
DEBORAH HELEN HUGHES, AGE 44, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT FOURTH AND LOCUST STREETS, JAN. 20.
JEFFREY EMERICK, AGE 37, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR NE- WAY ROADWAYS AND TRAFFIC ISLANDS AND FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON THE 1000 BLOCK OF BARBER STREET, JAN. 21.

ELIZABETH JEAN MAHAN, AGE 62, OF COLUMBIA, AND ALEXANDROS J. KESOGLOU, AGE 61, ALSO OF COLUMBIA, WERE BOTH CITED FOR ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND TRAFFIC ISLANDS, ON THE 1000 BLOCK OF BARBER STREET, JAN. 21.
RANDI LEE WICKENHEISER, AGE 19, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS AT THIRD AND WALNUT STREETS, JAN. 21.
ABIGAIL CRUZ, AGE 35, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN THE 1200 BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE, JAN, 21.
ROXANE A. NEIN, AGE 50, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, AT SOUTH FOURTH  AND UNION STREETS, JAN. 23.

MELISSA C. LOWE, AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN CONCORD AVENUE, JAN. 23.

ROBERT NEWTON LEWIS, JR., AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 200 BLOCK OF AVENUE H, JAN. 22.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Halter is champion

LNP photo
Jordon Halter won the 135-pound weight class at the L-L League wrestling tournament with second period pin in 2:46 over E-town’s Troy Ernest. With the pin, Halter’s third of the two-day event, he received the Floyd "Shorty" Hitchcock Award for the most falls in the least amount of time.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Hallam post office closes

http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_17161097

Update on accident on Chestnut Street


columbiapaonline photo
A Columbia police officer was not hurt as the result of an accident last night at Third and Chestnut streets around 7 p.m.
The officer, not named in the state police report, collided with another vehicle at the intersection.
The other vehicle was operated by Heba Mazier, 21, of Columbia. The two-car accident happened when Mazier's vehicle turned in front of the officer's car.
Mazier was charged by state police with a left turn violation.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Music for a good cause

Saturday in Marietta: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/340478

Smile your on Columbia camera!

You better watch out, you better not shout. Oops, it's not Christmas but in downtown Columbia, you better watch out.
The long awaited video cameras are being installed. Previously just inside and outside the police station and borough hall, along with the Market House, the cameras are being installed throughout the downtown on traffic signals at Third and Locust, Fourth and Locust and Fifth and Locust streets, along with other areas.
The cameras, which were first approved by council a while back, are being installed as a way to cutdown on crime and vandalism in the downtown and other areas.
Will they help? Only time will tell. Were they needed? Probably. Will they work? Perhaps, but it will now take the alleged problems downtown and force them onto other streets.  Who is watching the video of the cameras and how much is being spent on the tapes?


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Friday, January 14, 2011

Columbia Police reports

MANNY SANTOS, AGE 37, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON BARBER STREET, JAN. 6.

KENNETH L. WHITE, JR., AGE 44, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, ON LANCASTER AVENUE, JAN. 7.

JEFFREY E. MILLER, AGE 42, OF WASHINGTON BORO, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AND FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, ON LANCASTER AVENUE, JAN. 7.
MICHAEL L. LUCIDONIO, AGE 53, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON SOUTH EIGHTH STREET AND LANCASTER AVENUE, JAN. 7.
CHAD M. SHOEMAKER, AGE 32, OF DOVER, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, AT ROUTE 30 AND LINDEN STREET, JAN. 8.

ROSIE FORSYTH, AGE 21, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS, JAN. 9.
KEVIN JOSEPH SULLIVAN, AGE 20, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR PURCHASE, CONSUMPTION, POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTATION OF LIQUOR OR MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES, ON UNION STREET, JAN. 8.
RICHARD TODD HAKE, AGE 23, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS ON UNION STREET AND PLEASANT AVENUE,  JAN. 8.

ABRAM EVAN FANTANA, AGE 28, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON ROUTE 30 WEST, JAN. 4.
MINDY LEE RINIER, AGE 31, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, IN THE REAR OF 418 LOCUST STREET, JAN. 5.

MEGAN M. DELGADO, AGE 24, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, ON SOUTH SECOND STREET, JAN. 13.
DEREK J. GEISINGER, AGE 22, OF RED LION, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT NORTH THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, JAN. 13.

BRENDA KAY BARR, AGE 55, OF HARRISBURG, WAS CITED AT NORTH THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, JAN.13.

MATTHEW CLAIRE ARNOLD, AGE 26, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET, JAN.13.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Basketball changes

Columbia High School has announced the following basketball schedule changes for tonight.
Boys Basketball: Junior High games starts at 4 p.m. with no seventh/eighth grade game. The varsity game will start at 6 p.m. with no junior varsity game.
Those games are on the hill.
Girls' Basketball: Junior High games starts at 4 p.m. with no seventh/eighth grade game. The varsity game will start at 6:30 p.m. with no junior varsity games.

The girls' games are at A-C

More changes ahead at market

Over the last few weeks there have been a number of changes at the Columbia Market House.
Three stands operated by the Amish and Mennonites, along with Market Manager Brian Long have left. A few more stands popped up last night and maybe even a few more this week.
But down the road, there could be some significant changes.
Monday night, borough council approved two items that they expected to bolster the market for the long term.
First, council approved revisions to the market stand leases with modified rents and electric charges, along with asking stand holders to pay in advance with options to pay weekly, monthly or for the year. Those paying for a year will get their stands for two weeks free as an incentive.
Second, council approved changes to an ordinance that will allow for a market house trust to be formed, taking the running of the facility out of the hands of the borough.
"These changes have been the result of many meets with stand holders and we feel it is a fair and equitable option,: said Kelly Murphy, councilmen.
Council expects the trust to be formed throughout the year with takeover in 2012.
"We are working on establishing members of that group and bylaws," Murphy said.
"There is still a lot of work to do and this won't happen overnight," Mary Wickenheiser, council president said.

PTP needs help

The Columbia Elementary Parents Club trying to get everyone to collect Box Tops, Moo Money Caps (found on milk products bought at Turkey Hill stores), Cambell's Soup Labels and Coca Cola Caps (points are also currently found on fountain soda cups at McDonalds). 
Anyone can drop them off at the office of either Park or Taylor Elementary Schools during school hours.  The club is hoping to get the word out to people who don't have kids, have grown kids or even kids in High School that have these items at home to send in to help support the Elementary Schools.  The money goes towards Field Trips, buying books for the students and other school functions.

District Threee posts first power ratings

District Three has released its first power ratings for basketball and wrestling: http://district3.piaa.org/

Monday, January 10, 2011

Miller will be missed

Last week, Ron Miller, Columbia's public works manager, accepted a position as township manager in Shrewsbury Township, Southern York County.
Monday night, Columbia Borough Council accepted Miller's resignation and spoke highly of his contributions to the borough.
"He has a significant impact on this borough and we were fortunate to get someone like him with his background and skills," said Mary Wickenheiser, council president.
"He was able to get us $8 million in grants and I am not going to stand in the way of anyone improving themselves," said Mike Buery, councilman.
"These are some large shoes to fill and he will certainly be missed," said Mary Barninger vice-president of council.

Light project moves forward

Perhaps sometime later this year, once all the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted, the lights that adorn the Veteran's Memorial Bridge will get restored.
At Monday's borough council meeting, Columbia approved an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between Wrightsville, West Hempfield Township and PennDOT, to allow the restoration of the bridge lights to move forward.
Columbia was the last to approve the agreement in which Rivertownes PA USA has plans to replace the current lights on the bridge with historic lights that were on the bridge when it first opened.
Mayor Leo Lutz said the project got a boost Monday afternoon when the Lancaster County Transportation
Technical Advisory Committee gave its approval for the $1.2 million project and another county group is expected to give its stamp of approval tomorrow.
"The project will be fully funded and it might bre able to begin this year," Lutz said.
Council thanked Rivertownes President Dr. Claire Storm for her effort in getting this project off the ground.

Other council business

At its meeting on Monday night, borough council approved:
* Its fee schedule covering permits and licenses.
* Approved the placement of two new signs at the exit and entrance to the parking lot at Holy Trinity for new parking between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
* Denied a request for reserved parking space at 116 North Third Street.
* Amended borough code to allow for authorized organizations to spay and neuter feral cars and release them.
* Reduced the financial security for the townhouse project at Fifth and Poplar streets for landscaping improvements by $511.
* Approved allowing PA Registered Architects or Engineers to perform property inspections.
* Heard from Norm Meiskey, borough manager, the street lighting project downtown could begin in the third quarter of this year or late second quarter.
* Resident Shirley McBride asked council for help enforcing bike and skateboard ordinaces in the 200 block of Perry Street.
* Business owner Jesse Sweigart requested the borough's help improved a couple of properties in the downtown.

Appointments, reaapointments

Columbia Borough Council made the following appointments and reappointments at their meeting tonight:
* Dr. Bret Daniels, a five-year term on the Columbia Board of Health.
* William Kloidt and Daniel Bell to the police pension board, through Dec. 21, 2012.
* Reappointed Glen Schaeffer to the the Historic Architecture Review Board through Dec. 31, 2015.
* Accepted the resignation of Leo Storm from the Municipal Authority and appointed Ray McCarty to fill Storm's term through Dec. 31, 2014.
*Appointed William Kloidt to fill Ann Grubb's expired term on the Municipal Authority through Dec. 31, 2015.
* Reappointed Donald Haines to the Planning Commission through Dec. 31, 2014.
* Appointed Carmen Swinehart to the Planning Commission to fill the term of the late Fred Abenschein through Dec. 31, 2014.
* Reappointed William Kloidt to the vacancy board through Dec. 31, 2011.
* Reappointed James Ciccocioppi to the civil service board through Feb. 2, 2016.
* Appointed the firm of Zimmerman, Pfannebecker, Nuffort and Albert as solicitor for 2011.
* Reappointed C.S. Davidson as engineer for 2011.
 Reappointed Norman Meiskey III as borough secretary/treasurer and Georgianna Schreck as assistant secretary/treasurer for 2011.
* Reappointed Norman Meiskey III as the borough's representative to the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau Board of Directors and Georgianna Schreck as alternate.

Help is needed

Columbia No. 1 photo
The help of the community is needed following a devastating fire Sunday afternoon in the borough.
The home of Mike and Carmen Swinehart at Front and Water streets (near Blue Lane) was destroyed in what went from a chimney fire to a house fire around 1:47 p.m.
Firemen from all three Columbia fire companies, along with numerous mutual aid companies responded and were on the scene for several hours.
A state police fire marshal said the cause of the fire is accidental and places damages at $80,000.
A drive to help the Swinehart's replace clothing, furniture, etc. is currently under way. Interested parties can drop off donations at Columbia Discount Computers, 23 North Fourth St. through Friday and monetary donations can be dropped off at the Susquehanna Bank in the 300 block of Locust Street as part of a Community Life Catastrophe Fund in the Swinehart's name.



Coming up....

Reports on tonight's Columbia Borough Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.

Bank robbery across river

Wrightsville bank is robbed: http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_17055570

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Stimulus money helps Columbia

Here is a link to an article in this morning's Sunday News of how stimulus money helped Columbia. The question is where was the work done? http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/335132

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Susquehanna Fire Company report for December

Dec. 1,Route 30 East, vehicle accident.
Dec.2, 905 East Main St. Mount Joy, building.
Dec. 4, 400 South Rockford Road, Mountville, building fire.
Dec. 4, 143 Massa Dr., York, chimney fire.
Dec. 5, 538 East Market St., Marietta, building fire.
Dec. 5, 73 New Bridgeville Road, York stand-by.
Dec. 5, 461 Riverview Dr., York, medical assist.
Dec. 5, 200 Luther Lane, automatic alarm.
Dec. 7, 1021 Walnut St., boiler malfunction.
Dec. 9, Route 30 East at Donnerville Road, vehicle fire.
Dec. 10, 2144 Oak Hollow Dr., odor investigation.
Dec. 11, 130 West Front St., Marietta, automatic alarm.
Dec. 11  25 Marietta Ave,. Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec. 12, 400 Mill St., automatic alarm.
Dec. 13, 1450 Habecker Road, Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec 14, 246 Chestnut St., electrical fire.
Dec. 14, 349 Chestnut St., electricall fire.Dec. 14, 101 Greider Ave., Rheems, building.
Dec. 14, 400 Union St., cooking fire.
Dec. 18, 63 Pine Tree Dr., Mount Joy, building.
Dec. 19, 321 North Market St., Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec. 19, 2042 Meadow Road, Rheems, building fire.
Dec. 20, 1265 Turbine Road, Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec 20, 604 Bernard Ave., Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec. 22 244 West Front St., Marietta chimney fire.
Dec. 22, 130 Perry St., chimney fire.
Dec. 22, 527 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy, building fire.
Dec. 23, 1201 Manor St., automatic alarm.
Dec. 25, 481 Manor St., automatic alarm.
Dec. 26, 1868 Craley Road, Yorkana, building fire.
Dec. 27, 104 Walnut St., automatic alarm.
Dec. 27, 920 Plane St., automatic alarm.
Dec. 29, 3050 Hempland Road, Lancaster, building fire.
Dec. 30, 130 West Front St., Marietta, automatic alarm.
Dec. 31, 30 Lincoln West Dr., Mountville, building fire.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Wrestling is off

Saturday's wrestling match with Brandywine Heights has been postponed until Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Columbia sports update

The holidays are over and its really time for the high school sports season, at least league play wise, to heat up.


On the hardwoods, the Tide boys and girls hoop teams have played three league games, all crossover games. The race for the top spot in Section 3 begins this week with games against Lebanon Catholic and Lancaster Mennonite.

On the maps, the Tide is all but done its Section 3 schedule and has home matches with Pequea Valley and Brandywine Heights this week.

Since we last checked in on the Columbia hoops team, they have both picked up wins in league play.

In boys’ basketball, the Tide lost to Donegal by a 61-58 score, but held off Elco for a 53-51 win. At the E-town Tournament, the Tide went 0-2 following a 67-25 loss to Central Dauphin and a 59-46 loss to E-Town.

In girls’ basketball, Columbia picked up its third win of the season, beating Donegal 52-36, but lost to Elco, 47-25 and Northeastern, 66-26.

On the mats, the Tide lost its third Section 3 match to Annville-Cleona, 40-29 and was swept at the Smackdown Duals at Hanover.

So, why is the sidewalk closed and....

Last week when I didn’t have to dress up like Nanook of the North to come in town, I decided to scoot around a little.


I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just wanting to see the sites, I guess.

Well, as I have written before, there are still a lot of code issues in our town.

Many have commented on previous posts concerning code issues in our town and it will never end until changes are made.

Columbia needs to have consistent code enforcement and not selective code enforcement. In other words, instead of sending a letter to a resident concerning a low hanging tree branch or a sidewalk out of kilter, why not go after the problem areas.

So, on my little trek through town, I noticed a nuisance bar, which changed it hours because of a probable citation from the LCB. One has to wonder with all of the alleged problems this establishment has had, why it hasn’t been closed a long time ago. Code issues within the building are the least of the problems.

How about the former Sprint building on North Third Street? The windows remain open, a side entrance on Third Street looks like its been pried open. There are also some vents on Third Street that are beyond repair.

And that’s probably the least of the buildings’ problems.

On Fourth Street, check out the former Keystone Fire Company. As of last week, the sidewalk was closed because the windows on the third floor were damaged and falling onto the sidewalk.

All three places should have been closed down a long time ago, but continue to be an eyesore for our town, as our code enforcement people continue to pick on the little people and ignore the big problems.

It’s time for the borough to step uo in this area, along with many others.

Columbia No. 1 receives grant

As the year ended, the Columbia No. 1 Fire Departent received a grant: http://columbiafire.com/fullstory.php?125161

Township man is charged

Manor Township Police have charged a West Hempfield Township man with DUI following a traffic stop, Jan. 1.
Charged with DUI was Derek R. Zink, 23, of Maple Drive, as the result of an incident on Hershey Mill Road at Fieldgate Drive.