Sunday, February 27, 2011

Wrestling pictures



Fischer is second, two others advance

The wrestling season at Columbia High School continues this week as three wrestlers took another step toward a possible state title.
The Tide's Marcus Fischer, Jordon Halter and Derek Zercher all qualified for regionals this weekend at Wilson High School following top five finishes at this weekend's District Three Class AA championships at Hersheypark Arena.
Fischer was second at 285, Halter finished third at 135 and Zercher was a fifth-place finisher at 119.
Fischer, 31-10, advanced easily to the finals at5 285 pounds where he lost to Tylor Unger of Boiling Springs, 6-2. To get to the finals, Fischer, with a first round bye, opened with a 10-1 major decision over Lancaster Catholic's Evan Schnader. Now in the semifinals, Fischer made quick work of Adam Prohaska of Halifax with a pin in 1:28.
Halter, now 35-4, grabbed the bronze medal with a pin of Damon Becker of Bermudan in 2:39.
The Columbia junior opened districts pinning Kyle Dierolf of Oley Valley in 1:34 and followed that with a 10-6 win over Donny Peters of Susquenita. In the semifinals, Halter race into a major obstacle in Peter Renda of Brandywine Heights. Renda scored a 14-4 major decision over Halter.
Needing a win to medal, Halter got it with an 8-7 win over Andrew Mellot of Boiling Springs.
At 119, Zercher settled for fifth place when he scored a 4-2 sudden victory win over Colby Albright of Susquenita.
Zercher won his first won his first bout over Lancaster Catholic's Raul Gonzalez by a 4-3 score. Zercher then went to the consolation round when he lost 15-7 to Bryan Varra of Milton Hershey. He started his comeback toward a medal with a pin in 4:06 of Colby Starner of Bermudian and then beat Zach Huss of Newport, 6-4. That win put him into the medal round where he lost via a tech fall to Trevor Hernandez of Biglerville.
Columbia took seven wrestlers to districts. A fourth grappler, John Markley just missed advancing when he lost at 152 pounds to Bruce Mullen of Newport, 14-8. Had Markley won that bout, he would have advanced as well.
Others competing were Byron Germer, Bryan Flory and Josh Elliot.

Tide's season ends as buzzer-beater falls short

In a game of two different halves, the Columbia boys' basketball team couldn't overcome a bad first half and saw their season end in the quarterfinal round of the District Three Class AA playoffs Saturday afternoon at Hershey High School.


The Crimson Tide (10-13) couldn't overcome a poor shooting first half and lost to Wyomissing,50-49.

In the first half, the Tide, who was playing its first game in 17 days, shot six of 25 from the field and trailed the Spartans 23-16.

In the second half, the shots started to fall, which gave the Tide a chance to win the game at the buzzer. Dominique Johnson's buzzer-beating jumper from the right elbow fell short, ending a frantic second half for the Tide.

As cold as the Tide was in the first half, they connected on their first four shots from the field to open the second half to cut the Spartan lead to one, 27-26 on a jumper from Tre' Simms (18 points). Wyomissing (13-10) went on a four-point run, leading 31-27 on bucket in the paint by Stuart Kase with about two minutes left in the third quarter.

That's when the Tide got hot again. Olajuwon Michael (12 points) and Nick Nobile each scored four points allowing the Tide to take a 35-32 lead after three quarters.

The Tide extended their lead to five points early in the fourth quarter before Wyomissing scored seven of the game's next nine points to tie the game with five minutes left.

The game went back and forth over the next five minutes before the Spartans went up three points on a foul shot by Duval Singleton with 19.4 seconds left. Simms countered the score with two foul shots to pull the Tide within one with 17 seconds left. But Wyomissing thought they had iced the game on a bucket by Joe Cacchione (14 points) with four seconds left.

At that point, Wyomissing led 50-47 but with two seconds left, Simms was intentionally fouled on a three-pointer. With no one at the line, Simms made two of three and the Tide got the ball back. That's when Johnson's game-winning shot fell short.

The first half was not good for the Tide. They fell behind 9-1 in the first half, recovered to pull within 9-6 after eight minutes on a 2-10 shooting quarter. In the second quarter, the shooting was not much better as the Tide was 4-15 from the field, but only trailed in the game by seven at the half.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Four Tide wrestlers still alive

Day one of competition at the ancient Hersheypark Arena is over for Class AA teams in the District Three wrestling championships. There are still four Columbia wrestlers still alive.
In the semifinals are junior Jordon Halter (135) and senior Marcus Fischer (285). Alive in the consolation bracket looking for at least a third place finish are Derek Zercher (119) and John Markley (152).
The other Columbia wrestlers were eliminated. They were Josh Elliot (140), Bryan Flory (160) and Byron Gemer (215),
Wrestling begins tomorrow at 9 a.m.with the semifinals and second round of consolations. Fischer and Halter need at least one win to advance to next week's regional championships, the others need two.
Halter will face Zach Hess of Newport in his semifinal, while Fischer will face Adam Proshaska of Halifax in his semifinal.
More tomorrow.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The right thing vs. the wrong thing

Columbia Borough and the Safe Harbor Power and Water Company have enjoyed a long friendship. This friendship is due mainly do to the cooperative policing of Safe Harbor owned property by Columbia Borough.

In 2010, Safe Harbor apprcoached Columbia Borough with an offer to gift three parcels of land located along the Susquehanna River. These three parcels are commonly known as the cottage area along the river and are occupied by local cottage owners a nd several boat clubs, one of the boat clubs, the Columbia Canoe Club, is the second oldest canoe club in the country.

Columbia Borough has accepted the offer from Safe Harbor and discussion centered around once accepted, the borough would transfer the property to the cottage owners and the boat clubs. The cottage owners and boat clubs have been there for several generations and the borough felt transferring the property to those who have maintained and sometimes lived on the property is the right thing to do.

The property transfer is to be handled by the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, a local non-profit organization formed to create economic development opportunities within the borough. The transaction is to be similar to the transfer of the property for the Turkey Hill Experience. The proceeds from the transfer of property is to be used by the borough for economic development and quality of life enhancements within the borough.

Shortly after contact with Safe Harbor on the possible gifting, Columbia Borough was approached by the Columbia Water Company, a stockholder owned corporation, not affiliated with Columbia Borough. The Columbia Water Company expressed a need for additional land to expand the plant due to increased filtration requirements. The Columbia Water Company wanted to purchase the parcel of land next to their property. The parcel is currently hoe to several boat clubs and one private residence.

Not wanting to take land from these people, Columbia Borough tried to negotiate with the Columbia Water Company only got the land needed for the expansion. This would minimize the loss of property to those currently leasing the land. Columbia Borough has a solution that would allow the displaced boat clubs to relocate along the Susquehanna River and not infringe on any other leased property.

This option was not acceptable to the Columbia Water Company so the borough presented another idea to the water company, which would not infringe on any of the leased properties, not take river front land of which the dear Lord has only created so much, keep the river front open, allow the water company to locate along the access road and be further from river flooding.

The idea is for the borough to purchase the land from Norfolk Southern running from approximately the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to Union Street. The land is currently used by Norfolk Southern as an access road. The sale of this land is to be in conjunction with the purchase of the land between the bridges and along the river. This land is to be incorporated into the River Park for public use.

The Columbia Water Company was to present the idea to engineers and give a response to the borough. Instead, the Columbia Water Company has decided to take the one parcel containing te boat clubs by eminent domain. This is not the right thing to do. There are other options that have not been given due thought.

Columbia Borough taxpayers, many of whom have leased propertu and are members of the boat clubs, need to understand the impact of this taking.

Columbia Borough has invested money in an appraisal of the three parcels. This is needed to establish the value of the gifting and subsequent sale. The borough has incurred legal fees associated with the gifting of the three parcels and have asked the Lancaster County Planning Commission to fund a phase one environmental study, needed to ensure the borough that no environmental problems exist on the property they are to own. Columbia Borough was to sell the three parcels a\nd the proceeds were to be used for the economic development and quality of life projects. With the taking by the water company, the value will be considerably less. The Columbia Water Company has incurred legal fees in preparing to take the property by eminent domain, which will be paid by the customers of the Columbia Water Company – Columbia Borough taxpayers. If the taking by eminent domain is challenged, the Columbia Water Company will incur additional legal expenses defending its action. These legal fees will be born by the customers. The Columbia Economic Development Corporation was to receive a fee for transferring the land. The CEDC by law must use any monies earned for economic development projects within the borough. Additionally, the borough’s administrative personnel have spent hours working on this project. Add to the $35,000 Columbia Borough pays the water company for fire hydrants and it is not hard to see that Columbia Borough taxpayers will have a considerable financial loss if this taking happens.

The bottom line is that this may be the easy thing for the Columbia Water Company to do but it is not the right thing to do.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Two from Wrightsville charged

Quarryville police have charged two men from Wrightsville following an accident: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/355147

Please shovel


On a shaky trip downntown today, discovered at least five properties on Locust Street that either weren't shoveled or barely had a path on their sidewalks. Where's the enforcement?

Frosty must have been thirsty

When the snow was falling yesterday, Frosty must have been thirsty dropping his beer in a snow pile in the 400 block of Locust Street.

Work being done on Smile Cam!

Caught this today during a trip downtown. Work being done to the security cameras on top of the traffic signals at Third and Locust streets.

Tattered old glory

Although today the winds were calm and it wasn't very noticeable, the American flag that flies above the bus stop next to the borough hall is badly in need of being replaced.

Time to order Fastnachts

It's time to order those famous and tasty fastnachts from Holy Trinity. Here is some information:
- Fastnachts are baked on Monday, March 7, Shrove Tuesday, March 8 and Ash Wednesday, March 9. After that, there are four weeks of bakes during Lent, on Mondays and Wednesdays only. The last bake is Wednesday, April 6th.
- Fastnachts must be pre-ordered by dialing 717-684-0487. Telephone lines are open between 9:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning, Monday February 28th.
- Plain fastnachts sell for $5.00 per dozen and $2.50 per half-dozen. Glazed are $6.25 a dozen and $3.25 per half-dozen.
- Orders must be picked up at the Parish Center between 10:00am and 1:00pm on the designated days. All orders not claimed by 1:00pm will be sold.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Trip to Giant Center awaits

At anytime during a sports season, 17 days is a long time to have off.  For the Columbia boys' basketball team, that's how long its been between games.
The Tide, 10-12, finally returns to the hardwoods Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Hershey High School where they will face Wyomissing, 12-10, in the District 3 Class AA quarterfinals. Win that one and the Tide goes to the Giant Center on Tuesday. Get beat and the season is over.
The Spartans last played last Monday when they were crushed by Reading in the Berks County League playoffs. They finished second in Division IV, well behind Class A power Reading Central Catholic.
The Spartans finished with a 9-4 league record, losing twice to RCC, once to Holy Name and another to Antietam. Wyomissing also lost to Coatesville, Upper Dublin and Octorara from District One and enter the playoffs with four losses in their last eight games.
Defensively, the Spartans will show a 2-3 zone and only average 48 points a game on offense. They have a big back line but are led by guards Joe Cacchione, 9.8 a game and Gerald Burta, 8-6. Forwards Skyler Lash, Stuart Kase and Daniel Helnick are averaging from 6.8 to 6.5 a game. Cacchione and Burta have combined for 46 three-pointers.

CHS playoff tickets

Tickets for Columbia’s District III boys basketball playoff game with Wyomissing on Saturday  at 3 p.m. at Hershey High School will be on sale in the Columbia High School office from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesday 2/23 and Thursday 2/24 and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday 2/25. 
Student tickets are $3 and Adult tickets are $5.  All tickets at the game are $5.

Musser's to get wine kiosk

Something new is coming to Musser's Market at Prospect Road: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/354729

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Fischer is sectional champ

The post-season for the Columbia High School wrestling team got off to a good start Saturday at Bermudian Springs High School. That was the site of the Class AA sectional tournament with the Tide grapplers battling teams from the York-Adams League and Mid-Penn Conference.


The Tide came home with and four others placing fourth to qualify for this weekend’s District Three Class AA championships at the old Hersheypark Arena.

Senior Marcus Fischer was the only Columbia wrestler to win a sectional title. Fischer, the top seed at 285 pounds, won the gold medal by beating Trevor Stover of Biglerville in the finals Fischer had the quickest match of the finals, scoring a pin over Stover in 45 seconds.

Fischer, who entered the sectional tournament with a 26-9 record had a pretty easy time advancing to the finals. In the tournament opener, Fischer scored an 8-0 major decision over Eastern’s Kasay Snell. In the semifinals, Fischer pinned Tony Aguilar of Littlestown in 4:54.

Placing second for the Tide were Derek Zercher (119) and Jordon Halter (135).

Zercher, who was the second seed at 119, lost in the finals to Trevor Hernandez of Biglerville, who was the top seed at the weight class, needed 65 seconds to put Zercher on his back.

The Columbia junior, who entered the tournament with a 25-6 record had a first round bye and then pinned Colby Starner of Bermudian Springs in 5:41 ro advance to the finals.

Halter, who was the top seed at 135 pounds, lost in the finals to Donald Minnier of Eastern by a 9-8 score.. It was the second time in about two weeks the two met on the mats. In the final dual meet of the regular season, Halter pinned Minnier, who was ranked 16th in the state at that time.

Halter, who had won 30 of his previous 32 bouts, had a first round bye then pinned Damon Becker of Bermudian Springs in the semifinals in 4:23.

Placing fourth for the Tide, losing in the consolation finals were Josh Elliot (140), John Markley (152), Bryan Flory (160) and Byron Germer (215).

At 140, Elliot (17-15) opened the tournament with a tech fall, 17-1 decision in 3:18 over Nathan Post of Delone Catholic before losing in the semifinals to Jesse Gardner of Biglerville, who scored a pin in 3:39.

Now in the consolation bracket, Elliot kept his season alive by beating Jared Spahr of Bermudian, 6-4 in overtime. In the consolation finals, Elliot was a tough luck 4-3 loser to Mitch Laratonda of Eastern.

At 152, Markley entered the tournament with a 15-14 record and upset third seed Alec Warner of Littlestown, 10-5 in the first match. Now in the semifinals, Markley was pinned in the first period by Tristan Sponseller of Bermudian. In the consolation bracket, Markley advanced with a 5-0 decision over Caleb Gerlach of Hanover before losing the third place match when he was pinned by Kevin Nichols of Biglerville in 4:08.

Flory, a late fill-in at 160 pounds, had the toughest ask of any Columbia wrestler at sectionals. He worked his way back through the consolation round to continue his season. The Tide sophomore lost his opening match to Kyle Bobo. The Biglerville wrestler scored a 52 second pin of Flory.

In the first round of consolations, Flory scored an 18-3 tech fall over David Zinn of Delone Catholic and then moved into the medal round with a pin of Robert Shafer of Hanover in 2:03. Flory then was pinned in the third place bout by Tanner Mitz of Littlestown.

At 215, Germer (21-10) scoed a pin in his first match by Joseph Post of Delone Catholic in 3:39. In the semifinals, Germer was a loser by a fall in 84 seconds to Matt Wolf of Bermudan. In the consolation round, Germer pinned Colin Rigney of Trinity before getting pinned in the third place match by Noel Aguilar of Biglerville.

The Tide took 13 wrestlers to sectionals and a few had a chance to advance.

At 103, freshman Jeff Carroll (14-16) lost his only two matches to Dan May of Biglerville by pin in 16 seconds and to Brandon McLasky of Eastern by a 7-2 score.

At 125, Ezar Bush fell a match short of advancing when he was pinned in the consolation semifinal by Tyler Shafer of Hanover in 2:34. Bush lost his first round match via a pin to Wayne Wivell of Fairfield in 51 seconds, and, then scored a 16-9win over Woodson Powell of Trinity to move within a match of qualifying for districts.

At 130, sophomore Alec Hooper went 0-2 for the tournament. In his first match, Hooper was pinned in 26 seconds by Barry Lewis of Eastern and then was eliminated from the sectional tournament when he was pinned by Austin Jackson of Bermudian in 59 seconds.

At 145, Todd Lingafelt, also went 0-2. In his first match, Lingafelt lost a 9-2 decision to Nick Mort of Fairfield and then was eliminated when he was pinned by Biglerville’s Tyler Lieberum in 3:28.

At 171, Johnny Vazquez was two and out. He was pinned in his first match by Justin Harrison of Littlestown in 3:18 and then lost a 9-3 decision to Brock Linebaugh of Bermdian.

At 189, Cain Warfel was eliminated in the consolation semifinals when he was pinned by Aaron Rooney of Delone Catholic in 1:30.

Warfel lost his first round match to Ryan Vaughn of Littlestown before advancing with a third period pin of Brendan Rigney of Trinity in 4:37.

Columbia finished fourth as a team..

Friday, February 18, 2011

Road to Hershey opens for Tide

The first step in the mythical "Road to Hershey" begins tomorrow with sectional tournaments across the area.


For the Columbia wrestling teams that means a trip to Western York/Adams county area for a Class AA sectional tournament involving nine teams from the York-Adams League, one from the Mid-Penn and Columbia, the lone Lancaster-Lebanon League team. The other L-L Class AA teams are headed to Wyomissing.

This week, the top four finishers in each weight class advance to next week's District Three Class AA championships at the old Hersheypark Arena. Teams competing at Bermudian Springs are the hosts, Biglerville, Eastern, Fairfield, Hanover, Delone Catholic, Littlestown and Trinity. Wrestling begins at 9 a.m., with the finals to begin around 3 p.m., according to the District Three web page.

Columbia has two top seeds in junior Jordon Halter at 135 pounds and senior Marcus Fischer at 285.

Halter, who is 30-2, received a first-round bye and will wrestle the winner of the bout between Damon Baker (21-14) of Bermudian Springs and Alex Randt (15-12) of Fairfield. A finals re-match between Halter and Eastern's Donald Minnier looks likely. Halter pinned Minnier last week in a dual meet.

Fischer, 26-9, faces Kasay Snell of Eastern in the first round. Snell is 8-18. Fischer is also ranked second in District Three according to rankings on PennLive.

Two Columbia wrestlers also drew second seeds. At 125, Derek Zercher, 25-6, is seeded second and will face the winner of the bout between Colby Starner (19-13) of Bermudian or Matt Lauer (2-12) of Eastern. Also seeded second is Nate Warner, 27-6, at 160. His first round opponent is David Zinn, 0-6, of Delone
Other Columbia pairings are:
103: Jeff Carroll, 14-16 vs. Dam May, 29-4, Biglerville.
125: Ezar Bush, 2-10 vs. Wayne Wivell, 24-7, Fairfield.
130: Alec Hooper, 6-24 vs. Barry Lewis, Eastern, 14-10.
140: Josh Elliot, 17-15 vs. Nate Post, Delone, 12-8.
145: Todd Lingafelt, 25-8, vs. Tommy Cassella, Delone, 10-6.
152: John Markley, 15-14 vs. Alex Warner,21-10, Littlestown.
171: Johnny Vazquez, 7-7 vs,. Justin Harrison,15-11, Hanover.
189: Cain Warfel, 14-16 vs. Ryan Vaughn 17-6, Littlestown.
215: Byron Germer, 21-10, vs. Joseph Peet, Delone, 13-10.

Columbia Police reports

JESSICA M. REISINGER, AGE 25, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR ONE-WAY ROADWAYS AND ROTARY TRAFFIC ISLANDS, ON BARBER STREET, JAN. 24.
MELVIN R. GREEN, AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON CHESTNUT STREET, FEB. 1.
JENNIFER L. HICKEY, AGE 27, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT FOURTH AND LOCUST STREETS, FEB. 3.
PAUL A. McCOY, AGE 41, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED ON LANCASTER AVENUE, FEB. 4.

TATIANNA JACKSON, AGE 18, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET, FEB. 5
ERIC ALLEN TORRES, AGE 19, OF MOUNTVILLE, WAS CITED FOR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRED; OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION; UNAUTHORIZED TRANSFER OR USE OF REGISTRATION; AND FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, ON NORTH SEVENTH STREET, FEB. 5.

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS WERE CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, BETWEEN FEB. 6-9: GERI RACHELLE CLINTON-AMER, AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA; SIETA L. BETHEA, AGE 38, OF LANCASTER; KRISTIAN M. BROWN, AGE 24, OF LANCASTER; AND JOSHUA ALEXANDER RAMOS, AGE 29, OF COLUMBIA.

ARIEL SOLIS, AGE 33, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON LINDEN STREET AT NORTH THIRD STREET, FEB. 7.

JOHN A. WALLING, AGE 63, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND  YIELD SIGNS, ON MANOR STREET, FEB. 8.

KENNETH PAUL HESS, AGE 60, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON ROUTE 441 SOUTH, FOR TRAVELING 51 IN A 35 MPH AREA, FEB. 16.

PAMELA RENEE BRYANT, AGE 44, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEMS, AFTER BEING PULLED OVER AT 12TH AND MANOR STREETS FOR NO HEADLIGHTS, IT WAS DISCOVERED A 2 YEAR OLD WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING SECURED IN A CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM, FEB. 17.
ALICEA CORALI MALDONADO, AGE 25, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON LANCASTER AVENUE, FEB. 10.

RICHARD SAMUEL McLAIN, III, AGE 19, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS AT THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS, FEB. 10.

DEANA A. OSUCH, AGE 37, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 500 BLOCK OF NORTH THIRD STREET, FEB. 10.

AMANDA E. MOORE, AGE 30, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON LANCASTER AVENUE, FEB. 12.

ERICA J. VICKERS, AGE 27, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAW, BECAUSE A FIVE AND EIGHT YEAR OLD CHILD WERE NOT IN SECURED CHILD BOOSTER SEATS, AT SIXTH AND UNION STREETS, FEB. 13.
KRISTINE TI HIRSCHBECK, AGE 31, OF GLENN ROCK, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, FEB. 14.
SCOTT ALAN BLOUNT, AGE 47, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON UNION STREET, FEB. 15.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

River Park update

http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=46456

Bridge project to move forward

The lighting project sponsored by Rivertownes is moving ahead: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/351868

Is this....

Is this parking space in the first block of South Fourth Street to be used as a regular parking space or an entrance into a parking lot? I remember back a few years ago this issue came before borough council and the meter was ordered put back in and the curb restored to what it was when it was originally put in and not for a driveway.

A little lighter downtown

PPL is in town this week repairing and replacing a number of street lights that were out in the downtown area.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Friday, February 11, 2011

Anyone remember Mifflin Field?

Received this the other day. It's a piece of the goal post from the final game at Mifflin Field, which Columbia beat Lancaster High School, 26-0. Touchdowns were scored by Musser (2), Walk and John (1). The date of the game was Oct. 19, 1935 and the coach of the team was Sam Angle and the team captain was E. Johns.

An update

Here is an update to a story posted earlier today: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/350774

Columbia Police involved in investigation

WHP was in town yesterday. Here's why: http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/EXCLUSIVE-Corrections-center-intern-faces-charges/LHuqUFhA3EeAtnsCf4Q09Q.cspx

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Check this out

Here is an interview with Columbia grad Aaron Anspach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiXywbz3Csc

Masosns elected officers

Scott Zeamer has recently been elected Worshipful Master of the Columbia Masonic Lodge # 286.

Zeamer resides in Lititz with his wife Susan. He has been associated with the Brethren Village for over 15 years and serves as Supervisor of Cottage Renovations.
Along with Zeamer, Andrew Zeamer was elected Senior Warden, Ken Brandt, Junior Warden, Gene Winters Treasurer, Allen Mahan Secretary, Aubrey Aldons, Pete Null, Mark Zeamer and Demuth Rodkey, Trustees
The following were appointed by Zeamer: Chaplain, Glenn Bachert, Senior Deacon, Marlin Shuggart, Junior Deacon, Clair W. Knight, Junior Master of Ceremonies Steve Mango, Senior Master of Ceremonies, John Heissler, Pursuivant, Chad Zeamer, Tyler, Andrew Gambler.
 Worshipful Master Zeamer stated that Masons should be more involved in the community and will lead the Columbia Masons to continue to be active in Columbia Boro. Aside from assisting the Shade Tree Commission and supporting the Columbia Historical Society. A Scholarship award is given to a Columbia High male Senior in route to collage and holds a 3.75 gpa. The Masons will continue to sponsor The Riverside Chapter of DeMolay and the Rainbow Girls. Both youth programs associated with Free Masonry. A new program this year will be supporting the Masonic Blood Drive.
The Columbia Lodge # 286 meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Masonic Center in Wrightsville. Information on the Lodge is available by calling 684 2343 or on the web: http://www.firstmasonic.org/main.html

GOP seeks candidates

The Columbia Area Republican Committee is currently seeking candidates for the Columbia Borough Council and the Columbia Borough School Board of Directors.
Five seats on the Columbia Borough Council and five seats on the Columbia Borough School District Board of Directors are up for election in this year's 2011 Municipal Elections.
The Columbia Area Republican Committee is committed to effective, efficient, and responsive government, economic development in the community and excellence in our schools. With revitalization happening in the borough and the challenges that face not only our schools but schools across the country, now is the time to get involved and help the town we love!
Please think about serving our community in this way. If you are interested, you can contact  johnnylutz@yahoo.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

Remove those chairs

Columbia Borough has issued a warning for those who have out chairs, tables, trash cans, etc. out to save parking spaces from the snow a few weeks back. The public works department will be going around town removing the items.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Thursday, February 3, 2011

West Hempfield police reports

Police have charged David Lee Souden, 32, of Ephrata, with burglary, as the result of an incident at the West Motel, Jan. 18.
Souden was a registered guest at the hotel and took cash and electronics from the motel office.

Police have charged Kimberly Ann Stauffer, 20, of Columbia, with theft, as the result of an incident at Kmart, 3975 Columbia Ave., Feb. 2.
Stauffer was taking money from registers, police said, while working.
She was placed in LCP on a probation violation.

Police have charged two people as rthe result of a fight at the Mountville Inn, East Main Street, Mountville, Feb. 2.
Thomas Swindle, 40, of Mountville, was placed in LCP because of an outstanding warrant from Perry County.  Andy Shenigo, 34, of Lancaster, with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Maroon and Gray Night

For those basketball/sports fans attending tomorrow's basketball gae between Columbia and Manheim Central, up on the hill, you are asked to wear maroon and gray in honor of Manheim Central High School. Between the junior varsity and varsity games, the Columbia sports community will make a special presentation to the Manheim Centrak Resource Fund in memory of the four young student-athletes that were recently killed in an accident.

Police investigate theft

West Hempfield Towbship Police are investigating the theft of four black fender flares from a Ford F-350 truck at Chapman Ford, 3957 Columbia Ave., Feb. 1.
They are valued at $800.

Another schedule change

Tonight's basketball games with Lancaster Mennonite have been postponed until Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Holy Trinity Fastnacht information

Fastnacht Bake Talking Points

- The annual Fastnacht Bake originated in 1924. This is our 88th year. It was an idea created by women of the Altar Rosary Society, of the church, to raise money to help offset construction costs of a new church building.

- Church construction began in 1926 and was completed with a dedication and blessing in October, 1929.

- Fastnacht (FAHS-nahkt) is related to the Germanic word Fasten (to fast, abstain from eating). The definition of fastnacht - a yeast-raised potato pastry that is deep-fried like a doughnut. Fastnachts were originally made on Shrove Tuesday to use up the stored fat and lard that was forbidden during Lent.

- In the early days of the bake all ingredients were hand mixed and the fastnachts were fashioned from molds originally made from tuna fish cans.

- Unsalted potatoes were used during Lent and the potato water was then used to make yeast. The potato yeast would “work” for several hours before being mixed into the flour.

- Today the Fastnacht Bake has evolved into a parish project that includes about 116 men and women volunteers. It is one of the largest fund raising efforts of the parish.

- January 25, 1989 the national spotlight was focused on the Fastnacht Bake. NBC’s Willard Scott, from the TODAY Show, originated all of his weather segments “live” from Holy Trinity in Columbia.

- The process of making fastnachts begins with the Night Crew. Approximately 20 to 25 volunteers measure, weigh and mix the ingredients producing on average 56 batches. The dough is poured into largemetal cans. These are then placed in the “warming closet” to allow the dough to rise during the night.

The army of rollers begin arriving at 4:00am to start rolling, shaping and cutting the dough into fastnachts. Each batch or can of dough will produce approximately 11.4 dozen. After shaping and cutting the fastnachts they are placed on long cloth covered boards for further rising. When the fastnachts are properly raised they are transferred to the frying area.

Other volunteers arrive around 5:30am to operate the fryers. Six frying units will be in continuous operation for six hours. After frying in a cholesterol free substance they reach the peak of perfection and are placed in cooling trays. The next step is the glazing process, which is all done by hand.

Still other volunteers handle the sorting, counting and bagging, in preparation for pickup by the public or delivery to area factories and other places of business.

- Fastnachts are baked on Monday, March 7, Shrove Tuesday, March 8 and Ash Wednesday, March 9. After that, there are four weeks of bakes during Lent, on Mondays and Wednesdays only. The last bake is Wednesday, April 6th.

- More than seven thousand dozen fastnachts are produced during the Lenten Season. The operation takes place in the Holy Trinity Parish Center, 4th and Cherry Streets, Columbia, site of Our Lady of the Angels School.

- Fastnachts must be pre-ordered by dialing 717-684-0487. Telephone lines are open between 9:00am and 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, beginning, Monday February 28th.

- Plain fastnachts sell for $5.00 per dozen and $2.50 per half-dozen. Glazed are $6.25 a dozen and $3.25 per half-dozen.

- Orders must be picked up at the Parish Center between 10:00am and 1:00pm on the designated days. All orders not claimed by 1:00pm will be sold.

Secret to success –
- Pride
- Family tradition
- Parish Unity
- Each volunteer considers the Bake a labor of love.
- Our secret recipe that makes Holy Trinity’s the best tasting fastnacht in the world. . . . Ask Our Customers!

Radio Shack is robbed



West Hempfield Township Police are looking for two males, wearing jeans and hoodies in connection with a burglary at the Radio Shack, 3975 Columbia Ave., around 11:30 p.m., Monday night.
Police said the two forced their way through a back door into a store room and took $5,000 worth of cell phones in less than a minute. The suspects are pictured and anyone with any information is ask to call police at 285-5191.

Police are also investigating damage down to a car parked in the first block of Lincoln West Drive, Jan. 31. A car owned by Anna Rosario had its driver's side door kicked in.

Games are off

Tonight's basketball games with Lancaster Mennonite have been postponed until tomorrow night. If they are unable to be played tomorrow night, they will be played next Tursday.