Earth Dy at Sahd's Salvage

Hundreds turned out today for the annual Earth Day celebration at Sahd's Salvage.

Chicken time at Susquehanna

The Susquehanna Fire Company held its first chicken barbecue of the season today.

Pictures of more River P+ark flooding

The mighty Susquehanna has overflowed its banks again. These are pictures this morning at River Park.

Company has to pay

From lancasteronline: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/382793

Turkey Hill Experience

Eastern also seeking basketball coach

This is not a surprise: http://www.gametimepa.com/ci_17941559

River cabin purchase moves forward

By a 6-1 vote, Columbia Borough Council moved forward with the proposed sale of the cabin area along the Susquehanna River to the River Cottage Owners Association.
The sale, which was first proposed late last summer, will net the borough an undisclosed amount of money, believed to be $350,000, that will be used for infrastructure improvements.
The borough, who was gifted the land from the Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, will use the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, as the middle man in the proposed sale. This is similar to the approach used when the borough sold the property at Third and Linden streets, which will become the Turkey Hill Experience late this summer.
Council vice-president Mary Barninger expressed concern on any potential financial impacts the transaction will have on the borough. She didn't the borough to get into the real estate business again. Borough Manager Norm Meiskey explained the impact would be minimal.
Resident Frank Doutrich, under citizen comments, questioned the deal and wanted to know about any hidden costs. He was given a copy of the two documents approved last night.
Voting for the two motions to accept the gift of the land and then to proceed to sell it were Barninger, Mike Beury, Jim Smith, Mary Wickenheiser, Sandy Duncan and Renae Sears. Voting against the motions was Kelly Murphy, who explained his "no" vote.
Murphy said it had to do when he first moved to Columbia back in  2002 and he and his wife were walking around the cabin area and were told to get "off private priperty."
He also said the borough should have explored other opportunities for the area.
"It was a tough decision for me, but 10,000 residents of this community would love to have an opportunity like this. There wasn't enough thought given to this process and I know my position is unpopular," Murphy said.
After the vote, Doutrich also questioned Smith's vote as a potential conflict of interest. Smith is a board member of the CEDC. Solicitor Barry Handwerger said there was no ethics violation.

Market board is approved

At last night's special council meeting, the previously appointed board members of the Market House Trust were appointed to their terms:
Three Year: Ann Grubb, Nancy Jo Lutz and Don Haines.
Two Year: Ed Schopf and Rebecca Murphy.
One Year: David Rupp and Elaine Beckley.

Two are charged

After incident that started in Columbia: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/381697

Hempfield approves fees

From tthis morning's Intell/New Era: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/381445

Donegal chooses new leader

From this morning's Intell/New Era: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/381444

Parking meter questions in Marietta

From this morning's Intell/New Era: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/381450

District Three softball power raitings

As of Sunday: http://tripletdad33.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/softball-aa.pdf

Additional wrestling changes

In addition to weight changes, here are other wrestling changes: http://tripletdad33.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/nfhs-wrestling-press-release-2011-12.pdf

Columbia to celebrate Arbor Day

River Park will host this year's Arbor Day celebration: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=50066

Earth Day at Sahd's

The fifth annual free celebration of Earth Day will be held at Sahd Salvage, 1045 Lancaster Ave., Columbia, on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The family-friendly event will showcase dozens of local organizations and their green innovations.


Those attending will have an opportunity to earn money by recycling aluminum cans. Everyone who brings aluminum cans to Sahd Salvage during the event will be given a special Earth Day price for the cans and will be entered into a random drawing for a $50 prize. In addition, the individual or organization that brings in the most cans will receive a $100 prize. There will also be a free opportunity to recycle metals, cardboard, glossy mail, and a two bag/box maximum of paper and secure documents to be shredded.

Children may enroll in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Passport program, in which they will play games and answer environment-related trivia questions at vendor booths. Children who complete the booklet will receive a free treat.

The event will also feature a Kids Activity Center with environmentally themed crafts, face painting, and an Earth Day themed story time. In addition, there will be an opportunity to compete in a recycled fitness course. Everyone is also invited to witness the Columbia and Reading Railroad locomotive. Tours of the recycling facility will take place at 9:45, 10:45, and 11:45 a.m.

More than 25 local businesses and community organizations will participate in the event, which is the most ever. Organizations representing all forms of environmental protection will be on display. Attendees will be given the opportunity to melt metal and create pendants from molds, sculpt "Earth Clay," and view green-friendly go-karts and innovative vehicles. There will be hands-on exhibits focusing on wind, solar, and geothermal energy; styrofoam recycling; and many other green activities.

An antiques and collectibles sale, which will be new to the event this year, will benefit Kenyan missions. An area radio station will broadcast its Kids Cookie Break Show live. Food from various businesses and vendors and bake sale items will be available to benefit the Columbia Food Bank. For more information, readers may call 684-8506 or visit recycleyourmetal.com.

Eastern admin gets ARD

From the York Dailt Record: http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_17934179

Greenya to retire; Brommer named interim chief

Jack Brommer when he was hired in 1997

At a special meeting tonight, Columbia Borough Council appointed Sgt. Jack Brommer as interim police chief, effective June 1, upon the retirement of current Chief Joseph Greenya.


Greenya, who joined the police force in June 1974, has served as police chief since July 12, 1996 In 1980, Greenya was promoted from patrolman to sergeant and in 1996 was named detective sergeant.

Brommer, who attended the meeting, will celebrate his 15th anniversary as an officer in January, has been a sergeant for the last six years. He is the senior member of the force.

As a result of the promotion, Sgt. Brommer will receive a five percent increase in his base pay.

“Jack is an excellent officer,” said Mayor Leo Lutz.

Lutz said as soon as possible, Brommer will be removed from shift work to begin the transition.

“We are very pleased to see that Jack has agreed to accept this,”the mayor said.

Councilman Jim Smith, a former member of the borough's Civil Service Commission, hopes that Sgt. Brommer, will be able to change the force.

“I can say this (because of my role on the commission) that I have been disappointed in our police department for the last few years. We hired the best but they were not living up to their expectations and I know what these guys are capable4 of,”: Smith said.

“It is an honor for me that you (council) has the faith in me to do the job because this borough means an awful lot to me,”: Brommer said.

Also at the meeting, council approved beginning the advertisement for a permanent chief and authorized the Civil Service Commission to begin the testing process once the applications are received.

Brommer did say he'll apply for the permanent position.

West Hempfield Police reports

Randall Kahl, 51, of Railroad, was charged with indecent assault and harassment as the result of an incident at Chickies Rock County Park, April 26.

Jenny Rivera, 19, of West Hempfield Township, was charged with possession of marijuana as the result of an incident in the 2100 block of Oak Hollow Drive, April 25.

Janean L. Douglas, 55, of Columbia, was charged with retail theft as the result of an incident at Weis Markets, 1786 Columbia Ave., April 25.

Scenes from River Park

To handle overflow parking, concrete stoppers have been placed on the graa on the South side of the parking lot.

The mighty Susquehanna is still running quickly, but within its banks.

ut

A light was broken out of a light pole near the canoe/kayak area.

And there are these prints left by starving artists.

For sale

Noticed today on a trip through the downtown, the former potato chip factory at Second and Locust streets, owned by Strube Inc. has a for sale sign on it.

New weight classes for wrestling

High School wrestling weight classes have been changed: http://www.rodfrisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/NFHS-Wrestling-Press-Release-2011-12.pdf

Eastern to look at fund raising

This from the York Dispatch: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_17914939

Wrightsville man convicted

This from the York Dispatch: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_17902713

Sneezing causes crash

A few in Columbia were without power this morning: http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/news/27635296/detail.html

Changes ahead for football playoffs

This from Rod Frisco.com, which will affect Columbia's football: http://www.rodfrisco.com/

Special meeting is scheduled

A Special Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 7:00 pm to appoint terms for Board Members of the Market House Historic Trust and any other necessary Borough business.

Fire leads to pot find

On 20 April 2011 at 11:51 pm, a structure fire was reported at 156 Locust Street in Columbia.

A passerby noticed a second-floor window sill was on fire, and summoned the Fire Department. Columbia Police responded to the address along with Columbia Fire Departments to assist with traffic control and possible evacuation of neighboring buildings.

While Fire personnel were inside the building, they noticed multiple building code violations. As such, Fire personnel summoned Columbia Police personnel inside for further investigation. Police made contact with the building owner and occupants, and explained that Columbia Borough Code Officer Jeff Helm would be responding to the building for further inspection. After notifying the owner of this, Police continued coordinating Helm's response with the Fire Department. Unbeknownst to Police, the building owner and its occupants left the scene after being advised of this, and could not be located.
As the Fire Department personnel continued to check the building for the presence of fire, they discovered a marijuana grow operation being conducted on the third and fourth floors of the residence. Police were summoned to this area of the building, and found approximately 10-12 pounds of loose harvested marijuana in bags, and approximately 60-70 mature marijuana plants being grown. This area was immediately secured for investigation. Due to the nature and severity of the code violations throughout the building, it was condemned through the Columbia Borough Codes Office.
Police were able to identify the building owner and its occupants before they left the scene, and all belong to the same family. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Complaints about Facebook page

Mother of accused Columbia killer complains about Facebook page: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/378073

Tournament champs

Pictured are members of the Columbia Red major baseball team, who won the Maytown Tournament over the weekend.

Egg Hunt is Saturday

The 11th ANNUAL COLUMBIA COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT AND SILENT AUCTION

Hosted Annually by Impact Christian Center of Columbia.
Registration for door prizes/grand prize takes place at Glatfelter Field, Lancaster Avenue, Columbia, PA (next to Anvil International). at 10:00 a.m. or online at www.impact-christian.com.
We will have Games, Pony Rides, and live Entertainment that run from 10:00-1:00, with the FREE Egg Hunts beginning at 1:00. Ticket sales for Games and Ponies are from 10:00 - 12:30
Joining us again this year is Sean "The Sandy Candy Guy" from Clown around Town, and new this year is Gelati Girl from Rita's Italian Ice from noon to 2.
Our Silent Auction items include: a Joe Paterno Autographed Football, Autographed Photos from Troy Polamalu and many others, Villanova team signed basketball, Grills, Vacation packages and much more!
If you need more information: call (717) 684-4770, see us on the web at: www.impact-christian.com, or email us at: info@impact-christian.com.

CBAA reschedules flea market

The Columbia Boy's Athletic Association have rescheduled their second annual Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at Glatfelter Field.

The event was scheduled for this past Saturday.
The cost per space is $20,
For more information, call Robin Ortman at 342-2658.

Banners are up

Banners sponsored by the Columbia Rotary Club weee placed on light poles downtown last week.

Bank changes name

The Wachovia Bank in the 300 block of Locust Street is now officially under the Wells Fargo name.

One lane opened

Repairs continue on Route 30 http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/377744

Another school meeting is set

The Columbia Borough School District will be holding another public meeting on the 2011-2012 budget.
The meeting will be held on May 3, at 7 p.m. in the High School Auditorium.

Another perfect day

Columbia senior Emily Detz fired her second perfect game of the  season this afternoon.
Detz fanned five and didn't allow a ball out of the infield as the Tide dominated Garden Spot, 15-0.
It was Detz' second perfect game of the season.
The game was about 15 minutes or so late getting started as Garden Spot's bus got lost coming to Columbia and ended up near Middletown.
The Tide has a big game this afternoon at home against Pequea Valley.

Dance to benefit CHS teams

The Columbia High School baseball and softball teams will hold a benefit dance featuring Maxwell on Friday, April 22, starting a 8 p.m., at the Susquehanna Fire Company.


The cost of the tickets are $25 each.

Big problems on Route 30 Bridge

I just got a text asking me this. 911 web cad says fire police and West Hempfield Fire squad on scene. This is from WGAL: http://www.wgal.com/news/27590376/detail.html

Lancasteronline has this: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/377744

Weighing options

The owners of the Columbia Bowling Center are weighing their options in the wake of last week's fire: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/376840

Columbia senior is featured

Jenna Geesey is this week's Teen of the Week: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/376431

Police make arrest

Columbia Police have made an arrest: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Columbia-Borough-Police/106423482721568

Turkey Hill Experience holds job fair

Hundreds were in line and area parking lots were full today as a job fair for the new Turkey Hill Experience was held at the St.Paul's Church in the 300 block of Locust Street.

Speedng and drinking

A Marietta man ran into some issues on Route 30: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/375635

Union, borough agree

There's labor piece for now: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/374890

CHS class fund-raiser

DEA to take back

On April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. nine local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Bring your medications for disposal to the below listed sites. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds—121 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners, including multiple local law enforcement agencies.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Four days after last fall’s event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act.
Sites:
1. Lancaster County Drug Task Force at the Lancaster Bureau of Police Department, 39 W.
Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA.
2. Warwick Township Police Department at Giant Food Store, 1008 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA.
3. Lititz Borough Police Department at Lititz Borough Police Station, 7 S. Broad St., Lititz, PA
4. Mount Joy Borough Police Department at the Mount Joy Borough Police Station, 21 E. Main St.,
Mt. Joy, PA
5. New Holland Borough Police Department at Garden Spot Village, 433 Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA
6. Northwest Regional Police Department at Giant Food Store, 1278 S. Market St., Elizabethtown,
PA
7. Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster,
PA
8. Quarryville Police Department at Ferguson & Hassler Supermarket, 100 Townsedge Dr., Quarryville, PA
9. East Cocalico Township Police Department at Gehman Feed Mill parking lot, 300 block of Main
St., Denver, PA

New venue for Fourth Friday

The next Fourth Fridays will take place Friday,  April 22 starting at 5 p.m. There will be a new venue this month which is the new headquarters for the non profit organization Fourth Fridays in Columbia. The location is 401 Locust Street and this "Hub" will offer a place for patrons to pick up a walking map, select brochures, business cards & menus, view a small art exhibit, and enjoy some refreshments. We will be visiting all of the venues over the next week to collect information you would want us to place in patrons hands when they stop in to see us at the Hub location. We will be featuring the following Columbia based artists on our gallery wall: Dale Weibley, Diana Thomas, Marilyn Hobday, Mickey Beck, Sophie Black and Tom Hermansader.

More fire pictures

These pictures are from Lisa Torbert, one of the many fire police officers on the scene this morning.

Columbia grad to appear in Ephrata

She's a 1979 grad of Columbia and pretty funny: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372489

Katie Shelley wins marathon

A distance runner in high school, Columbia grad Katie Shelley is now a marathon runner: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/373535

Bowling Alley fire pictures

Railroad spikes are missing

Manor Township Police are investigating thefts along the railroad: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372806

THE job fair

The Turkey Hill Experience will hold a job fair next week: http://www.turkeyhill.com/careers/current-openings.aspx

500 K's for Detz

Columbia softball pitcher Emily Detz added another first: http://llleaguesports.com/500-career-ks-for-tides-detz/336/

Four plead guilty

Four from Columbia plead guilty in county court: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371380

Charges filed in death of homeless man

West Hempfield Police have filed charges in a death at Tent City: http://www.wgal.com/news/27431437/detail.html

Homeless man found dead

West Hempfield Township Police are investigating the death of a homeless man: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371099

L-L League's "Mort" back on the job

Former Lancaster Newspaper sports reporter Jeff Reinhart is back in the L-L League information business: http://llleaguesports.com/

Crime Stoppers seek help

Crime Stoppers and police are looking for a Columbia man: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/370170

Police need your help

Columbia Police are looking for the pictured person in connection with a recent burglary at Mountville Motors: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Columbia-Borough-Police/106423482721568

Columbia police reports

GERARD NAEEM WRIGHT, AGE 28, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AT THIRD AND WALNUT STREETS, MARCH 24.

JAMES ROGER ENGLE, AGE 43, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED IN THE 300 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, MARCH 26.

GEORGE ISAIH CLARK, JR., AGE 31, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES IN THE 300 BLOCK OF CHESTNUT STREET, MARCH 25.

COTY STEPHEN RUTTER, AGE 24, OF MOUNTVILLE, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 300 BLOCK OF CHESTNUT STREET, MARCH 27.

DOUGLAS CLAIR GARNER, AGE 43, NO KNOWN ADDRESS, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET, MARCH 29.

JUANA MARIA RENTAS, AGE 52, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 500 BLOCK OF AVENUE N, MARCH 25.

Stink Bug traps are available

Stink Bug traps are now for sale: http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-stink-bug-traps-in-store,0,128998.story