Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I've been busy

\Someone commented on one of my earlier posts as to why there haven't been many posts in the last week and there was too much about Friday's big game.

Well, this anonymous person thought there is more than just a football game to talk about. Yes, there is, but don't tell those 20 plus football players and a multitude of coaches, who have been working hard since August, there are bigger events for them. Quite frankly there isn't. And I really don't care how one poster feels because I would be doing the same thing is I were writing for a local newspaper.

Yes Mr. Anonymous there was a council meeting last week and yes, it was great to see Sgt. Jack Brommer being promoted to police chief. What you didn't say that Columbia Borough passed a zero tax increase budget for the fourth straight year and that council moved forward to almost conclusion with the sale of the cottage area along the Susquehanna River, which was settled the next day.

The person didn't say anything about the two citizens, a pair of Franks, Doutrich and Splain, who addressed the council on a variety of topics (see lancasteronline.com/mycolumbianews) for details on that.

I didn't read the letters to the editors in the Lancaster Newspaper, sorry, just don't have the time.

What I have done in the last week or so is plan for the next four years when I am seated on Columbia Borough Council. The swearing in is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

So for those who apparently need to know my every move, I had four meetings last week, three of which were tied to my pending appointment to borough council. One got postponed to this week and I'm working to schedule a few more meetings with people and sending email questions out to others.

During my three meetings, I was given a lot of papers, regulations and other things I needed to be brought up to speed. Those involved in all three meetings were extremely helpful and the paperwork given to me is as well.

In those meetings, a number of things were discussed and I asked a lot of questions and still have some to get answered. Those will come. There were some things discussed, I liked and other things I wasn't too fond of. Those things I will detail over the next few weeks, but needless to say, I think they are important for our town.

I will detail just one and that are a large numbers of recent property purchases by BH1 Properties. The latest was a store front, owned by the Boys and Girls Club, next to the club in the 200 block of Locust Street. I asked if council could do something to slow this individual down and was basically told no. I am not buying this explanation as if we have someone coming into our town, working to cash in on our economic conditions, there has to be some that can be done. I will continue to pursue this.

Money-wise, repeat after me, the borough is in the black. I got the reports to prove it. The phrase “healthy not wealthy” was impressed on me several times during one of my meetings.

Other items discussed were parking issues, the placement of new light poles downtown, which folks will see over the next few weeks. The trees probably won't go in until the spring. One of the things I didn't like with that project is the placement of bricks along the curb like on Route 462. My main concern are the weeds that will grow up through the bricks as happened in many areas on 462. Was basically told that won't be an issue. Heck, I complained to the council last summer about the weeds on Locust Street when it wad concrete. It will happen with brick as well. Apparently, there was also no attempt to contact those along Locust Street to see what they wanted and not all of the council is in favor of the bricks too. Also addressed the pending change in the meter structure too, but the response was luke work.

I got a lot of reading to do yet and some things I'd like to see happen. As promised during the campaign, I am here to work for all 10,300 people. Anything of what I feel is a personal agenda will get a big no vote from me.

I'd like to see more people get involved in borough government as well. Attend the meetings, ask the questions and bring your ideas to the council – good, bad or indifferent. Look me up when I am out and about, send me an email. If I want to do this the right way, it is important to keep the line of communication open with everyone. Some things are going right in our town, other things either need a push in the right direction or something different tried.

Updates on things will follow and I will update more frequently with what's going on in our town.

Columbia student wins Brubaker essay contest

Sen. Mike Brubaker recently announced the winners of the fall 2011 Student Challenge essay contest.The challenge invited students to submit an essay of 500 words or less describing how agriculture is important to our society beyond food production.
The winners are: Julia Jackson, Centerville Middle School, Hempfield School District; Abigail Reiter, Pequea Valley High School; Juliana Mae Anderson, Park Elementary School, Columbia School District; and Erynn Mullins, Blue Ball Elementary, Elanco School District.

The winners will receive an award certificate and a visit to the Capitol Building in Harrisburg with a guest for lunch and a tour of the Capitol.

Columbia vs. Camp Hill: The winner will play?

Either Columbia or Camp Hill will advance to the PIAA football championships anbd play the winner of the District 6 title game between Bellwood-Antis and Penns Manor. That one will be played Saturday night at Mansion Park in Altoona.

Here is a link to information on Bellwood-Antis: http://www.bellwoodfootball.com/

Here is information on Penns Manor: http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/penns-manor-comets-(clymer,pa)/football/home.htm

Columbia vs. Camp Hill: Camp Hill by the numbers


PennLive photo
So who are the names of the Camp Hill players that you'll likely hear the voice of Hershey Stadium Bob Shellenberg say Friday afternoon.
The Lions under first-year coach Frank Gay went 1-9 a year ago and come into the game with a six-game wining streak, having not lost since Boiling Springs, 34-14, back on Sept. 30. Since that time, the Lions have beaten the likes of Elco, Middletown, Steel-High, Susquenits and East Pennsboro during the regular season and York Catholic last week in the District 3 Class A playoffs.  The win over Elco came a week after the Raiders were soundly beaten by the Crimson Tide. The Lions beat Elco, 35-17.
Two of the Lions wins during their streak over Middletown and East Pennsboro were by one point, while another was by a touchdown over Susquenita.
Going into the 2011 season, the Lions retuned 10 starters on both sides of the football, accordiong to a pre-season preview that appeared in the Harrisburg Patriot back in August.
Two offensive players (both pictured) to keep an eye on are quarterback Marcellus Hayes, a 5-10, 165 pound senior. He's described as quick and athletic. Through 10 games, Hayes has rushed for 501 yards and nine scores. Through the air, Hayes has completed 42 percent of his passes for 882 yards. He's thrown 10 touchdowns and 11 picks.
PennLive photo
The other offensive threat is running back Jake Bingham, a 5-10, 195 pound seniorm, who has scored 12 touchdowns this season, nine of them on the ground. Through 10 games, Bingham, who had a big game against York Catholic, has rushed for 947 yards on 139 carries.
The only other back over 300 yards is junior Teddy Ramsey, who has rushed for 398 yards.
When Hayes puts the ball in the air is favorite targets are Daeshawn Williams, a junior, with 31 catches for 537 yards and nine scores, Ramsey with 18 catches and Quinn Francetts with nine grabs.
Up front, the Lions are led by Jake Bosley (6-0, 175), Cameron Ruhl (5-10, 200) and Kevin Crenchik (6-2, 210).
On the defensive side of the football, the Lions play a 4-4 and are again pretty athletic at linebacker.
Alex Gallaher is their field goal and extra point kicker.

Crime Stoppers offers reward

Crime Stoppers and West Hempfield Township Police need your help.

Cookbook is perfect present

From Lancasteronline.com, my Columbia News: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/490864_Chamber-hopes-cookbook-will-be-big-success.html

Columbia School Board to reorganize

From Lancateronline.com, my columbia news: School-board-says-goodbye-to-3-members

Area holiday happenings

St. Peter's Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4., in the parish center, Second and Union streets, Columbia.
The bazaar, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, will feature hand-made craft items, specialty baskets and homemade desserts. There is no charge for admission.
A light meal will be served beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday and will include homemade soups and sandwiches along with drinks and desserts.
On Sunday, a full-course, all-you-can-eat pasta dinner will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the parish office or at the door the day of the event. Cost of the dinner is $7 for adults, $4 for children, and is free for children under 3.

The Columbia Market House announces its Thanksgiving week hours.  The market will be open Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, and open on Black Friday, Nov. 25, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Take advantage of this schedule change to pick up your last minute Thanksgiving needs at the Columbia Market.

John Wright Store & Restaurant invites you to attend their "holidays on the river" promotion scheduled for Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. Enjoy Saturday breakfast or Sunday brunch, then shop among the unique gifts for some special promotions.  Ladies are invited to attend the "Girls Night Out" on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, to enjoy refreshments, to sign up for a giveaway, and to get in some holiday shopping.

\Hobday's Artwork is hosting its annual Open House on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.  Visit the gallery located at 239 Poplar St, Columbia, between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.  All are invited to attend.

The Turkey Hill Experience is planning a family-oriented First Night event to be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Dec. 31. Area businesses are invited to take part by planning a free activity geared to children.  Booths would be located in the parking lot to create an outdoor holiday atmosphere.  The event will culminate with the dropping of the ice cream scoop onto its cone. This is a great promotional opportunity for area businesses.  Please refer to the attachment.  Contact Kim Mable-Dolly at 684-0134 ext. 108 for further information.

Is there a youngster in your family who needs to check in with Santa to assure their spot on the "Nice" list? Plan to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum on December 10. Santa will be there (at no charge) from 10:00 am to noon.  Plan a longer visit during that time slot to make a holiday theme clock and to visit the museum.  To make reservations for the clock workshop ($10 per person), call 684-8261 ext. 237.

West Hempfield Township Police

Police have charged Brandy Minnich, 29, of Columbia, with retail theft, as the result of an incident at Musser's Market, 3900 Columbia Avenue, Nov. 21.Minnich attempted to leave the store with food and medical items.

Police are investigating an incident at Two Cousins Pizza Shop, Mountvile, Nov. 21.
A $100 counterfeit bill was passed.
Police are looking at video tape to get a picture of the suspect, who placed an order, paid in advance and left the store without the order.

Columbia Police reports

SONYA LYNN REIDEL, 19, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILOE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE 1ST. BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE.

MICHAEL T. RINEER, JR., AGE 30, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON ROUTE 30 EAST AND ROUTE 441.

GABRIEL THOMAS LOVETT, AGE 21, OF PEQUEA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON ROUTE 441 AT PERRY STREET
.
SANDRA L. AIL, AGE 35, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT THIRD AND CHERRY STREETS AND THIRD AND LOCUST STREETS.

STEVEN L. MILLER, AGE 41, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND  CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, AT ROUTE 30 AND LINDEN STREET EXIT.

JASON RAY BRUBAKER, AGE 32, OF DENVER, WAS CITED FOR UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES, TWICE, FOR HAVING AN UNSECURED LOAD ON HIS TRAILER AND FOR NOT HAVING HIS LOG UP TO DATE, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF CEDAR STREET.

KENNETH WILLIAM ROBERTO, AGE 37, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT LINDEN AND NORTH THIRD. STREETS.

HENRY LEE ELY, JR., AGE 42, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET.

EDWIN P. KILBY, AGE 25, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE 1ST. BLOCK OF NORTH THIRD STREET. HE WAS AGAIN CITED FOR THE SAME THING, IN THE
1ST. BLOCK OF NORTH SECOND STREET.

A 31 YEAR OLD EPHRATA WOMAN IS BEING CITED FOUR TIMES FOR RETAIL THEFT, FOR TAKING CIGARS, ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, AT THE GENUINE TOBACCO STORE.
SHE WAS SEEN ON CAMERA PUTTING THE CIGARS IN HER PURSE, OR ON HER PERSON.

JANE CATHERINE SHEEHY, 49, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED; FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRED, AND FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, AT
NINTH STREET AND PURPLES LANE.

KARIN N. DEPREFONTAINE, AGE 24, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON LANCASTER AVENUE.

JESSICA L. BAKER, AGE 27, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS AT SEVENTH AND MAPLE STREETS.

ROBERT BLAIR WEST, AGE 21, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AT LINDEN AND THIRD STREETS.

Last Fourth Friday of 2011 is set

Fourth Friday in Columbia will be held on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. Participants are invited to visit participating art galleries, antique shops, specialty shops, and eateries. During this at-your-own pace tour, community members may view exhibits from local and visiting artists and enjoy refreshments.
More information is available at www.fourthfridays.org, on Facebook, or by emailing fourthfridayscolumbia@gmail.com .

Local church to offer dinner

The Columbia United Methodist Church is holding its annual Thanksgiving Dinner: http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=60353

No tax increase in Mountville

From Lancateronline.com: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/502366_Mountville-maintains-tax-rate.html

Two hurt in Township firey crash

This from Lancasteronline.com: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/502871_Two-teens-hurt-when-vehicle-strikes-tree--catches-fire.html

Columbia vs. Camp Hill: Lions Roster

54
Jake BaileyOL/LB6-0175Sr.
5Jake BinghamRB/LB5-10195Sr.
65Zach BishopOL/DL6-1250Sr.
76Andrew BucherOL/DL5-10175So.
33Justin CaseyRB/LB5-10210Jr.
74Brady ChambersOL/DL5-10240Fr.
50Kevin ChrencikOL/DL6-1215Sr.
84Marshall DurhamWR/DE6-4180So.
21Quinn FrassettaWR/DB5-9165Jr.
58Evan GreenwoodOL/DL6-0195So.
7Marcellus HayesQB/DB5-10155Sr.
43Corey HeffrenWR/LB5-8145So.
24John Paul KimportWR/DB5-10160Fr.
31Jared KroniczWR/LB6-2175So.
51Zach KroniczOL/DE6-4215Sr.
25Tim LehotskyWR/DE6-0160Sr.
10Philip LoweWR/DE6-0160Jr.
85Bennett MassieWR/DB5-9140Fr.
32Mario PonceWR/DB5-7170Jr.
35Teddy RamseyRB/LB5-10180Jr.
45Kyle RemigRB/LB5-10165Fr.
55Hummel RobertOL/DL6-0185Sr.
61Benton RossOL/DL6-1250So.
60Cameron RuhlOL/DL5-10200Jr.
3Tyler SimpsonWR/LB5-10160Sr.
68Austin SimpsonOL/DL5-10175Fr.
77Noah SpringerOL/DL6-5185So.
40Alex TalbertWR/LB5-0165So.
88Jon TanguayWR/DB5-8170Sr.
63Josh UpdegraffOL/DL5-10250So.
20Elijah WhiteWR/LB5-10170Sr.
18Deshawn WilliamsWR/DB6-2165Jr.