Monday, April 4, 2011

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/

Saturday, April 2, 2011

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.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Second school meeting planned in May

In my 25 plus years in the radio and newspaper reporting business, I have a considerable number of meetings. Probably more than the average person.


One of those type meetings I hate to cover are those dealing with financial issues. It tends to get nasty between the general public (taxpayers) and the governing bodies. I can remember years ago while covering a Columbia School Board, a fight broke out during a budget discussion.

More often than not budget meetings involving a community and a governing body become more finger pointing than anything else. The finger pointing can get ugly and usually the comments aren’t anything that can help solve the issues.

With that in mind, the Columbia School Board held a meeting on Tuesday night at the big school on the hill to discuss their 2011-12 school budget. The school board was going to detail their financial issues caused by a decrease in state funding and what effect would have on our community. They wanted to hear suggestion to deal with the budget issues and what the community wanted to keep in terms of programs and staff.

This is one of those meetings I wanted to go too, but also one I could have easily passed on. Just because of the confrontational possibilities. The old been there, done that theory. I went because I have a lot of friends who work for the school district and I believe in our schools because the kids are our future. But I was a little concerned as to what might happened.

My biggest fear wasn’t realized. The meeting was orderly. We can be Columbia Proud of the students who spoke about keeping programs and staff. The community came with some good questions and ideas and everyone left the meeting with a promise from Tom Strickler, school board president, there would be another public meeting perhaps in May, to tell everyone what the budget will look like and who and what programs will survive.

The bad thing, I thought the auditorium on the hill would be packed with parents, students and others. It wasn’t. I didn’t take an official head count but I think there was somewhere between 125 and 175 people listening, watching and speaking. That was the sad part.

The meeting started with a 25-minute budget presentation by Dr. Barry Clippinger, superintendent. He compared the budget issues that not only Columbia is facing but the other 500 school districts across the state are, to the weather. “It’s no longer a storm, rather a climate change. Public education is bearing the burnt of the climate change, but we will come back stronger because of it,” Clippinger said.

School districts across the state finally got some preliminary numbers from the state earlier this month, but have to have their budgets finalized before the state. So, there could still be some changes to the district’s financial plan.

During his presentation, Dr. Clippinger explained the district’s financial history and its taxation. The result of Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget left the district with a shortfall of 15.92 percent in state funding. Most of it, the school district budgeted for and even with the budget deficit, Clippinger said the goal of the administration and board was not to raise taxes. At present, the district has a $624,288 budget deficit without a tax increase.

To eliminate some of that deficit, the school district will not fill a science position because of a retirement (high school), make some other positions part-time and delay things like technology upgrades and curriculum reviews. Clippinger said the district’s administrative team ($39,170) and support staff ($35,780) have already agreed to pay freezes. Yet to agree have been the members of the Columbia Education Association and if they do that would be another $260,003.

“We have had discussions with the CEA,” Clippinger said.

Nether Clippinger or Strickler could tell those at the meeting when the CEA would be voting, but its not likely till the end of April. There were a few teachers at the meeting. In talking with some teachers, they realize the sense of urgency to approve the pay freeze. They want to vote onthe feeze now and do what is best for the students. These teachers say they care about the kids and district, love teaching at Columbia and these teachers feel its not fair for people to lump all teqachers together as one and these are the ones who want to stay here. There were some comments made about the teachers at the meeting, but as already written, its not fair to lump all the teachers together. Most want to move forward and help the students and the district.

Clippinger said the alternative education program and curriculum reviews could be dropped and transportation changes made for extra-curricular activities and the uniform replacement cycle will be delayed and there would be some use of the capital reserve fund. He also said the district is looking, along with the Intermediate Unit, to create its on virtual academy/cyber school. Currently, the district has to spend $500,000 to educate around 36 students in cyber school. Clippinger said the district could save around 50 percent of that money by operating its own cyber school.

“We have to do that (cyber school) by state law,” Strickler said, before taking questions.

But if the CEA doesn’t approve a pay freeze, the cuts could do deeper and affect students and result in heavy layoffs.

Strickler also discussed the affects of adequate special education funding and the free lunch program is having on the district as well. About 20 people spoke to the board, some of them students.

David Anderson questioned the need to spend money a few years back for the football stadium and suggested no cutbacks in the arts and foreign languages. He also felt the teachers should pay moe for their health care.

Elaine Beckley questioned the need to have three administrators making six figures and there is no need for the district to have three technology people. She said that is teachers are worried about their status going from full-time to part-time, “they could seek employment elsewhere.”

An elderly gentlemen asked the board to come up with a way to tax renters, who aren’t paying taxes, but putting a burden on the scfhools.

Mark Fritz, a district parent, suggested the district look at its overhead and saw no need for a superintendent and an assistant superintendent “for a graduating class of less than 100.”

He also suggested getting rid of the district administrative center and bringing the offices back into the schools.

“The cut should come from the top, not the teachers. It should be the facilities and administration,” Fritz said.

Another speaker requested and itemized budget and another was concerned about the plan to cut full-day kindergarten and the fact the district had to pay for security at athletic events.

Students who spoke asked the board to retain progras such as drama, band and music, because that’s what they participate in and it wouldn’t be worth coming to school without those programs.

“We can’t the kids,”:said resident Don Arndt.

In the end, Strickler thanked for attending and said there would be another meeting held in May.

Township man busted in scam

Here's a report from WGAL: http://www.wgal.com/news/27383996/detail.html

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A little of this and a little of that in sports

It’s been a while since I have commented on anything in the world of sports. The winter sports season, although it still feels like winter, is over and the bats, gloves, javelins and shot puts are out.


First off, congrats to the Columbia athletes for all the hard work they put in over the winter. They worked hard and improved as the season went on.

Second, congrats to senior wrestler Marcus Fischer, for representing Columbia at the state wrestling championships.

Yes, it was not all rosy for the winter sports season in 2010-11, but I prefer to look ahead not back.

A few weeks back, I attended the basketball banquet and a couple of things stuck with me that night.

I, myself have seen it developing this year as well. I think the championship drought on the hill will end next season in a big way. I heard some coaches speak that night and a couple of senior players, about the need to get the “Colunbia Chip” back on our shoulders. Yes, there is the ability to win multiple chanpionships next season, but it comes down to a few things.

One is the off-season commitment of the athletes who will wear the crimson and gold. Not to be labor the point, but championships are not won from September to November or December to February or March to May, they are won on the off-season. That means hard work in the off season. If that happens, only then will the school on the hill have to add banners to the gym rafters.

It’s possible.

There has been a bunch of other things that have happened in the past few weeks/months as well.

First, at the local level.

I had heard the rumors before it became public knowledge that Lancaster Catholic was looking to move from Section 3 to Section 1 in football. Yes, its about time they step up to the plate and make a move that will drastically improve the quality of sports in the L-L League.

Will Columbia miss playing Catholic? Yes, because it was a good rivalry, although Columbia hasn’t beaten then in about eight years.

Will. Catholic succeed in Section 1? It’s a different brand of football, more physical. Would it have been better to jump up to Section 2 first? Probably.

I won’t comment any farther about the “r” issue, but there were some comments made in the newspaper story that was a little upsetting. One was a comment made about the lack of competition in Section 3 as Catholic’s front line players only got to play half a game in league play. I saw a few games where the front line players were in late into the game up 35, 40, 45 points. Not a great way to develop depth for the big move. And if Section 3 hurt them, I thought they did well in the post-season the last two years.

I would hope Catholic would consider a move in basketball as well.

Speaking of moves, heard that Steel-High will be playing Class A in boys’ basketball in the next schedule cycle at the request of the Mid-Penn Conference. They were having trouble scheduling boys’ games in one division/class and girls in another.

Moving back to the L-L League, finally happy to see Hempfield as a new football coach in Ron Zieber, a former coach at Boyertown and Exeter. Don’t know the guy, never heard of him, but he better be the best thing since sliced bread. That’s because of who the Black Knights passed over – Jim Cantafio and Mark Evans.

I thought given the success of the other Hempfield fall programs (state champs in soccer and volleyball), they would make a splash with the football hiring.

Well, they put two solid coaches through the interview ringers, only not to consider either one in the end. Both are solid football minds. Sure, Jimmy C must have had some baggage attached to the old resume, but football-wise, he’s smart. The same goes for Evans, who I happen to think is on the top five of coaches in the L-L League behind Mike Williams and Dave Gingrich.

Given the fact that a new coach wasn’t named until two weeks ago, don’t look for the Black Knights to get back to being winners this season, unless this guy is a miracle worker.

Now finally, the other day I was in a discussion about school colors. The talk centered on how do I want to put it, alterations to those colors. I tend to agree say if a schools are red and black; crimson and gold or purple and gold, that’s what they are. Enough said.

Sports Hall announces inductees

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame has announced its list of inductees for its May 7 banquet.


The annual banquet will be held at the Suusquehanna Fire Company. 10th and Manor streets, starting at 6 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and tickets are available by contacting Rich Gerfin at 684-4772 after 6 p.m.

The inductees are:

* Jerry Brooks, former administrator in the Penn Manor School District and coach and longtime official and former District 3 committee chairman.

* Robert Derr, current field hockey coach at Warwick High School and top high school and college wrestling official.

* Jim Dougherty, former Columbia Raider and cable television personality.

* Scott Martin, football and wrestling standout at Lancaster Catholic and current Lancaster County Commissioner.

* Bernie Stananiello, former football player at Lancaster Catholic and longtime coach at McCaskey.

* Caribe Taglieri, former athletic director at Lancaster Catholic and longtime PIAA official.

They recruit!

Was looking at another webpage when I saw this about the Philly area. http://www.phillymag.com/articles/the_prized_recruits_of_prep_school_sports/page1

Televison report on last night's meeting

Here is Fox 43's report on last night's budget meeting: http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmt-columbia-budget-meeting,0,5046492.story

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

It's getting closer

The Turkey Hill Experience is a short ways from opening: http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/news/27358971/detail.html

Bicyclist and car collide

An ambulance arrives on the scene at the entrance to the Columbia Plaza Shopping Center, where a bicyclist was struck by a car. Columbia Police said rhe bicyclist was an off duty officer from another department, who was taken to Lancaster General around 3:30 p.m.

Columbia losses former councilmen

George McGinness, a 36-year veteran of Columbia Borough Council, died Monday. http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2676919

Fire update -- 9 displaced


This was a picture of last night's fire scene. Two of the three homes wer condemned. Through the alley way, you can see some of the damage.
 Here's an update on last night's fire: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/367760

Monday, March 28, 2011

Two alarm fire tonight


Firemen remain on the scene of a two alarm fire in the 600 block of Plane Street. Smoke was showing from the middle house as firemen first arrived. Columbia Fire Chief Doug Kemmerly kicked in the door of the middle house to gain entry. The Red Cross was called to the scene along with UGI. Firemen from Columbia and other areas were called to the scene around 7 p.m. Three houses were involved. More details as they become available.

Reposting meeting notice

The Columbia School Board and Administration will hold a public meeting to discuss the 2011-2012 budget and property tax impact.
The meeting will be held tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 29, 7  p.m., in the high school, auditorium.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Benefit dance

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.

Little Chicago here in Columbia



See attached pictures please, I will also print them and put them in the drop box at borough office attention code enforcements. This reminds me of the ghetto in Chicago. The out of town landlord WINS, I said I would not move because of his low life tenants , but with the little help I get from code enforcement and the lack of codes that protect clean proud homeowners of this town my house is FOR SALE, if you drive out to visit this site at the rear of 732 Plane street you will see the FOR SALE sign at my house 734 Plane street. I lived here all my life and finally had enough, apparently others have too. The Lancaster News had an article just the other day 91 less people compared to last years census for Columbia Borough. My wife and I have spent the past few weeks looking at homes in Wrightsville and Mountville. As we look at COMPARABLE homes to what we have what a difference! I challenge code enforcement to take me to Mountville and show me this style of life that has invaded this 700 block of Plane street for the past several years, it hasn’t always been this bad, but it has been steadily increasing, because of the economy Jim Leonard can’t get good tenants and the tenants and Jim Leonard know what they can and can’t get away with. These tenants just move in this past December and the cops have been here 3 times because of them. They were able to issue a fine to a visiting individual of the rear apartment and a disruptive conduct warning. I do thank the police department, they did what was expected of them in a professional manner. I personally thanked officer Jacobs after the hearing I attended 3/7/2011. If we could only get code enforcement to do something or someone needs to revise some codes or create new ones. My guess is that there is something codes can do about this EYESORE. I spoke with code enforcement officer George Wise he pretty much doesn't like writing fines from what I gather from our conversation. He would just rather send letters to the property owners and hope the issue goes away. He told me I may have to go to court to testify, told him no problem done it numerous time for the police department.

By the way the green trash cans are STILL sitting out in the alley ( Furnace Ave ) that runs parallel with Plane street you can see both of them in the corner of the picture 2 that is attached. I have questioned the trash cans for months now. There is an ordinance, but it isn’t being enforced, it’s written on my sewer bill from time to time, George Wise said he NEVER issued a fine for this violation. The town could use the money now is his chance. The parking meter officer is writing fines, perhaps we can promote him to code enforcement. Again he is doing his job ( meter officer) even though I hear complaints and he even got me once at the post office he is doing his job. While talking parking how come no ordinance has ever been made for these multi-unit apartments that are GRANDFATHERED from the current parking ordinance. 732 Plane has 4 units and currently there are two units with two vehicles and one unit with one vehicle. that is five cars that want to be as close to there front door as I do. They should create a ordinance that will control parking where these multi- units that were GRANDFATHERED exist. How about no more then one car per a unit or no more then 4 cars per four unit. That’s enough for now. You proved you can’t help me long term, so help me short term and fix the EYESORE out back so when the relator shows my house to a perspective buyer they are not scared out of Columbia like others have.
PS, This is not anything against you Leo. I have the upmost respect for you. You have always been more then fare in the past you even personally visited with me at my residence to resolve issues. I know you have a lot on your plate and I do see improvement in Columbia, but as for some of the descent caring homeowners there is little assistance from code enforcement and not enough updated ordinances. If anybody would like to speak with me please respond I have been keeping a log with some pictures on the issues mentioned and more.
Sorry complaining, but enough is enough.
Jerry Nissley
734 Plane Street