West Hempfield Police

A juvenile was charged with burglary, theft, conspiracy and turned over to youth detention authorities as the result of an incident in the 700 block of Westover Drive, June 9.
Police were called to the area for a report of three black males on mini bikes armed with rifles. When police arrive, the suspects fled on foot. Police were able to determine that the mini-bikes were stolen from the 700 block of Oxford Drive and a bike from the 3600 block of Peregrine Circle. The juvenile was charged in connection with the Oxford Drive incident.

Police are also investigating the theft of 10-12 feet of copper wire from St. Paul's United Methodist Church, June 10.

Police are looking for a white male with spiked hair and wearing big glasses in connection with an incident in the first block of East Main Street, Mountville, June 8.
The suspect, who might be named Eric, police said, attempted to approach and speak to several 10-year-old girls, who were scared and fled the area.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 285-5191.

Other damage

Outside of the Wright Mansion



200 block of Walnt Street. Part of roof also blown off at Eastern Drillers as well.



1000 block of Central Avenue

600 block of  South Ninth Street, tree being cut up.

Tree down at Janson's

Locust Street Park damage

River Park storm damage

Here are pictures from last night's storm damage at River Park. Borough Highway Department workers were busy this monring. One of the pictures is from the railroad crossing, electric pole, which was bent during the storm.

Police charge two

Two people were charged in car break-ins: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/403941_2-men-charged-in-Columbia-vehicle-break-ins.html

The final inductees won it all

There have been three teams in the outstanding history of Columbia basketball -- the 1959 team was crushed by Wampum and the Allen Brothers and the 1986 girls' team fell to a hot shooting Linesville team.
A year later, after being left for dead during the regular season and finishing fourth in the District 3 playoffs, not much expected when the Columbia boys' basketball team entered the state playoffs.
Well, those expectations became dreams when on a late March afternoon inside old Hersheypark Arena, the Tide shocked the basketball world and won a state Class AA title with a 49-43 win over Windber, touching off a celebration that stretched from Hershey to Columbia and into the wees hours of the morning.
The state champs will be the lone team inducted into the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 17.
The team that won it all includes Mike Wisler, Brian Smith, Albert Ellis, Andy Fahringer, Keary Smith, Michael Burke, Chris Phiel, John Sheetz and Matt Phillips.
The coaches were Gary Sutton, "Flip" Rhoades, Kan Haverstick and Jeff Morral.
Their story will be chronicled toward the induction ceremony.

Meet the CHS Class of 2010

Zachary Abramo, Brandon Arnold, Tyler Arruda, Brandon Aukamp.
Alexander Beckley, James Black, Charit Blewett, Jordan Brooks, Aaron Broome, Wayne Buchanan, Sara Burke.
Joseph Charles, Sonia Colon, DeMonica Connor, Danielle Diaz, Adriana Dominquez, Alonia Dominquez, Robert Doughteru, Leanne Duke.
Audreanna Edmond, Kolby Elslager.
Bradon Felus, James Fisher, Justin Fitzpatrick, Toni Flasher, Kelsey Fryberger.
Amy Gerhart, Cleo Gilbert, Elizabeth Gipe, Hillary Glenn.
Daniel Hartman, Chelsea Hollinger.
Denisha Jackson, Tatianna Jackson.
Keifer Kemmerly, Thomas Kennedy, Hanan Khalil, Gregory Knight-Torbert, Brianna Krinerm Camilla Kronenwetter, Victoria Kuhn.
Mercdes Lauver, Sarah Leader, Jimmy Lee, Tiffany Loreto.
Patrick Manuel, Ashley Melbert, Julia Melbert, Mary Melika, Brian Mentzer, Daniel Mentzer, Allison Michener, Briana Miller, Kolyanna Mimnall, Raymond Mitchell, Autumn Moore.
Emily Nobile.
Kathryn Ohrel, Kayla Ortman.
Austin Peters, Brittany Peterson.
Tonya Reese, Grisabelle Mercado-Reyes, Stephanie Rineer, Isaias Rivera, Katrina Russell.
Jacob Sentz, Brandon Sith, Aubrey Snyder.
Hesekiah Walker, Nathan Wall, Heather Wallick, Ginny Walton, Justin Warfel, Steven Weisser, Jordan White, Kelly Wilkinson.

2010 Honor Students at Columbia

The following students graduated with honors from Columbia High School last night.
The students had an average of 85 percent or higher.
Brandon Arnold and Brandon Aukamp.
Sara Burke.
Joseph Charles.
Leanne Duke.
Kolby Elslager.
Brandon Felus and Toni Fischer.
Hillary Glenn
Keifer Kemmerly, Hanan Khalil, Camilla Kronenwetter and Victoria Kuhn.
Mercedes Lauver, Sarah Leader, Jimmy Lee and Tiffany Loreto.
Patrick Manuel, Julia Melbert, Daniel Mentzer, Allison Michener and Debra Miller.
Emily Nobile.
Kathryn Ohrel and Kayla Ortman.
Tonya Reese and Katrina Russell.
Heather Wallick, Jessica Wzltz and Steven Weisser.

Columbia High School 2010 graduation award winners

Here is the list of award winners from last night’s graduation at Columbia High School.

Valedictorian Keifer Kemmerly: The Columbia Christian Fellowship Scholarship Award, $100, to a student who is furthering her education at a four year institution and has exemplified strong moral character; good work ethic; positive attitude; concern for others and involvement in their church or a Christian Education. The Thomas Donan Scholarship Memorial Award presented by the class of 1942 and friends of Mr. Donan, $300, to the Valedictorian of the 2010 graduating class. Columbia Elementary Parents Club Award, $200, to the student with the highest average who attended grades 4, 5, 6 in the Columbia Elementary Schools. Reaves F. Goehring Award for Excellence in Social Studies, Book and Certificate, to the student with the highest average over four years in Social Studies. Rotary Scholarship Award, $1,000,
to a graduating senior who has been accepted as a full time student at a college or accredited business, technical or nursing school. The student must excel in academics, community service and school citiznship.
Coca-Cola Enterprises, $1,500, a one time award presented to the Valedictorian.

Salutatorian Emily Nobile: The Thomas Donan Scholarship Memorial Award presented by the class of 1942 and friends of Mr. Donan, $300, to the Salutatorian of the 2010 graduating class. Columbia Elementary Parents Club Award, $200, to the student with the highest average who attended grades 4, 5, 6 in the Columbia Elementary Schools, Tide PRIDE Scholarship $1,000, to a student with an 80 percent grade point average or higher, participate in community service, good citizenship, recommended by teacher or advisor, acceptance at a two or four year college. Coca-Cola Enterprises- $1, 000, a one time award presented to the Salutatorian.

Katrina Russell : Community Foundation of New Jersey – Bruno Glaesel Scholarship, $4, 628, a year for a total of 4 years, given to an honor student who possesses a real and persistent desire for college or university education. Union Local #376 Award, $100, & Pen and Pencil Set, to a student who has shown excellence in Technology Education during three years of senior high school.

Kathryn Ohrel: Community Foundation of New Jersey – Bruno Glaesel Scholarship, $4,628, a year for a total of 4 years, given to an honor student who possesses a real and persistent desire for college or university education. SVEMS Scholarship, $500, to a graduating senior who has been accepted for post-secondary study at an accredited institution. Preference will be given to someone entering the Medical Field or Fire Science field and has maintained an excellent academic record in grades 9-12 with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Joseph Charles: Mary S. Groff Scholarship - $750, a year for four years, to a worthy graduating senior of Columbia High School who has been accepted to an accredited college or university .

Allison Michener: Mary S. Groff Scholarship, $750, a year for four years, to a worthy graduating senior of Columbia High School who has been accepted to an accredited college or university.Daniel B. Strickler Memorial Scholarship, $200, to a deserving senior who will be furthering their education. Tide PRIDE Scholarship, $1, 000, to a student with an 80% grade point average or higher, participate in community service, good citizenship, recommended by teacher or advisor, acceptance at a two or four year college.

Jimmy Lee: Veterans of Foreign War Post #2435 Scholarship, $250, to a deserving student who has entered a school of nursing or medical profession. Columbia Lodge Free and Accepted Masons #286 Scholarship, $500, to any Columbia High School senior male student that exemplifies good character, good standing and belief in the Supreme Being. 1. The student must have a caring attitude and show respect to his fellow students. 2. The applicant must have no infraction higher than a level 2 of the school’s discipline policy.
3. The graduate must have been accepted to an accredited vocational or academic institution of higher learning and must at least carry at least a 3.0 GPA.

Patrick Manuel: Columbia Foresters of America Award, $1,000,to a worthy student chosen by the faculty who are planning on furthering their education.

Hillary Glenn: Columbia Foresters of America Award, $1,000, to a worthy student chosen by the faculty who are planning on furthering their education.

Brandon Felus: Columbia Foresters of America Award, $1000, to a senior member of the Varsity Wrestling Team who are planning on furthering their education. Colonial Metals Award, Presented in Memory of Ronald Gerfin, $500, to a senior wrestler with the highest grade point average. E. Witmer Gerth and M. Helen Gerth Munshower Scholarship Fund, $200, to a worthy senior who has been accepted at an accredited college or university and who will succeed as a college or university student and make the best citizen for the future.

Jacob Sentz: Columbia Foresters of America Award, $1,000, to a senior member of the Varsity Wrestling Team who are planning on furthering their education.

Sara Burke: Clyde W. Kraft Memorial Scholarship, $500, to a student who has maintained a minimum of 80% cumulative grade point average and has been the most active in extra-curricular activities throughout her attendance at Columbia High School. River Valley Disposal Scholarship, $1,000, to a graduating member of the senior class that has been accepted to acollege, university or trade school; Candidate must be a solid academic student with a minimum GPA of  85%; Candidate must participate in at least one varsity level sport or club; Candidate must demonstrate responsibility by excellent attendance during their senior year.

Ashley Melbert: Nadine M. Bongart Memorial Scholarship, $500, have been an active participant in the cheerleading program at the high school level; Have sustained a good academic record.andhave a demonstrated interest in all aspects of school, community and civic life.
Sarah Leader: Columbia/Middletown Lodge #1074 Elks Scholarship, $200, Attendance – Senior year no more than 4 days absence; No grade lower than a 75% for any report period during their senior year; Good school citizenship or No level two or higher violation; Must maintain active membership in three or more school sponsored sports, clubs or organizations in each of his senior high years .

Briana Miller: Northwest Savings Bank, $100, to the student with the highest average in Business Education Courses.

Steven Weisser: VFW Post #2435 Art Award in Honor of Columbia artist, Richard Fritz, $100, to the student who has demonstrated the greatest proficiency in Art.

Jordan White: Jessie Cleland Criswell Award, $100, to a senior who has made a significant contribution to the library media center or the public library by serving as a student library assistant during their senior high school years.

Brandon Arnold: Columbia Borough Police Benevolent Association Award, $300, to the student furthering their education in the Criminal Justice field .

Tiffany Loreto: Sunsnapper’s Club Award, $100 and a Pen & Pencil set to the female student who has been accepted at a Technical or Trade School.

Isaias Rivera: Sunsnapper’s Club Award, $100 and a Pen & Pencil set to a male student who has been accepted at a Technical or Trade School.

Julia Melbert: Class of 1977 Scholarship, $200, to a senior who is deserving and worthy and is enrolled in an institution of higher learning to assist in furthering her education.

Camilla Kronenwetter: Rotary Scholarship Award, $1,000, to a graduating senior who has been accepted as a full time student at a college or accredited business, technical or nursing school. The student must excel in academics, community service and school citizenship.

Hanan Khalil: Citizen Service Scholarship Award presented by the Columbia Area Republican Committee, $500, to a deserving senior who will be attending a four year college, and has the most borough-related community service hours. Matthew 25 Thrift Shop, Litiz, $1,500, presented to a graduating senior on a rotating basis to five area high schools. The student selected must show a sincere desire to continue his/her education beyond high school, the ability to succeed, and have a definite need for financial assistance.

Sign is down

Snapped this pictire today on my second trip into town. This looks like the railroad sign at Florence and Mill streets may have been hit, sometime after 9:45 this a.m.

Columbia holds graduation

Here is a link to this morning's story in the Intell/New Era concerning last night's graduation at Columbia High School. http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/258855