Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Grease reminder
Harry the K -- The Remarkable Life of Harry Kalas.
I don’t read as much as I should. Read a lot of newspapers and every once in a while a magazine.
He was doing a college game in the south when the Cincinnati Reds and Phillies came calling. Giles knew of Harry from his days in Houston and the Phils were looking to move from Connie Mack Stadium to the Vet. Al Michaels was also being considered. I had know Harry was accepted right away in coming to Philly because he replaced a legend in Bill Campbell.
It detailed how Harry sought the help of friends on how to end his first marriage and move on.
Usually when I read a book, its about my favorite sports’ teams, the Phillies or the Eagles and if someone writes a book about Columbia, I might be on it as well.
I’ll never be a War and Peace type reader. Okay, let me get the joke out – probably not enough pictures.
In the last year I’ve read four books – three about the Phillies and one I got from a good friend at Christmas about the greatest plays in Eagles history. The other three books were about the Phillies. One came out last summer, I believe in May or June about the death of Harry Kalas. It was more of a celebration book about Harry the K than anything else. Well written and even though I had heard some of the stories before, it was something I needed to get as a Phillie fans. I got it at the Wawa in East Petersburg, not at a book store.
The second book, which I saw advertised on a Phillies game, written by someone I can’t stand Chris Wheeler. It was a biography about Wheels 40 years with the team. I thought it might be some inside stuff, but it wasn’t. The book was well written, but like Wheeler it was basically a fluff piece.
The third book was another about the Phillies. I saw it on Facebook, written by Todd Zolecki, a Phillies beat writer for MLB.com and formerly of the Philadelphia Inquirer. It was called the Good, the Bad and Ugly,” a history of the Phillies.
A good book, but the only thing I didn’t like about it, there was no mention in the book concerning one of the bright spots in Phillies history – Harry Kalas. Other than that, it was a pretty good read.
About three weeks ago when I was reading the Philadelphia Daily News about another book written about Harry Kalas, by another team beat writer Randy Miller that was coming out this week.
The article I saw said it would be available at book stores and on the internet, but would not be sold at Citizen Bank Park. The article said it would be like a tell all of Harry’s life, including his family problems, spat with Wheels and the list went on and on. I figured there was probably something in there that the Phillies didn’t appreciate.
So I figured since its kind of tough for me to get to a book store right now and needing something to do, I’d search the internet. Found the book on Amazon at half the price it would cost in a book store ($24.95, I paid just over $16), ordered it and couldn’t wait until it came.
That was Tuesday of this week, around 1:45 or 2 in the afternoon, when I was sitting outside enjoying the great weather. I’m the type of person that when I get something good to read, I have trouble putting it down.
About eight hours later, a couple of breaks and a couple of phone calls, I finished the 333 page book. And yes, the pictures were good, many of them I never saw before.
So, here’s a quick review of Harry the K – the Remarkable Life of Harry Kalas, written by Miller, from the Bucks County Courier Times. There’s a forwarded by the greatest player ever to wear Phillie pinstripes, Michel Jack Schmidt and a special introduction by current Phillie Ryan Howard.
The book is 20 chapters long and if you are a fan of the team, loved and worshiped Harry like many, including myself did, it is a must read.
I will tell you that during the course of reading the book there were many times I smiled, laughed and teared up. There were also moments during the course of the night that I went “wow.” There wasn’t one part of the book I didn’t like.
The book starts about talking about Harry’s childhood in Naperville, Illinois, growing up the son of a preacher, the Rev. Harry H. Kalas. Harry was not a junior, rather Harry Norbert Kalas. Norbert, the book said, was a 12th century saint. Details of Harry being something of a wild child growing up, smoking and drinking as a young teen, his days of playing football, basketball and baseball in high school. He knew as a teen he wasn’t going to make the “show” as they call it. He has an older brother named Jim and even as a kid, he started announcing games, including one on his first date when he went to a movie on a date and ended up announcing a game. He was in various plays in high school and even had the golden voice back then.
There were stories with childhood friends and after graduating from high school, it was off to college where Harry thought the good life of drinking and partying was more important study. He got booted from his first school and then enrolled at the University of Iowa, got his start in broadcasting, but still continued the drinking and smoking.
On the day of his graduation, he was drafted in the Army and luckily got stationed in Hawaii, where he met his first wife Jasmine, who worked as a buyer for a jewelry store and got his first job in baseball with the Hawaii Islanders in the old Pacific Coast League.
He eventually got his big break and landed with the Houston Astros, who were moving into the Astrodome. It was with Houston, where he met Bill Giles. The time in Houston was mot a pleasant one as the book details.
He was doing a college game in the south when the Cincinnati Reds and Phillies came calling. Giles knew of Harry from his days in Houston and the Phils were looking to move from Connie Mack Stadium to the Vet. Al Michaels was also being considered. I had know Harry was accepted right away in coming to Philly because he replaced a legend in Bill Campbell.
The book went into more detail about Harry coming to Philly and the beginning of his friendship with the late Richie Ashburn.
The book also detailed how Harry got accepted in Philly and rose to legend status. It also gave a “behind the scenes” look into the life of a player and broadcaster in the big show. The drinking and women in almost every city and as the years went on, it got worse.
It also went into great details of Harry meeting his second wife in San Francisco, while still married and later divorced from his first wife. Seems the players at that time actually helped set Harry up with his second wife, Eileen and how Wheeler, then one of Harry’s best friends, was the go between.
Throughout the book, there was a theme that no matter where he was, Harry was a friend of everyone and turned down no one.
It talked in great detail about his relationship with “Whitey” and how the night he died in a New York hotel room, “Whitey” was actually with a woman, which until this time only few new. It also spoke how devastated he was when “Whitey” died.
The theme during that part of the book included the beginning of Harry’s feud with Wheeler, which the Phillies and Wheeler denied. Seems “Whitey” went to Harry’s house concerned he was being replaced by Wheeler, which Harry didn’t like. And there were some other reasons.
It also talked about Harry’s contract problems late in his wife with the Phillies and times he actually may have considered leaving.
The one part was the role his second wife Eileen played in Harry’s life. She stayed in the background, but pulled a lot of strings, right up until Harry’s death last April. How she made Harry get an agent, didn’t thing he was being appreciated enough by the Phillies. She actually played a role in his problems with Wheeler, who I thought was a jerk and this book did nothing to change my view.
It talked about his role with NFL Films, working the NFL and college games for Westwood One and changes made in baseball broadcasting after the 1980 World Series to allow Harry the chance to announce a series.
I don’t want to be labor the point, but smoking and drinking was getting the best of Harry and he finally gave up drinking a few years ago, but continued smoking until his death.
What I did not know until the end of the book was how sick Harry was until the end of the book. He probably shouldn’t have finished the magical 2008 season, let alone start the 2009 season. I was really taken back and that part brought tears to my eyes.
Okay, enough, read the book.
I met Harry a few times over the years. The last time was three years ago at the Phillies’ caravan site in Reading. I did an interview and got my picture taken with him. As nervous as I was, he was so easy to talk to and I could have sat there all night.
You know you never realize how much you miss someone until they are gone. He is one of those people. Listening to a Phillies game without his voice just isn’t the same. But everyone has to move on, no matter how tough it is.
As you can tell, how easy the words flowed, it was a good book and how excited I was to read it.
Employee is charged
West Hempfield Township Police have charged a 19-year-old Lancaster woman with seven counts of theft as the result of a number of incidents at St. Anne's Retirement Community in the 3900 block of Columbia Avenue.
Charged was Jocelyn B. Snader, 19, of Lancaster.
Policed said Snader was working as a nurse's aid at the facility and reportedly stole $10 to $20 from residents in prviate areas.
Charged was Jocelyn B. Snader, 19, of Lancaster.
Policed said Snader was working as a nurse's aid at the facility and reportedly stole $10 to $20 from residents in prviate areas.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Breaking News from the Columbia School District
A letter was sent home this afternoon with students in the Columbia Borough School District as a way of informing parents of a potential problem around the schools.
The letter was signed by Virginia Babic, principal at the Columbia Junior-Senior High School.
This morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., the principals at Park and Taylor Elementary Schools and
Columbia Jr.-Sr. High School were contacted by the Columbia Borough Police letting us know that a light
blue mini-van occupied by two white males may have been trying to pick up students. The police requested that administrators make an announcement to the student body of each school to find out if any students saw this van or were approached by the occupants in the van.
We spoke again with the police at 11:15 a.m. who stated that upon further investigation they believe that there was no evidence to substantiate this report.
We are thankful that nothing turned up with this investigation.
Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to encourage all parents to remind your children
to always be aware of their surroundings. They should not talk to strangers and should report to you
or an adult in charge of any unusual activity that they may encounter. The safety of our students and
your children is of top priority in the district, and we appreciate your support in helping us to maintain
a safe environment.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact an administrator in the building office.
The letter was signed by Virginia Babic, principal at the Columbia Junior-Senior High School.
This morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., the principals at Park and Taylor Elementary Schools and
Columbia Jr.-Sr. High School were contacted by the Columbia Borough Police letting us know that a light
blue mini-van occupied by two white males may have been trying to pick up students. The police requested that administrators make an announcement to the student body of each school to find out if any students saw this van or were approached by the occupants in the van.
We spoke again with the police at 11:15 a.m. who stated that upon further investigation they believe that there was no evidence to substantiate this report.
We are thankful that nothing turned up with this investigation.
Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to encourage all parents to remind your children
to always be aware of their surroundings. They should not talk to strangers and should report to you
or an adult in charge of any unusual activity that they may encounter. The safety of our students and
your children is of top priority in the district, and we appreciate your support in helping us to maintain
a safe environment.
If you have any further questions regarding this matter, please contact an administrator in the building office.
Police issue warning
The West Hempfield Twp Police Department is remnding everyone to lock your vehicles and not leave any valuables inside or in plain view.
Nicer weather is coming and more and more people will be out late at night. Outside lighting along with locking vehicles and removing valuables helps to reduce the threat of theft or even damage to your vehicle and property.
Be smart and lock it so you don't have to report it!
Both the West Hempfield and Columbia Police Departments are investigating a number of vehicle break-ins over the last few weeks.
Nicer weather is coming and more and more people will be out late at night. Outside lighting along with locking vehicles and removing valuables helps to reduce the threat of theft or even damage to your vehicle and property.
Be smart and lock it so you don't have to report it!
Both the West Hempfield and Columbia Police Departments are investigating a number of vehicle break-ins over the last few weeks.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Borough council notebook
Zoning change delayed
The council will hold a special meeting on March 23 at 6 p.m. to discuss a change to its zoning ordinances concerning highway and commercial issues.
The change was to be voted on at Monday’s meeting because of some late changes made to the ordinance.
A number of people had packed the meeting to discuss the changes, but left when Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the vote would be delayed.
One person who did stay and address the council was Eric White, who owns a property at 14 Lancaster Avenue. He said he spoke to a number of people who had attended previous meetings who were not in favor of the proposed changes.
Council invited to Relay for Life
Borough Council was invited to attend and participate in a Relay for Life event at Elizabethtown High School, June 25-26.
River Park project is questioned
Resident Tony Mosteller questioned the council on the River Park project, which hasn’t been worked on because of the weather.
“We are going to have to spend more money on this park to make it right,” Mosteller said.
He was told that construction would resume this week.
Questions about festival
Frank Little Bear, representing a Native American Pow-Wow, held in June and October at the Columbia Consolidated Fire Department, 10th and Mifflin streets, spoke about the two upcoming events and who he would speak with about getting concerns addressed.
He was told to meet with Jeff Helm, the borough’s code enforcement officer.
Engineer change is questioned
Former Councilmen Vern Detz questioned why the borough changed engineers last month at its previous firm, Arro Consulting to C.S. Davidson.
“I have a problem with that,” Detz said.
The former councilmen said Arro had representatives at three meetings in January and appeared to have no idea that they were going to be replaced.
“We had some issues with Arro and they were aware of it,” said Mary Wickenheiser, council president.
“C.S. Davidson offered us better services,” Norm Meiskey, borough manager said.
Detz also asked if the proper documents were sent to Lancaster County for the borough to get some money back for its recent snow removal efforts and if borough employees were getting both overtime and comp time as the result of the recent snow.
Meiskey said the proper documents were submitted for the snow removal reimbursement and employees could either take the overtime or comp time, but not both.
Route 441 paving is upcoming
Resident Heather McDonald questioned why various areas of Locust Street were marked with paint.
She was told its part of PennDOT’s plan to resurface Route 441 through Columbia down to Route 999 in Manor Township.
New way to communicate
Mayor Leo Lutz asked residents to check out the borough’s new communication tool at nixel.com. He said the tool will allow the borough to post messages on the site and communicate with residents via a text message on their cell phone or via email on their computer.
“Without a newspaper anymore, it puts us in an awkward position in being able to communicate with residents,” Lutz said.
The system started working this past week when the borough was able to post for residents it was time to remove their parking aides used during the snow storms to save parking places.
Lutz also reminded the council there is a workshop on March 26 for the 2010 Urban Enhancement Fund program.
In other business:
* The council awarded a contract for street materials to Highway Materials in the amount of $193,225.
* Approved a request from the Holy Trinity Parish to close the 400 block of Cherry Street, Junt 9-12 from 6-9 p.m. for its annual festival.
* Appointed Jamie Hess to the Zoning Hearing Board.
* Announced that the annual Columbia Spring Clean-up will be held Friday, April 16 from 7 a.m. to noon. Information on the event can be obtained at the borough office.
* Announced Sahd’s Salvage will hold its annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 24.
* Issued a letter of support for the Rivertownes USA plans to light the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.
The council will hold a special meeting on March 23 at 6 p.m. to discuss a change to its zoning ordinances concerning highway and commercial issues.
The change was to be voted on at Monday’s meeting because of some late changes made to the ordinance.
A number of people had packed the meeting to discuss the changes, but left when Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the vote would be delayed.
One person who did stay and address the council was Eric White, who owns a property at 14 Lancaster Avenue. He said he spoke to a number of people who had attended previous meetings who were not in favor of the proposed changes.
Council invited to Relay for Life
Borough Council was invited to attend and participate in a Relay for Life event at Elizabethtown High School, June 25-26.
River Park project is questioned
Resident Tony Mosteller questioned the council on the River Park project, which hasn’t been worked on because of the weather.
“We are going to have to spend more money on this park to make it right,” Mosteller said.
He was told that construction would resume this week.
Questions about festival
Frank Little Bear, representing a Native American Pow-Wow, held in June and October at the Columbia Consolidated Fire Department, 10th and Mifflin streets, spoke about the two upcoming events and who he would speak with about getting concerns addressed.
He was told to meet with Jeff Helm, the borough’s code enforcement officer.
Engineer change is questioned
Former Councilmen Vern Detz questioned why the borough changed engineers last month at its previous firm, Arro Consulting to C.S. Davidson.
“I have a problem with that,” Detz said.
The former councilmen said Arro had representatives at three meetings in January and appeared to have no idea that they were going to be replaced.
“We had some issues with Arro and they were aware of it,” said Mary Wickenheiser, council president.
“C.S. Davidson offered us better services,” Norm Meiskey, borough manager said.
Detz also asked if the proper documents were sent to Lancaster County for the borough to get some money back for its recent snow removal efforts and if borough employees were getting both overtime and comp time as the result of the recent snow.
Meiskey said the proper documents were submitted for the snow removal reimbursement and employees could either take the overtime or comp time, but not both.
Route 441 paving is upcoming
Resident Heather McDonald questioned why various areas of Locust Street were marked with paint.
She was told its part of PennDOT’s plan to resurface Route 441 through Columbia down to Route 999 in Manor Township.
New way to communicate
Mayor Leo Lutz asked residents to check out the borough’s new communication tool at nixel.com. He said the tool will allow the borough to post messages on the site and communicate with residents via a text message on their cell phone or via email on their computer.
“Without a newspaper anymore, it puts us in an awkward position in being able to communicate with residents,” Lutz said.
The system started working this past week when the borough was able to post for residents it was time to remove their parking aides used during the snow storms to save parking places.
Lutz also reminded the council there is a workshop on March 26 for the 2010 Urban Enhancement Fund program.
In other business:
* The council awarded a contract for street materials to Highway Materials in the amount of $193,225.
* Approved a request from the Holy Trinity Parish to close the 400 block of Cherry Street, Junt 9-12 from 6-9 p.m. for its annual festival.
* Appointed Jamie Hess to the Zoning Hearing Board.
* Announced that the annual Columbia Spring Clean-up will be held Friday, April 16 from 7 a.m. to noon. Information on the event can be obtained at the borough office.
* Announced Sahd’s Salvage will hold its annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 24.
* Issued a letter of support for the Rivertownes USA plans to light the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.
Turkey Hill deadline extended
Monday night, Columbia Borough Council approved an extension of a deadline to settle on the property that will become the Turkey Hill Experience at Third and Linden streets.
The deadline, which was to be March 15, was extended Monday night by borough council until no later than March 31.
Council has an agreement with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation to sell the former Silk Mill property to Museum Partners, who will create the Turkey Hill Experience.
During the citizen comment portion of the meeting, Frank Doutrich asked the council is they had seen a signed contract with Turkey Hill and if the borough would be open to receiving another offer for the land.
“I feel council wants Turkey Hill to go in there and they are not pressuring Turkey Hill to get it done,” Doutrich said.
Doutrich was told by Councilmen Mike Beury that the borough is close to an agreement with Turkey Hill, holding two of his fingers about an inch apart.
“It would be ignorant and stupid to look for someone else at this point,” Beury said.
Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the extension was needed to settle some soil issues with the Department of Environmental Protection.
“They should be settled later this week or next week,” the council president said.
Another former member of the council, Vern Detz, also questioned the extension.
The deadline, which was to be March 15, was extended Monday night by borough council until no later than March 31.
Council has an agreement with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation to sell the former Silk Mill property to Museum Partners, who will create the Turkey Hill Experience.
During the citizen comment portion of the meeting, Frank Doutrich asked the council is they had seen a signed contract with Turkey Hill and if the borough would be open to receiving another offer for the land.
“I feel council wants Turkey Hill to go in there and they are not pressuring Turkey Hill to get it done,” Doutrich said.
Doutrich was told by Councilmen Mike Beury that the borough is close to an agreement with Turkey Hill, holding two of his fingers about an inch apart.
“It would be ignorant and stupid to look for someone else at this point,” Beury said.
Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the extension was needed to settle some soil issues with the Department of Environmental Protection.
“They should be settled later this week or next week,” the council president said.
Another former member of the council, Vern Detz, also questioned the extension.
Sweeper running, sort of
The street sweeper, which has been out of action since last year was out and about over the last few days.
However, the sweeper isn’t running its regular routes yet, but residents should be aware the sweeper is starting to come around and move their vehicles as posted.
The running of the sweeper was questioned by Frank Doutrich and Heather McDonald, a resident of the 100 block of Locust Street.
Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the borough is working on a new schedule for the sweeper.
However, the sweeper isn’t running its regular routes yet, but residents should be aware the sweeper is starting to come around and move their vehicles as posted.
The running of the sweeper was questioned by Frank Doutrich and Heather McDonald, a resident of the 100 block of Locust Street.
Council President Mary Wickenheiser said the borough is working on a new schedule for the sweeper.
Skateboarding concerns stil exist
Columbia Borough Council at its meeting Monday night had some more questions about skateboarding in the borough.
Shirley McBride also thanked the mayor for his recent “Letter to the Editor” to the Lancaster Newspapers explaining the borough’s position with skateboarding in the borough.
But, she suggested those wanting to be involved in a skate park get together at a dinner table and discuss it over coffee. Then, they could come to the borough with a design and the borough would listen.
She also said at the same time, she would start calling police because of a pending “nightmare” on Perry Street where she lives involving between 12 and 15 young people and their skateboards.
“They are very rude and would rather harass the neighbors,” she said. “We can’t handle these kids.”
McBride said she knows there is still money available for the construction of a skate park.
Another resident, Frank Doutrich said he wished Lutz would have taken his letter a little farther and explained that when there was a skate park in Columbia, the borough had to spend hours cleaning up.
“Council had the opportunity to eliminate skateboarding in Columbia, like Marietta, but they didn’t do it,” Doutrich said.
Shirley McBride also thanked the mayor for his recent “Letter to the Editor” to the Lancaster Newspapers explaining the borough’s position with skateboarding in the borough.
But, she suggested those wanting to be involved in a skate park get together at a dinner table and discuss it over coffee. Then, they could come to the borough with a design and the borough would listen.
She also said at the same time, she would start calling police because of a pending “nightmare” on Perry Street where she lives involving between 12 and 15 young people and their skateboards.
“They are very rude and would rather harass the neighbors,” she said. “We can’t handle these kids.”
McBride said she knows there is still money available for the construction of a skate park.
Another resident, Frank Doutrich said he wished Lutz would have taken his letter a little farther and explained that when there was a skate park in Columbia, the borough had to spend hours cleaning up.
“Council had the opportunity to eliminate skateboarding in Columbia, like Marietta, but they didn’t do it,” Doutrich said.
Conduct reports increase
Mayor Leo Lutz reported there was a recent meeting between himself, the police department and code enforcement officials with the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority concerning housing regulations, particularly in Section 8 units and how they are abusing the system.
“Since Aug. 2, we have written 60 disruptive conduct reports and there have been four evictions because of violations of our three strike policy,” Lutz said.
Also, the mayor said in four cases, the Section 8 status of the people have been revoked because of abuse of the system.
“The authority is very happy with Columbia that we are clamping down on the abuse and its getting some attention,” the mayor said.
“Since Aug. 2, we have written 60 disruptive conduct reports and there have been four evictions because of violations of our three strike policy,” Lutz said.
Also, the mayor said in four cases, the Section 8 status of the people have been revoked because of abuse of the system.
“The authority is very happy with Columbia that we are clamping down on the abuse and its getting some attention,” the mayor said.
Citizen comment changes not well received
When borough council reorganized in January one of the things they looked at were ways to improve the flow of their monthly meetings.
Last month, borough council changed some of the rules how they will entertain citizen comments at the beginning of the meeting. In the past during that portion of the meeting, there was debate among members of the council, staff and Mayor Leo Lutz and citizens. With the change, council will wait until after a citizen speaks and if they (the council) wants to answer a citizen’s question and make a comment, they can, or just move on.
It was a topic of conversation at Monday’s meeting between citizens and members of the council.
The citizens, who spoke didn’t like the change and some on the council said they weren’t sure about the change, but were willing to give it a chance to see if it works.
“We don’t want this (citizen comments) to turn into a question and answer session. If at the end, if staff and the council want to respond, they can,” said Mary Wickenheiser, council president.
The first to speak against the change was Tony Mosteller, a resident of the 800 block of Locust Street.
“That is something else,” Mosteller said, adding there is an election next year and a number of residents will be voting for him on the ballot.
Two former members of borough council also spoke on the issue.
Frank Doutrich said he’s not against the change “as long as everybody is for it.”
“I like the open dialogue,” Doutrich said.
Doutrich said he felt the change was allowing the council to “be selective on who they wanted to speak (at meetings) and what and who you want to answer too.”
“The format sucks,” Doutrich said.
He also questioned why the meetings are no longer tape recorded. He was told that because of the new public records law, meetings haven’t been taped in more than a year.
Wickenheiser after Doutrich spoke defended the change.
“This was how it was when I first came on council back in 2000,” she said. We should try to do this again.”
Councilmen Mike Beury said, “I am not happy with it either, but I am willing to give it a shot.”
Mary Barninger, council’s vice-president said she was vocal about the change.
“I am not convinced it is right to provide the citizens with answers that might not be what they need or want to hear,” Barninger said.
Another member of council, Kelly Murphy, said he was also “not comfortable” with the change, but it shouldn’t become an issue at every meeting.
Another former member of the council, Vern Detz said during his questioning of the council said he didn’t like the fact that he would ask a question and may not get an answer.
Last month, borough council changed some of the rules how they will entertain citizen comments at the beginning of the meeting. In the past during that portion of the meeting, there was debate among members of the council, staff and Mayor Leo Lutz and citizens. With the change, council will wait until after a citizen speaks and if they (the council) wants to answer a citizen’s question and make a comment, they can, or just move on.
It was a topic of conversation at Monday’s meeting between citizens and members of the council.
The citizens, who spoke didn’t like the change and some on the council said they weren’t sure about the change, but were willing to give it a chance to see if it works.
“We don’t want this (citizen comments) to turn into a question and answer session. If at the end, if staff and the council want to respond, they can,” said Mary Wickenheiser, council president.
The first to speak against the change was Tony Mosteller, a resident of the 800 block of Locust Street.
“That is something else,” Mosteller said, adding there is an election next year and a number of residents will be voting for him on the ballot.
Two former members of borough council also spoke on the issue.
Frank Doutrich said he’s not against the change “as long as everybody is for it.”
“I like the open dialogue,” Doutrich said.
Doutrich said he felt the change was allowing the council to “be selective on who they wanted to speak (at meetings) and what and who you want to answer too.”
“The format sucks,” Doutrich said.
He also questioned why the meetings are no longer tape recorded. He was told that because of the new public records law, meetings haven’t been taped in more than a year.
Wickenheiser after Doutrich spoke defended the change.
“This was how it was when I first came on council back in 2000,” she said. We should try to do this again.”
Councilmen Mike Beury said, “I am not happy with it either, but I am willing to give it a shot.”
Mary Barninger, council’s vice-president said she was vocal about the change.
“I am not convinced it is right to provide the citizens with answers that might not be what they need or want to hear,” Barninger said.
Another member of council, Kelly Murphy, said he was also “not comfortable” with the change, but it shouldn’t become an issue at every meeting.
Another former member of the council, Vern Detz said during his questioning of the council said he didn’t like the fact that he would ask a question and may not get an answer.
Please stop ringing the bell!
Resident Shirley McBride asked borough council at its meeting why when she goes to Market a bell gets rung.
“It’s very annoying,” she said.
She said when she was younger if someone rang a bell “you better show up” or it was “time to eat.”
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the bell ringing is “a customer satisfaction bell,” rung when a customer receives satisfactory service.
“It’s very annoying,” she said.
She said when she was younger if someone rang a bell “you better show up” or it was “time to eat.”
Borough Manager Norm Meiskey said the bell ringing is “a customer satisfaction bell,” rung when a customer receives satisfactory service.
Police regionalization moves forward
Mayor Leo Lutz said at Monday’s borough council meeting that a meeting was held last week with six municipalities in western Lancaster County to discuss regionalization of police services.
At the meeting, which was the second held, Lutz said the municipalities discussed issues ranging from sharing services to a complete regionalization of police.
Lutz, who did not identify those municipalities who attended the meeting, but did say a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development was also in attendance.
He said that letters of intent have been sent to the municipalities involved and once those letters are signed and returned, DCED will begin a feasibility study that could take up to one year to complete.
“The results will be reviewed and we can take out of that what we want,” Lutz said.
Being discussed are the sharing of services to include a major crash investigation unit, truck weighing and inspections and the standardization on firearms and ammunition.
“We want to see if we can offer a better level of service or if the level of service will remain the same,” Lutz said.
One thing the group did agree on was not to make any purchases or do any projects while the talks are ongoing.
“Things are going well and we want to keep things moving,” the mayor said.
“We are learning to work together and I’m really excited about this,” Lutz said.
“We are being very open and knowledge sharing so that there are no surprises,” Lutz said.
At the meeting, which was the second held, Lutz said the municipalities discussed issues ranging from sharing services to a complete regionalization of police.
Lutz, who did not identify those municipalities who attended the meeting, but did say a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development was also in attendance.
He said that letters of intent have been sent to the municipalities involved and once those letters are signed and returned, DCED will begin a feasibility study that could take up to one year to complete.
“The results will be reviewed and we can take out of that what we want,” Lutz said.
Being discussed are the sharing of services to include a major crash investigation unit, truck weighing and inspections and the standardization on firearms and ammunition.
“We want to see if we can offer a better level of service or if the level of service will remain the same,” Lutz said.
One thing the group did agree on was not to make any purchases or do any projects while the talks are ongoing.
“Things are going well and we want to keep things moving,” the mayor said.
“We are learning to work together and I’m really excited about this,” Lutz said.
“We are being very open and knowledge sharing so that there are no surprises,” Lutz said.
Break-ins are reported to police
The West Hempfield Township Police Department is investigating a number of vehicle break-ins and thefts between March 6 and 7.
The vehicles entered were reported in the 500 and 600 block of South 16th Street and all were unlocked.
Taken in one of the break-ins was a Garmen GPS unit.
.Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Hempfield Twp PD at 285-5191.
The vehicles entered were reported in the 500 and 600 block of South 16th Street and all were unlocked.
Taken in one of the break-ins was a Garmen GPS unit.
.Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Hempfield Twp PD at 285-5191.
Attention Mountville residents
The Mountville Borough Neighborhood Crime Watch will be meeting on Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Mountville Area Community Center.
The highlights of the meeting will include “Meet and Greet” with members of the West Hempfield Township Police Department as well as a presentation of Mountville Borough anticipated “Facebook” sight to be demonstrated by Borough Mayor Phil Kresge.
“The West Hempfield Township Police Department started patrolling the Borough on Jan. 1 and believe that it is important for the residents of the Borough to have an opportunity to meet our officers.” stated Chief Mark Pugliese, “We will also give a short presentation on what our department and our officers have to offer as well as give those in attendance the opportunity to ask questions.”
The importance of Neighborhood Crime Watches Program is to teach the residents how to recognize
suspicious activity and how to report it. Crime Watch programs also teach individuals ways to reduce their
risk from becoming a victim of a crime. Additionally they also provide the opportunity for neighbors to get
to know each other as well as build relationships between residents and their police department.
Upcoming meetings have been tentatively scheduled for June 8 where the topic of discussion will focus
on Computer, Internet and Social Networking Safety and for Sept. 14 where the topic of discussion
will be on self defense.
All meetings are to be held at the Mountville Area Community Center.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Another warning
Now that the weather is getting better and the white stuff is mostly gone or discolored, Columbia Borough is issuing a warning to those residents who used anything from chairs to furniture to the kitchen sink (okay just kidding there) to save parking spaces during the February snow.
They need to be removed from the streets or residents could be fined up to $600.
For more, here's the link http://www.columbiapa.net/.
They need to be removed from the streets or residents could be fined up to $600.
For more, here's the link http://www.columbiapa.net/.
Tri-County all-stars are announced
Just one Columbia football player -- senior Brandon Felus, will participate in the Tri-County all-star game at Manheim in May. Here is the link lancasteronline.com/jeffreyreinhart.
Columbia Market visit
I did follow the changes with the market manager late last year when I was covering borough council meetings and also the million dollar renovations.
With those renovations and even before that, the market house is a nice structure. Plenty of history.
Again, let me preface this that this was my first visit in a while to the market and I only heard from the old word of mouth that things were going well and also that things weren’t going well.
Well, Friday when I was in there, there weren’t a lot of people – probably less than 10. Been told that Thursdays are better than Friday, so I will have to go on a Thursday to compare.
In case you are like me and haven’t been there in a while – there are two produce stands, a lunch meat stand, a couple of baked good places, a butcher and places to get lunch.
There was one entire area neat the back doors in the middle that had no stands.
I had a reason not to support the market, but I do have to wonder if business will pick up as the weather gets better or having a two-day market is not right for Columbia Borough.
And I also have to wonder what is being done to recruit stand holders for those empty spaces?
Columbia Borough through a series of grants just pumped some big time bucks into the facility so they must think it works.
Again, it might just be me going in on a Friday and not Thursday, or, it could be the time of the year and the weather.
Even with that, I’d be kind of concerned with what is going on or not going on down there.
New coach
Columbia High School is close to getting a new football coach.
The school board at its Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday night will consider Michael Burke III as its new football coach, replacing Jason Shoff, who resigned after six seasons.
Burke was recommended to the full board at last week’s extra-curricular committee meeting.
The COW meeting is an agenda setting meeting for the regular meeting the following week.
The school board at its Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday night will consider Michael Burke III as its new football coach, replacing Jason Shoff, who resigned after six seasons.
Burke was recommended to the full board at last week’s extra-curricular committee meeting.
The COW meeting is an agenda setting meeting for the regular meeting the following week.
Beware of possible new regulations
It’s something I read each Sunday in the Sunday News – the county and state inspections of restaurants. Some pass and others have a long list of needed repairs or get shutdown until the repairs are made.
But you never see anything from Columbia Borough in those inspections. That’s because Columbia does its own inspections and doesn’t publish the results. That can be good or bad depending upon your view points. I’m the kind of person who wants to know if there is a problem at a place I eat.
But that could be changing and its something everyone in Columbia that owns a restaurant, club, non-profit or has a stand at community events needs to be aware of.
The borough either is, or will be changing how its Code Enforcement office works, taking those type inspections away from the locals and giving the county and state free reign to work.
So now, instead of perhaps getting a call from the borough saying, “hey, we’ll be around next week,” there will be no call. The inspectors will show up unannounced and go to work.
So, if there is a problem or a complaint filed against a local restaurant/eatery, there probably won’t be no more Mr. Nice Guy warnings.
I’m not sure how many people realize this change is going to happen, so I am writing this as a public service/warning. If you are not up to par, you better get up to par.
I’m not so much concerned about the big places in our town, because I would suspect they are all up to snuff when it cones to food codes, etc. If they are not, look out.
What does concern me and something I’ve read those inspections of are the smaller groups and organizations who are not up to snuff on the laws. You know the ones run by volunteers.
That could be bad news for them as well. You’re gonna see an inspector coming around and it might be costly to make repairs.
The same goes for those non-profits and others who have stands at the various events in town. You’re gonna be inspected as well.
I have a problem with some of this because many use these events as major fund-raisers and if they can’t meet the code, they won’t be able to sell anything.
This information doesn’t appear to be top secret stuff like some things in our town, but perhaps instead of spreading the word via “word of mouth” when inspections are done and say “oh by the way,” Columbia Borough needs to let all these people know what they are planning. Some of places might not be able to afford bringing their places up to code. Perhaps a letter or a town meeting might be in order. But then again, people might tend to ignore letters and invites to a meeting, so, that move is up to Columbia Borough.
The end result might be good for the town, but getting to the end result might/will cause some hardship and money.
But you never see anything from Columbia Borough in those inspections. That’s because Columbia does its own inspections and doesn’t publish the results. That can be good or bad depending upon your view points. I’m the kind of person who wants to know if there is a problem at a place I eat.
But that could be changing and its something everyone in Columbia that owns a restaurant, club, non-profit or has a stand at community events needs to be aware of.
The borough either is, or will be changing how its Code Enforcement office works, taking those type inspections away from the locals and giving the county and state free reign to work.
So now, instead of perhaps getting a call from the borough saying, “hey, we’ll be around next week,” there will be no call. The inspectors will show up unannounced and go to work.
So, if there is a problem or a complaint filed against a local restaurant/eatery, there probably won’t be no more Mr. Nice Guy warnings.
I’m not sure how many people realize this change is going to happen, so I am writing this as a public service/warning. If you are not up to par, you better get up to par.
I’m not so much concerned about the big places in our town, because I would suspect they are all up to snuff when it cones to food codes, etc. If they are not, look out.
What does concern me and something I’ve read those inspections of are the smaller groups and organizations who are not up to snuff on the laws. You know the ones run by volunteers.
That could be bad news for them as well. You’re gonna see an inspector coming around and it might be costly to make repairs.
The same goes for those non-profits and others who have stands at the various events in town. You’re gonna be inspected as well.
I have a problem with some of this because many use these events as major fund-raisers and if they can’t meet the code, they won’t be able to sell anything.
This information doesn’t appear to be top secret stuff like some things in our town, but perhaps instead of spreading the word via “word of mouth” when inspections are done and say “oh by the way,” Columbia Borough needs to let all these people know what they are planning. Some of places might not be able to afford bringing their places up to code. Perhaps a letter or a town meeting might be in order. But then again, people might tend to ignore letters and invites to a meeting, so, that move is up to Columbia Borough.
The end result might be good for the town, but getting to the end result might/will cause some hardship and money.
PIAA brackets
If you are interested in looking at the PIAA brackets for both basketball and wrestling, I can recommed a few sites such as piaa.org, pennlive.com, llhoops.com, lancsports.com or tedsilary.com.
The PIAA basketball sites aren't available yet. Teams are filled out. There are a couple of play in games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The PIAA wrestling tournament begins Thursday at the Giant Center.
The PIAA basketball sites aren't available yet. Teams are filled out. There are a couple of play in games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The PIAA wrestling tournament begins Thursday at the Giant Center.
My thoughts on the playoffs
For obvious reasons, I only got to one basketball playoff game this year and really don’t see my seeing anymore games this season, which is something I’m not use to. But I am adapting.
I have followed the playoffs with other venues and two of the best have been Jeff Reinhart and Keith Schweigert from Lancasteronline. The others don’t like taking comments from fans and are slow to give you the action.
With that in mind (this is the second attempt to write this because I hit the wrong button during the first attempt), there needs to be some changes in the playoffs from the formats, to the sites, perhaps how you seed teams and how the teas get into the playoffs.
When I was younger in this business and even when I was a student at Columbia High School, you had to win a certain percentage of games to get in the playoffs. Back then, the Catholic schools had their own tournament and there weren’t the glut of private schools. There also wasn’t all of the classes.
So, it changed from having to win a certain percentage of games to letting everyone in to teams with wining records and to fill out the brackets, teams with under .500 records. Most of those teams are in the lower two classes, AA and A. Yes, there are some mis-matches, but those teams are only following the rules.
Should there be changes in how teams qualify for the playoffs? That’s a tough question because I’ve seen teams with losing records do well. Take the Columbia boys team this year. They won six or seven games, yet they battled three teams – Lancaster Catholic, Lancaster Mennonite and Reading Central Catholic, all teams that played in the finals tough. I also feel they were a couple of baskets away from wining 10-12 games.
I don’t want to turn this into a Catholic, public and private school debate, but certain ones should be playing up and others should be playing down.
Even with power rating system, some teams because they don’t play that tough of a schedule and get rewarded for that. So, there are no easy answers to changing that, but perhaps the “big” or “real” leagues like the L-L, York, Mid-Penn and Berks should be guaranteed berths, while the others, who still have trouble walking and chewing gum so to speak, must actually qualify. I don’t know.
I thought this was a down year for the L-L League, yet they ended up with three boys and a girls team in the finals, but didn’t win a title.
Of those teams from the L-L that played in the finals or will advance to the state playoffs (okay, I still can’t figure out why there is a week off), three could do well in the tournament – Mennonite girls, Catholic boys, who come out of the week and Hempfield. I would suspect the Eastern boys will go a long way too.
I did look at the PIAA pairings this a.m. Tough break for the Trinity boys – they win a district title and draw Strawberry Mansion. Mennonite boys fall in the finals and they get the winner of a play-in game. What’s wrong with that?
Also read a lot about the sites for the game. There’s something with that. I saw a consi game where Delone and Hanover had to go to Carlisle to play. Wow.
It appears schools aren’t allowing the games to be played at their schools. Did not see any games at L-L schools with huge gyms such as Garden Spot, CV, Warwick or McCaskey. Here’s a thought and they do it in other sports, why not through at least through the first two rounds award the higher seeds with a home game. It would be a reward and it would also help District Three with a problem of finding schools. Okay, you wouldn’t be able to play doubleheaders, but would be something to consider.
I like playing games in the big venues such as the Giant Center, but, why not save that arena for the finals. I saw a crowd shot the other night and I could count the fans on my hands and one foot. And if they want to use the big arena in Hershey, why not use the old arena as well.
But District Three has to be losing its shirts on playing so many games at the Giant Center, but I don’t know.
But I do think its time to tweak things a little and make the tournament that much better.
I have followed the playoffs with other venues and two of the best have been Jeff Reinhart and Keith Schweigert from Lancasteronline. The others don’t like taking comments from fans and are slow to give you the action.
With that in mind (this is the second attempt to write this because I hit the wrong button during the first attempt), there needs to be some changes in the playoffs from the formats, to the sites, perhaps how you seed teams and how the teas get into the playoffs.
When I was younger in this business and even when I was a student at Columbia High School, you had to win a certain percentage of games to get in the playoffs. Back then, the Catholic schools had their own tournament and there weren’t the glut of private schools. There also wasn’t all of the classes.
So, it changed from having to win a certain percentage of games to letting everyone in to teams with wining records and to fill out the brackets, teams with under .500 records. Most of those teams are in the lower two classes, AA and A. Yes, there are some mis-matches, but those teams are only following the rules.
Should there be changes in how teams qualify for the playoffs? That’s a tough question because I’ve seen teams with losing records do well. Take the Columbia boys team this year. They won six or seven games, yet they battled three teams – Lancaster Catholic, Lancaster Mennonite and Reading Central Catholic, all teams that played in the finals tough. I also feel they were a couple of baskets away from wining 10-12 games.
I don’t want to turn this into a Catholic, public and private school debate, but certain ones should be playing up and others should be playing down.
Even with power rating system, some teams because they don’t play that tough of a schedule and get rewarded for that. So, there are no easy answers to changing that, but perhaps the “big” or “real” leagues like the L-L, York, Mid-Penn and Berks should be guaranteed berths, while the others, who still have trouble walking and chewing gum so to speak, must actually qualify. I don’t know.
I thought this was a down year for the L-L League, yet they ended up with three boys and a girls team in the finals, but didn’t win a title.
Of those teams from the L-L that played in the finals or will advance to the state playoffs (okay, I still can’t figure out why there is a week off), three could do well in the tournament – Mennonite girls, Catholic boys, who come out of the week and Hempfield. I would suspect the Eastern boys will go a long way too.
I did look at the PIAA pairings this a.m. Tough break for the Trinity boys – they win a district title and draw Strawberry Mansion. Mennonite boys fall in the finals and they get the winner of a play-in game. What’s wrong with that?
Also read a lot about the sites for the game. There’s something with that. I saw a consi game where Delone and Hanover had to go to Carlisle to play. Wow.
It appears schools aren’t allowing the games to be played at their schools. Did not see any games at L-L schools with huge gyms such as Garden Spot, CV, Warwick or McCaskey. Here’s a thought and they do it in other sports, why not through at least through the first two rounds award the higher seeds with a home game. It would be a reward and it would also help District Three with a problem of finding schools. Okay, you wouldn’t be able to play doubleheaders, but would be something to consider.
I like playing games in the big venues such as the Giant Center, but, why not save that arena for the finals. I saw a crowd shot the other night and I could count the fans on my hands and one foot. And if they want to use the big arena in Hershey, why not use the old arena as well.
But District Three has to be losing its shirts on playing so many games at the Giant Center, but I don’t know.
But I do think its time to tweak things a little and make the tournament that much better.
Wrestlers end season
There will be no Columbia wrestlers in this week's PIAA championships.
Seniors Joey Ronca and Jake Sentz were eliminated from the regional tournaent Friday night at Wilson High School.
Both lost two matches.
Ronca suffered a heartbreaking loss to Lehighton's Anthony Farole in the 135-pound prelims, 6-5, in a match he led until the final second. Ronca led the match 5-4 with 10 seconds left, when Farole shot and scored the takedown with 1 second left on the clock.
Ronca scored a takedown to lead 2-0 in the first period, went up 3-2 in the second period and appeared on his way to advancement scoring an escape with 47econds left and holding a 5-4 lead. But Farole went on an attack and got the takedown to win the match.
That put Ronca into the consolation round against Boiling Springs’ Tylyer Thumma, who had beaten Ronca twice in the district championship the week before. Thumma ended Ronca’s career with a 16-0 tech fall in 3:35.
Sentz also had a cruel end to his wrestling career, especially in his preliminary match at 285.
After several attempts to bring Springfield Township's Dylan Evans to the mat with upper-body holds, Sentz appeared to have gained the upper hand, taking Evans to the mat with Evans' back exposed.
But before Sentz could gain control, and earn points, Evans rolled out of trouble and rolled Sentz onto his back. Gaining the takedown, Evans soon secured the fall, finishing the match in 1:37.
Next up was a District Three rematch with Milton Hershey's Cris Ramirez won with a pin in 27 seconds, 14 seconds longer than their district match,
Seniors Joey Ronca and Jake Sentz were eliminated from the regional tournaent Friday night at Wilson High School.Ronca suffered a heartbreaking loss to Lehighton's Anthony Farole in the 135-pound prelims, 6-5, in a match he led until the final second. Ronca led the match 5-4 with 10 seconds left, when Farole shot and scored the takedown with 1 second left on the clock.
Ronca scored a takedown to lead 2-0 in the first period, went up 3-2 in the second period and appeared on his way to advancement scoring an escape with 47econds left and holding a 5-4 lead. But Farole went on an attack and got the takedown to win the match.
That put Ronca into the consolation round against Boiling Springs’ Tylyer Thumma, who had beaten Ronca twice in the district championship the week before. Thumma ended Ronca’s career with a 16-0 tech fall in 3:35.
Sentz also had a cruel end to his wrestling career, especially in his preliminary match at 285.
After several attempts to bring Springfield Township's Dylan Evans to the mat with upper-body holds, Sentz appeared to have gained the upper hand, taking Evans to the mat with Evans' back exposed.
But before Sentz could gain control, and earn points, Evans rolled out of trouble and rolled Sentz onto his back. Gaining the takedown, Evans soon secured the fall, finishing the match in 1:37.
Next up was a District Three rematch with Milton Hershey's Cris Ramirez won with a pin in 27 seconds, 14 seconds longer than their district match,
Saturday, March 6, 2010
District playoffs are over
The District Three basketball playoffs are history and despite having four teams in the finals, the Lancaster-Lebanon League came away without a gold medal.
The final L-L team to fall in the finals happened at the Giant Center this afternnoon when previously unbeaten Hempfield lost in the Boys' 4-A finals to the Red Knights of Reading, 54-46.
It was the first loss of the season for coach Warren Goodling's club and the third 4-A title for the Red Knights.
Prediction wise, I went 14-6 for the 4-A tournament, which also also has Warwick (sixth place) and Penn Manor (seventh place) heading to states.
The Boys 3-A title as previously reported went to unbeaten Eastern, who scored late to beat Lancaster Catholic, 55-53. It was the Knights first 3-A title and first since they won a 2-A title in 1988.
The final L-L team to fall in the finals happened at the Giant Center this afternnoon when previously unbeaten Hempfield lost in the Boys' 4-A finals to the Red Knights of Reading, 54-46.
It was the first loss of the season for coach Warren Goodling's club and the third 4-A title for the Red Knights.
Prediction wise, I went 14-6 for the 4-A tournament, which also also has Warwick (sixth place) and Penn Manor (seventh place) heading to states.
The Boys 3-A title as previously reported went to unbeaten Eastern, who scored late to beat Lancaster Catholic, 55-53. It was the Knights first 3-A title and first since they won a 2-A title in 1988.Prediction wise, I was 13-5.
In 2-A, the beat goes on. Trinity turned back Lancaster Mennonite, 77-65 for their third straight title and 11 since Columbia was the last public school to win at the 2-A level in 1990.
Prediction wise, I was 8-4.
Reading Central Catholic, won its first Class A title in four seasons with a 51-32 domination of Greenwood.
Prediction wise, I was 13-2.
Girls winners were: Central Dauphin in 4-A for the second straight year; Trinity in 3-A for the second straight year; York Catholic in 2-A for the fifth straight year and Steel-High for the first time in 1-A.
Prediction wise overall in girls I was 49-16.
All the district champs along with others will play in the state playoffs that start on Friday. More on those later.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The word needs to get out
Attention residents of Columbia!
Sometime within the last three weeks or so, two homes were broken into in broad daylight in my area.
Within this week, dozens of cars throughout our great town have been broken into.
So, I did I find out about the burglaries? Well, a neighbor told me about one of the robberies because it was on my block. Got confirmation of it and last week when the police and emergency people were on my block, I was told more information.
Apparently one Saturday afternoon, not too long ago, maybe three weeks now, one of the homes near where I live was broken into and a substantial amount of money was apparently taken. Didn’t sound like there was much taken in the other robbery.
This week, at least since Tuesday or Wednesday, hearing reports and postings about a number of vehicle break-ins throughout the town.
So what gives?
I know we don’t have a community newspaper any longer and that hurts. But we do have other publications and television stations and even this space, which apparently by my counter is averaging 70 plus hits a day, that will be more than willing to alert the community.
Just how bad is the problem? Is just one area of the community being targeted? Are there any suspects? Do police have any leads? Why are people going around town vandalizing cars?
These are all of the questions residents would like to have answered.
So what gives? Why hasn’t the Columbia Police Department sent the information out to alert residents? Heck, take it one step farther when was the last time anyone has seen police information in any newspaper?
There appears to be a serious problem right now in Columbia and the leadership of our town needs to respond and start getting the news out there.
Sure, you can call the police department and they will gladly take a report, but, unless the leadership of our town starts getting the word out, this problem will get worse and worse and who knows what the end result will be.
Perhaps if everyone affected by this shows up at Monday’s borough council meetings and seeks answers, the information will get out. But I’ve had this thought for sometime that some in Columbia Borough are extremely happy that there is no newspaper and they only get coverage once a month.
But with what’s going on now in terms of the car break-ins and daylight robberies, the borough needs to get the word out.
So for now, Columbia residents, please lock you cars and houses, but even that won’t prevent a break-in, because if someone wants something, they will figure a way to get what they want. And that my friends is extremely sad!
Sometime within the last three weeks or so, two homes were broken into in broad daylight in my area.
Within this week, dozens of cars throughout our great town have been broken into.
So, I did I find out about the burglaries? Well, a neighbor told me about one of the robberies because it was on my block. Got confirmation of it and last week when the police and emergency people were on my block, I was told more information.
Apparently one Saturday afternoon, not too long ago, maybe three weeks now, one of the homes near where I live was broken into and a substantial amount of money was apparently taken. Didn’t sound like there was much taken in the other robbery.
This week, at least since Tuesday or Wednesday, hearing reports and postings about a number of vehicle break-ins throughout the town.
So what gives?
I know we don’t have a community newspaper any longer and that hurts. But we do have other publications and television stations and even this space, which apparently by my counter is averaging 70 plus hits a day, that will be more than willing to alert the community.
Just how bad is the problem? Is just one area of the community being targeted? Are there any suspects? Do police have any leads? Why are people going around town vandalizing cars?
These are all of the questions residents would like to have answered.
So what gives? Why hasn’t the Columbia Police Department sent the information out to alert residents? Heck, take it one step farther when was the last time anyone has seen police information in any newspaper?
There appears to be a serious problem right now in Columbia and the leadership of our town needs to respond and start getting the news out there.
Sure, you can call the police department and they will gladly take a report, but, unless the leadership of our town starts getting the word out, this problem will get worse and worse and who knows what the end result will be.
Perhaps if everyone affected by this shows up at Monday’s borough council meetings and seeks answers, the information will get out. But I’ve had this thought for sometime that some in Columbia Borough are extremely happy that there is no newspaper and they only get coverage once a month.
But with what’s going on now in terms of the car break-ins and daylight robberies, the borough needs to get the word out.
So for now, Columbia residents, please lock you cars and houses, but even that won’t prevent a break-in, because if someone wants something, they will figure a way to get what they want. And that my friends is extremely sad!
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