Tide hits someone else

Quarterback Tyler Harrison follows through on a pass.

After the first week of two-a-days, the 2010 Columbia High School football team got the chance Saturday morning to hit someone else this morning on the hill.
That someone else was York Suburban, who torched the Tide for 62 points a year ago.
The Michael Burke III era got off to a pretty good start as the Tide, coming off its first winless season since the 1950s,  as they punched in three scores.
The scrimmage started with the first units running 15 plays each, with the Tide finding the end zone on the 14th play on a 56-yard pass and run from new quarterback Tyler Harrison to D.J. Wells.
Harrison was 4 for 5 in the first 15 plays for about 90 yards.
Defensively, the Tide had a couple of sacks and a fumble recovery in the first 15 plays.
Columbia also dominated the second team play during another 10 and 10 series.
The two teams also played seven series under game conditions, where the Tide scored twice -- one on a long pass from Harrison to Michael Burke IV and another on a short run from Brock Taylor.
Columbia did give up six first downs to the Trojans, but stopped YS twice inside the 30.
Coach Burke told the team after the scrimmage there was still a lot of work to do with opening night less than two weeks away.
Columbia will scrimmage at Hanover Friday.

Veteran official Dennis Bachman talks with the York Suburban players.

Defensively, the Tide played pretty good.

Quarterback pressure

Linebackers in action

Dunking for the Tide

 The Columbia High School athletic program was the benefactor of a dunk tank at Union Station today. Coaches in the "tank" were Scott Rupp, Mark Wisler, Mike Burke and Michel Burke among others.

General Smoker rembered

Major General Frank Smoker graduated from Columbia High School. http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/08/remembering_frank_smoker_perso.html

New lights have been installed

New school crossing warning lights have been installed at intersections near the Taylor Elementary School to alert drivers of people/students in the sidewalk. The lights are on the poles, replacing the lights that were suppose to light up the intersections.

Music at the Market

There was some music coming through the walls of the Historic Columbia Market House as Deeter Lutz performed the last two days.

You are invited

Two to play at LVC

Ben Guiles, a junior, and Yahya McIntyre, a sophomore, are members of the Lebanon Valley College football team. Here is a preview: http://godutchmen.com/news/2010/8/6/FB_0806101734.aspx

Would this be useful locally?

Another push for local police to use radar: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/08/local_police_departments_conti.html

Your help is wanted

Crimestoppers looking for area man: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_15821308

Video of Columbia football

Last week was Media Day for the L-L League in football. Here is the video of Columbia: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/18/278160/4364

I know this may not sit well

When I first started COLUMBIA TALK back in February, I did so because I saw a need since our town, which was left without a newspaper for the first time in well more than a century.
Although some make think otherwise, and that is their right, I didn't do it for personal gain or satisfaction, I did it for the town of Columbia. I am getting no financial gain out of it and have enjoyed trying to help Columbia as well.
I've tried to tolerate the comments as much as possible and probably deleted more than I've posted. And, I've put my name to the comments. I tried to change it a few weeks ago, asking people to sign their names. It worked but it didn't. So, I've decided to change back to all posts being signed, something like a Letter to the Editor. There will be a limited on the number of words as well -- under 75.
Yes, last week, I did delete comments on Mayor Lutz' letter because I was posting something myself and by my own lack of computer technology posted on that comment portion. So since it really had nothing to do with the post and really that wasn't needed, I had to remove the entire post with the comments. It was much easier for me to just repost the mayor's letter, minus the comments and picture.
I've decided to take a new approach as I look to improve this website and may even try to make it into an on-line newspaper and take a different approach and it starts with the comment portion. If you believe in what you are saying, which I do, post your name.
There are some good things going on in town and along with that, a few things that make you shake your head. I urge residents to continue attending meetings, ask questions and become involved in this great town of Columbia. As much as I would like to tell the "Negative Nellie's" in town that if they don't like living here, hit the road, I'll reserve comment on that.
Yes, things have got to change and if we all work together, it will happen. If not, we'll remain a fractured town. I don't want that and I hope neither do you.
And yes, I will continue to work for a better Columbia too.

Softball champions

The Columbia girls' softball team won the 2010 Garrett Field Summer League on Friday, Aug 13. They beat Lancaster 1-0 in the championship game. Jenai Plowden tripled in the bottom of the sixth inning to score Brittany Germer for the game's only run. Emily Detz pitched the shutout for the Tide. The Tide went 4-0 in the playoffs to win the summer league. Detz pitched three shutouts and gave up only two runs in 27 innings of work. Back Row Left to Right: Coach Ben May, Coach Matt Phillips. Middle Row: Vallesa Corolla, Jenna Plastino, Alex Slick, Brittany Germer, Kelsey Habestroh, Jenai Plowden, Ashlyn Phillips. Front Row: Emily Hooper, Emily Detz, Emily Groft, Kayla Lambert. Missing from photo: Megan Seibert, Mercedes Rentas, Alexis Eckman.

West Hempfield Police file charges in fatal accident

West Hempfield Township Police have filed a number of charges against a 19-year-old Columbia girl in connection with a fatal accident last month.
Cpl. Douglas Ober filed the following charges today with District Magistrate Robert A. Herman against Tiffany Shoff, 19, of the 700 block of Chickies Hill Road:
* Homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.
* Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
* Homicide by vehicle.
* Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance - general impairment.
* Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance - high rate of alcohol.
* Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance as a minor.
* Minor prohibited from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
* Reckless driving.
* Driving vehicle at a safe speed.
* Limitations on driving on the left side of the roadway.
Cpl. Ober said Shoff was the driver of a 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, in which a passenger, Andrew Wagner, 20, of Columbia, was killed at 1:01 a.m., July 18.
Ober said because Shoff is still recovering from injuries as the result of the accident, a preliminary hearing and bail hearing will be set at a later date.

Paying to play

Saw this article on PennLive: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/08/post_115.html

Fishing by the dock of the....

These youngsters are enjoying the final days of peace and quiet before school starts by fishing off the deck at River Park.

Boat in distress

Water rescue crews from Columbia and Washington Boro responded to River Park this afternoon for the call of a boat in distress off the Route 30 Bridge.

Weekly Columbia police reports

CHARLES WEBSTER HEATH, AGE 46, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 400 BLOCK OF LOCUST STREET, AUG. 7.

YAIMA LOPEZ, AGE 21, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT FIFTH AND WALNUT STREETS, AUG. 9.
JALEESA DAMARIS GONZALEZ, AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES ENTERING OR LEAVING OFFICIAL GARAGE, IN THE 900 BLOCK OF MANOR STREET, AUG. 7.

SHERRI L. ALTLAND, AGE 41, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE AT ROUTE 462 AND LOCUST STREET, 2035 HOURS, AUG. 10.

HARRY W. KOONTZ, JR., AGE 42, OF RED LION, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION &  CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, AT SECOND AND CHESTNUT STREETS, AUG. 10.
CARINA MARIE ANTES, AGE 20, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, AUG. 11.

KATRINA BLAKE GENTILE, AGE 16, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR RETAIL THEFT AT ANDY’S MARKET, AUG. 6. POLICE SAID GENTILE IS AN EMANCIPATED JUVENILE, WHICH IS THE SAME AS AN ADULT.

DOUGLAS CLAIRE GARNER, AGE 42, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS AT NINTH AND MIFFLIN STREETS, AUG. 9.

ABBI MAE SLICK, AGE 22, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS & YIELD SIGNS AT NINTH STREET AND IRONVILLE PIKE, AUG. 11

TAMMY ROBERTS SWEENEY, AGE 35, OF MANHEIM, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES, AT THIRD AND LINDEN STREETS, AUG. 12.
RAUL A. LOPEZ-FARGAS, AGE 22, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT MILL AND SOUTH FIFTH STREETS, AUG. 12.

DEREK D. WHYE, AGE 36, OF LEBANON, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON SOUTH THIRD STREET, AUG. 13
TODD LYNN MOORE, AGE 42, OF ELIZABETHTOWN, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF NORTH THIRD STREET, AUG. 14.
JASON M. LINDEMUTH, AGE 37, OF HARRISBURG, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS AT THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS, AUG.  14.

Day one for Tide gridders

 It was day one of football practice this morning for the Columbia High School football team under new coach Mike Burke III. About 35 players were in helmets.

Columbia High School fall sports schedules

Varsity Football

Friday, Sept. 3, Eastern  York
Friday, Sept. 10, at Northeastern
Friday, Sept. 17, Daniel Boone  (Hall of Fame Induction)
Friday, Sept. 24, at Boiling Springs
Friday, Oct. 1, ELCO (Homecoming)
Friday, Oct. 8, at Northern Lebanon
Friday, Oct. 15, at Annville-Cleona
Friday, Oct. 22, Lancaster Catholic
Friday, Oct. 29, Pequea Valley (Parent's Night)
Friday, Nov. 5, at Donegal (7:30 p.m.)
All games at 7 p.m., unless noted.
Junior Varsity Football
Saturday, Sept. 4, Eastern York (10 a.m.)
Monday, Sept.13, Northeastern
Monday, Sept. 27, at Boiling Springs (6 p.m.)
Monday, Oct. 4, ELCO
Monday, Oct. 11, at Northern Lebanon
Monday, Oct. 18, at Annville-Cleona
Monday, Oct. 25, Lancaster Catholic
Monday, Nov. 1, Pequea Valley
All games at 4 p.m., unless noted
Junior High Football

Thursday, Sept. 21, Pequea Valley
Thursday, Sept. 23, Donegal
Thursday, Oct. 7, ELCO
Thursday, Oct. 14, at Northern Lebanon
Thursday, Oct. 21, at Annville-Cleona
Thursday, Oct. 28, Lancaster Catholic
All games at 4 p.m.
Seventh-Eighth Grade Football
Tuesday, Sept. 14, at E-town
Tuesday, Sept. 21, Annville-Cleona
Tuesday, Sept. 28, Reading
Friday, Oct. 8, at Cocalico (3:45 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 12, L-S
Tuesday, Oct. 19, Penn Manor
Wednesday, Oct. 27, at Wheatland
Tennis

Monday, Aug. 30, Solanco
Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Hanover (3:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 2, at Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 7, Annville-Cleona
Wednesday, Sept. 8, Cocalico
Thursday, Sept. 9, at Northern Lebanon
Monday, Sept. 13, at Lancaster Catholic
Wednesday, Sept. 15, Garden Spot
Thursday, Sept. 16, at Lancaster Mennonite
Monday, Sept. 20, Donegal
Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Ephrata
Wednesday, Sept. 22, ELCO
Thursday, Sept. 23, at L-S
Monday, Sept. 27, Penn Manor
Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Manheim Central
All matches at 4 p.m., unless noted
Cross Country (varsity and junior high)

Wednesday, Sept. 8, Columbia, Garden Spot, Solanco and Township at E-town
Tuesday, Sept. 14, Warwick and Annville-Cleona at Columbia
Tuesday, Sept. 21, Columbia, ELCO and Northern Lebanon at Manheim Central
Tuesday, Sept. 28, Columbia, Cedar Crest, Lancaster Mennonite and L-S at Donegal
Tuesday, Oct. 4, Columbia, Cocalico, Hempfield and Lancaster Catholic at Conestoga Valley
Tuesday, Oct. 12, Columbia, Lebanon, McCaskey and Penn Manor at Ephrata
All meets at 4:15 p.m.
Varsity Volleyball

Tuesday, Sept. 7, ELCO
Thursday, Sept. 9, at Lebanon Catholic
Tuesday, Sept. 14, at L-S
Thursday, Sept. 16, at Mount Calvary
Monday, Sept. 20, Reading
Tuesday, Sept. 21, Lancaster Mennonite
Thursday, Sept. 23, at Lebanon
Monday, Sept. 27, McCaskey
Tuesday, Sept. 28, at ELCO
Thursday, Sept. 30, Ephrata
Monday, Oct. 4, at York Catholic
Tuesday, Oct. 5, Lebanon Catholic
Thursday, Oct. 7, at Solanco
Monday, Oct. 11, York Tech
Tuesday, Oct. 12, L-S
Thursday, Oct. 14, at Lancaster Mennonite
Monday, Sept. 18, at Christian School of York
Tuesday, Oct. 19, Lebanon (Parent's Night)
Wednesday, Oct. 20, at McCaskey
All matches at 6 p.m., at PARK SCHOOL.
Junior High Volleyball
Tuesday, Sept. 7, Garden Spot
Thursday, Sept. 9, Cocalico
Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Ephrata
Thursday, Sept. 16, Solanco
Saturday, Sept. 18, at Kraybill Classic (8:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 21, Lancaster Mennonite
Thursday, Sept. 23, at Lebanon
Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Cocalico
Thursday, Sept. 30, Ephrata
Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Garden Spot
Thursday, Oct. 7, at Solanco
Thursday, Oct. 11, Kraybill
Thursday, Oct. 14, at Lancaster Mennonite
Tuesday, Oct. 19, Lebanon
All matches at 4 p.m., at Park School.

"Filing" a report on the market committee meeting

Columbia Borough Council's market committee held its monthly meeting Thursday night and after some debate on my part of its "news" value, I decided to "file" this brief report on the first 90 minutes of the meeting.
Council members attending the meeting were chairman Kelly Murphy and Sandy Duncan, along with Norm Meiskey, borough manager; Brian Long (market manager) and John Hinkle and Ann Grubb (market house advisory committee members). There were about a half dozen stand holders and three citizens.
Most of the 90 minutes the discussion centered on parking around the market house and advertising the market.
After much discussion between the committee and stand holders, it was decided that "free parking" on market days in the municipal lot. Other parking issues were discussed, but for now the free parking in the municipal lot was deemed a start.
On advertising issues, the budget for that was discussed and at the beginning of the year there was $3,000 in the market budget for that, but there were some ads published, leaving about $800 in that line item. Long said he priced an advertisement for Engle Printing and Publishing that would be a one time cost of $1,000.
Again, after much discussion, it was decided to run a much smaller ad in the Engle Publications and increase the advertising budget for a bigger ad later in the year.
One stand holder said about the advertising, "we need to let them know we are here, if we don't, there's no future here."
Long said a recent attempt to advertise the market on place mats was "not a great idea" and doing a recent survey, Long said the top three answers were newspapers, electronically or having a user friendly website.
"That's what the customers tell you," Long said.
Long suggested the key to a successful advertising campaign would be a frequent ad along with something that stands out. The stand holders rejected a plan to assist with the cost of advertising, saying, "no one is making any money, so we shouldn't pay to advertise."
"Things are going to have to get better or we are out of here. The market isn't improving at all, " said a stand holder.
One of the things I do when I attend meetings, events or games, I like watching the people for their body language or facial expressions. Well, during the meeting and why I used the expression "filing" is that one council member seemed more interested in filing her nails than what was going on at the meeting.
Murphy also talked a little bit about recent events at the market, which led to Long's pending resignation.
Murphy said he was frustrated by the happenings at the market and wants to move forward with improvements to the market.

Penny, nickel and diming

The other day after the borough council meeting, COLUMBIA TALK posted about the pending changes in the costs of the parking meters.
Sometime in the next month, once the meters are adjusted, it will cost those visiting our downtown 25 cents for 30 minutes of parking, instead of 25 cents for an hour.
I've done some thinking on the issue, talked to a few business people and sat through the first 90 minutes or so of council's market committee meeting on Thursday night (a story will be "filed" on that meeting).
One comment I heard was people/businesses would probably agree to the increase in cost, if Columbia's downtown was thriving and we didn't need to attract visitors to our town to survive. Now, it's like "welcome to Columbia" and you're going to have to dig deep to visit and get a big thank you for visiting in terms of a ticket.
And speaking of that ticketing process, which the borough has stepped up in recent months, "tagging" people until 9 p.m.on Friday and six every other day but Sunday, I understand last night on the late shift (until 9 p.m.), 44 tickets were given out and some nasty words thrown in the direction of the parking enforcement official.  And some of those were probably attending a class reunion held downtown.
Again, nickel and diming.
Many of those downtown just are shaking their heads at the time change and some wonder if any business people were even consulted about the change? Any bets on that?
So as the nickel and diming continues, here is another suggestion. Since the borough employees are exempt from plugging meters, while they are working, for one month, change the exemption, where they have to stop what they are doing and walk out and slug the meters say every hour or every two hours. And like others in town, if their meter is on zero, they get a ticket and they have to pay them. Then see what happens.
Like I said last week, nickel and diming people isn't the financial answer. Consistent code enforcement and using the truck scales to its fullest potential is one way, the borough could be very well off financially.

Dunk the coaches, help Columbia sports

Union Station, Fourth and Union streets, will host a dunk tank benefit for the Columbia High School athletic program from noon-6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21.
Among the CHS coaches already committed to the "tank" are football coaches Mike Burke Sr. and Jr., basketball coach Mark Wisler and wrestling coach Scott Rupp.

St. Anne's to hold yard sale

St. Anne's Retirement Community Yard Sale (in conjunction with the Mountville Yard Sale) on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Proceeds from yard sale areas will be donated to the Pet Fund and benefit the pets at St Anne's Retirement Community
For $15, you can reserve your lawn area. One - 10x20 grass area (includes space for you car)
ALL PROCEEDS FROM YOUR SALE ARE YOURS TO KEEP
For further information, you may contact: Karen Kuhn at 285-6105 or email kkuhn@stannesrc.org You can also pick a yard sale form up at St Anne's Retirement Community

Help is needed

Columbia High School is looking for volunteers to help with the concession stand during home football games. Interested parties are asked to call Deb Nissley at 684-7500, ext. 3413.

Are you ready for some football?

Football practice starts Monday at Columbia High School. Equipment was given out tonight. Tomorrow between 9-11:30 a.m., the football program conduct will hold its annual town canvas.