It's getting closer

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

Bicyclist and car collide

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

Columbia losses former councilmen

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

Fire update -- 9 displaced



This was a picture of last night's fire scene. Two of the three homes wer condemned. Through the alley way, you can see some of the damage.

 Here's an update on last night's fire: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/367760

Two alarm fire tonight

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

Reposting meeting notice

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

Benefit dance

The Columbia High School baseball and softball teams will hold a benefit dance featuring Maxwell on Friday, April 22, starting a 8 p.m., at the Susquehanna Fire Company.
The cost of the tickets are $25 each.

Little Chicago here in Columbia

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

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

Two from Columbia caught in Last Call

Two from Columbia were picked up yesterday: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/366794

Two stories on Saturday's fire

Lancaster Sunday News: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/366964

WGAL: http://www.wgal.com/news/27331644/detail.html

Noontime blaze

Firemen from Columbia, along with Mount Joy, Maytown-East Donegal, Mountville, Washington Boro and othes responded to a noontime fire between Cherry and Union Street in the 400 block where a storage garage was damaged. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the garage. A state police fire marshal responded to the scene as well. More details when they become availablr.

Wrightsville man is sentenced

Fighting with law enforcement and fire officials is a no no: http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_17694042

Police seek information

West Hempfield Towship Police are looking for information on the two pictured individuals in connection with the theft of over the counter medications from the Weis Market store and Rite-Aid in the 1700 block of Columbia Avenue, March 18.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police ar 285-5191.

CHS spring schedules

Baseball

Varsity games at high school; junior varsity at Glatfelter. All games at 4:15 p.m., unless noted.
Friday, March 25, Christian School of York (varsity only)
Monday, March 28, Mount Calvary (varsity only)
Wednesday, March 30, Lancaster County Christian (4 p.m.)
Friday, April 1, at McCaskey
Monday, April 4, Lebanon Catholic
Wednesday, April 6, Lancaster Catholic
Friday, April 8, at Annville-Cleona
Monday, April 11, Lancaster Mennonite
Wednesday, April 13, at Pequea Valley
Friday, April 15, Manheim Central
Monday, April 18, at Garden Spot
Wednesday, April 20, ELCO
Thursday, April 21, at Northern Lebanon
Monday, April 25, Donegal
Wednesday, April 27, at L-S (7 p.m.)
Friday, April 29, at Lebanon Catholic
Monday, May 2, at Lancaster Catholic (7 p.m,)
Wednesday, May 4, Annville-Cleona
Monday, May 9, Pequea Valley
Tuesday, May 10 at Lancaster Mennonite (7 p.m.)
Softball
Friday, March 25, McCaskey
Tuesday, March 29, at Reading
Friday, April 1, York Catholic
Monday, April 4, at Lebanon Catholic
Tuesday, April 5, Eastern
Wednesday, April 6, at Lancaster Catholic
Friday, April 8, Annville-Cleona
Monday, April 11, at Lancaster Mennonite
Wednesday, April 13, Pequea Valley
Friday, April 15, at Manheim Central
Monday, April 18, Garden Spot
Wednesday, April 20, at ELCO
Thursday, April 21, Northern Lebanon
Monday, April 25, at Donegal
Wednesday, April 27, L-S
Friday, April 29, at Lebanon Catholic
Monday, May 2, Lancaster Catholic
Wednesday, May 4, at Annville-Cleona
Monday, May 9, at Pequea Valley
Tuesday, May 10, Lancaster Mennonite
All games at 4:15 p.m.
Boys and Girls Track
Friday, March 25, at Lebanon
Monday, March 28, Lancaster Mennonite
Tuesday, April 5, at Northern Lebanon
Monday, April 11, Donegal
Saturday, April 15, at Shippensburg Invitational (TBA)
Monday, April18, at ELCO
Monday, April 25, E-town
Monday, May 2, Lancaster Catholic
Friday, May 6, Battle of the Bridge at Eastern
Saturday, May 7, Blue Streak Relays at Manheim Township (TBA)
Monday, May 9, Annville-Cleona
All meets at 4 p.m.

Columbia Police reports

TREVOR ROBERT REDCAY, AGE 20, OF LITITZ, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS AND FOR PURCHASE, CONSUMPTION, POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTATION OF LIQUOR OR MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES, ON SOUTH FOURTH  STREET, MARCH 18.

BARRY M. FRAZIER, AGE 51, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED
FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, AT CHESTNUT AND FOURTH STREET, MARCH 18.
JESSICA L. LUTZ, AGE 32, OF EPHRATA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON CONCORD AVENUE, MARCH 19.

JOSE MANUEL PINOTT, JR., AGE 33, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT ROUTE 30 & ROUTE 441, MARCH 19.

STEVEN M. KATALINAS, AGE 30, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, AT MANOR AND PLANE STREETS, MARCH 19..

BRITTANY DIANA-MAY UTZ, AGE 22, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS; DISORDERLY CONDUCT; AND FOR HARASSMENT IN THE 500 BLOCK OF MANOR STREET, MARCH 18.
JAMES WILLIAM SWAYNE, AGE 35, OF KINZER, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 300 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET, MARCH 20.
DYLAN C. WARD, AGE 21, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED AND FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, ON POPLAR STREET, MARCH 22..

One arrested in raid

A 36-year-old Columbia resident was charged in a drug raid, March 18, according to thr Drug Task Force.
Arrested and charged: was Rodney Washington Severt, 36,  126 Walnut St., Apt. 1, Columbia.
Detectives and officers set up surveillance in the area of 200 block of Ave. H Columbia, at approximately 3:42 p.m., March 18, for the arrival of Rodney Washington Severt, who was to deliver marijuana to a Drug Task Force Detective. Severt arrived and delivered $50  in marijuana to the Detective and was arrested. Located on his person was additional $100 of marijuana intended for sale.
Detectives and Officers then proceeded to 126 Walnut St., Apt. 1 Columbia, where an additional $1,300 in marijuana was located, and two digital gram scales, and bags for packaging and selling marijuana were located.
Severt was charged with Violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972- 1 count Delivery of Marijuana, 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, and 1 count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia before Justice Robert A. Herman.
Severt was committed to the Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.

Beware of phone fraud

In the past two to three weeks, West Hempfield Township Police has received numerous calls for phone fraud .
The two main types are the callers stating the victims won a lottery and need front money (usually a few thousand dollars) sent to the caller to process paperwork so their winings can be sent - either won a car or money. The second is a companion is met on line from another country, a relationship begins.
The companion requests several thousand dollars for fare to the United States to continue the relationship. Once money is sent, communication is ended.
Police CAUTION residents about: phone surveys, unknown lottery winnings or anything where personal information or money is requested from an unknown source and notify Police if they do receive a call.
The target is usually older people.

Spring clean up

Columbia Borough has scheduled its spring clean-up for two dates -- Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16.

The Friday, April 15 will be held from 7 a.m.-noon when the borough and volunteer local trash collectors will go around town and collected tagged items.
Here is what will be picked up on Friday, April 15:
Refrigerator/freezer (doors off or secured), air conditioner, dehumidifier, washer/dryer, dishwasher, sofa, hot water heater, trash compactor, stove and double sink.
A yellow tag must be obtained from the borough office at a cost of $20.
The next day, April 16, with a blue tag, items can be dropped off at River Valley Disposal at a cost of $15.
On April 15, at a cost of $5, the following items can be picked up: Mattress and box spring, rug and carpet, VCR/stereo, microwave, lawn mower (push or electric), gas grills (no gas tanks), toilet, pair of tires and batteries (car, boat or marine),
The next day, at a cost of $3, these items can also be dropped off at River Valley Disposal.
Free items are dried paint cans and scrap metal (both days) and lights and pesticide containers (drop off only).
Unacceptable items are shingles, engines or gas tanks, vinyl flooring, bricks or concrete blocks, yard waste or garbage.
Columbia residents much purchase their tags at the borough office prior to April 14 and tagged items placed curbside by 6 a.m., April 15.
Proof of residency is required.
River Valley Disposal is located off Franklin Street.
For more information, call 684-2467.

Wow, PPL to give something back

Want to save some bucks on your sky rocketing electric bill, PPL may have something for you: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/365181

Columbia losses youth sports leader

Columbia has lost a great supporter of youth sports: http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2672775

No injuries in Route 30 crash

There was an accident on Route 30 this morning: http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/news/27275485/detail.html

Bank merger is approved

Province Bank and Union National Community Bank with offices in Columbia have cleared their final hurdle to merge: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/365208

Bridge work will affect local traffic

Work is scheduled to begin next week on the Route 30 Bridge: http://www.wgal.com/news/27262785/detail.html

Back in the day

 Received this from a reader. Pictured are the two silk mills on North Thurd Street before demolition began - the upper part was torn down and Burger King built a facility there. In the second location will be the new Turkey Hill Experience.

The start of the demolition. Notice the three water towers - one for each silk mill, and one for Keeley Stove Company. The water tower on the far left has been repainted and will be re-signed for the Turkey Hill Experience.

Washington Boro man busted in sting

From Lancasteronline.com: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/364130