Columbia Talk

There are plenty of "for sale/for rent" signs and vacant buildings popping up in the 400 block of Locust Street. Noticed a few last week and earlier this week, that have "for rent" signs on them beside Flowers R Us. The "for sale" signs are on a computer business next to what use to be Flowers, Herbs and Art, which is now home to Wells Fargo financial advisors. Next to the computer store, it looks like some type of Dollar store is getting ready to open. Across the street, this one just cropped us ths morning, a "for sale" sign at Harrington's Bar. Still not open is the former Daily Grind coffee shop, which will become a sandwich/soft pretzel shop.

Fourth Friday is this week

Fourth Fridays in Columbia continues with our next event taking place on Friday, June 24 beginning at 5 p.m.
Experience Columbia’s art galleries, participating antique, specialty shops and local eateries.
We Welcome The Following Venues:
Gallery: Sunshine Corner Gallery and Studio
Specialty Shop Geltz Götz Goodeze
Eateries: Hotel Locust
Taco TaGO
Plan to start your evening at The Hub, Fourth Friday in Columbia’s headquarters and welcome center located at 401 Locust St.
For further information please visit: http://www.fourthfridays.org/ or call The Hub: 717-456-0278
Find Fourth Fridays in Columbia on Facebook

Downtown construction work

Today was a busy day for road construction, etc. The Columbia Water Company top photo, was busy digging on North Fifth Street, just off Chestnut. PPL was busy installing a new pole, a block down, bottom photo, on North Fourth Street.

July 4th tradition

Mark Monday, July 4 on your calendars. The residents of Chestnut Street will be hold their annual yard sales from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sharp new look

This is the newest Columbia police vehicle, which was recently lettered and outfitted, which is now patrolling the streets, along with a Crown Vic.

Future Stars camp on the hill

The Columbia High School basketball program is hosting its annuak Future Stars Basketball Camp. About 40 boys and girls are attending the camp. Today's speaker was Amy Redding, a 1994 CHS graduate

Columbia police charge one

Monday, June 20, 2011

Detz honored as LNP All-Star

Emily Detz was named softball Player of the Year hy Lancaster Newspapers: http://lancasteronline.com/pages/specialsections/allstars/

New coach across the river

Eastern has finally named a football coach: http://www.gametimepa.com/ts-ya/ci_18282008

Home invasion in Mountville

West Hempfield police say three people were attacked in Mountville: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/408856_3-attacked-in-home-invasion-robbery-in-Mountville.html

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Check out Facebook

I've added a slide show from this afternoon's car show on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000349567730

More car show pics

Cruisin Columbia Car Show a success

More than 400 cars of all makes, models and colors and thousands of folks visited our town for the 7th annual Cruisin Columbia Car Show.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Pot charge on 30

West Hempfield Township police charged two: http://www.ydr.com/crime/ci_18300641

I spoke and will continue

This is mild compared to some areas in town.

As many of you know I am on the Democratic ballot for a four-year term on borough council. I figure after more than 25 years of covering meetings and getting around town, I could continue to help our town prosper in another way.
I've seen a lot at the hundreds of meetings I've covered not only here in Columbia, but others areas as well. While over the next few months, I will tell you what I am about, post some ideas, disagree with things, I will work hard for ALL 10,000-PLUS residents of our town. If its not good for all people, I will vote against it.
So with that in mind, I addressed our current council on a number of issues on Monday night. Please don't be afraid to contact me or talk with me about your concerns for Columbia and its future.
My questions to the council on Monday were:
* The lack of a deadline for the job application for Columbia's vacant police chief position.
Was told, it was open ended so that council cold find the best person and also i n case there any changes in terms of a much talked about regionalization.
* Why Columbia has no full time officer on the Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Was told the full time officer is back with the Columbia department and will work part-time with the DTF and a second officer will be added on a part-time basis as well.
* Weeds and grass growing out of the sidewalks and streets all over town (pictured).
Was told that notices were placed on sewer bills about it and if weeds were higher than six inches, the borough would take action.
* Out of town landlords buying up single family dwellings in Columbia and possibly turning them into apartment and rental units.I said something needs to be done because of the affect it is having on the borough but school district as well.
Councilmen Jim Smith also spoke about the issue.
The problem will be discussed later this month at various committee meetings.
* The possibility of having an emergency drill in light of the recent weather conditions.
* Why the speed limit goes from 25 to 15 on Barber Street.
Was told this was the late4st in speed enforcement in the area.
* When the street trees and lights will be replaced downtown.
Was told possibly in October. This week will mark the third year there were no trees for the car show and craft show.
* The lack of people doing construction around town without building permits.
Was told to call if I see this.
* A coordinated effort to get people to go from the Turkey Hill Experience to downtown and vice versa.
Was told this needs to be put on the front burner.
Again, I want to represent our town and promise to work hard if I get the chance.