Vote for Play of the Year

http://www.wgal.com/sports/29980992/detail.html

Check out the train display

http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=61500

Christmas dinner planned

http://www.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=61427

Columbia police reports

JUSTIN WILLIAM FLANAGAN, 24, OF COLUMBIA, CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS AT THIRD AND CHERRY STREETS, NOV. 21.

JOSE LUIS SOLORIO, AGE 21, OF HANOVER, WAS CITED FOR A RED LIGHT SIGNAL VIOLATION AT LOCUST AND THIRD STREETS, DEC. 6.

KENNETH LIGHTCAP, AGE 42, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN AVENUE
N, DEC. 2.

JAMES SCOTT ZERCHER, AGE 33, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 100 BLOCK OF BETHEL STREET AND RIDGE AVENUE, AFTER BEING IN THE STREET AND YELLING AT PASSING MOTORISTS THAT HE WANTED TO BE RUN OVER BY A VEHICLE, DEC. 2.

KEVIN S. WOLGEMUTH, AGE 23, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS AND YIELD SIGNS, AT ROUTE 30 AND LINDEN STREET, DEC. 9.

JAMES JULIANA, AGE 50, OF YORK, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE, AT NORTH THIRD. AND LINDEN STREETS, DEC. 10.

REBEKAH LYNN BROWN, AGE 32, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS IN THE 400 BLOCK OF UNIONN STREET, DEC. 11.

Smash and grab robbers busted

Figured it would not be long before these criminals tried to feast on the local area. They did and got caught: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/549302_Police-arrest-5-suspects-in-smash-and-grab-burglary.html#

Title video

Columbia student William Meyers made this video of the Tide's District 3 title game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw-f3FZ-T64

Car thief busted

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/546678_Lancaster-city-man-arrested-for-Md--auto-theft.html

Street scape changing downtown

This is a project that has been going on for around three years and has taken way too long to complete. The holding gates were taken off the current light poles last month, in anticipation the new lights would already be installed: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/547052_Columbia-society-continues-effort-to-replant-trees.html

Council approves purchase of railroad land

From Lancasteronline.com/mycolumbianews: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/545963_Columbia-buys-land-between-bridges.html

Police investigate Toy theft

West Hempfield Township Police are investigating the theft of between $100 and $150 worth of toys from a Toys for Tots box from a business in the 100 block of North Donnerville Road, between noon and 5 p.m., Dec. 7.
Police said employees of the business reported two white fenales, between the ages of 30 and 30, with an average build, height and weight entered the business, saying they were from Toys for Tots, took the toys and left. Employees became concerned when the pair did not return and call Toys for Tots and were told of the scam.
Anyone with any information is asked to call West Hempfield Township Police at 285-5191.

Burke receives Mini Max Award

Maxwell Football Club President, Ron Jaworski, announced the 2011 Mini Max High School Award winners for the state of Pennsylvania. The sixty players selected are from schools located in Districts 1,3,11 and 12 in the eastern half of the state. Players were nominated by their coaches throughout the 2011 season and were evaluated based on a criteria that includes; academics, football performance and community service.

Representing Columbia High School is Michael Burke IV.

The Mini Max Award recipients will be honored at a dinner to be held on Thursday January 19, 2012 at the Drexelbrook Catering Ballroom in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The awards dinner is open to the public and tickets are available on the Club’s website www.maxwellfootballclub.org.

The Maxwell Football Club will select one player from the group of Mini Max winners as the winner of the Pennsylvania High School Player of the Year. The Pennsylvania High School Player of the Year will be announced on January 19, 2012 at the Awards Dinner.

For the first time the Maxwell Football Club will also host a New Jersey Mini Max Awards Dinner which will be held on Sunday January 15

th at the Heldrich Ballroom in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Players from the entire state of New Jersey will be eligible for selection as part of this program. The New Jersey Mini Max Award Winners and the New Jersey High School Player of the Year will be announced at this event.

The winner of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Players of the Year will be the candidates for the Club’s 27th

Jim Henry Award as the Outstanding Player in the region. The winner of the Jim Henry Award will be announced as part of the Maxwell Football Club’s National Awards Gala which will be held on Friday March 2, 2012 at Harrah’s Atlantic City Resort. The MFC will also present it’s collegiate and professional awards at this event. Tickets for the 75th Maxwell Football Club National Awards Gala are on sale on the Club’s website www.maxwellfootballclub.org or by calling 215-643-3833.

Recent winners of the Jim Henry Award include Bill Kim (Upper Dublin H.S), Brad Herzlich (Conestoga H.S), Daniel Persa (Bethlehem Liberty H.S.), Brent Caprio (Mainland Regional H.S.), Steven Rizzo (Audubon H.S.), Pat Devlin (Downingtown East H.S.), Ryan Greiser (Pennridge H.S.), Dan Connor (StrathHavenH.S.)andAustinScott(ParklandH.S).

Park Rangers plan work detail

Looking for a way to get some exercise without going to the gym? Come out to the Locust Street Park in Columbia on Saturday, Dec. 10, and help the Columbia Park Rangers remove leaves.
The Park Rangers have been around since 2001 and are comprised of community volunteers that want to give a "little extra shine" to the local parks. In most cases there is only enough money in the Park's budget to take of mowing and the extra things like leaf removal, trimming, pulling weeds, painting, repairs and mulching fall by the wayside.
To volunteer or for more information, call Jeff Groff at 684-0861 or email him at jgroff@fandm.edu.

Sana to visit clock museum

Santa will visit the National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St., Saturday, Dec. 10. After he arrives, children may visit with him from 10 a.m. to noon and share with him their holiday wishes. Parents are welcomed to take pictures and enjoy yuletide music and punch and cookies around the Christmas tree.
The museum's Family Timepiece Workshop will also be held during Santa's visit. Registered participants will create a holiday theme clock using a compact disc as the dial. Cost is $10 for each person making a clock, and admission to the museum is included with the workshop fee.
Anyone bringing an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots may participate in the workshop for just $5. Pre-registration is required by contacting the Education Department at 684-8261, ext. 237.

Columbia School Board reorganizes

Tom Srickler and Cole Knighton are the president and vice-president of the Columbia School Board: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/543613_Columbia-school-board-elects-2012-leaders.html

Columbia police reports

AMANDA M. POOLE, AGE 18, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR PURCHASE, CONSUMPTION, POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTATION OF MALT OR BREWED BEVERAGES AND FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF UNION STREEET, NOV 23.
THESE CHARGES WERE A RESULT OF MS. POOLE BEING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AT THIS HOUR, YELLING AND SCREAMING OBSCENITIES, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT MS. POOLE HAD TWO OUTSTANDING SUMMARY WARRANTS, THAT WERE BEING HELD BY A CONSTABLE.

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAVE BEEN CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, BETWEEN NOV. 25-27: CALEB M. ALLENSWORTH, AGE 23, OF YORK; MOHEB M. MINA, AGE 36, OF YORK; FREDERICK B. WALKER, JR., AGE 32, OF COLUMBIA; KIRSON VON WENGER, AGE 20 OF MANHEIM.

LAWRENCE HAVEN WISE, JR., AGE 36, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 200  BLOCK OF CHERRY STREET, NOV. 28.

MATTHEW C. ENOCH, AGE 47, OF LANDISVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON SOUTH FRONT STREET, NOV. 30.

CENDRICK A. REPOSE, AGE 21, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AND FOR NOTICE OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS, ON NORTH THIRD STREET, NOV. 28.

Court goes against former mayor

From the York Daily Record: http://www.ydr.com/ci_19438348

PIAA playoffs: Penns Manor roster

	Yr	Ht	Wt
03	Louie Tate	RB, DB	So.	5-9	155
07	Chris Henderson	WR, LB, FB	Jr.	5-8	170
08	Brandon Ailes	WR, DE	Sr.	6-0	190
10	Johnny Rizzo	TE, OLB	So.	5-10	175
12	Danny Ferens	QB, CB, PR	Jr.	6-1	190
15	Ethan Marshall	TE, OLB	So.	5-10	160
20	Joey Vodopevic	RB, ILB	Sr.	6-0	175
21	Lucas Kowalski	QB, DB, WR	So.	5-10	150
22	Jake Paulina	FB, DB	Sr.	5-9	170
25	Cody Bytner	RB, DB	Jr.	5-8	140
26	Nick Clevenger	RB, DB	Sr.	5-10	180
30	Garrett Joiner	RB, DB	Jr.	5-9	140
31	Shawn Stewart	WR, FS	Sr.	6-3	180
33	Matt Popovich	RB, DB	Sr.	5-11	160
34	Zack Cramer	FB, DL	Jr.	5-6	170
52	Chris Bracken	G, DE, ILB	Sr.	5-11	200
53	Adam Miller	G, DL	So.	5-7	135
57	John Stupic	G, DL	So.	5-8	190
58	Kasey Jewart	C, DL	Jr.	6-1	230
61	Chris Aikens	OL, DL	Jr.	5-7	155
62	Braden Laverick	G, LB	Jr.	6-0	175
65	Steven Dumm	G, ILB	So.	5-9	180
70	Luke Ruddock	OL, DT	So.	6-1	245
73	Brandon Alter	OL, DL	Fr.	5-11	180
76	Matthew Detwiler	OL, DL	Jr.	5-11	195
77	Ned Long	OL, DL	Sr.	5-11	234
78	Brandon Troup	OL, DL	So.	6-0	175
80	Corey Brown	TE, OLB	Jr.	6-0	185
81	Ryan Gromley	WR, DB	Jr.	5-9	145
82	Matt Coy	TE, DE	Sr.	5-11	200
83	Ben Parfitt	TE, LB	Jr.	6-0	170
85	Mitch Hamilton	WR, DB	So.	5-10	165
86	Chuckie Keith	TE, LB	Jr.	6-0	155
88	Jake Shedlock	WR, DB	Jr.	5-8	160

Tide QB chasing rare air

This tidbit from Jeff Reinhart's LL League sports site: http://llleaguesports.com/crimson-tides-lefever-closing-in-on-rare-record/11475/

Lefever receives honor

Columbia QB is Athlete of the Week: http://www.wgal.com/slideshow/sports/29203643/detail.html

Columbia football roster

2        NICK NOBILE                                          WR/DB        5-8      145      11

4        MICHAEL BURKE IV                              WR/DB        6-3      195      12

5        DAESHAWN MCILLWAIN                     RB/DB        5-8       150        9

7       MARQUEL WANSLEY                             WR/DB       5-5       135      10

9       KEITH WAKEFIELD                                 RB/DB        5-7        170     10

11     NICK WILLIAMS                                       WR/S          6            140    11

12     SETH LEFEVER                                         QB/LB         6-2       191     12

14     WILL KREISER                                           WR/LB       6-3       191     11

16      AARON ZINK                                                  K            5-7       135     11

20      JORDAN HALTER                                      WR/DB       5-10     155    12

22      JOSE RETAMAR                                       RB/DB          5-7       150    10

28      ANDREW COMBS                                    RB/LB          5-5        162    11

54      ANDRES MUNOZ                                     OL/DL          5-11     230     10

51      DAVID BOOHER                                       OL/DL          5-9       245     12

55      DION MATTHEWS                                    OL/LB          5-9       190     12

56       BRYAN FLORY                                         OL/LB          5-10     175     11

60      QUINCY MANCOTYWA                           OL/DL          5-10     237     11

62       BEN HANK                                                 OL/DE          6-1       190     12

68      KRIS EVANS                                                OL/DL          6-3       297     12

71       JOHNNY BOSLEY                                       OL/DL         6-2       216     11

75       VANYEL PETERSON                                 OL.DL          6-1       210     10

80       ALEC HOOPER                                           WR/DB         5-9       130     11

86      QUINCY WELLS                                          WR/LB          5-11    160     10  
66     JOSHUA DOMENA                                      OL/DL            5-6      223     11                          

West Hempfield Township police reports

Terrance Williams, 22, of Mountville, was charged with retail theft, as the result of an incident at Kmart, 3975 Columbia Ave., Nov. 24.

Police are investigating a forced entry and theft of a television, DVDs and jewlery from a home in the 100 block of Stonehouse Lane, Nov. 26.

Police said a resident of New Street in Mountville, reported the theft of a bicycle, Nov. 26.

Columbia police reports

STEPHEN D. MANUEL, 31, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT,  IN THE 400 BLOCK OF WALNUT STREET AND AGAIN AT THE SAME LOCATION.

JAMES G. TRIEVIEL, AGE 36, O COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS, AT FOURTH AND LOCUST STREETS.
.
CLEONARD GEORGE GILBERT, AGE 19, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AND FOF OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH FOURTH STREET.

JERE MARTIN, AGE 27, OF NEW HOLLAND, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS AT THIRD AND CHESTNUT STREETS.

RICHARD S. COBURN, AGE 32, OF WRIGHTSVILLE, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE FOLLOWING SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION, ON LANCASTER AVENUE.

PAULA L. DIFFENDERFER, AGE 46, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, AT MANOR AND FLORENCE STREETS.

Details of Exxon robbery

I've been busy

\Someone commented on one of my earlier posts as to why there haven't been many posts in the last week and there was too much about Friday's big game.

Well, this anonymous person thought there is more than just a football game to talk about. Yes, there is, but don't tell those 20 plus football players and a multitude of coaches, who have been working hard since August, there are bigger events for them. Quite frankly there isn't. And I really don't care how one poster feels because I would be doing the same thing is I were writing for a local newspaper.

Yes Mr. Anonymous there was a council meeting last week and yes, it was great to see Sgt. Jack Brommer being promoted to police chief. What you didn't say that Columbia Borough passed a zero tax increase budget for the fourth straight year and that council moved forward to almost conclusion with the sale of the cottage area along the Susquehanna River, which was settled the next day.

The person didn't say anything about the two citizens, a pair of Franks, Doutrich and Splain, who addressed the council on a variety of topics (see lancasteronline.com/mycolumbianews) for details on that.

I didn't read the letters to the editors in the Lancaster Newspaper, sorry, just don't have the time.

What I have done in the last week or so is plan for the next four years when I am seated on Columbia Borough Council. The swearing in is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

So for those who apparently need to know my every move, I had four meetings last week, three of which were tied to my pending appointment to borough council. One got postponed to this week and I'm working to schedule a few more meetings with people and sending email questions out to others.

During my three meetings, I was given a lot of papers, regulations and other things I needed to be brought up to speed. Those involved in all three meetings were extremely helpful and the paperwork given to me is as well.

In those meetings, a number of things were discussed and I asked a lot of questions and still have some to get answered. Those will come. There were some things discussed, I liked and other things I wasn't too fond of. Those things I will detail over the next few weeks, but needless to say, I think they are important for our town.

I will detail just one and that are a large numbers of recent property purchases by BH1 Properties. The latest was a store front, owned by the Boys and Girls Club, next to the club in the 200 block of Locust Street. I asked if council could do something to slow this individual down and was basically told no. I am not buying this explanation as if we have someone coming into our town, working to cash in on our economic conditions, there has to be some that can be done. I will continue to pursue this.

Money-wise, repeat after me, the borough is in the black. I got the reports to prove it. The phrase “healthy not wealthy” was impressed on me several times during one of my meetings.

Other items discussed were parking issues, the placement of new light poles downtown, which folks will see over the next few weeks. The trees probably won't go in until the spring. One of the things I didn't like with that project is the placement of bricks along the curb like on Route 462. My main concern are the weeds that will grow up through the bricks as happened in many areas on 462. Was basically told that won't be an issue. Heck, I complained to the council last summer about the weeds on Locust Street when it wad concrete. It will happen with brick as well. Apparently, there was also no attempt to contact those along Locust Street to see what they wanted and not all of the council is in favor of the bricks too. Also addressed the pending change in the meter structure too, but the response was luke work.

I got a lot of reading to do yet and some things I'd like to see happen. As promised during the campaign, I am here to work for all 10,300 people. Anything of what I feel is a personal agenda will get a big no vote from me.

I'd like to see more people get involved in borough government as well. Attend the meetings, ask the questions and bring your ideas to the council – good, bad or indifferent. Look me up when I am out and about, send me an email. If I want to do this the right way, it is important to keep the line of communication open with everyone. Some things are going right in our town, other things either need a push in the right direction or something different tried.

Updates on things will follow and I will update more frequently with what's going on in our town.

Columbia student wins Brubaker essay contest

Sen. Mike Brubaker recently announced the winners of the fall 2011 Student Challenge essay contest.The challenge invited students to submit an essay of 500 words or less describing how agriculture is important to our society beyond food production.
The winners are: Julia Jackson, Centerville Middle School, Hempfield School District; Abigail Reiter, Pequea Valley High School; Juliana Mae Anderson, Park Elementary School, Columbia School District; and Erynn Mullins, Blue Ball Elementary, Elanco School District.

The winners will receive an award certificate and a visit to the Capitol Building in Harrisburg with a guest for lunch and a tour of the Capitol.