The $15 million in tax credits awarded to the Lancaster-based Community First Fund promises to spur economic development in Lancaster city and Columbia borough in the near future, and offer help throughout the county in the long term, officials said Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Is this the new town dump?
Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated in "Earth Week." I was hoping, however, that someone would have attended to the mess at the end of Wright Street, between Kleen-Rite and the Columbia Organ Works. The area looks as though it's becoming the town dump, with several dozen old tires scattered around, as well as tree trimmings, a used Christmas tree, a pile of broken concrete, and miscellaneous paper trash. Several tires are also lying in the Shawnee Creek, and a few are lined up along Wright Street.
What I Saw - Sunday, April 28, 2013
Blossoms on the sidewalk
A weather-beaten phone book (and a bagged one) in front of the CenturyLink building on Second Street.
I don't know if they had been delivered there by a phone book distributor, or if an irate person dumped them there, but either way, it's appropriate.
A dollar and a smile!
(Sunday, April 28):
Five-year-old Brooke Barnhart sells lemonade in front of the local Rite-Aid to raise funds for the Children's Miracle Network. Brooke's charge for a lemonade is "A dollar and a smile."
She and her father, Chris, built and painted the booth.
Way to go, Brooke!
Columbia named Tree City USA at Arbor Day Celebration
The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission and the Columbia Tree Society held their 22nd annual Arbor Day celebration at 6 p.m on Friday, April 26, at Janson Park, Sixth and Cherry streets in Columbia.
Janson Foundation president Fred Smith was master of ceremonies, and Reverned Kenneth Lawrence of Holy Trinity Catholic Church gave the invocation and benediction. Mayor Leo Lutz, Columbia Borough Council President Mike Beury Sr. and Mike Beury Jr., chairman of the Shade Tree Commission gave short talks. Mike Beury Sr. reminded those present that our state tree is the hemlock, noted for its sturdiness and longevity.
Rick Hartleib of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry presented Columbia with its 21st consecutive National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA award.
Mark Zeamer awarded prizes to second-graders from Our Lady of the Angels School, Taylor Elementary and Park Elementary schools for their winning entries in the Arbor Day coloring contest. Music was provided throughout the ceremony by "Hot Wired."
Three memorial trees were planted during the ceremony. Two were in memory of the children of two Janson Foundation board members who passed away last year. Alexandra Nikolaus, daughter of Paul Nikolaus, and Kevin Wolgemuth, son of Bernie Wolgemuth, had gingko trees dedicated in their memory. A third tree was dedicated to Joseph and Eleanor Sequin.
Columbia High School senior Dale Haubert recited Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees" during the program.
Johnny Appleseed attended . . .
and gave out apples.
A tree was dedicated to Joseph and Eleanor Sequin, among others.
Mayor Leo Lutz offered remarks.
Mark Zeamer presented awards to Arbor Day coloring contest winners, Sophia Malizia, Elie Dommel, and Frankie Meisinger.
TREES
Joyce Kilmer
(1886-1918)
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
"Trees" was originally published in Trees and Other Poems. Joyce Kilmer. New York: George H. Doran Company, 1914.
|
Talks continue on possible LASA deal
Currently, most Columbia residents and businesses pay higher rates than LASA charges — approximately $42 a month verses $81.99 a quarter. But 38 percent of the customers pay the minimum flat fee of $19.44 per month.
Many of the residents in Columbia who pay the minimum flat fee are elderly, Norm Meiskey said, and it's a "major concern" to keep rates equitable.
Kyle said that changes to rates would "ramp up slowly" and could take five or 10 years.
The three main parties — borough council, the municipal authority and LASA — agreed to come with individual goals and objectives. A work group involving LASA and borough employees will share information about current facilities, rates and business practices.
If a deal is reached and the sale moves forward, it would take two to two-and-a-half years to fully implement.
More HERE
Friday, April 26, 2013
Columbia Water Company seeks rate hike
The Columbia Water Company is asking the state to approve a $773,210 rate increase for its Columbia Division.
The proposal filed Thursday with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would raise rates for various categories of customers between 21.06 and 21.11 percent.
The additional revenue would be used to cover growing operating expenses and service costs, including recovery of about $4.3 million in capital improvements to the Columbia Division water system.
The proposal would not affect customers in the company's Marietta Division, which is made up of Marietta Borough and East Donegal Township in Lancaster County and Hellam Township in York County.
The increase is proposed to take effect June 24.
MORE HERE:
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Susquehanna River's poor health is killing smallmouth bass
LANCASTERONLINE
The collapse of the smallmouth bass fishery on the lower Susquehanna River may be the "canary in the coal mine," presaging future health problems to more fish and animals in the river, as well as devastating a recreational economy, a new report says.
Since 2005, 80 percent of the bass have disappeared between Sunbury and the Conowingo Dam. Fingerling bass are dying, ugly lesions and splotches are appearing on adults and eggs are showing up in the testes of male fish.
The cause: A "perfect storm" of high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, rising water temperatures believed to be at least partly due to global warming and a mix of chemicals from sewage plants, says the report, released Thursday by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
MORE HERE:
Exhibit To Offer Perspectives On Local History
Thanks to a collaboration between the Mount Bethel Cemetery Company and the Columbia Public Library, assorted artwork by Gardiner Criswell will be on display at the cemetery during set hours on April 26 and April 28. Approximately 15 to 20 of Criswell's works, including oil paintings and sketches, will be set up inside the house located on the cemetery grounds at 700 Locust St., Columbia, from 5 to 9 p.m. on Fourth Friday, April 26, and from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. Refreshments will be available. There is no cost to view the exhibit, but donations will be accepted.
MORE HERE:
http://news.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=84444
DA seeks death penalty in Columbia fatal shooting
WGAL
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. -
The Lancaster County District Attorney is seeking the death penalty against Mario Casanova-Lanzo, 36, who is charged in a Columbia fatal shooting.
He pleaded not guilty.
In February, Casanova-Lanzo broke into his estranged wife's home on North Third Street and shot Parrish Thaxton several times, police said.
Columbia Wastewater - Special Meeting - April 25
Columbia Borough and its municipal authority will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, to discuss a possible deal with the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority to purchase Columbia's wastewater treatment system or have LASA provide services to the borough.
The borough is required to find a solution to comply with clean water regulations mandated by the state Department of Environmental Resources.
The public meeting will be held at the borough hall, 308 Locust St.
Quality of life to be addressed at April 30 town meeting in Columbia
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia Borough will host a town meeting on quality of life issues at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, at the Columbia Borough School District Administrative Building, 5th and Chestnut streets.
The meeting will be hosted by Mayor Leo Lutz and Columbia Borough Police Department Chief Jack Brommer.
Ray D'Agostino and Jim Shultz from Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership will be on hand to discuss programs that may benefit Columbia property owners, including rental and owner-occupied properties.
The borough says it intends to have a discussion about things it and school district are planning as well as what residents and business owners would like to see happen in Columbia.
For questions, call Mayor Lutz at 684-7841 or Chief Brommer at 684-7735.
Columbia's new manager to start Monday
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia Borough will have a new manager beginning Monday, April 29.
Sam Sulkosky, who is relocating from Blairsville, will join the staff and work side by side with departing borough manager, Norman B. Meiskey III, who announced his retirement last fall.
MORE HERE:
Fourth Friday Festivities This Friday
Fourth Friday festivities will take place in Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville on Friday, April 26, from 5 to 9 p.m. The local river towns invite residents to travel downtown and visit galleries, antique shops, local eateries, and specialty shops in the Columbia, Wrightsville, and Marietta areas. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view exhibits from local and visiting artists, enjoy refreshments, and discover the uniqueness of towns along the Susquehanna River.
For more information on specific gallery exhibits or shop offers, visit www.parivertowns.com or call 684-5249.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Vendors sought for Columbia antique, art and craft show
LANCASTERONLINE
The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the 33rd annual Antique, Art & Craft Show on June 29 in Columbia.
Slated to coincide with the sesquicentennial commemoration of the burning of the wooden covered bridge that spanned the river during the Civil War, this outdoor event is anticipated to receive increased foot traffic over previous years' shows.
Along with antiques, the show features, artwork, photography, crafters of jewelry, pottery, primitives, furniture and textiles.
Vendor spaces are available along Locust Street or in Locust Street Park. The event, which runs from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm, is held rain or shine.
Free parking and shuttle service are available to shoppers. Proceeds from the show benefit the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, a non-profit organization representing the river towns of Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville.
For a vendor application visit www.PaRivertowns.com or call 684-5249. Please note that no commercial food vendors are accepted; food concessions are handled by local non-profit organizations.
Columbia to be named a 'Tree City USA' on Arbor Day
LANCASTERONLINE
The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission and the Columbia Tree Society will hold their 22nd annual Arbor Day celebration at 6 p.m on Friday, April 26, at Janson Park, Sixth and Cherry streets in Columbia.
MORE HERE:
Columbia celebrates Earth Day all week
LANCASTERONLINE
This year Earth Day began an entire week of green fun and spring cleaning for Columbia residents.
Mayor Leo Lutz proclaimed that Columbia borough would celebrate Earth Day, now in its 43rd year, on Monday, April 22.
But the real festivities don't get going until Friday when PPL will once again send 40 volunteers to clean up and make repairs to facilities in borough parks.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/841422_Columbia-celebrates-Earth-Day-all-week.html
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
What I Saw - Tuesday, April 23, 2013
This rotting possum has been lying near the Herbert "Cubby" Spiese Bridge for about two weeks. Originally, it was lying in the middle of the highway after most likely being hit by a car. A few days later, it had been moved to its present location. As can be seen from the photo, the carcass is attracting flies and will soon start "growing" maggots. Besides, it looks undignified lying there among the cigarette butts and other debris, although the dandelion seems somehow appropriate. Do we have a critter control officer to take this away before it becomes more of a nuisance or a public health issue?
Trainspotting
Sunday, April 21, 2013: Heritage train travels through Columbia on the NS Port Road, pulling oil tanker cars, after embarking from Georgia.
Trainspotters gathered along the tracks near River Park to watch and record the passing train.
Click HERE to see a video.
Does your legislator stand up for you or for criminals? - It's time to Stop Gun Violence
KEYSTONE PROGRESS
Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) has introduced legislation that would require universal criminal background checks for firearms purchases in Pennsylvania.
"Right now in Pennsylvania, criminals may lawfully purchase an assault rifle even though it is illegal for that same criminal to purchase a handgun," Santarsiero said.
HB 1010 would close a loophole that allows private, non-licensed sellers to sell long-barrel guns, including assault rifles, without conducting a criminal background check on the buyer. Santarsiero's legislation would close this loophole by requiring all sales and transfers, escept transfers between family members, to undergo a criminal background check.
This common sense legislation protects PA's families by preventing east access to guns by criminals.
The choice is simple--either you want to protect PA's families or you think criminals should be able to buy guns without a background check.
Our representative, David S. Hickernell, does not support the legislation.
THE LIST IS HERE:
http://keystoneprogress.pnstate.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Background_Checks_List#.UXaWbkwpCSx
Senate passes “online sales tax” by 74-20 vote
ARS TECHNICA
Your tax-free days of online shopping are numbered. If S743, also known as the Marketplace Fairness Act, becomes law, the millions of Americans who have been able to avoid sales tax online will have to start paying it. Given the broad support shown by today's US Senate vote, some version of it is likely to come to fruition.
MORE HERE:
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/senate-passes-online-sales-tax-by-74-20-vote/
Open houses offer last hurrah for two Hempfield schools
LANCASTERONLINE
Before Hempfield School District closes two buildings for a final time in June, the public is invited to celebrate 60 years of heritage at an open house.
Officials will welcome visitors to East Petersburg Elementary from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and to Farmdale Elementary from 1 to 3 p.m. May 11.
Monday, April 22, 2013
LEGAL NOTICE - Special Joint Meeting this Thursday
"LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a Special Joint Meeting of Columbia Borough Council, Columbia Municipal Authority, and Lancaster Area Sewer Authority will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Borough Municipal Building, 308 Locust St., Columbia, PA to discuss possible LASA acquisition of the Columbia waste water system. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend and require an accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the Borough Office at 684-2467. Norman B. Meiskey III Borough Manager"
Those comments keep coming in
Just so things don't get "lost in the sauce," I'd like to point out two posts that have been getting a lot of comments from readers lately.
The following post about a speeding motorist has evolved into a debate in the comments section on the pros and cons of the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA):
http://columbiapa-17512.blogspot.com/2013/04/motorist-driving-120-mph-eludes-police.html?m=0
http://columbiapa-17512.blogspot.com/2013/04/motorist-driving-120-mph-eludes-police.html?m=0
Secondly, there's this one, whose comments discuss the Columbia River Park:
http://columbiapa-17512.blogspot.com/2013/04/susquehanna-river-trail-hub-lacks.html?m=0
http://columbiapa-17512.blogspot.com/2013/04/susquehanna-river-trail-hub-lacks.html?m=0
I'm glad readers have found this blog to be useful as a public forum, and since I believe spirited debate is healthy for democracy, I'll continue to publish comments (provided they're not libelous or obscene).
Pennsylvania could see stink bugs' return
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
You've been craving more sunlight and warmer temperatures for months, right? And now that spring-like weather finally has arrived, you feel your energy returning? Well, so do the stink bugs.
Those infernal pests that zoom through your house, cluster in your windows and release foul-smelling fumes when disturbed -- being sucked into vacuum cleaners or squashed with tissues, say -- love light and warmth just like people do, local entomologists say. And while we got a bit of a break last spring from emerging hordes of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, bug experts say that 2013 just might be the Year of the Stink Bug.
Beginning right about now.
MORE HERE:
Fishing On The Susquehanna In July by Billy Collins
I have never been fishing on the Susquehanna
or on any river for that matter
to be perfectly honest.
Not in July or any month
have I had the pleasure -- if it is a pleasure --
of fishing on the Susquehanna.
I am more likely to be found
in a quiet room like this one --
a painting of a woman on the wall,
a bowl of tangerines on the table --
trying to manufacture the sensation
of fishing on the Susquehanna.
There is little doubt
that others have been fishing
on the Susquehanna,
rowing upstream in a wooden boat,
sliding the oars under the water
then raising them to drip in the light.
But the nearest I have ever come to
fishing on the Susquehanna
was one afternoon in a museum in Philadelphia,
when I balanced a little egg of time
in front of a painting
in which that river curled around a bend
under a blue cloud-ruffled sky,
dense trees along the banks,
and a fellow with a red bandana
sitting in a small, green
flat-bottom boat
holding the thin whip of a pole.
That is something I am unlikely
ever to do, I remember
saying to myself and the person next to me.
Then I blinked and moved on
to other American scenes
of haystacks, water whitening over rocks,
even one of a brown hare
who seemed so wired with alertness
I imagined him springing right out of the frame.
Billy Collins
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fishing-on-the-susquehanna-in-july/
Billy Collins is an American poet, appointed as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. He is a Distinguished Professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York and is the Senior Distinguished Fellow of the Winter Park Institute, Florida. Collins was recognized as a Literary Lion of the New York Public Library (1992) and selected as the New York State Poet for 2004-2006.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Columbia cleanup set for April 26
LANCASTERONLINE
A cleanup day in the Borough of Columbia, sponsored by the Columbia Board of Health, along with Columbia Borough will take place on Friday, April 26. All items to be picked up must be tagged. Item tags may be purchased at the borough office. For more information call 684-2468.
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/839547_Columbia-cleanup-set-for-April-26.html
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Motorist, driving 120 mph, eludes police - News -
LANCASTERONLINE
The vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle near Route 441 and 3rd Street in Columbia, and the driver fled on foot, Trzaska said.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/838709_Motorist--driving-120-mph--eludes-police.html
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Facebook post about Boston attacks goes viral
(CNN) - Comedian-actor Patton Oswalt may not seem the most likely person to soothe the wounded national psyche after the deadly bombs that struck the Boston Marathon. Oswalt has no obvious ties to Boston, and he makes a living telling jokes, not comforting the afflicted.
But Oswalt's eloquent thoughts about the attacks, which he posted Monday afternoon to his Facebook page, have been widely passed around the Internet as an inspiring testament to humankind's inherent goodness in the face of evil. (Warning: he uses strong language.)
"I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, 'Well, I've had it with humanity.' But I was wrong,' " wrote Oswalt, best known as the voice of Remy the rat from "Ratatouille" and for playing Spencer on TV's "The King of Queens."
"This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness," he wrote.
"But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.
"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.' "
MORE HERE:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/16/tech/social-media/patton-oswalt-facebook-boston/
Monday, April 15, 2013
Pa. taxpayers given one more day to file state income tax |
PENNLIVE.COM
Pennsylvania taxpayers have been given a one day reprieve to file their 2012 commonwealth tax returns after a computer problem prevented many from accessing the state's online tax filing resources Monday.
"Since Pennsylvanians were unexpectedly unable to access padirectfile, tax forms and our Online Customer Service Center on our website for a few hours today, in the interest of customer service, we won't penalize anyone who files a return by midnight, Tuesday, April 16," Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser said in a statement.
Explosions Reported at Site of Boston Marathon
NEW YORK TIMES
A series of explosions were reported near the finish line at the Boston Marathon on Monday, according to several media outlets. One report quoted "some sort of incident" on Boylston Street, near the finish line.
Competitors and race organizers were crying as they fled the chaos, The Associated Press reported. Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners.
"There are a lot of people down," said one man, according to The A.P., whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding, The A.P. said.
The Boston Police Department confirmed that they were looking into an explosion, but had no further comment.
Local television also showed ambulances at the scene.
The headquarters for the organizers of the marathon, one of the world's oldest, was reportedly locked down while authorities investigate.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/us/explosions-reported-at-site-of-boston-marathon.xml
A series of explosions were reported near the finish line at the Boston Marathon on Monday, according to several media outlets. One report quoted "some sort of incident" on Boylston Street, near the finish line.
Competitors and race organizers were crying as they fled the chaos, The Associated Press reported. Bloody spectators were being carried to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners.
"There are a lot of people down," said one man, according to The A.P., whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding, The A.P. said.
The Boston Police Department confirmed that they were looking into an explosion, but had no further comment.
Local television also showed ambulances at the scene.
The headquarters for the organizers of the marathon, one of the world's oldest, was reportedly locked down while authorities investigate.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/us/explosions-reported-at-site-of-boston-marathon.xml
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Wright's Ferry Bridge lane to be closed Monday morning
LANCASTERONLINE
Motorists headed to York County on U.S. 30 will encounter single-lane restrictions on the Wright's Ferry Bridge Monday morning.
The lane closure, between 9 a.m. and noon, will allow state Transportation Department inspectors to examine expansion joints on the bridge which spans the Susquehanna River between Lancaster and York counties.
Crew Prepares for Bridge Burning Celebration
On Sunday morning, a work crew loaded several stacks of cut wood at Columbia River Park and placed them in metal braziers atop piers from a Civil War era bridge that once spanned the Susquehanna between Columbia and Wrightsville. The work is being done in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the burning of the bridge on June 28. The original event precipitated the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
More on the upcoming celebration HERE.
Unknown soldier from Columbia militia
Gordon's Confederate troops advanced slowly on Wrightsville at about 6 p.m., June 28, 1863.
Their point men rose from fields of grain to pepper with gunshot Union regulars and militiamen defending the town from recently dug trenches.
A fighting man with a black militia unit from Columbia was one of those in the Union trenches.
MORE HERE:
http://www.ydr.com/history/ci_23012583/jim-mcclure-another-unknown-soldier
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Columbia Historic Preservation Society sponsoring NYC bus trip - LancasterOnline.com
The Columbia Historic Preservation Society will sponsor a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, May 25.
The bus will depart from Columbia at 8 a.m. and will visit Chelsea market, the 9/11 memorial and take a Statue of Liberty cruise. Cost is $85 with payment due by April 21.
Call Tiffani K. Lynn at 799-6093 for further information and to make reservations.
Church spaghetti dinner set for April 13 - LancasterOnline.com
St. James Lutheran Church, located at 10th and Manor streets, will hold its annual spaghetti dinner on Saturday, April 13. The menu includes spaghetti, salad, roll, dessert and beverage.
Tickets are required for the dinner which is scheduled from 4 to 7 pm. Cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children ages 4 to 10. For tickets and additional information visit the church office or call 684-5135.
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/836426_Church-spaghetti-dinner-set-for-April-13.html
Columbia Park Rangers seek volunteers Saturday - LancasterOnline.com
The Columbia Park Rangers will sponsor spring cleanup at 8 a.m. Saturday at River Park.
The mission will be to weed, pick up and dispose of debris and to mulch around trees and lamp posts.
Help from the public is welcome.
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/836104_Columbia-Park-Rangers-seek-volunteers-Saturday.html
State Police to Accept Expired, Unwanted Prescription Medications | WPMT FOX43
The Pennsylvania State Police will accept unwanted, expired and unused prescription drugs Saturday, April 27, as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
MORE HERE:
http://fox43.com/2013/04/11/state-police-to-accept-expired-unwanted-prescription-medications/
Single lane traffic on westbound Route 30 on Wrights Ferry Bridge - LancasterOnline.com
If you are heading west on Route 30 today, be prepared for a single lane of travel on the Wrights Ferry Bridge.
The bridge over the Susquehanna River will be restricted to one lane for a short time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Construction crews need to examine and make repairs, if necessary, to two expansion dam joints on the bridge. The repairs should not require the full day but motorists should still be prepared to encounter traffic restriction during this time frame.
The History of Waking Up: National Watch and Clock Museum Alarm Clock Exhibit | witf.org
"Everyone can relate to that annoying alarm clock that wakes you up in the morning," says Katie Knaub, Museum Educator at the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, "We just wanted to create something that everyone can relate to."
The museum will be opening its Wake Up exhibit later this month with an exhaustive display of various alarm clocks from ancient times,to today. They've even got some rather quirky, and frankly dangerous, variations on early alarm clocks. One used the sun to light a fuse which fired a small canon. Another struck a match to light an oil lamp and sometimes caught houses on fire.
The museum houses a thorough collection of all types of timepieces, from sundials to wall clocks and digital watches. "We have a mission which is to tell the whole story," says Noel Poirier, the Director of the museum, "So our collection includes objects from all over the world, [an] Asian incense clock...right up to modern calculator wrist watches."
MORE HERE:
http://www.witf.org/arts-culture/2013/04/history-of-waking-up.php
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Problem slows traffic on Wrights Ferry Bridge - News - LancasterOnline.com
A steel expansion joint that recently was replaced as part of a $9.4 million reconditioning of the Wrights Ferry Bridge failed Tuesday, officials said.
The expansion joint was on the westbound side of the bridge, which carries U.S. 30 over the Susquehanna River between Lancaster and York counties.
At least one westbound lane was closed between 3:20 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. Wednesday as workers replaced the four six-foot segments of the expansion joint and an epoxy filler was allowed to dry, said Mike Crochunis, a spokesman for PennDOT District 8, which includes Lancaster County.
The closure resulted in westbound traffic being delayed during Wednesday morning's rush hour as far from the bridge as the Prospect Road interchange, Crochunis said.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/836562_Problem-slows-traffic-on-Wrights-Ferry-Bridge.html
Susquehanna River trail hub lacks funding - News - LancasterOnline.com
Columbia Borough could see approval soon of a major addition to River Front Park, but officials say they need time to amend funding requests to close about a half-million dollar gap.
The lowest bid for the project came in at $2 million, but it was expected to cost $1.4 million, officials revealed Monday. Officials said they have 120 days to act on the bid.
With plans in jeopardy to build the visitor hub including bathrooms and increased parking along the Susquehanna River, half a dozen members of the River Park focus group urged borough council Monday to move forward with construction.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/836196_Susquehanna-River-trail-hub-lacks-funding-.html
Sunday, April 7, 2013
What I saw recently
Some shots from around our beloved borough over the past week or so . . .
I see a lot of these train cars passing though town.
They're labeled LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS. They're also labeled NON ODORIZED. I can only speculate why the gas would be NON ODORIZED (as in NON DETECTABLE?)
Meanwhile on Avenue H: Either one of the ladies couldn't get in through the LADIES ENTRANCE, or the broken window is a newly installed GENTLEMEN'S ENTRANCE.
Upcoming road work on Avenue H?
Renovations continue at Second and Locust.
I realize these things take time, but someone might want to get around to fixing the back of the building soon.
And along Barber Street, what's with all the bent over signposts?
This is one.
And here's another several feet away.
This is the same one as pictured immediately above, with the first one in the background.
Further down the street, yet another.
Caught'cha . . . showin' off?
Over the weekend, a lot of out-of-town walkers passed through town.
Here's what some of them saw along Front Street: blocks of concrete that have been lying there, seemingly forever, where the slab was cut to allow for installation of a utility pole guy wire. Very shoddy.
Further along . . . lotsa trash
And here.
At the same intersection - a pyromaniac's dream?
A little further uptown, the blight of rental properties continues to grow.
As I said.
So, who put their mirror in the sidewalk trash can? This presents a potential safety hazard.
Incredibly, there are still several phone books lying on doorsteps around town.
I guess this is cool looking, but without a hood, is it street legal?
Oh well, at least this cardinal was content to just sit and sing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)