COLUMBIA SPY

On Garfield Road . . .  Mr. & Mrs. Snowperson - and son (?) and their horse (complete with saddle and bridle)

Lawmakers have been criticized for racking up thousands of dollars in per diem payments in a year. Others have been exposed for collecting per diems that were  used to help pay for properties they bought in Harrisburg . MORE: http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2015/01/another-stab-at-per-diem-reform.php

CANONSBURG – Sarris Candies confectioners are getting some "kicks" out of their latest creation. The "Bradie" ball is every bit as sweet as the other chocolate footballs they sell, but has a noticeable dip in its side. MORE: http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20150127/NEWS01/150129505

He'll be heading to Lancaster County this weekend, for a three-part performance in Columbia, on Friday at Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen, Saturday at Columbia Kettle Works and Sunday at Garth Gallery. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/features/entertainment/ex-daughtry-drummer-joey-barnes-performs-in-columbia/article_b91d6e80-a71b-11e4-9d1f-a3ae7554c45a.html?mode=jqm

 Warthog hotdoggin' it low over Columbia  Ice sculpture down at the boat ramp The first robin of . . . winter?

"I can't understand why anyone who had tasted proper chocolate would ever buy Hershey's," said Gillon. "Hershey's is fine until you begin eating it. It's like eating plastic. It's the only chocolate we would consider using for making s'mores at camp fires because you wouldn't use good chocolate for that." MORE: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/27/hersheys-lawsuit-ban-imported-cadbury-from-us?CMP=fb_gu

Pennsylvania has passed New York and California by earning the dubious distinction of having the  highest gasoline taxes  in the nation. MORE: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/01/pa_gas_taxes_are_highest_in_th.html#incart_m-rpt-2

Pennsylvania's Alternative and Clean Energy Program approved a loan request for the borough to purchase and install an anaerobic digester at the site of the wastewater treatment plant, according to a press release from state Sen. Ryan P. Aument. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/columbia-sewer-plant-may-go-green-with-state-loan/article_0cc0ff92-a5b5-11e4-9514-57ba2f9a3583.html?mode=jqm

 "Behind the scenes" at the Columbia Plaza renovation  Down by the tracks, four engines in a row  On Garfield Road, Mount Joy. (Note the hand.) Photo session at River Park Feeding time at 8th & Locust

Cedar waxwings took over the same tree as last time at Trinity House Apartments today. A drama unfolded as a flock of impudent starlings moved in and drove them out, but the waxwings rallied and returned, forcing out the starlings and reclaiming the tree . . . 

This afternoon's snow has caused dangerous road conditions in the area.  Route 30 at Hill Street overpass (Photo by Phil Shirk) Columbia Avenue and Oswego Drive (Photo by Sharon Lintner)  A partial list of traffic incidents as of 4:13 p.m.

The street lights in front of the Third Street side of Burning Bridge Antiques are back on, thanks to Ron Miller, Jake, and the borough crew.

Masons were stacking blocks at the Columbia Water Company today. And these guys were doing something similar a few blocks up, near Third and Walnut.

This fire burned and smoldered unattended for at least three hours next to parked vehicles at the Catholic War Vets today. I thought the borough had an ordinance forbidding open burning.

Columbia school board at a meeting Jan. 15 named the district's new business manager. Amy E. Light will take over effective March 16 and earn $85,000 per year. She replaces Laura Cowburn, who has been with the district 17 years and is retiring. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/columbia/columbia-school-district-names-new-business-manager/article_7acc2cba-a0eb-11e4-865c-8363577d884a.html?mode=jqm

The recently installed lights at the Columbia Plaza were lit this afternoon. Several lights still need to be installed on the northern section of the building.

The U.S. Postal Service has ended next-day delivery of most first-class mail sent locally as part of its ongoing overhaul to save money. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/local-to-local-mail-delivery-now-takes-days-instead-of/article_5ebbb54e-a0ba-11e4-b2b9-3b2df4ce6ddd.html?mode=jqm

I saw about half a dozen tundra swans flying over Washington Boro around noon today. I wasn't quick enough with my camera to get a pic.

So, that's what was happening on Locust Grove Road this weekend. GO HERE: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/149798-new-ardent-apex-grand/

 More light duty  Seen in York - easily accessible buttons.  A good idea for Columbia?   Seen in Wrightsville - people do love that bridge.  On the job  Crow's nest?  Emergency personnel at a recent call  Apparently, the logo for  a local band.   Could be used for the Susquehanna, too.  Several Lancaster County Dollar Generals have been robbed recently.  I hope ours isn't next.  Almost sunset on the Susquehanna  Newly opened Mattress Mart at Front & Bridge  Did anyone remember to put the jumper cables away? More stars and strips forever