COLUMBIA SPY

Download the 94-page council packet  HERE .

This meeting will be livestreamed, according to the Columbia Borough Facebook page.

Columbia Police are investigating a hit and run accident that occurred on 04/26/20 at 9:15 a.m. in the 200 block of Perry St.  The victim's parked Chevy Avalanche was struck by the blue sedan in the photos.  The blue sedan will have damage and or paint transfer on the passenger side mirror.  Anyone with information regarding this hit and run accident is encouraged to submit a tip or contact Columbia Police directly Sourced via CRIMEWATCH ® :  https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/cases/hit-and-run-investigation-200-block-perry-street

This week's photos of Columbia  Dance fever “Dancing is creating a sculpture that is visible only for a moment.” Erol Ozan  Columbia colors  Entrance or exit?  On the lookout for breakfast  Start here  Proceed At the Columbia Animal Shelter  Comfy cat  Squirrels at work  Columbia Borough's new-style street signs This doesn't appear to be an official borough sign - or speed limit.  Dove mourning in the morning  Weeping angel, weeping  Finches hopping about  People were dumping all manner of items here, but the area has since been cleaned up. (600 block of Poplar)  Catching some rays  From the 1976 student council . . .   Here it is.  Patriotic doorway on South 2nd  Hangin' around  The vagabond visits.  Seeing double On the trail [Todd Stah...

What happened: The district will apply for over $10,000 in disaster relief funds through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Because of the governor's stay-at-home order, the meeting was held via videoconference. It was livestreamed and can be replayed on YouTube. Background: In accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, state and local governments can be reimbursed for expenses incurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Pennsylvania school districts and municipalities can apply for these federal funds through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, a state-run agency that specializes in disaster prevention and recovery. MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/columbia-school-board-applies-for-10k-in-disaster-relief-funds/article_77e5a7b8-83c8-11ea-bc2d-c76c880c2332.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share  

Lancaster city is furloughing roughly 12% of its employees for an indefinite period of time in an effort to save taxpayer money during the COVID-19 shutdown. Already facing  a nearly $3 million deficit in its 2020 budget , the city is projecting it will lose an additional $4.7 million in tax and fee revenue this year due to economic slowdown. Mayor Danene Sorace delivered the news to the 69 full and part-time employees in a Zoom meeting earlier this afternoon, explaining the necessity given the financial challenges facing the city. MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/facing-millions-in-revenue-loss-due-to-covid-19-lancaster-city-furloughs-12-of-staff/article_390c8a1a-8414-11ea-8a41-23646efbc6bf.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share  

A fire that began in a vehicle and spread to three buildings sent two people to the hospital and caused over $1.5 million in damages Saturday, fire officials said.  A man was working on his car when it caught fire around 11 a.m. in the 500 block of Union Street, Columbia Borough Fire Chief Douglas Kemmerly said. The fire spread from the vehicle to the garage, and then from the garage to three apartments and two buildings.  Saturday's winds enabled the  MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/two-taken-to-the-hospital-over-1-5-million-in-damages-reported-after-fire-in/article_3cbdb2c4-8266-11ea-9570-33e38b1d695b.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share  

A man and his kayak were rescued by emergency crews after being stranded on a small island on the Susquehanna River Tuesday afternoon.  A passerby called 911 around 2:43 p.m. after hearing calls for help coming from the river, radio dispatch said. MORE: https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/kayaker-rescued-after-getting-stranded-on-island-along-the-susquehanna-river/article_a68f3bec-8404-11ea-b3c2-8bd5672fc025.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share  

Ron Fritz, Jr. and his family spent the last three days cleaning the interior of the Union Street Laundromat. The laundromat, which Fritz owns, needed the cleanup after Saturday's fire in a nearby garage. The business is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Union Street Laundromat is open for business after escaping damage from Saturday's fire in a nearby garage. Owner Ron Fritz, Jr. said that he and his family spent the last three days cleaning walls, floors and other surfaces to remove residue that accumulated when smoke filtered into the business. Fritz also said that three apartments in a small adjoining structure that he owns are salvageable, having suffered only moderate damage. The remainder of the garage where the fire started will be torn down.  The laundromat is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This week's photos of Columbia Signs of the times . . .  Fading? Will the town ever attain its former glory?  The trolley was a money-losing endeavor. Time to get rid of it - and the signs that go with it. Maybe this town is for the birds . . . Or maybe it's gone to the dogs . . . Fortunately, Hands Across the Street is still on the job, bringing aid to many. And some businesses are open for grab and go service. ************************  Jolly Roger  Community supporters High winds knocked down trees, branches, and power lines earlier this week: (Mount Bethel)  No loitering or trespassing in the cemetery - unless, of course, you're dead.  Checking Another project from the found-object artist  The locksmith at Borough Hall again -  Are they locking us out or locking themselves in?  I...