LANCASTERONLINE
A man-and-woman team robbed a bank in West Hempfield Township on Tuesday morning, police said.
Investigators suspect the same pair are responsible for as many as three stores holdups in the city and township in the last two weeks.
Union Community Bank at 10 S. 18th St., just outside Columbia, was robbed at 9:17 a.m. Tuesday, township police Chief Mark Pugliese said.
By RYAN ROBINSON
Columbia
Updated Jun 04, 2013 09:58
A bank was robbed in West Hempfield Township Tuesday morning, according to county radio communications.
It happened just outside Columbia Borough at Union Community Bank, 10 S. 18th St., at about 9:20 a.m.
Police were trying to track down a silver Hyundai with a partial license plate number of YZW that may have been involved.
It was reported to have been traveling east on Columbia Avenue toward Mountville after the robbery.
A female was driving the car and there may have been a male in the car with her.
Check Lancaster Online later for updates to this story.
LANCASTERONLINE
Police have accused three people of causing nearly $2,000 worth of damage at a popular park in East Donegal Township.
They are: Ryan J. Miller, 18, of 124 W. Market St. Marietta, John N. Haupt, 27, of 2 Essex St. Marietta, and Brianna V. Kriner, 21, of 428 Manor St., Columbia, Susquehanna Regional police Lt. Stephen Englert said.
On various occasions in March, they drove vehicles off-road, causing extensive ruts and deep tire tracks at the township's Riverfront Park at 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Englert said.
Damage was estimated at $1,856.
LANCASTERONLINE
Brightly colored murals began popping up in the lobby, halls and other public spaces at St. Anne's Retirement Community in the fall of 2011 as part of an overall project to redecorate the Columbia retirement community.
Painter/artist Bob Brinser, the retirement community's first full-time painter, has worked with a committee to create a new look for the community.
This spring, Brinser worked with Sister Bernice Klostermann, ASC, to create a series of murals that pay homage to St. Anne's heritage.
LANCASTERONLINE
The debut hike in the "Let's Hike Lancaster County" series is Lake Grubb Nature Park in West Hempfield Township. As a man mentioned under his breath while following the trail, "It's a little muddy."
Found on Hempfield Hill Road, Lake Grubb Nature Park features a manmade lake in the ore pit of the old iron mine excavated on the site in the 1800s, according to Ron Youtz, West Hempfield Township manager.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/856169_Explore-Lake-Grubb-Nature-Park.html
ENGLEONLINE
On Thursday, June 6, approximately 65 seniors at Columbia Junior/Senior High School (CHS) will walk across the stage in the school's auditorium to receive their diplomas. Commencement will begin at 7 p.m. that day at the school, 901 Ironville Pike.
MORE HERE:
http://news.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=86303
ENGLEONLINE
June 28, 1863, is the day that local history changed forever.
It was on this date, with Confederate troops advancing with the goal of crossing the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville, that Columbia residents sprang into action, burning the bridge and preventing the Confederates from entering Lancaster County.
"We like to think that the burning of the bridge had an impact on the battle of Gettysburg," said Claire Storm, Civil War 150 River Towns committee chair.
Committee member Kathy Hohenadel explained that other Confederate troops were already heading to Gettysburg. However, she noted, the number of Confederates at Gettysburg increased because the troops that were unable to cross the Susquehanna River via the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge then changed course and traveled to Gettysburg.
"(The bridge burning) played a huge role (in the Civil War)," Storm added. "It's probably one of the most important events in the history of this area."
MORE HERE:
http://news.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=86114
WPMT FOX43
The problems on Pennsylvania's roads are well-documented. Over 5,500 bridges across the state are considered structurally deficient. Many roads are in need of serious repair. A new study, set to be released today, shows that you the driver are feeling the pinch to the tune of nearly $2,000 a year. It's a problem that some legislators say they are ready to fix but it's not going to come cheap.
MORE HERE:
http://fox43.com/2013/05/29/pas-crumbling-roads-are-costing-drivers-thousands/
Authorities say a tornado touched down in northwestern Pennsylvania, where no injuries were immediately reported but some buildings were damaged and at least one mobile home was destroyed.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland, Ohio said a tornado warning was issued for Erie County shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday after a funnel cloud was sighted.
MORE HERE:
http://m.ydr.com/yorkdaily/db_32169/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=0XmZq3gh
LANCASTERONLINE
Rick Fisher will discuss Bigfoot sightings, evidence of the creature's existence, hoaxes and methods for investigating reports during "Bigfoot in Pennsylvania," a presentation from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the National Museum of Mysteries and Research Center at 301 Locust St., Columbia.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/854812_Have-a-Bigfoot-story--Join-this-man-Saturday.html
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia Borough Manager Norman Meiskey received a fond farewell from council on Tuesday during a committee meeting.
All borough officials and a small handful of guests extended thanks and applause as Michael Beury, council president, presented Meiskey with a certificate of appreciation.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/854969_Columbia-bids-fond-farewell-to-Meiskey.html
PENNLIVE
Love it or hate it, a big part of the Affordable Care Act -- Obamacare to many -- is coming to Pennsylvania.
A new online health insurance marketplace, called an exchange, is scheduled to open for business Oct. 1.
YORK DISPATCH
Clusters of families lined Hellam Street in Wrightsville for the town's Memorial Day parade. Children spun pinwheels and cheered at the passing hot rods, fire engines and bands.
MORE HERE:
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_23331655/wrightsville-memorializes-sacrifice-parade-ceremony
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
The head of Pennsylvania's Office of Open Records gives charter schools failing grades when the subject is compliance with the Right-To-Know Law.
"The number one violators are charter schools," said Executive Director Terry Mutchler.
MORE HERE:
http://www.abc27.com/story/22399817/open-records-chief-flunks-pa-charter-schools
KNOW
Dean Young, professor of English, is the 2014 Texas Poet Laureate, one of four posts held by Texas artists annually. The appointees for 2013 and 2014 were selected by a legislative-appointed committee for the exceptional quality of their work and for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Texas.
Recognized nationally as one of the most energetic, influential poets writing today, Young holds the William Livingston Chair of Poetry at the University of Texas-Austin. He has published 12 books of poetry and one volume of prose on the aesthetics of poetry. He has also received numerous awards and honors for his poetry, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Levinson Prize, the Colorado Poetry Prize, a Wallace E. Stegner Fellowship, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. His poems are regularly selected for the Best American Poetry annual series.
MORE HERE:
http://www.utexas.edu/know/2013/04/26/dean-young-named-2014-texas-state-poet-laureate/
The National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St., Columbia, has launched Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment of the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America.
Free admission for active-duty military members (ID required) and their families (up to five) runs from Memorial Day, May 27 through Labor Day, September 2.
Active-duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active-duty National Guard, and active-duty Reserve members.
Enlisting Time, an exhibit of personal timepieces and stories of soldiers who have served their country over the last 250 years will be on display at the museum through August. Watches in the exhibit include George Washington's pocket watch, spy and author Ian Fleming's Rolex wristwatch used when he served in the Cold War, and many more.
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect, and empower military families.
In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable through partnerships like Books on Bases, Operation Honor Corp, Blue Star Careers, and Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, state and federal government to focus on military family issues. Membership includes military spouses, children, and parents, as well as service members, veterans, and civilians who strongly support them.
From April through November, The National Watch and Clock Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Museum is also open on Mondays.
Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, call 717-684-8261 or visit our website at www.museumoftime.org.
LANCASTERONLINE
Glenn Banner, local author and retired teacher, will host a slideshow on historical events in and around Columbia and Wrightsville during the Millersville Area Historical Society meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in Millersville's Municipal Center, 100 Municipal Drive.
Recently uncovered information about Underground Railroad activity in Lancaster County will be brought to life on a July 20 field trip sponsored by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.
Norma Grace and Ronald Strawbridge will lead an excursion to historic sites, complete with dramatic presentations and historical lessons.
In Columbia the group will "meet" Robert Loney, whose family was among the first to be freed in the early 1800s and begin Columbia's free black community. Loney worked with Quaker abolitionist William Wright and ferried hundreds of escaping slaves across the Susquehanna and assisted with the work of Quaker activist William Wright.
Historian Randolph Harris will talk about the role of Thaddeus Stevens and his housekeeper, Lydia Hamilton Smith, at the newly restored site of Stevens' office, now part of the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster.
Participants will then visit the Drumore Quaker Meetinghouse and see the homestead of "switchturner" Joseph Smith, who hid escapees in his barn. Stories will illustrate how the use of railroad terms and other coding helped provide secrecy for the network of persons assisting runaways.
At Christiana's Underground Railroad Visitor Center, historians "Bud" Rettew and Nancy Plumley will detail the story of the Christiana Resistance of 1851. This cataclysmic event helped further polarize the nation in the years leading up to the Civil War.
Capping the tour will be a "soul food" meal and dramatic presentation of "From the Slave House to the White House," on the moral and spiritual odyssey of Sojourner Truth.
Cindy A. Strawbridge, playwright, says this theatrical work "meant to inform, instruct, and inspire its audience to learn the true meaning of determination, perseverance, and triumph."
Reservations will be accepted on a first-come basis. The cost is $90 for Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society members and $100 per non-members.
Call 393-9745 for more information. The motor coach will load promptly at 8 a.m. at the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society headquarters, 2215 Millstream Road, and return about 4:30 p.m.
The National Watch and Clock Museum, 514 Poplar St., Columbia, will present an American Civil War Ball Saturday, June 22, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
The ball will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge and honor the fighting men and women presented in the museum's Enlisting Time exhibit. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to wear period costume, whether they choose blue or gray.
Music will be provided by the Gilmore Light Ensemble. The Victorian Dance Ensemble will assist those who want to learn the dances. The dance ensemble demonstrates and teaches dances of the mid-19th century.
Punch, cash bar and hors d'oeuvres will be available throughout the evening.
Tickets are $30 per couple or $20 for individuals. For tickets or more information, visit nawccstore.org or call 684-8261, extension 211.
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia School District officials approved a preliminary budget Thursday that would raise property taxes by 5.7 percent.
The school board blamed underfunding of special education as a major cause for the tax hike and appealed to Columbia residents to write to Harrisburg to ask for fairer funding structures.
To fund the $22,375,000 budget, residents in Columbia will need to pay a millage rate of 27.37 mills, an increase of 1.37 mills or $137 for a home valued at $100,000.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/851921_Columbia-school-board-drafts-5-7--tax-hike.html
LANCASTERONLINE
The Columbia United Veterans Council is inviting the public to its Memorial Day celebration at Columbia's Locust Street Park on Sunday, May 26, at 1 p.m., followed by a parade at 2:30 p.m.
LANCASTERONLINE
Police identified a suspect in the stabbings as Zachary Groft, 22, of the 500 block of Cherry Street, Columbia, Police Detective Matthew Leddy said.
They arrested him at his home without incident a short time after the fight, police said.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/851657_Police-nab-suspect-in-two-stabbings-in-Columbia.html
WPMT FOX 43
An arrest has been made after two men were stabbed early Monday morning along the 100 block of South 5th Street in Columbia Borough. Zachary Groft, 22, of Columbia was taken into custody and charged with two counts of aggravated
MORE HERE:
http://fox43.com/2013/05/20/fight-leads-to-double-stabbing-in-columbia/
LANCASTERONLINE
Police are investigating a stabbing in Columbia Borough Monday morning, according to a county dispatch supervisor.
Two injured people were taken to Lancaster General Hospital after the 2:12 a.m. incident in the 100 block of South Fifth Street.
No other information was immediately available.
LANCASTERONLINE
Former Columbia superintendent Kenneth Klawitter will return to the school district in July as acting superintendent for the coming school year.
Klawitter will replace Superintendent Barry Clippinger, who announced his retirement in September. Despite having nine months to find a permanent replacement, the board Thursday unanimously approved the appointment of Klawitter to serve as acting superintendent in an "emergency capacity" from July 1, 2013, until June 30, 2014.
"The board was unable to fill the position with a permanent candidate at this time," board President Tom Strickler said in an email. "There was no specific cause or reason, issues happened during the process that caused delays."
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/851243_Klawitter-is-interim-Columbia-chief-exec.html
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia High School assistant wrestling coach Russell Rupp was caught by surprise on Thursday when State Senator Mike Brubaker called him to the floor to receive an award for heroism.
On June 11, 2012, Rupp aided 11 victims after a car crash that left one woman dead in Cumberland County's Penn Township.
LANCASTERONLINE
You could hear a pin drop on Chryst Field of Biemsderfer Stadium when Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett finished his commencement speech this morning at Millersville University.
Normally, such speeches elicit rowdy applause from the students awaiting their diplomas.
Not this time.
Millersville's 2013 graduating class refused to clap.
MORE HERE:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/851108_Corbett-gets-silent-treatment-at-MU-graduation.html
PENNLIVE
Some graduating students, alumni and others have been organizing demonstrations to make it known to Corbett that he is not their choice to be the one delivering inspirational words of wisdom to the Class of 2013.
Corbett was selected by a university administrator from a list of approved speakers identified by a commencement committee a couple years ago. But graduating seniors and the larger university community feel betrayed by that decision.
They do not associate Corbett with bringing good things to their school.
They blame him for the budget cutbacks that led to the elimination of the men's cross country and track and field program. They blame him for the reduced hours they can work at their campus jobs. They blame him for the cuts in state support that led to larger class sizes, lost jobs and high tuition.
So they are planning to protest the man they hold responsible.
Columbia — Commencement is at 7 p.m. June 6 in the high school auditorium; baccalaureate is at 7 p.m. June 4 at Columbia United Methodist Church.
Bodies of Art 4 opens May 17,2013 at Dog Star Books in Lancaster. This curated group exhibition represents a tradition started over 40 years ago by artists working from life models at F&M College. The group continues to meet every Tuesday evening in the second floor drawing studio in
the Herman Arts building and includes artists of every level of interest and achievement, including professionals, students, teachers, novices and those who love to draw and paint for pleasure. The studio is open to all.
This exhibition is a sequel to shows held in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2007.
Artwork is selected by the Curator at Dog Star Books, Jeff Geib, a Lancaster artist, known for his extraordinary drawing, etching and teaching experience.
You are invited to meet the artists at the Opening Reception to be held May 17, from 5 pm until 8 pm. The exhibition will be in place for June's First Friday, as well.
Dog Star Books is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 3 pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
You may call for information at 717.823.6605
WPMT FOX 43
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced today that it recovered in Maryland the missing nuclear gauge a Franklin County company lost in West Virginia on May 3. The device has not been tampered with or
MORE HERE:
http://fox43.com/2013/05/16/dep-recovers-missing-nuclear-gauge-lost-by-company/
LANCASTERONLINE
Billions of bite-sized snacks are about to appear in your backyard.
After nearly two decades living under the earth, cicadas are about to shake off the dirt and invade our great outdoors. And they'll be ripe for your feasting says Isa Betancourt, an entomologist from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
"It's a delicacy that's rare," says Betancourt, who's known to dine on a few bugs from time to time. She calls cicadas "the shrimp of the land."
LEBANON DAILY NEWS
Are you curious about the origins of your old watch or clock? The National Watch & Clock Museum's Library & Research Center is holding a Clock and Watch Evaluation Day on Saturday, June 1, from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum, 514 Poplar St., Columbia.
MORE HERE:
http://www.ldnews.com/lebanonnews/ci_23249159/find-out-story-behind-your-old-clock-watch
MERCHANDISER
The Columbia Fryer Chicken Shack has opened its doors for business. Located at 301 Cherry St. at the corner of Third and Cherry streets, the eatery will offer delicious chicken fried up by co-owner Jamie Uhlrich.
Uhlrich is no stranger to the chicken business. He has been serving up great food for 20 years, managing the Mount Joy Twin Kiss and River Street Cafe in Marietta. Taking bits and pieces of recipes and perfecting them, Uhlrich has come up with some of the tastiest broasted chicken and chicken wings in the area. Chicken is not the only food to be found at The Columbia Fryer Chicken Shack, as shrimp, crab cakes, fish and chips, and more round out the menu. A daily special homemade meal will also be available, allowing customers to enjoy a good meal on a short lunch break or to take home for an easy dinner. "Stop in and grab yourself a bucket meal with a couple of sides and enjoy," the owners encouraged.
The Columbia Fryer Chicken Shack can also cater work luncheons or make meals for fundraisers.
Business hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended hours offered during the summer. Food is available for carryout only, and customers are encouraged to call ahead to 342-2639 to have their order ready for pickup.
MORE HERE:
http://news.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=85421
The National Watch & Clock Museum has achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for a museum. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public.
Of the nation's estimated 17,500 museums, 1,005 are currently accredited. The National Watch & Clock Museum is one of only 35 museums accredited in Pennsylvania and joins two others in Lancaster County, the Ephrata Cloister and the North Museum.
Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum's operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM's Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, reviews and evaluates the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. The process varies by museum, but generally takes three years.
For more program information, including hours or operation, directions, or admission costs, readers may call 684-8261 or visit www.museumoftime.org.
LANCASTERONLINE
Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz has declared May 19-25 Emergency Medical Service Week.
At Monday's council meeting, Lutz presented a certificate of proclamation to Frank Splain, head of the Columbia Quick Response Service.
Lutz thanked Splain and other emergency service providers for their life-saving services and willingness to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/849973_Lutz-declares-May-19-25-EMS-Week-in-Columbia.html
