The trail is open!

Pedestrians can now walk from Columbia to Marietta via the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The local section of the trail, which was previously closed beyond a cul-de-sac under the Wrights Ferry (Route 30) Bridge, was recently opened to Chickies Rock Park and beyond. Brush has been cleared and stone has been laid, creating a comfortable and defined walking path.  In Columbia, the trail can be accessed by crossing Bridge Street and following the walkway along the newly opened Route 441 bypass. Pedestrians crossing Bridge Street should be alert to fast-moving traffic along Route 441. A trail map and guide can be obtained by clicking HERE.

A section of fence has been removed at the former cul-de-sac under the Wrights Ferry Brdige, allowing access to the trail.

 Brush has been cleared on both sides of the trail, and the walkway has been paved with stone.

 Visitors can see the remains of an old coal-fired furnace along the trail.

The trail leads to this man-made tunnel.

 Chickies Rock County Park is on the other side of the tunnel.

Protests rock Wolf speech at Farm Show

Two separate activist groups gathered outside the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center Saturday morning to publicize their concerns in anticipation of Governor Tom Wolf's opening ceremony speech. Pennsylvanians Against Fracking and Direct Action Everywhere held picket signs and banners on the sidewalk as visitors arrived at the farm show.

Pennsylvanians Against Fracking is a statewide coalition of groups representing a diversity of issues, backgrounds and locations, united in the mission of achieving a ban on fracking in the commonwealth, according to its website, paagainstfracking.org. 

Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) states that its driving philosophy is based on the the belief "that every sentient being – black or white, gay or straight, dog or cat, human or rat – deserves the same safety, happiness, and freedom that we ask for ourselves. The movement is growing rapidly, as people of conscience tear off their moral blindfolds and see the raging violence against non-human animals for what it is: an atrocity."

A little after 10 a.m., as Governor Wolf began his speech inside the Main Arena, DxE activists infiltrated the platform where he was speaking - and where dignitaries and others were seated - and attempted to disrupt the speech by carrying signs and banners and shouting their message. Simultaneously, anti-fracking activists seated strategically around the arena, began shouting, also. Pennsylvania State Police quickly escorted the activists out of the arena as Wolf continued his speech. 

Inside the Main Arena, anti-fracking activists unfurled a banner with the message "Farms not fracking" during opening ceremonies, but removed it at the request of State Police. Actor James Cromwell is seen in the above photo, resting his head on his hand.

Governor Tom Wolf began his opening speech at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show.  A sign language interpreter can be seen on the right.

A few minutes into the speech, DxE activists infiltrated the platform where Wolf was speaking and attempted to disrupt but were quickly led away by State Police, as the speech continued.

Police escorted activists outside without incident.

Afterwards, police denied anti-fracking activists entry to the building. 

Band-Aid shaped addition to stop sign

A Band-Aid-shaped sign reading CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP was recently added to the stop sign post at Front and Locust Streets. Since the Route 441 bypass opened, this troublesome intersection has been the site of several near accidents due to changes in the placement of stop signs.

No street sweeping until further notice

Columbia Water Company adds new sign to its facility

 With a newly installed sign above the entrance to its facility, the Columbia Water Company has once again shown that it has SPARED NO EXPENSE on renovations that ensure our water supply is safe, clean, and efficiently delivered. The sign is a final step in a major overhaul that began over a year ago and has included new equipment and building upgrades.

 And to ensure that evening visitors can find their way, the sign will even be illuminated at night.

Local scout shows patriotism with Eagle Scout project

Ever wonder what to do with your old Stars and Stripes when it's time to get a new flag? Columbia's Shane Kinser has the answer. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Shane has designed and built a used flag deposit box for the collection of used, worn-out flags.

The 14-year-old scout, who is registered with Troop 66, started the process of getting ideas and approvals in January 2015, and all materials were donated by local businesses, including Lancaster Newspapers, South 16th Street Garage, Garage Boyz Powder Coating, Leahy Excavating, Musser's Supply, and Blue Line Graphics. Shane's current leadership position is Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in the combined scouting effort of Troops 35/66.

According to Wikipedia: 

"The Eagle Scout Service Project, or more simply the Eagle Scout Project, is the opportunity for a Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or qualified Venturer in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of his community. This is the culmination of the Eagle Scout candidate's leadership training, and it requires a significant effort on his part.  The project must benefit an organization other than the BSA, but it cannot be performed for an individual or a business or be commercial in nature."

The deposit box was recently installed on the front lawn of the Columbia-Middletown Lodge #1074 on the 400 block of Chestnut Street. A dedication ceremony will be held there on January 24 at 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Shane Kinser and his Eagle Scout project

Some more views of the used flag deposit box . . .

School loans postponed as Lancaster County districts receive partial state funding

Columbia received almost $4.4 million from the state in this week's payment. The total includes the first six months of state aid, as well as some other funds, such as pension reimbursements and federal grants that were withheld during the impasse.
MORE:
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/school-loans-postponed-as-lancaster-county-districts-receive-partial-state/article_9b211c1a-b3e5-11e5-ba68-a3963e969f11.html

Help Find Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child. | Lancaster County Crime Stoppers

Source: 

Lancaster County Crime Stoppers

Lancaster County Crime Stoppers received information from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in Reno, Nevada. Their office is holding a warrant for Lee Thomas Pottle. Pottle is wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child and Statutory Sexual Seduction.
  

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office received information that Pottle  fled Nevada and may be staying somewhere in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The potential city, township or borough in Lancaster County has not been determined at this time.

Anyone with information on Pottle or his whereabouts is asked to contact Police at (717) 664-1180 or Lancaster Crime Stoppers at (800) 322-1913, or you can anonymously submit tips below. 

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/crimestoppers/14006/cases/help-find-fugitive-wanted-sexual-assault-child

Borough Council reorganizes with new officers, reappointments

With all councilors in attendance, Columbia Borough Council reorganized Monday night with new officers and reappointments of other borough officials and members. 

Councillor Kelly Murphy was elected as president of council to fill the position vacated by Mike Beury. Councillor Mary Barninger was elected vice-president, and Dr. Sherry Welsh was elected president pro tem. 

Also sworn in by Mayor Leo Lutz were Councillors Barry Ford and Cleon Berntheizel. In addition, Gregory Sahd was reappointed as borough manager and borough secretary/treasurer, and Georgianna Schreck was reappointed assistant secretary/treasurer. 

Council also reappointed Robert L. Pfannebecker to represent the borough as solicitor for 2016. Pfannebecker is the managing partner of the law firm of Zimmerman, Pfannebecker, Nuffort & Albert. 

Council also reappointed engineering firm CS Davidson as borough engineer. Other borough authority, board, and/or commission members (shown in the agenda below) were reappointed to their respective positions.

Council also thanked Mike Beury and Jim Smith for their years of service on council. 

Council announced vacancies on the Civil Service Commission, Police Pension Board, and Tree Commission. Anyone interested in applying for any of these positions should contact Borough Manager Greg Sahd.

 Mayor Leo Lutz (right) swore in: (left to right) Councillor Barry Ford, Council President Kelly Murphy, Councillor Cleon Berntheizel, and Council Vice-President Mary Barninger.

Mayor Lutz also swore in Greg Sahd as borough manager and borough secretary/treasurer, and Georgianna Schreck as assistant secretary/treasurer.

Columbia is number one

Columbia is number one on this list of top small cities:

LINK

SCCA hosting Upcoming Classes, Workshops and Art Parties

Susan Davitti Darling

Hannibal's Snow

Watercolor

2015

Truck just misses gas pumps at Sunoco

The new year almost came in with a bang when a pickup truck narrowly avoided hitting two gas pumps this morning at about 2:30 at the Columbia Sunoco station. A Chevy Colorado LT traveling west on Route 462 reportedly clipped another vehicle at the intersection at Fifteenth Street, then jumped a curb and swerved into the gas station. In the process, the pickup hit and bent a pipe guard next to a gas pump and narrowly missed a second pump as it hit a support post, where it came to rest.  The pickup sustained severe front end damage.  Both vehicles involved in the accident were towed from the scene.

The pickup shown above narrowly missed two gas pumps at the local Sunoco station but sustained front end damage after hitting a pipe guard and a support post.

The impact of the truck bent this u-shaped pipe guard bollard next to a gas pump. The truck came to rest after hitting the support post next to another pump (in the background, above).

This is a closer view of the support post damaged by the pickup.

Here's another view of the bent pipe guard at the first pump, which is near the entrance to the gas station.

Vehicle accident on Purples Lane

Emergency crews were called to a a stretch of Purples Lane between Seventh and Ninth Streets this evening at about 6 o'clock for a report of a vehicle accident with entrapment and possible rollover. According to scanner chatter, vehicle occupants were able to escape the vehicle - a Ford Ranger pickup - unharmed as crews arrived. The vehicle sustained a flat tire after hitting a fence along Purples Lane and spinning out of control. 

About Town

Some pics from around town today . . .

 The Department of Homeland Security must have been snooping around our town today.

 The DHS van was parked in the parking lot of a local business.

 Kleen-rite:

Clean . . . right?

 Signage on South Ninth

 Water Company employees at work on North Fifth

 Adding trim to the Dollar General sign at Columbia Plaza

LASA checking our pipes on North Sixth, near CVS

Christmas tree collection next week