The Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is scheduled to open this coming Wednesday, March 16th, at 10 a.m.
Hours of operation are shown above.
The building will now be under the management of Susquehanna Heritage.
Monday, March 14, 2016
10 Commandments for Open Meetings
By Brian J. HunhoffContributing Editor
Yankton County (S.D.) Observer
The quote atop this editorial is from Walt Whitman’s Song of the Open Road — a cheerful 1856 tribute to freedom and the great outdoors.
Hopefully, Mr. Whitman would have approved use of his prose to promote open, well-aired government. It’s unlikely the great poet favored government secrecy and closed-door meetings. He also wrote, “Out of the dark confinement, out from behind the screen!”
For today’s purposes, Whitman’s “screen” represents the executive session — a self-important term for a classic oxymoron: closed public meeting.
Too many elected boards seek every opportunity to meet out of sight of the public they serve. Some schedule executive sessions as a regular agenda item. Some hold up to three executive sessions in a single meeting. Some have executive sessions that last longer than the open portion of their meeting.
In most cases, executive sessions do not violate open meeting laws. The closed-door discussions are often suggested or encouraged by an elected board’s legal counsel.
But legality and necessity are two different things.
Consider the following list our Fourth Estate counsel to county commissions, city councils, and school boards everywhere on executive sessions and general government openness. Citizens should hold their elected officials to the standards below. These are Ten Commandments for Open Meetings:
ONE: Do not gather as a quorum outside of regular meetings, and do not hold special meetings without giving at least 24 hours public notice.
TWO: Do not habitually add last-minute items to the agenda, and do not act on anything not listed on the posted agenda.
THREE: Do not abuse the litigation excuse for executive sessions to speculate about possible or imagined lawsuits.
FOUR: Do not stretch the personnel excuse for executive sessions to discuss policy issues. Example: Creating a new position or changing a department’s job descriptions are policy decisions and not appropriate topics for a closed meeting.
FIVE: Do not dial up the “negotiations” excuse to suddenly exclude the public from discussion of controversial issues that were previously aired thoroughly in open session.
SIX: Do not allow executive session conversations to stray to other topics.
SEVEN: Do not violate the spirit of the open meeting law with frequent phone, email or text dialogues with other members. Reach consensus at the meeting.
EIGHT: Do not make a habit of whispering or passing notes at meetings. You were elected to speak for us. Tell what you have to say out loud and proud!
NINE: Allow public input at every meeting. Include it on every agenda.
TEN: Be as transparent as possible. Do not hold executive sessions simply because counsel advised it is “legal” to do so. Ask yourself: “Is it absolutely critical we discuss this privately?”
That should be the standard because legality and necessity are two different things.
We appreciate our local commissioners and board members. They serve for minimal compensation. They make tough decisions. They sometimes lose friends and make enemies. Their dedication to community is admirable.
We simply ask elected officials to think twice before kicking the public out of public meetings.
Strive for fewer. Less is more. A closed meeting should be a rare occasion, not a habit.
Brian Hunhoff writes for the Yankton County Observer in Yankton, South Dakota. His editorials about open government won the 2015 Freedom of Information award from the National Newspaper Association.
This article is used with permission as part of a Sunshine Week toolkit.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Penn’s Woods Printmakers at SCCA
From SCCA:
Please join us on March 25, 5-9 pm for the opening of Penn's Woods Printmakers show at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts.
Please join us on March 25, 5-9 pm for the opening of Penn's Woods Printmakers show at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts.
Penn's Woods Printmakers (PWP) is a group of 13 printmakers based in Chambersburg, PA. United by a love of the artistic medium of printmaking, the group's members create hand-pulled prints, original works of art that are created by the artist with an original plate run through a small press, one at a time, on high quality art paper. Penn's Woods' exhibition at the Susquehanna Center for Creative Arts (SCCA) will be a diverse show of many printmaking processes and techniques, with subject matter ranging from landscape and still life, to figures and abstractions. Mixed media drawings and preparatory studies will also be displayed.
Penn's Woods Printmakers has been the focus of exhibitions in Chambersburg, Waynesboro and Shippensburg, PA and Hagerstown, MD, and its members have earned awards and juried exhibition entries throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Members of the group include:
Lynda Beckwith, Mercersburg
Dawn Burgoon, Greencastle
Becky Dietrich, Mont Alto
Anne Finucane, Chambersburg
Sue Frotscher, Newburg
Ethel Heckman, Shippensburg
Dee Henry, McConnellsburg
Bruce Hensler, Dillsburg, PA
Brandii Kligge, Newburg
Chris Mcdonel, Walnut Bottom
Ruth Ann Smith, Fayetteville
Marti Yeager, Fayetteville
Dorothy Yoh, Chambersburg
Penn's Woods Printmakers are led by Sarah (Sue) Frotscher. A graduate of Penn State's Master of Fine Arts Program, Frotscher also studied at the Slade School of Art in London, and has won many awards for her prints. A specialist in the process of etching, she has worked with class members who have created both soft and hard-ground etchings and aquatints, as well as solar plate etchings, relief prints, monotypes and collagraphs.
Penn's Woods Printmakers originated in 1997, under the late Shippensburg University Professor William Davis. Davis offered members of the Franklin County Art Alliance the opportunity to come to the University's printmaking and sculpture studios – two areas where most artists have no facilities in which to work. With retirement approaching, Professor Davis handed off the group to Frotscher, who continued the tradition of bi-weekly meetings, but at Wilson College, in Chambersburg. The group appreciates the generosity of Wilson College's Art Department in providing the space where they work. For more information, call 717-816-7568.
SCCA
224 Locust Street
Columbia, AP 17512
224 Locust Street
Columbia, AP 17512
Sunshine Week - March 13-19 - Your Right to Know
In observance of Sunshine Week - March 13-19, 2016 - Columbia Spy will be posting news articles, opinion columns, and other materials related to the occasion.
According to Wikipedia:
Sunshine Week is a national initiative spearheaded by the American Society of News Editors to educate the public about the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. It was established in March 2005 with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.[1]
Sunshine Week occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Madison's birthday and National Freedom of Information Day on the 16th.
Sunshine Week occurs each year in mid-March, coinciding with James Madison's birthday and National Freedom of Information Day on the 16th.
Caleb Brown performs at Market House
Musician Caleb Brown, accompanied alternately with violin and guitar, played and sang various classically influenced compositions, and folk and popular songs Saturday at the Columbia Market House. The Market has been featuring a variety of weekend entertainment over the past few months.
Two-vehicle accident snarls traffic near Rt 30 & 441
A two-vehicle collision caused traffic problems on North Third Street near the westbound Columbia exit ramp of Route 30 on Saturday about 10 a.m. The accident involved a Volvo V70 station wagon and a Ford Freestar minivan, both of which sustained front-end damage. Northbound traffic on North Third was diverted left onto Cedar Street. Two vehicle occupants suffered minor injuries but neither was hospitalized. Emergency crews initiated spill control measures due to fluids leaking from both vehicles, which were then towed from the scene. Airbags deployed in both vehicles.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Spring forward this weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend - Sunday at 2 a.m. Set your clocks one hour forward.
Coroner identifies 1 of 2 bodies found in Susquehanna River this week
Donald Findley, 60, of Columbia, died as a result of drowning. His death has been ruled a suicide.
The coroner is still working to identify a second body that was also found on Wednesday.
MORE HERE:
The coroner is still working to identify a second body that was also found on Wednesday.
MORE HERE:
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Commission Seeks Comments on 717 Area Code Relief Plan
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to defer an implementation plan that would result in a new area code in the 717 service area, pending receipt of comments.
The Commission voted 5-0 to hold in abeyance and seek comments on the petition filed by Neustar Inc. (Neustar), the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). Neustar, acting on behalf of the Pennsylvania telecommunications industry, filed a petition on Oct. 23, 2015, requesting approval of its plan to alleviate numbering exhaust for the 717 Numbering Plan Area (NPA or area code) upon its predicted exhaustion in 2018 through the use of a distributed overlay.
"Because we need input from consumers, the industry and other interested parties involved regarding this decision, we direct that the consensus relief plan for the 717 NPA shall not be implemented at this time," the Commission Order states.
MORE HERE:
http://www.puc.pa.gov/about_puc/press_releases.aspx?ShowPR=3673
AUTOPSIES FRIDAY TO ESTABLISH IDS, CAUSE OF DEATH FOR 2 MALES FOUND IN SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
MARCH 10, 2016
Officials are investigating the deaths of two males found Wednesday afternoon in the Susquehanna River, about two miles apart, near Safe Harbor Power Plant.
The first male was found about 2:30 p.m., along a skimmer wall at the power plant. A deputy coroner, along with teams from Blue Rock Fire Rescue and Columbia River Rescue, responded to the scene.
The male was removed from the water and pronounced dead.
About 5 p.m., a member of the rescue teams found a second body along a shoreline, about two miles north of the power plant.
That male also was pronounced dead at the scene.
Autopsies are planned for Friday to determine identities of the males and what caused their deaths.
No identification cards were found with the bodies. Their ages couldn't be determined or estimated.
Manor Township police are assisting in the investigation to determine if a crime occurred regarding either male's death.
Source:
TRAILER THEFT
MARCH 10, 2016
TABS
Case Status:
Source:
On 03-05-16 Columbia Borough Police took a report of a stolen travel trailer. The trailer is a 1988 Prowler Lynx with two (2) affixed propane tanks, a roll up awning as well as an air conditioning unit on the roof. The trailer was taken from the 1100 blk. of Ave. H (rear of the 1100 blk. of Walnut St.) sometime between 03-04-16 and 03-05-16. If anyone has information they are asked to contact the Columbia Borough Police at 717-684-7735.
Courtney Fry killer Micah Stewart dies in state prison cell
Micah Stewart was found dead in his cell at Graterford state prison Wednesday morning, a prison official confirmed today.
Prison guards found him during morning rounds at 3:27 a.m., said Graterford prison spokeswoman Wendy Shaylor.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Body found at Safe Harbor
A source tells Columbia Spy that a body has been discovered at Safe Harbor Dam. More to follow.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
It’s Time to Give Pennsylvania’s Workers a Raise | Governor Tom Wolf
Governor Wolf also calls for minimum wage boost, from $7.25 to $10.15, for ALL Pennsylvania workers.
Correction - Clay Classes
This is a correction to the announcement on our classes and workshops posted here:
http://www.columbiaspy.com/2016/03/3-classes-added-at-scca.html?m=1
http://www.columbiaspy.com/2016/03/3-classes-added-at-scca.html?m=1
Clay 4 kids will meet Saturdays, March 19,26 and April 2 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Handbuilding with Clay will meet Fridays, March 18, 25 and April 1 and 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Our instructor is Robert Troxell.
Instructor Robert Troxell is a Columbia artist and has exhibited his work nationally.
Dr. Troxell is a retired Art/Art Education Professor from Harrisburg Area Community College.
He received his MFA from the University of Delaware and his PhD from Penn State.
To enroll in these courses go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/o/susquehanna-center-for-the-creative-arts-8528419952
Thank-you,
SCCA
224 Locust Street
Columbia, PA
224 Locust Street
Columbia, PA
"Sunflowers" painting party at SCCA this Saturday
There are seats available for Ange's painting party, "Van Gogh's, Sunflowers" this coming Saturday, March 12 from 6-8 p.m. at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts.
Learn painting basics with Ange, enjoy the evening and go away with a good painting.
If interested, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/painting-party-van-goghs-sunflowers-tickets-22424703893?ref=estw
Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts
224 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512
www.sccaartstore.com
Monday, March 7, 2016
Two-vehicle accident with injury on Ironville Pike
Units responded to a two-vehicle accident at Kinderhook Road and Ironville Pike shortly after 2:30 this afternoon. A Suzuki Verona traveling east on Ironville Pike reportedly collided with a Toyota Scion xB that had pulled out from a stop sign at Kinderhook Road, and the impact spun the Verona around in the opposite direction. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage, and airbags deployed in the Verona. The female driver of the Verona had to be extricated from the vehicle by emergency personnel using two sets of Jaws of Life. She was transported by ambulance due to injuries. The vehicle was then towed. The Scion was able to be driven from the scene.
Street sweeping resumed today, Monday, March 7
A source tells Columbia Spy that 50 tickets have been issued today.
Councillor urges involvement in government
A Mount Joy Borough councillor urges citizen involvement in government, in an LNP Letter to the Editor:
"The lesson of the Manheim Township school board, and the true value of the Sunshine Act, is in citizens becoming involved in their government. So read the online agendas and minutes, attend those public meetings, and become more engaged in your public councils and boards. If you don't, then all the government transparency in the world will mean nothing."
MORE:
http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/citizen-involvement-key-to-transparency/article_52fd83da-e15b-11e5-9ea4-bb699f1582c5.html
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Police investigate 4th St. burglary
Case Status:
Source:
Columbia Borough Police Department
The Columbia Borough Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at a house in the 100 blk. of S. 4th St. Numerous items were taken, including two (2) firearms. If anyone has any information they are asked to submit a tip of contact the police department at 717-684-7735.
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/cases/burglary
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Shrek visits Market Friday night
The Columbia High School Theater Department performed a sneak preview of Shrek, The Musical at the Columbia Market House Friday night.
SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS HERE.
The production will be performed at the Columbia Jr/Sr High School Auditorium on the following dates and times:
March 17th - 7 p.m.
March 18th - 7 p.m.
March 19th - 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors.
SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS HERE.
The production will be performed at the Columbia Jr/Sr High School Auditorium on the following dates and times:
March 17th - 7 p.m.
March 18th - 7 p.m.
March 19th - 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors.
The cast of Shrek, the Musical
Standing, left to right: Julianna Anderson, Annaya Vasquez, Taniah Elliot, Mike Felder, and Morgan Williams.
Kneeling: Eric Pietch and Derick Kinser
Friday, March 4, 2016
Free preview of Shrek at Market tonight
Presented by the Columbia High School Theater Department.
The Market House is open from 4 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Two-vehicle accident - one vehicle leaves scene
A two-vehicle accident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday on Lancaster Avenue, near the Columbia Plaza.
Witnesses report that an SUV traveling west braked suddenly as it approached a traffic light at the plaza, and a Chevy Aveo then hit it from behind. The driver of the SUV, described as a Hispanic male, got out of his vehicle and talked briefly with the female driver of the Chevy before getting back into his vehicle and proceeding west on Lancaster Avenue and then turning right onto South Ninth Street.
The Chevy sustained front end damage, but the airbags did not deploy. The SUV is described as green in color with probable rear end damage.
Witnesses report that an SUV traveling west braked suddenly as it approached a traffic light at the plaza, and a Chevy Aveo then hit it from behind. The driver of the SUV, described as a Hispanic male, got out of his vehicle and talked briefly with the female driver of the Chevy before getting back into his vehicle and proceeding west on Lancaster Avenue and then turning right onto South Ninth Street.
The Chevy sustained front end damage, but the airbags did not deploy. The SUV is described as green in color with probable rear end damage.
Putting the peat in beer with Columbia Kettle Work's English Bulldog
Right now, Columbia Kettle Works has on tap an interpretation of a traditional English barleywine, called English Bulldog. Its character has been enhanced by the addition of peat-smoked malt and a time spent aging in bourbon barrels.
MORE:
http://lancasteronline.com/features/food/putting-the-peat-in-beer-with-columbia-kettle-work-s/article_ec2c2e56-e15d-11e5-8102-ef3f5748aa6a.html
MORE:
http://lancasteronline.com/features/food/putting-the-peat-in-beer-with-columbia-kettle-work-s/article_ec2c2e56-e15d-11e5-8102-ef3f5748aa6a.html
Columbia woman charged with protecting boyfriend in husband's murder
A Columbia woman has been charged with aiding her boyfriend in the stabbing death of her husband earlier this year.
Allison Elizabeth Oberdorff, 25, of 322 S. Second St., deleted text messages from and gave police false information regarding Ronald Lee Sheetz, according to a criminal complaint.
Kendrick-Holmes to Present at CHS Football Clinic March 5
Kendrick-Holmes will be heading to Columbia High School in Columbia, Pennsylvania to present at the Wings & Things Mesh Point Clinic. The clinic will feature a full day of intense football instruction focusing on different types of offenses as well as how to stop those offenses from the defensive perspective.
Maritime's head coach will be speaking about the option offense, and more specifically about using formations, motions, and shifts to gain an edge. Kendrick-Holmes' presentation will last from 8 am through about 9:30 am on Saturday, March 5.
Maritime's head coach will be speaking about the option offense, and more specifically about using formations, motions, and shifts to gain an edge. Kendrick-Holmes' presentation will last from 8 am through about 9:30 am on Saturday, March 5.
Former Columbia Borough Police Officer promoted on West Hempfield force
Ryan P. Draper was an officer with the Columbia Borough Police Department for 2 years.
MORE HERE:
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/westhempfieldpd/11465/post/ryan-p-draper-promoted-corporal
MORE HERE:
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/westhempfieldpd/11465/post/ryan-p-draper-promoted-corporal
First responders recognized
For response to Thanksgiving Day 2015 incident at the Columbia Fish & Game on Fairview Rd.
MORE HERE:
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/westhempfieldpd/11465/post/first-responders-recognized
MORE HERE:
https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/westhempfieldpd/11465/post/first-responders-recognized
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