Holy Trinity gets a lift

McCreesh Slate Roofing of Red Lion, PA did some high level work on the bell tower of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Friday. A spokesman for the company told Columbia Spy that they were repairing slate and copper on the roof. The JLG Ultra Boom lift that workmen were using extends to 120 feet, more than enough to accommodate the tower's height.

"CODE" RED !

As shown in the photos below, painters were busy this week applying several coats of brilliant red paint to the exterior of the furniture store at 417 Locust Street, located in the heart of Columbia's historic district. The last two photos show the most recent stage of the project. When painting is finished, the store should be strikingly visible, far and wide, hither and yon. Adjacent buildings will pale in comparison.

Caboobies come to Columbia!

Lots and lots of ladies braved the Susquehanna this afternoon for the 4th Annual "Caboobies" event to raise money for breast cancer research. The participants, who floated, tubed, canoed, and kayaked down the river, began their trek at Chiques Rock Outfitters in Marietta and disembarked in Columbia. Reportedly, over 200 signed up, with a goal of raising $10,000 for the cause.

40-day window for free property reassessment appeals is nearing an end

If you appeal

Planning to appeal your assessment? Here is some advice from Lancaster County Property Assessment Director John Mavrides:

• If there are any dates you will not be available for a hearing, indicate them on your appeal form;

• Be sure to show up for your hearing. Failure to appeal will result in a dismissal, and hearings cannot be rescheduled;

• At the hearing, be prepared to provide documented evidence of your property's market value;

• If you choose to withdraw your appeal, notify the assessment office in writing (by letter or email).

Lancaster County Property Assessment Office

150 N. Queen St., 

Suite 310, 

Lancaster, PA 17603

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

• Phone: (717) 299-8381

MORE INFO:
HERE

2 charged with robbing, dragging 89-year-old woman in grocery store parking lot

Two people have been charged with assaulting and robbing an 89-year-old woman last week in the parking lot of a West Donegal Township grocery store.

Amanda N. Gill, 24, and Kevin E. Deshong, 22, both of Wrightsville, were arrested at 7 p.m. Thursday and were awaiting arraignment. 

MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/charged-in-robbery-during-which-elderly-woman-was-dragged-through/article_b1159ad8-6838-11e7-a25f-83b1429db319.html

Fireworks at Glatfelters Field Tuesday, August 1, for National Night Out

Shooting suspect apprehended

UPDATE:  On Thursday, 7/13/17 at approximately 0700 hours, Miguel Angel Martinez was taken into custody pursuant to a felony arrest warrant at a residence on East Market Street in Marietta, PA.  Martinez was taken for arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Miles Bixler and incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.  A Lancaster County Adult Probation detainer was also issued.  The Columbia Police Department was assisted by the United States Marshal's Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.    

Trash Collection Notice from Columbia Borough

Fatal motorcycle crash shuts down Route 30 bridge near Columbia in both directions

A fatal crash involving two motorcycles and a vehicle shut down the Route 30 bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville in both directions late Wednesday.

MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/fatal-motorcycle-crash-shuts-down-route-bridge-near-columbia-in/article_f5002b04-6776-11e7-a18a-1b5e0788c3e3.html

For second time in 6 months, tree falls and damages same Washington Boro home

A Washington Boro couple was displaced after a tree fell on their home Wednesday evening.

It was the second time in about six months -- and third time in the past several years -- that a tree fell on and damaged the house, fire officials said.

MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/for-second-time-in-months-tree-falls-and-damages-same/article_a52aaaea-6763-11e7-a7bc-8b6d97dfcaee.html

Biggie the Read Aloud Cat at the Library Thursday, July 13

Shank Steps Into Role As SVCC Executive Director

On June 1, Beverly Shank officially began her new position as the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC) executive director. Shank took over for Kathy Hohenadel, who has transitioned into a part-time role as the financial coordinator for SVCC. 

MORE:

https://www.townlively.com/shank-steps-into-role-as-svcc-executive-director/

Ride the trolley this weekend

NEED SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND?

TAKE A RIDE ON THE COLUMBIA TROLLEY

The Trolley operates Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. ti 4:30 p.m.

The fee is $3 per adult, $1for children (ages 4-10); children 3 and under are free.

A hand stamp allows you to hop-on/off at any designated trolley stop throughout the day.

Volunteers are on board to share Columbia history.

Trolley Stops:

Turkey Hill Experience – 401 Linden Street –  (All day parking not available)

Columbia Crossing – 41 Walnut Street

Bank & Locust Streets – Free parking available at this location.

Wright's Ferry Mansion – Second and Cherry Street

Columbia Market House – 15 South Third Street

400 block of Locust Street (Business District) – Bus Stop

Mount Bethel Cemetery – 700 Locust Street

The National Watch & Clock Museum – 514 Poplar Street

 Visitors Center – 445 Linden Street

*The trolley is not handicapped accessible and does not have child safety seating*

For more information contact the SVCC at 717-684-5249

Lego Batman Movie tonight at the library- 6 p.m.

Shooter ID'd, still at large

On July 8, 2017 at approximately 7:24 pm hours, Officers from the Columbia Borough Police Department were dispatched to the area of South Third Street and Union Street for a report of several shots being fired. There were several callers on the incident.

The first Officers on scene observed several people running from the area. Officers located a crime scene in the 200 Blk of S Third Street which contained numerous shell casings on the ground and approximately three vehicles that had been struck by potential gunfire. A residence in the 300 Blk of S Third Street had also been struck by one of the rounds. Officers from multiple agencies responded into Columbia to assist. No injuries were reported at the time. Officers processed and photographed the scene before collecting evidence. Callers and some witnesses were interviewed. 

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that two juveniles were the intended targets of the shooting due to a ongoing dispute but were not hit by gunfire. Investigators interviewed some of the parties involved and identified the shooter as Miguel "Miggy" Angel Martinez, 20 years of age, last known address of 657 Eagles View Lancaster, PA 17601. 

Charges were completed by Officer Holly Oster of the Columbia Borough Police Department for (4) counts of Felony Aggravated Assault and a arrest warrant was obtained for Martinez. The investigation is still ongoing and more charges could follow. On the evening of 07/11/2017, officers attempted to serve the arrest warrant on Miguel Martinez at potential locations but were unsuccessful. Miguel Martinez is still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. 

Anyone with knowledge of the location of Martinez or anyone who may have been outside in close proximity to the shooting should contact Columbia Borough Police Department at (717)684-7735. 

 Martinez is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Incident Date: Saturday, July 8, 2017 - 7:24pm

Incident Type:
Aggravated Assault

Case Number: 9611-07-08-17
Offenders:
Martinez, Miguel Angel

Location:
S Third Street
Union Street
Columbia, PA 17512

Source: Columbia Borough Police Department

Historic Society to host Prehistoric Workshop Event

Join Conejohela Chapter 28 on Sunday, July 16, at 4 p.m. for a prehistoric workshop presented by Jan Klinedinst, our local prehistoric archaeology expert on how ancient peoples developed along the Susquehanna River.

Jan's lecture paints a vivid picture in "down to earth" terms, beginning with Pennsylvania's first humans ever to see the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley over 15,000 years ago. Learn how indigenous people evolved into farmers and numbered into the tens of thousands. 

Pennsylvania  is extremely rich with evidence of prehistoric (before a written language) Indian cultures. Easily learned methods of recording and preserving artifacts will be discussed in detail. Artifacts recovered from local sites are displayed and included in a hands on segment.

Please join us and discover why York and Lancaster Counties are such significant archaeological areas.

********************************************

Time: Sunday at 4 p.m

Location: Columbia Historic Preservation Society

Banner Hall, 21 North 2nd Street

Columbia, PA 17512

Directions: https://columbiahistory.net/

Columbia Historic Preservation Society

Location: Columbia Historic Preservation Society

Banner Hall, 21 North 2nd Street, Columbia, PA 17512

717.684.2894: Office

717.572.7149: Chris Vera, President cverachps@gmail.com

Police seek info on robbery in which victim was dragged in parking lot

Dig a dinosaur today at the library

After shooting incident, many mistake fireworks at river shore for gunshots

About two hours after the shooting incident at Third and Union on Saturday night, a fireworks event was held on, or near, the river shore close to the first block of Union Street. The bangs could be heard at least as far away as Ninth Street, causing many to think an active shooting event was still underway. The two clips below document a few seconds of the fireworks. No whistles or screeches can be heard as the rockets ascend and explode. After the reports, faint crackling can be heard in some instances, but was not audible a few blocks away.

Columbia home, several cars hit by gunfire Saturday evening; Police look for suspects

Suspects still at large.

MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/columbia-home-several-cars-hit-by-gunfire-saturday-evening-police/article_a9421874-649e-11e7-b0e0-534559d17cce.html

SHOTS FIRED!

Police responded to a report of shots fired at South 3rd and Union today at about 7:15 p.m.  The approximate location of the incident is shown in the photograph where the police are standing. Witnesses at the scene said there was an altercation between two young men - one with a baseball bat and one with a handgun. Reportedly, seven to eight shots were fired, hitting several vehicles, before the gunman fled. There were no reports of injuries. Police canvassed the area for suspects.  Multiple departments responded:  Columbia Borough, East and West Hempfield, Susquehanna Regional, Mount Joy Borough, and Manor Township.

Registration Underway for Chiques Challenge 7th Annual Running and Kayaking Event

Join other veteran and amateur athletes as they run and kayak through the 7th annual Chiques Challenge hosted by the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. This duathlon slated for Saturday, August 12, will stage from Columbia’s River Park at 41 Walnut Street. 

Participants will be transported to Vinegar Ferry Road for the 8:30 a.m. start time. The course takes runners along the Susquehanna River via the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and through the streets of Marietta. The run portion of the event ends at the Marietta Boat Launch. There, runners will take to the river aboard a kayak and finish downstream at the Columbia River Park. Offered again this year is the option to enter as a team with one participant handling the running portion while the other takes on the kayaking duties. 

This annual event is held rain or shine. It is made possible through the Gold Sponsorship of Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority and the sponsorships of additional businesses listed on our website.

Pre-registration is required to participate in the Chiques Challenge. This year’s event is limited to 150 participants. Participants must be at least 16 years old. Registrants need to provide their own kayak, but may contact Shank’s Mare or Chickies Rock Outfitters for assistance with kayaks. All participants are required to wear a life vest at all times during the kayaking leg and to be equipped with a whistle. 

For more information or a registration form, visit www.PaRivertowns.com or call 717-684-5249. 

Please, no pets. This is a FUN event! Even though it is timed and participants may feel competitive, the main focus is to have some fun along and in the Susquehanna River!

The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization serving the tri-borough communities of Marietta, Wrightsville & Columbia, PA as well as the outlying areas. Annual fundraising events such as this help to keep the Visitors Center open year-round as a gratis service to guests to our region.

Spend an Hour with a Park Ranger - Tuesdays at Columbia Crossing

Join Samuel S. Lewis State Park’s Environmental Educator, Curtis Sherwood, for a free kid-friendly weekly nature series! Meet on the deck at Columbia Crossing to explore exciting topics including Bird Watching, Amphibians, Totem Poles, and more! Tuesdays 10-11 a.m.
MORE INFO:
http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/event/hour-with-a-park-ranger/2017-07-11/

Nuns build chapel on pipeline's route, judge says company can condemn the land for pipeline project

A federal judge ruled recently that the Williams Partners can condemn land owned by nuns at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, just outside Columbia, but not before an outdoor chapel dedication ceremony tomorrow. Williams attorneys had wanted to seize the land before the dedication.

Following is the backstory of the company's plan to extend its natural gas pipeline through land owned by the nuns.

COLUMBIA, Pa. -- A group opposing a natural gas pipeline scheduled to go through land owned by some Pennsylvania nuns has built a prayer chapel on the proposed right of way.

Lancaster Against Pipelines and the sisters, The Adorers of the Blood of Christ, plan to dedicate the chapel at a prayer service on Sunday.

Williams Partners is the group building the pipeline across 183 miles of Pennsylvania. It has asked a Lancaster County judge for an emergency order to seize the land. A ruling on that is pending.

The company's spokesman says the chapel is a "blatant attempt to impede pipeline construction."

The nuns said in a news release that they "revere Earth as a sanctuary where all life is protected" and contend the pipeline violates their commitment to the environment.

-- The Associated Press

Police activity about town

Monday, July 3

State police vehicle at Miles Bixler's office.

***

Tuesday, July 4

During Wrightsville's fireworks display on July 4, Wrightsville and Hellam Township Police pursued a vehicle across the Veterans Memorial bridge. The vehicle pulled over on the Columbia side of the bridge near Rotary Park. When Columbia Spy arrived on the scene, police were handcuffing the driver of the vehicle, who was then led away and placed in a police car. A partially empty liquor bottle was sitting atop the vehicle, presumably placed there by the driver or police. 

A visibly upset female was sitting in the passenger seat, and police were attempting to talk to her. Unfortunately, the crowd on the sidewalk (and in Rotary Park) was a bit unruly and shouted and jeered at police. One of the officers asked the crowd to be calm, because he was trying to communicate with the female passenger. At 9:45 p.m., the situation still had not been totally resolved.

 Note the bottle on top of the vehicle.

Wednesday, July 5 

Chief Brommer cites a driver going the wrong way on the 500 block of Chestnut, which is one-way.

This past weekend . . .

An altercation involving occupants of two vehicles occurred Sunday evening, July 2, at the Weis Markets parking lot along Columbia Avenue. According to a witness, a road rage incident began on Route 30 between a vehicle occupied by two men, children, and a female driver - and another vehicle occupied only by a male driver.

It is unclear what sparked the road rage, but both vehicles pulled into the parking lot, and occupants of both vehicles jumped out, exchanged words, and began fighting. During the fight, the driver of the first vehicle was punched in the face and put into a "choke hold" by the men in the second vehicle. The driver's wife, who had been following in a separate vehicle, stopped to help but was punched in the head by one of the two men.

Columbia Police quickly responded, followed by West Hempfield, who had jurisdiction. Reportedly, West Hempfield Police said they would either charge everyone or no one, since they had not witnessed the fight and there were conflicting accounts. Bystanders had been recording the incident with cellphones.