Sunday, April 8, 2018

About Town

This week's pics from about town...


Down in the alley, this black vulture kept an eye on things.

 He had quite a view from his attic window.

 He's the latest tenant at this occupied rental property, whether or not the other tenants know.

But no one can hang around the apartment all the time.

 The detour will go into effect tomorrow, Monday, April 9. Look for the signs around town.

Route 441 will be shut down between Mill and Plane Streets.

 A flock of herons flew down the river the other day.

 Going to points unknown

 Inside out at the bottom of Locust - 
Several structures are undergoing demolition to make way for a 33-unit apartment building to be built by Eberly Myers.

 Here's a longer view.

 Three houses are being demolished to make way for an apartment building.

 This is what's left of one of them - a mobile home that once sat on Bank Avenue.

 "When the walls come tumblin' tumblin' down."

This 5-ton claw made quick work of things. All that's left is to knock down the two joined houses on Locust.

A second excavator was brought in on Saturday, but the project might hit a snag in the near future. PPL still needs to disconnect the electrical lines leading to the house. Until that's done, only limited demolition can be completed. PPL said it will address the issue within the next 21 days, according to a source close to the project. 

 Time for a quick adjustment

 Ready to go

 Heritage Drive parking area shaping up

 Soon to be paved...

 as soon as all the boulders are combed out.

 Was this a victim of last week's high winds?

 This, however, looks more long-term.

 So does this.

 The Easter bunny, or an offspring, is hanging out at Peerless Hardware.

 More parking-to-be along Commerce Street

 According to their owner, these three miniature greyhounds are named "Captain," "Morgan," and "Bacardi" (not necessarily in that order in the photo).

Two killdeers were performing some sort of mating ritual down by the railroad tracks. (It's spring, after all.)

 You'd have to be a killdeer to understand any of this.

 Uh-oh ... pedestrian crossing sign down.

 Let's hope it's just the sign and not a pedestrian.

 Is this the final resting place of Oliver Douglas's tractor?

 The ever-changing...yet NEVER-changing...Avenue G (300 block)

 Ready to meet the challenge

 Feral City - still very much occupied

 Tea time

Some folks go right up to the line.

 Some folks go over it, and use it as their private parking space, line of sight be damned!

 We each have our cross to bear.

 Until we end up here.
Fascinating fact found on the "internets":
A cemetery refers to a large burial ground, typically not associated with a church. A graveyard is typically smaller than a cemetery and is often associated with a church. It is part of the churchyard.


Father and son

Schaeffer, Heather Lynn - Simple Assault (Domestic Violence Related) and 6 additional charges | Columbia Borough Police Department

Heather Lynn Schaeffer
On 04-05-18 at approx. 5:12PM the Columbia Borough Police were called to a domestic dispute in the 600 blk. of Lancaster Ave. During the investigation police learned that Heather Lynn Schaeffer (30) of Columbia was a passenger in a motor vehicle and did grab the steering wheel of the vehicle while it was in motion steering it into the oncoming traffic lane. Three (3) children were in the vehicle at the time. When the driver attempted to regain control of the vehicle, Schaeffer grabbed the driver by her hair and neck, forcing the driver onto the passenger side of the vehicle. Schaeffer then began to punch the driver in the face smashing her glasses and causing injuries to the driver.
When officer attempted to take Schaeffer into custody she attempted to kick an officer and flailed her body. Once taken into custody Schaeffer did spit in the face of another officer while being placed into the police vehicle.
Schaeffer was charged with one count of Simple Assault (Domestic Violence Related), one count of Strangulation, one count of Terroristic Threats, one count of Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner, one count of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, three counts of Endangering Welfare of Children and one count of Resisting Arrest.
Schaeffer was arraigned before MDJ Chudzik and committed to Lancaster County Prison on $50,000 bail.
Arrest Date: 
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Case Number: 
5498-04-05-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/schaeffer-heather-lynn-simple-assault-domestic-violence-related-and-6-additional

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Deadline is April 15 to order engraved bricks for May 26 dedication to honor military personnel

The deadline is April 15 to order engraved bricks for the May 26 dedication at the Veterans Memorial Bridge plaza.


More information HERE.

Help find Lloyd - Group provides phone number to report sightings of absentee Congressman Smucker

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker represents the 16th Congressional District, which includes most of Lancaster County.


The tipline — at 717-382-8864 — will help people find Smucker to ask him questions.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-stands-up-is-calling-out-us-rep-lloyd-smucker/article_337045ac-1688-11e8-b91c-5f66e6c7637b.html

Draft Agenda - Columbia Borough Council Meeting April 9, 2018




Columbia Borough School District among those discussing safety and security measures

Keith Ramsey, business manager for Eastern Lancaster County and Columbia Borough, said both school districts are brainstorming safety measures such as enhancing security for playgrounds and classroom entryways.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/bulletproof-glass-enhanced-security-among-school-safety-measures-being-discussed/article_9a466344-391d-11e8-9d10-77f69acfd9a8.html

Rt. 441 Road Closure | Columbia Borough Police Department

On Monday, April 9th Rt. 441 will be closed in the area between Mill St. and Plane St. for approx. 2 weeks. The detour route set up by the construction company for traffic heading south on 441 will be Locust St. to 3rd St., 3rd St. to Chestnut St. (Rt. 462). Use Rt. 462 to Rt. 741. South on Rt. 741 to Rt. 999. Rt. 999 back to Rt. 441. Expect to see more truck traffic in the downtown area during this 2 week road closure.

Source: 



https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/rt-441-road-clusure

Friday, April 6, 2018

Two from Columbia charged in Pa. insurance fraud sweep

Zachery Helm, 24, of the 100 block of South Fourth Street, Columbia, Lancaster County and Ivan Fontanez of the 600 block of East Marion Street, Lancaster, Lancaster County, were charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit it.

Breanne Rudolph, 28, was charged with insurance fraud and theft by deception. Investigators allege she tried to get money from her insurer by lying regarding a vehicle damage claim, knowing her insurance wasn't in effect when the loss occured. Her last known address was in the 500 block of Walnut Street in Columbia and she is being sought "as a fugitive," the office said.



https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/three-people-from-lancaster-county-charged-in-pa-insurance-fraud/article_4752472c-39e3-11e8-84fb-bf68cc622e0c.html

Quintana, Kevin Matthew - (1) count of Possession of Heroin (M) and Driving Under Suspension | Manor Township Police Department

Kevin Matthew Quintana, age 27, of the 100 block of Locust Street, Columbia, PA was charged with 1 count of Possession of Heroin and Driving Under Suspension by Officer Brandon McCormick.  On Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 2052 hours Officer McCormick was conducting an investigation into a domestic disturbance in the area of the 3400 block of Charlestown Road and a white vehicle operated by a male had left the scene.  Officer McCormick observed such a vehicle in the area and conducted a traffic stop on Water Street at Conestoga Street.  Quintana admitted to being involved in a dispute with his girlfriend who had fled the scene on foot.  Officer McCormick detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and found Quintana in possession of marijuana cigarette and a baggie of heroin.  Quintana was also operating the vehicle on a suspended license.  The charges were filed at MDJ Joshua Keller's office. 

Arrest Date: 
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Case Number: 
2018-MN-00769

Source: 

Manor Township Police Department


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/manorpd/11406/arrests/quintana-kevin-matthew-1-count-possession-heroin-m-and-driving-under-suspension

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Columbia River Park - Phase III Expansion Survey

Spring tasting events serve up smorgasbord of food while raising funds for variety of causes | Food | lancasteronline.com

citations, etc. | Columbia Borough Police Department

STEVEN RAY CORNETT, AGE27, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS USPENDED OR REVOKED, 28 MARCH 2017, AT 5TH. AND CHERRY STREETS.

MILKA YE LUYANDO RIVERA, AGE 24, OF OAK HOLLOW DR., COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN THE 600 BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE, 27 MARCH 2018.

MARK ANDREW NEDZEL, AGE 51, OF SPRING GROVE, WAS CITED FOR STOP SIGNS & YIELD SIGNS, AT ROUTE 30 AND LINDEN STREET, 23 MARCH 2018.

PAUL FRANCIS SUMPMAN, AGE 55, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR TRAFFIC-CONTROL SIGNALS AT 3RD. AND LOCUST STREETS, 26 MARCH 2018.

ALYSSA INE WASHINGTON, AGE 24, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AT 3RD. AND LINDEN STREETS, 23 MARCH 2018.

MICHAEL L. WARREN, AGE 28, OF READING, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, ON ROUTE 30, WEST BOUND, 26 MARCH 2018.

PATRICK THOMAS JONES, AGE 26, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOROPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION AND FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT SOUTH 13TH. STREET AND CENTRAL AVENUE, 22 MARCH 2018.

LISA MARIE MILBURN, AGE 41, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR HARASSMENT, ON BETHEL STREET, FOR AN INCIDENT 28 MARCH 2018.

EDWARD LINDELLE DAVID FLEMING, AGE 22, OF LEBANON, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 1200 BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE, 28 MARCH 2018.

SANDRA M. DIAS, AGE 36, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, AT 15TH. AND MANOR STREETS, 24 MARCH 2018.

RAYMOND E. REYNOLDS, JR., AGE 63, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR REQUIRED FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND FOR REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION OF TITLE REQUIRED, IN THE 600 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, 26 MARCH 2018.

MARY ANN GORDON, AGE 59, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR ABANDONMENT OF VEHICLES, FOR LEAVING HER VEHICLE IN THE 500 BLOCK OF SOUTH 13TH. STREET, 23 MARCH 2018.

ANNEY C. TOGNERI, AGE 33, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED, IN THE FIRST BLOCK OF NORTH 7TH. STREET, 27 MARCH 2018.

ADAM LINUS CHERUBINI, AGE 54, OF GLEN MILLS, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE FIRST BLOCK OF NORTH 3RD. STREET, 30 MARCH 2018.

JESUS ANTONIO LEJA, AGE 26, OF TEXAS, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF UNION STREET, 01 APRIL 2018.

BRIAN PAUL NINKOVICH, AGE 46, OF MOUNTVILLE, WAS CITED FOR DRIVERS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED, IN THE 100 BLOCK OF LANCASTER AVENUE, 01 APRIL 2018.

JEREMY C. SMITH, AGE 37, OF MARIETTA, WAS CITED FOR OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES, ON NORTH 3RD. STREET, 31 MARCH 2018.

SHAUNA E. DONAHUE, AGE 26, OF COLUMBIA, WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 200 BLOCK OF MILL STREET, 03 APRIL 2018.

TEENA M. SAUDER, AGE 67, OF WASHINGTON BORO., WAS CITED FOR OPERATION OF VEHICLE WITHOUT OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION, IN THE 20 BLOCK OF SOUTH 4TH. STREET, 03 APRIL 2018.

KELLY SUE BERKEBILE, AGE 47, OF MOUNT JOY, WAS CITED FOR RIGHT TURN ON RED, AT ROUTE 441 AND LINDEN STREETS, AND FOR STOP SIGNS & YIELD SIGNS, AT ROUTE 30 EAST AND LINDEN STREETS, 31 MARCH 2018.



https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/citations-etc-16

Obituary - Charles Frey - former Columbian was CIA cryptographer

Charles Frey, federal official

Charles Frey, 77, who worked at the Defense Logistics Agency from 1980 to 1998 and became a lead management analyst and budget analyst, died Jan. 26 at his home in Springfield, Va. The cause was coronary artery disease, said his daughter, Heather Willis.

Mr. Frey was born in Columbia, Pa., and settled in the Washington area in 1964. He was a CIA cryptographer and Federal Maritime Commission industry economist before joining the Defense Department. His avocations included Civil War history, shooting skeet and working in his wood shop.

LINK

COLUMBIA BOROUGH 2018 SPRING CLEAN-UP FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 CURBSIDE AND DROP-OFF


NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN EFFECTIVE MAY 7, 2018 | Columbia Borough Police Department

Columbia Borough has determined that, in the interest of safety, it is necessary to correct and adjust the traffic flow at the following street(s):

Please be advised that North Tenth Street, between Ironville Pike and Spruce Street will no longer be a two-way street due to poor sight distance and difficulty turning onto Ironville Pike. Tenth Street will become one-way south bound only to Spruce Street. No traffic will be permitted to use Tenth Street north from Spruce Street to Ironville Pike.

We will be installing new signs and warnings to correct the safety issue.

This new traffic pattern will take effect on Monday, May 7, 2018.

Source: 


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/new-traffic-pattern-effective-may-7-2018

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Susquehanna Heritage to feature free "Stars Over the Susquehanna" astronomy program


Columbia and Wrightsville, PA – Join Susquehanna Heritage for "Stars Over the Susquehanna" on April 20th for an evening of stargazing and exploring the night sky while celebrating The National Park Service’s Monthly Theme for April: Find Your Park After Dark – Starry Skies.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, we will be joined by the Astronomy Enthusiasts of Lancaster County (AELC) for a public star watch party and presentation. Have you ever wondered how many stars there are or where they came from? How about black holes and galaxies? Join us for an informative, science-based discussion of these topics and more starting with a presentation inside Columbia Crossing at 8 p.m. followed by viewing through telescopes outside, weather permitting. The telescopes will show a variety of celestial objects such as the Pleiades star cluster and the Orion nebula. AELC will also be pointing out various constellations and discussing how to navigate the sky using smart phones.

Across the river at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., learn how early explorers like Captain John Smith navigated by using the stars, and create a navigation tool similar to those that early explorers used.

Both sites are FREE and open to all ages. Have a fun evening exploring the night sky with your friends and neighbors at two scenic spots along the Susquehanna River. Visit both sites for an out of this world experience!

Columbia Crossing is located at 41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA 17512. The Zimmerman Center for Heritage is located at 1706 Long Level Road, Wrightsville, PA 17368. Both sites are managed by Susquehanna Heritage.

Source: Press release

Monday, April 2, 2018

Howard accepts plea deal, faces 6-12 years for attack on Columbia man

Randy Howard is escorted into District Judge Miles Bixler's office this afternoon for a preliminary hearing. Howard is charged in connection with an assault on a Columbia man last September.


Randy Howard accepted a plea deal of 6 to 12 years at a preliminary hearing at District Judge Miles Bixler’s office in Columbia today. The deal allows Howard to avoid a trial. He will be sentenced at a formal arraignment later this month. Howard could have faced 10 to 20 years if he had not accepted the deal, which was offered by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Gonzalez. Howard still has the option to reject the deal before sentencing.

Howard is charged with aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy in connection with the September 3, 2017 wolfpack attack on a Columbia man on the 600 block of Walnut Street. He was apprehended in Columbia on March 15 by Columbia Borough and West Hempfield Township police. Shakim McIlwain was convicted last month for his part in the attack.

Howard will also do time for a parole violation stemming from a previous crime, to be served consecutively.

Starview Brews to set up shop in Columbia this fall



Columbia developer Cimarron Properties announces that Starview Brews has leased part of their property at 224 Locust Street in historic downtown Columbia, which also houses the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts.

Scheduled to open in late fall of 2018, Starview Brews was founded by longtime brewer Mike Knaub of York, PA. Mike’s passion for brewing great beer dates back over 25 years. His specialty is handcrafted European Lagers. Mike is also a BJCP Certified Judge.

Starview Brews will offer lite fare and specialty foods along with Mike’s signature house beef jerky. The new brewery operation will include a convivial taproom and several areas for patrons to relax and experience great beer and enjoy the amazing atmosphere.

“We are thrilled to welcome Starview Brews to this beautiful historic building. Starview Brews is an exciting venture and will be another key part of the revitalization of downtown Columbia”, says Don Murphy, President of Cimarron Properties. Cimarron renovated the old tobacco warehouse building in 2014 and received an award from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for its restoration.

With the Susquehanna River and nearby towns, Marietta and Wrightsville in close proximity, the Starview Brewery will be themed around the rich history of the local area. Just a short distance from the Columbia Crossing and River Park, visitors to the river and Northwest Lancaster County River Trail will find another great destination to unwind after enjoying all that the area has to offer.

224 Locust Street



ABOUT Starview Brews

To learn more about Starview Brews, please contact Mike Knaub with questions or comments via email at starviewbrew@gmail.com, or visit online at www.starviewbrew.com. You can also check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/starviewbrew



ABOUT Cimarron Properties

Cimarron Properties, formed in 2009, is a key commercial real estate investment and development company owned by Don and Becky Murphy. Cimarron has invested heavily in downtown Columbia and currently owns and manages 11 assets. Their strength lies in the ability to significantly improve key historical buildings and return them to attractive, functional assets. Current projects include the complete renovation of 301 Locust Street, formerly Jack Horner Shoe Store into Café 301 on the main level and 6 upper level apartments which are now accessible by a newly installed elevator. The Murphys also recently acquired Hinkle’s Restaurant and is in the process of remodeling the interior of the building with additional seating capacity and new gift shop to make it an even larger destination. 


For more information, please contact Don Murphy at donmurphy012@gmail.com or (717) 278-7979.

Source: press release