Sunday, April 22, 2018

About Town

Photos from around Columbia over the past week...


 Young love

 Out for a walk

 A truck . . . on a truck

 There's somethin' happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear.

Don't do this.

Whose turn is it?

 Daffodil

 Slow down for kids running down this pole.

 Some sort of ingenious Budweiser can contraption on an overhead wire

 High school students helped the Park Rangers clean up River Park Saturday morning.

 They were armed with shovels, rakes, brooms, and determination.

 There was lots of sweeping to do.

 All areas of the park were covered.

 Concrete parking blocks will be installed at the parking area along Heritage Drive.

 Rain gardens will be added here.

Further down on Heritage Drive - an egg-stra special fence?

 Work is being done at the cottage area.

 Norfolk Southern recently paved this area at the bottom of Union Street. The road leads to Columbia's other public boat ramp.

 Water heaters and rubble - from the recently demo-ed property at Locust Street and Bank Avenue

 This hole in the ground is what remains.

 But new construction is going on here.

 Proper building materials assure a healthy structure.

Of course, some builders prefer style over substance.

 Brick work continues at the bridge plaza.

 A dedication will be held here on May 26.

 Probably true

Fixing the Foresters sign

TV's and such at 208-210 Locust

 Quick ticket time?

Unloading mattresses at the furniture store

 But what's that on the truck?

 Parking tickets from an agent of the business-unfriendly borough

 Are we grate again yet?

 These things are lifting, just as Ollie said they would.

 And they've become a catch-all for all sorts of debris, especially cigarette butts.

Yep, definitely lifting

 The former Sudstown Laundry, a piece of Columbia history

 Remi and Zan down by the river. Remi (left) is the father of Zan, who is 10 months old, according to their owner. They are Italian Mastiffs.

Troop 35 on the move, with lots of sponsors

 And here's E-town's Troop #1 visiting Columbia River Park.

There they go, off to the trail!

An oldie but goodie

Another oldie but goodie

 Still another oldie but goodie

 Yet another oldie but goodie

 Not a Keeley, but an antique nonetheless
(Tollbooth Antiques)

 Also at Tollbooth, an old-timey toboggan, complete with bell

 Cherry blossoms blooming

 Out on a limb

 The cat was stalking a squirrel seen here upper right.

 Giving a paw

 Cherry blossoms down by the Wrights Ferry Mansion

 Lots going on at Our Home of Hope

 Was someone snapping off these limbs?

 This is why we can't have nice things.

 A dark demon watches over Columbia. Or is it one of the Wicked Witch's flying monkeys?

Columbia Borough 42.7% renter occupied

 Bird-topped porch lamp

 More stars and strips

 This sign is well over 50 years old.

 Garden plots at 4th & Mill

 Rusting away, but aren't we all?

 Down at Trinity House - It was reported that an intoxicated person kicked out this window Friday night.

 Cracked and nearly faceless sign

 You don't see many of these nowadays. Is it an antenna or modern art?

 At Makle Park, a backboard was broken out again and taken down. Another one will cost about $900.

 The borough installed new brighter lights there.

More vandalism at Makle?
Better get this fixed before Friday's Arbor Day celebration.

 Bikers out for a ride
They "busted through" the red light and weren't about to stop for anyone.

 Our friendly firefighters

 Looking for a fire to fight

 Ready for an outdoor Sunday service?

Rollin' along

SOLVED: Retail theft case at Genuine Tobacco

The retail theft that occurred on 04-17-18 at Genuine Tobacco has been solved. Thank you to those that assisted with the identification of the suspect.


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/post/retail-theft-update-04-17-18

Man bites own arms after trying to break into a house and entering caller's truck

Luis Murillo, Jr.
On Saturday morning at about 5:45 a.m., the Columbia Borough Police were called to an address in the 1200 block of Cloverton Drive for a disturbance in progress. Police were advised that a person was trying to open the front door of the caller's house. The male, later identified as Luis Murillo Jr., 20, of Columbia, was told by the homeowner to go away or he would call the police. Murillo then went to the caller's vehicle and entered the unlocked vehicle and started to bite his own arms and pulled on the steering wheel. Murillo then broke the turn signal lever off of the steering column. When police arrived Murillo was still in the truck pulling on the steering column and moving around inside the vehicle. 

Murillo was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses: 
Defiant Trespass, Disorderly Conduct, Public Drunkenness, Underage Drinking as well as Criminal Mischief. 

Murillo was taken to central arraignment after paperwork was completed. Murillo was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Arrest Date: 
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Case Number: 
25114-04-21-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/murillo-luis-robert-jr-defiant-trespass-and-4-additional-charges

Saturday, April 21, 2018

CAFE 301 Coming to Columbia in Summer 2018


Cafe 301 will be on the corner of 3rd and Locust Street Columbia, coming this summer. 

https://www.cafe301.net/

OSBORNE, AUSTIN TYLER - Aggravated Assault and 1 additional charge | Columbia Borough Police Department

Austin Osborne

On 04-19-18 at approx. 12:35 AM the Columbia Borough Police were called to 100 blk. of Bethel St. for an assault that just occurred. Upon arrival officers were advised that Austin Osborne (21) of Columbia, had stabbed his mother's boyfriend and pulled his mother down from the front steps of the house when he left the scene. The victim told police that Osborne pulled a knife on him after a verbal altercation between Osborne and his mother. Osborne told the victim "I'm going to stab you" and then stabbed the victim in the back. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. Osborne was located in the area of 8th St. and Walnut St. and taken into custody. Osborne told police "If I stabbed him, he deserved it" and "I like stabbing people".
Osborne was taken to central arraignment and committed to Lancaster County Prison.
Arrest Date: 
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Case Number: 
22353-04-19-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/osborne-austin-tyler-aggravated-assault-and-1-additional-charge

Friday, April 20, 2018

Chicken BBQ at CBFD next Saturday, April 28, 11-3

 The Columbia Borough Fire Company will be holding a chicken barbecue next Saturday, April 28,  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Northwest Plans for Northwest Community Week Starting Monday, April 23



The Columbia Office of Northwest Bank is gearing up for Northwest Community Week in April.

The office will celebrate customers and the local community with special events and activities during the week of April 23, 2018.

“We’d like to thank our customers and community for their continued support," said Northwest's George Mann. "We’re proud to call Columbia home and want to showcase some of the great things our area has to offer. We invite all of our friends and neighbors to visit us at 350 Locust Street, Columbia during Northwest Community Week.”

Mann noted that during that week they will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Columbia Food Bank and will also have some refreshments and giveaways.

“This is one of the ways our bank thanks our community and the people in it,” said Mann. “We recognize and honor our community and invite everyone to stop by our office so we can visit with them and thank them personally.”



About Northwest Bank

Northwest Bank operates 162 full-service offices and 10 free-standing drive through locations. Founded in 1896, Northwest offers a complete line of personal and business banking products including employee benefits, investment management services, insurance and trust. Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company of Northwest and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market as NWBI. More information about Northwest can be found online at www.northwest.com


Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Columbia’s history will be recounted in Mount Bethel Cemetery celebration

The Opening Ceremony on April 20 for Mount Bethel Cemetery's Sesquicentennial will be held at Columbia United Methodist Church at 5th and Walnut Streets in Columbia.


Free activities for all ages — including stone resetting, tombstone rubbings and art stations with local artists — will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, with guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.


Perfect Settings, Second and Locust streets, will host "Fete en Noir," a celebration in black, from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 21. For tickets, call Jane Moore at 717-575-9760.


MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/features/faith_values/columbia-s-history-will-be-recounted-in-mount-bethel-cemetery/article_5444efde-430c-11e8-aae2-33094c24b80c.htm

Columbia gardening enthusiasts featured in Lancaster County Magazine

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Peace, Tyler Allen - 1 count - Indirect Criminal Contempt (Violation of Protection from Abuse) | Columbia Borough Police Department


Docket No.: 
MJ-02103-MD0000027-2018
Date Issued: 
Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Warrant Type:

Issuing Authority: 

Honorable Miles K. Bixler

Holding Dept: 

Columbia Borough Police

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/warrants/peace-tyler-allen-1-count-indirect-criminal-contempt-violation-protection-abuse

Fischer, Gary Lee Jr. - (1) count Simple Assault-Domestic Violence | Columbia Borough Police Department



Docket No.: 
MJ-02103-CR-0000392-2017
Date Issued: 
Friday, December 15, 2017

Warrant Type:

Issuing Authority: 

Honorable Miles K. Bixler

Holding Dept: 

Columbia Borough Police

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/warrants/fischer-gary-lee-jr-1-count-simple-assault-domestic-violence



Can you ID this woman? Suspect in Retail Theft | Columbia Borough Police Department





On 04-17-18 at approx. 2:30PM, the Columbia Borough Police were called to the Genuine Tobacco Store at 960 Lancaster Ave. for a retail theft complaint. Just prior to arrival the pictured female suspect fled from the store and was last seen in the area of Smith's Hotel. If anyone recognizes the female they are asked to submit a tip below or call the police department at 717-684-7735. Any information on the suspects identity is greatly appreciated.
Date: 
Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Case Status:

Case Type:


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/cases/retail-theft-3

Veterans Memorial Bridge project to start a few years later than announced


The Veterans Memorial Bridge rehabilitation project will start a few years later than originally announced, according to information recently received from PennDOT by Columbia Spy. In an April 13 letter, PennDOT spokesman Mark Malhenzie said bridge construction won't begin until 2022 at the earliest, because the project is only now in its beginning stage. This date contradicts the timeline provided by Mayor Leo Lutz at last month's Columbia Borough Safety Committee meeting, where he announced that the bridge could be shut down in 2020-21 for construction. Optimistic estimates now put the project's completion date at 2025, possibly even into 2026.

According to Malhenzie, initial planning phases will begin in a few months and will take several years to complete. The project will bid out to a contractor in January 2022 at the earliest, and actual construction is expected to take more than three years, due to the bridge's length and unique character. Much of that work timeline, however, will not have any significant effect on traffic, and two lanes will be open as much as possible, especially when work is being done on the underside.

A limited full closure of the bridge is being considered as the most efficient way to perform key work stages, in which case, traffic would be detoured to Route 30. Incident management plans would be developed and coordinated with key local/county/state EMS services, and innovative techniques to reduce the risk of incidents on Route 30 and limit their impact will also need to be implemented. More public involvement will occur in the future to allow feedback and to provide further information.

Columbia Spy previously reported on the bridge project HERE.

Columbia High students provide soundtrack at Reinventing Learning Showcase

The music, mixed and edited by Columbia High School students, provided a soundtrack to one of the IU's signature annual events highlighting the innovative techniques and programs school districts in Lancaster and Lebanon counties have adopted to redefine learning.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/hip-hop-makerspaces-and-virtual-reality-how-are-school-districts/article_7a36e12e-3f89-11e8-a709-3780beb9da53.html

Construction to Begin on Route 23 Bridge over Chickies Creek | West Hempfield Township Police Department

Harrisburg, PA – Construction for the Route 23 (Marietta Avenue) bridge spanning Chickies Creek in West Hempfield and East Donegal townships, Lancaster County, is scheduled to begin during the week of April 30 as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. Replacement of this bridge will allow PennDOT to remove it from the list of structurally deficient bridges in Lancaster County.

During construction, drivers will be directed to follow a detour along Route 441 (Chickies Hill Road), Route 30, and Prospect Road (State Route 4001). The new bridge should be completed in late August.

In the event of unfavorable weather or unforeseen activities, this schedule may change. 

This bridge is referred to as JV-253 and is one out of the 558 bridges being replaced under the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. JV references the joint-venture partnership between Walsh/Granite, which is leading construction for the entire project.

The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is a public-private partnership (P3) between PennDOT and Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), under which PWKP will finance, design, replace, and maintain the bridges for 25 years. The P3 approach will allow PennDOT to replace the bridges more quickly while achieving significant savings and minimizing impact on motorists.

To see the bridges included in the statewide initiative and to learn more about the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project, visit www.parapidbridges.com. Additional information on P3 programs in Pennsylvania can be found at www.p3forpa.pa.gov or by calling the project hotline at 877-444-9990 or email info@parapidbridges.com.   


https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/westhempfieldpd/11465/post/construction-begin-route-23-bridge-over-chickies-creek

Monday, April 16, 2018

RAPANT, Paul William - Possession of Firearm Prohibited and 1 additional charge | Columbia Borough Police Department

Paul William Rapant
On 04-15-2018 at approx. 1:53 PM the Columbia Borough Police were called to the 600 blk. of Manor St. for a trespassing complaint. Information reported to police stated that a Paul Rapant was on scene, refusing to leave and had a handgun in his waistband. Rapant fled the area and was taken into custody in the 600 blk. of Ave. W. The victim stated that Rapant came to her house to retrieve a handgun that he had hidden at her house. When the victim attempted to call 911, Rapant charged at the victim and grabbed her around her neck and pushed her to the ground. Rapant was advised multiple times on 04-15-18 to not be at the address on Manor St.
Paul Rampant (25) of Quarryville was charged with Possession of Firearm Prohibited and Strangulation. Rampant was taken to Central Booking and Committed to Lancaster County Prison after failing to post $50,000.00 cash bail.
Arrest Date: 
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Case Number: 
18078-04-15-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/rapant-paul-william-possession-firearm-prohibited-and-1-additional-charge

Haines, Damian Todd - Simple Assault (Domestic Violence) and 1 additional charge | Columbia Borough Police Department

Damian Todd Haines
On 04-13-18 at approx. 12:15AM, the Columbia Borough Police were called to an address in the 1st blk. of N. 8th St. for a domestic. Police were advised that Damian Todd Haines (26) of Columbia had punched the victim in the face multiple times. Police were able to observe injuries and arrested Haines for Simple Assault (Domestic Violence) and Harassment. Haines was taken to Central Booking and committed to Lancaster County Prison after failing to post bail of $5,000.00.
Arrest Date: 
Friday, April 13, 2018
Case Number: 
14794-04-13-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/haines-damian-todd-simple-assault-domestic-violence-and-1-additional-charge

Falcon, Michael Lee - Unlawful restraint and 2 additional charges | Columbia Borough Police Department

Michael Lee Falcon
On 04-12-18 at approx. 5:09PM, Michael Lee Falcon (39) of Columbia was arrested for Unlawful Restraint, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Harassment after police were called to an incident in the 600 blk. of Walnut St. Police were called about a domestic and observed Falcon restraining a female against a wall. Falcon was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia when he was arrested. Falcon was taken to central booking and released on $50,000.00 unsecure bail.
Arrest Date: 
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Case Number: 
14343-04-12-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/falcon-michael-lee-unlawful-restraint-and-2-additional-charges

Brookline Builders at HARB meeting this Wednesday night to discuss former Bigler building

208-210 Locust Street

The Columbia Borough Historical Architectural Review Board will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, in council chambers of Borough Hall, 308 Locust St., Columbia. Agenda items include:
223-225 Cherry St., Our Home of Hope Inc., owner. Replace paneled front entry door with a new entry door with glass panes. 

208-210 Locust St., Brookline Builders Inc., owner. Reconstruct second- and third-story facade with new bricks. Install new cast-concrete window headers. Replace metal roofing panels with new standing-seam metal roofing. Reconstruct ground-floor storefront cornice.