COLUMBIA SPY

LANCASTERONLINE Police have accused three people of causing nearly $2,000 worth of damage at a popular park in East Donegal Township. They are: Ryan J. Miller, 18, of 124 W. Market St. Marietta, John N. Haupt, 27, of 2 Essex St. Marietta, and Brianna V. Kriner, 21, of 428 Manor St., Columbia, Susquehanna Regional police Lt. Stephen Englert said. On various occasions in March, they drove vehicles off-road, causing extensive ruts and deep tire tracks at the township's Riverfront Park at 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Englert said. Damage was estimated at $1,856. MORE HERE: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/857119_3-charged-with-driving-vehicles-off-road--damaging-Riverfront-Park.html

Police activity at 5th and Maple . . . Meanwhile, down at River Park: Is the bridge falling apart? A picnic table under the Veterans Memorial Bridge had been moved and the area cordoned off with caution tape. The area contained concrete debris. The debris appears to have fallen from the underside of the bridge.  Here's a closer look. Several large cracks have been apparent on the bridge for quite some time.  I wonder how often the structure is inspected and how safe it is. (Talk about crumbling infrastructure!)

LANCASTERONLINE Brightly colored murals began popping up in the lobby, halls and other public spaces at St. Anne's Retirement Community in the fall of 2011 as part of an overall project to redecorate the Columbia retirement community. Painter/artist Bob Brinser, the retirement community's first full-time painter, has worked with a committee to create a new look for the community. This spring, Brinser worked with Sister Bernice Klostermann, ASC, to create a series of murals that pay homage to St. Anne's heritage. MORE HERE: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/856211_Murals-at-Saint-Anne-s-Retirement-Community-pay-tribute-to-heritage.html

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/856975_Pennsylvania-Women-Outdoors-marks-30-years.html

Boy Scout Troop 66 is planning a flag retirement ceremony towards the end of this month and would be happy to take any unwanted flags for free. Flags can be dropped off at South 16th Street Garage behind the car wash, across from the former bowling alley property.

Some recent sights from around town . . .  The sign says KEEP OFF THE GRASS.   Yes, keep off, because it needs to GROW some more. (It's only about a foot high.)  Still dangling.  Or should I say, dangling even more?  Car with a lot of messages. (I agree with the one about dissent.)  Hose practice  Trying to beat the recent heat wave  Meanwhile, on Second Street . . . This place is trashed. Oh, I see - it's been condemned.  Both sides of it.  But it's also for sale ???!!!  Further down on Locust Street.  How many units in this building? There's far too much of this sort of thing in town.  Here's something good about the town. Coming soon! Saw this on the road today.  It speaks for itself.

Free ice cream and activities at Turkey Hill Experience, Sunday until 5 p.m., to commemorate the second anniversary of THE.