COLUMBIA SPY

Emergency personnel responded to a vehicle accident Class 2 early this afternoon on the 600 block of Chestnut Street.  A PT Cruiser hit a parked Jeep Cherokee.

The Lancaster County Deputy Coroner was among those called to a Walnut Street residence this morning. Several Columbia Borough police officers were at the scene, also.

Emergency personnel responded to reports of a gas leak with one person unconscious at 11:39 this morning on North Second Street. At the scene, two children were found unconscious. Two ambulances were dispatched. Personnel evacuated the children and their grandmother, and the children were transported to the hospital. Firemen wearing oxygen masks checked inside the properties at 341 and 343 North Second and found concentrations of gas and carbon monoxide. Fans were set up in the doorways to ventilate the houses, and UGI was called to turn off the gas supply to the properties. Firemen enter 341 North Second. Personnel donned oxygen masks. Fire Chief Scott Ryno coordinated efforts at the scene. A fireman took readings for gas and CO. Once more into the breach. Paul Miles gave directions on positioning a fan.

I'm surprised at all the recent negativity aimed at Columbia's mention in Smithsonian Magazine as one of the "20 best small towns to visit." And by negativity, I'm referring to name-calling, snarky comments, and outright condescension. Some people's eyes must be going funny from all the looks they're giving down their noses. In this blog, I've sometimes been critical of the town, and with cause, but I've also given credit where it's due. Most of the time, my criticisms are aimed at prodding local officials and pointing out problems. I was born and raised in Columbia and still live here. I walk and drive its streets. I patronize its businesses almost daily, and I've paid taxes for years. For those reasons, I reserve the right to be critical. Can the naysayers cite similar claims for the right to be derogatory? Is there a valid justification for it? For current residents who are consistently negative about the town: What have you done...

The memories are flowing on the "You know you're from Columbia PA if" Facebook group, which began just a month ago and already has more than 4,000 members. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/you-know-you-re-from-fill-in-the-blank-if/article_88a2fe80-b051-11e3-b70d-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm

GO HERE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/tom-foster-hermansader-art-s-in-his-blood/article_9c8106a8-aeae-11e3-b3fa-0017a43b2370.html?mode=jqm

Columbia School District's long search for a new superintendent came to a close on Thursday when the school board approved the hiring of Carol Powell as the district's new leader.  Powell will begin her term at Columbia on July 1 at a salary of $115,000 for a three-year term. MORE: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/local/carol-powell-named-superintendent-for-columbia-school-district-takes-post/article_8f007c8e-b11f-11e3-9434-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm