Armed robber hits Turkey Hill store in Columbia

Police are trying to track down an armed robber who struck a convenience store in Columbia Tuesday morning, they said.

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Columbia park belongs to gang

The following letter was published in last Friday's LNP and is posted here with permission of the author.

A flag-burning on the Fourth?

This partially burned American flag was seen hanging from a fence in the alleyway across from Bank Avenue early this afternoon.  

Does that make two parking violations?

 This morning, a trailer without a vehicle, and a vehicle without a trailer, were parked side-by-side at River Park.

But the sign says the parking spaces in that area are for VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS ONLY.

So does that make two violations?

More on that imperiled building

Wooden barriers and caution tape have been set up to restrict access to the building at 208-210 Locust Street. This is the building that was thought to be in danger of collapse a few weeks ago. Interior bracing was added to reinforce the front wall.

This morning, a car was parked right next to one of the barriers, almost touching it.

Common sense might tell one not to park next to a potentially imperiled structure.

 Caution tape has fallen off or been removed in several places.

Temporary construction fencing, such as that shown above, should be installed to help deter entry. This option was discussed at a recent council meeting but was not followed though on.

Here is another option for temporary fencing.

This note was taped to a front window.

Near the "gate to the right" stands this side wall, with a chronically open attic window, where rainwater can enter, potentially adding to the instability of the structure. 

And behind the gate stands this mess.

No collection for Fill the Bus on July 4

There will be no collection of school supplies for Fill the Bus on Saturday, July 4.

Collections will resume next Wednesday, July 8.

Fourth Street is a mess

The 100 block of South Fourth, that is . . .

Trash constantly lines the gutter and is frequently strewn on the sidewalk.

(This video was shot on Thursday of this week.)

 This morning, a pizza box, complete with remnants, was still lying near Fourth and Union, along with other trash.

Either the street sweeper didn't clean this street on Tuesday, or the litter is fairly recent (although there is always an accumulation of trash in this area). 

Wait, what are those hours on the sign?

Someone better check it again.

And last but not least . . . this "classy" graffiti was spray-painted on the sidewalk outside 137 South Fourth. The residents there must enjoy seeing this, because no one has made an attempt to remove it over the past couple of weeks.