New sign at 4th & Locust

Workers installed a new lightbox sign this afternoon at the recently opened CHI St. Joseph Children's Health Dental Center at 401 Locust Street. The installation, which took several hours, was done by Lititz Signs.

Seats available for Painting with Ange at SCCA

There are seats available for our February 27, Painting Party with Ange Bentivegna, Monet's "Tulip Field and Windmill." Ange is doing a terrific job and getting good work out of her students. To view and sign-up go to:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monets-tulip-field-and-windmil…

Learn to paint and have a good time!

the SCCA
224 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512

www.sccaartstore.com

Susquehanna Gateway funding problems?

As much as $2.25 million is stuck in Pennsylvania's ongoing budget stalemate; one of the agencies that would be getting funded from that pool of money is the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, a 15-year-old effort to bolster river towns and increase tourism.

The heritage area was involved in getting the art deco lights for the Route 462 bridge in Columbia, the turnover of more than 3,400 acres of PPL land along the Susquehanna, and in developing several popular trails in the region.

Beginning in March, the heritage area will begin operating the new Columbia Crossing River Trails Center in Columbia that will serve as the popular pathway's trailhead. (Funding for operating the visitors center is not jeopardized.)

MORE HERE

Troubled bridge over water

Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation when it comes to bridges considered structurally deficient. The bridge on South Fourth over Shawnee Run is one. Structurally deficient does not mean the bridge is in danger of collapsing. It does mean the structure needs significant repairs, maintenance or replacement.

MORE HERE

Do not stop on tracks

When vehicles exit Columbia River Park, the traffic signal at Front and Walnut occasionally changes to red while vehicles are still crossing the railroad tracks. But the sign on the right says: DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS. So, the options become: either stop between sets of tracks until the light changes, or proceed through the red, breaking the law and possibly driving into cross traffic. In the latter case - who is liable?

Of course, the most desirable solution to the problem is to properly adjust traffic signals so that the problem doesn't occur.

DÉJÀ . . . POO!

Recently, piles of chicken manure were delivered once again to McGinness Field, this time near the intersection of Twelfth and Franklin.  A source has told Columbia Spy that the manure was delivered on February 12. Two years ago, manure piled in this same field was believed to be the cause of a massive fly infestation in the area.  Nearby residents had also complained of a pungent odor emanating from the manure. WGAL's report on the previous issue is HERE.

Since manure is a breeding ground for flies, another infestation could occur in a few months.

Salmonella is another concern associated with poultry feces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

"Live poultry may have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (including feathers, feet, and beaks) even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can also get on cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Additionally, the germs can be found on the hands, shoes, and clothing of those who handle the birds or work or play where they live and roam. Raising chickens in your backyard can be fun and rewarding, but please be careful doing so.

Salmonella can make people sick with diarrhea and fever, often with vomiting and abdominal cramps. Sometimes, people can become so sick from a Salmonella infection that they have to go to the hospital."

Carly Clark performs at Market House

For the second day in a row, live music graced the Columbia Market House as singer-songwriter Carly Clark performed standards and originals this afternoon. Matt Wenger will sing at tomorrow's Sunday brunch.