COLUMBIA SPY

The mission is almost accomplished. Joanna Spicer hopes to complete her mural at Locust Street Park by the end of this weekend. Aided today by her mother - and some favorable weather - she worked for several hours daubing paint onto two more of the military emblems - navy and air force. A source associated with the project tells the Spy that a small ceremony to mark the mural's completion will be held at a future date, and lighting will eventually be installed to illuminate the work. More information on the mural project can be found  HERE , and  HERE .

Fall fun for the whole family! Unleash your creativity and paint a pumpkin to take home and celebrate fall on the river. We’ll have all the pumpkins, paint, glitter and supplies you need to get creative! This event is for all ages. Drop in anytime from 11-3, while supplies and pumpkins last. Suggested donation of $2 per person.

Hello, my name is Rebecca Young and I am running for a seat on the Columbia Borough School District School Board. I have served and volunteer in our community for over 20 years. From coaching our youth in CBAA Cheerleading to being a Youth Pastor that helped impart over 52 teens and I'm still connected with many of them as adults with families of their own. Why run now for our School Board? I believe that a school board must be responsive and receptive to parents, staff, students and the community at large, encouraging an open dialog. I believe being a part of that board impels us to take input from all groups and weigh all the facts before making a decision. A Board member is a trustee of the community that elects him or her. We must be an extension from the school to the community and be willing to collaborate with all members of the community. A school board member must build public understanding, support and participation. What are my commitments? My commitments ar...

As early as next summer, a public water shuttle could be carrying visitors across the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Long Level in York County. If successful, the shuttle — probably using pontoon boats — could be expanded to transport visitors between Columbia and Wrightsville, and on a longer loop to include the Blue Rock Heritage Center in Washington Boro. MORE: http://lancasteronline.com/insider/susquehanna-water-shuttle-would-link-lancaster-york-counties-by-boat/article_6352800e-b4ff-11e7-902d-cf9f77f83dbf.html

Students at Park Elementary School in Columbia BoroughSchool District are expanding their palate and taste buds with locally grown produce thanks to a farm-to-school mini-grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). MORE: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pa-education-department-farm-to-school-grant-inspires-healthy-eating-supports-pennsylvania-agriculture-300538898.html

Don Murphy Don Murphy wants to make Columbia great again. To that end, he and wife Becky, through their company Cimarrron Investments, recently completed an agreement with the Hinkle family to buy the famed Hinkle's restaurant in downtown Columbia. Along with the real estate, he also purchased the Hinkle's name. The investment is a move he hopes will save what many consider the heart of Columbia. The Murphy's, through their company, already own several landmark historic buildings in the downtown. Columbia Spy sat down with Murphy at his Walnut Street office on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming changeover. "The restaurant is a viable business," he said. He explained that his plan is to update the restaurant "just a little bit," but not enough to lose the historic, small-town atmosphere. He wants to enlarge the kitchen space, which he describe as "tight," and upgrade the equipment. The dining area will also be expanded to include indivi...

Columbia, PA, October 18, 2017    Local Real Estate Investor and developer Don Murphy and his wife Becky have agreed to purchase the restaurant and real estate from the Hinkle Family for an undisclosed price.   The Murphy's, through their company, Cimarron Investments already own several landmark historic buildings in downtown Columbia.   Mr. Murphy said he began discussions with the Hinkle Family immediately after they announced earlier this month that they were closing their pharmacy and restaurant located at 261 Locust Street.  "We have been working diligently to structure a deal to keep the iconic restaurant intact and retain as many of the amazing dedicated employees as possible" says Mr. Murphy.  The Murphy's have retained two long time managers/chefs of the restaurant, Mr. John Sipe and Ms. Robin Ortman as proprietors of the restaurant.  Sipe and Ortman have established their own business whereas they will lease the restau...