COLUMBIA SPY

Pics from around Columbia over the past week... Despite Wednesday's forecast, these tundra swans, illuminated by the late afternoon sun, tell us spring is right around the corner and down the street.  That pothole at the Columbia Plaza is getting worse. Is it the beginning of a sinkhole?  Moon emerging from clouds.  Moon atop a flagpole.  When you absotively posilutely have to get rid of the evidence.  Scarf bombing downtown.  Flock of seagulls.  Seagulls billowing from the roof of Columbia Crossing.  Here's one minus a foot.  Work bus on its way to or from work.  Patched pothole in Avenue H.  At the water's edge.  Down but not out.  Full throttle.  Have a seat at 3rd & Perry.  Your nemesis - and mine.  Land Bank Authority sign.  There it is at the infamous 208-210 Locust.  Ventilated door; th...

Chris Raudabaugh, owner of Art Printing, stands in his shop with an original Heidelberg letterpress machine, also known as a Heidelberg "windmill." Chris Raudabaugh needed more space for his printing operation, and he found it in Columbia. He bought the building at 131 Locust Street where S & G Printing once operated, and ended up with a double bonus: a piece of Columbia history and a connection to the Underground Railroad. Art Printing is located in this historic building at 131 Locust Street. The building previously housed S & G Printing.   Lead type used for letterpress printing is stored in several drawers. Raudabaugh, a printer by trade, bought the building last year and moved his operation, presses and all, over the July 4th weekend. He was up and running the following Monday. Unfortunately, there were a few snags along the way - a leaky roof and a lightning strike that blew off bricks on the Bank Avenue side of the building last Augus...

Capital campaign member Robin Gamby adds a line to the outdoor library sign showing fundraising progress. Despite blustery winds, the Board of the Columbia Public Library held its "Topping Off" ceremony today, March 3, to mark the halfway point of the library's $2.5 million expansion and celebrate progress of the project. Dozens gathered at the library to hear updates on construction and to sign a truss that will be placed on the building. Construction is being undertaken by CH&E Construction Company and the Capital Campaign. A truss ready for signing. After trusses are installed, the next phase will focus on finishing the library's interior. So far, almost 60% of funds have been raised to pay for the project. The expansion marks the library's first major update since 1973. When renovations are complete, the facility will feature an expanded children's area, an enlarged circulation area, improved handicap accessibility, and enlarged areas ...