COLUMBIA SPY

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Council plans to clamp down on fireworks in the borough

Columbia Borough Council has taken action to restrict the use of fireworks in the borough. At its July 9th meeting, council voted unanimously to advertise its intention to adopt a fireworks ordinance (shown below) at its August 13 meeting. The ordinance will severely restrict the use of fireworks within borough limits.

According to a statement read by councilman John Novak, who is also chair of the borough's legislative committee, the proposed ordinance prohibits the lighting or discharge of fireworks on public property without permission from the borough. It also prohibits such use on private property without the express permission of the owner. In addition, fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of any building. The ordinance also covers all borough-owned parks, sidewalks, streets, and public buildings. The ordinance will take effect in accordance with Pennsylvania state law. According to Novak, the ordinance does not cover school district property, which is seen as private. It will be up to the district on whether or not to allow the use of fireworks on its properties. Borough Manager Rebecca Denlinger cited a state fireworks law that describes a violation of the law as a summary offense which, upon conviction, carries a maximum fine of $100.

Code Enforcement Manager Steve Kaufhold said, "This is a great ordinance. I think it's a necessary ordinance," adding that the next step will be to find a way to enforce it. Kaufhold said that a fire was caused by the discharge of fireworks on North Third Street during this year's Fourth of July holiday. The fireworks discharge originated in a second floor apartment, which subsequently burned the kitchen of a downstairs apartment, causing $15,000 damage. Kaufhold also recalled a fire at Bully's Restaurant a few years ago that was started by a single bottle rocket fired from across the street.

The proposed ordinance is a reaction to a state law enacted last year allowing the purchase of various commercial grade fireworks, and to complaints from borough residents. Novak said of the ordinance, "This has been, obviously, a concern of many of the citizens of Columbia, and the borough has recognized that position and situation, and the borough is reacting within the state laws to be able to provide guidance for the borough on how fireworks can be used."

Monday, July 9, 2018

Randy Howard avoids sentencing, dismisses court-appointed attorney, hires private attorney instead

Randy Howard

Randy Howard avoided sentencing this morning when it was announced that he had just dismissed his court-appointed attorney in favor of a private attorney. According to Assistant District Attorney Andrew Gonzalez, if Howard fails to present a plea within 30 days, he could be sentenced to 10-20 years for the second strike offense.

Howard previously accepted a plea deal of 6 to 12 years at a preliminary hearing at District Judge Miles Bixler’s office in April to avoid a trial. Howard had the option of rejecting the plea deal before sentencing. He is charged with aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy in connection with the September 3, 2017 attack on a 61-year-old Columbia man on the 600 block of Walnut Street.

Gun-wielding man robs Chestnut Street Turkey Hill store | Columbia Borough Police Department

On Monday, 7/9/18 at approximately 0150 hours, Columbia Police patrol officers were dispatched for a robbery that just occurred at the Turkey Hill convenience store located in the 300 Block of Chestnut Street in Columbia, PA. A store employee reported that a white (Caucasian) male entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded cash from the register. The suspect was described as being approximately 5'9" tall with a stocky build. He was wearing a camouflage mesh face covering, a black hat, a red shirt, and a black backpack. After stealing approximately $50-$60 dollars in cash the suspect exited the store, mounted a bicycle and rode towards the 300 block of Avenue G to the rear of the store.

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the Columbia Police Department at 717-684-7735.

Date:

Monday, July 9, 2018