COLUMBIA SPY

Friday, May 3, 2019

Columbia residents challenge borough's authority to lend public funds to private developers | Pennsylvania Record

LANCASTER – A group of citizens is challenging a new revolving loan program in the Borough of Columbia, arguing the borough has no authority to use public funds to make investments in private entities.

The suit filed by Columbia Concerned Citizens Association seeks to have the loan program declared invalid, and asks that the borough be required to cancel or adjust a tax increase that it enacted after creating the loan program.

https://pennrecord.com/stories/512477520-columbia-residents-challenge-borough-s-authority-to-lend-public-funds-to-private-developers

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Fine Wine & Good Spirits in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Pa., May 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today welcomed local officials and the public to the grand re-opening of the Fine Wine & Good Spirits at 36 S. 18th St., Columbia, Lancaster County.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-liquor-control-board-celebrates-grand-re-opening-of-fine-wine--good-spirits-in-columbia-lancaster-county-300843057.html

First overturn of a Manheim Township student’s expulsion leaves Lancaster County school districts concerned – Blue Streak News

"The ruling in the Manheim Township case creates a situation where it becomes potentially 'OK' to make threatening posts or statements without fear of any consequence," claims the superintendent of Donegal School District, Michael Lausch. Additionally, Eastern Lancaster County Superintendent, Bob Hollister, and former Columbia Borough School Board President Tom Strickler also supported the school district, saying this was not an easy decision and students should be held accountable for what they say.

http://bsnonline.mtwp.net/2019/05/02/first-overturn-of-a-manheim-township-students-expulsion-leaves-lancaster-county-school-districts-concerned/

Security upgrades coming to Columbia Borough schools via $350K grant

Columbia Borough School Superintendent Tom Strickler

The district is getting a total of $350,000 to make the changes. Superintendent Tom Strickler said that's money that doesn't have to come out of education funding.

https://www.abc27.com/news/local/lancaster/security-upgrades-coming-to-columbia-schools/1974135365

Thursday, May 2, 2019

House fire on 500 block of Locust Street reportedly caused by unattended cooking; 3 firefighters hurt

Several fire departments and other emergency personnel responded to a house fire at 521 Locust Street at about 3:30 p.m. today. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire that also threatened an adjoining house and another neighboring house at 523 Locust. The fire was believed to have been caused by unattended cooking. WGAL reports that three firefighters were hurt: two from electrical shocks and one from heat exhaustion.