COLUMBIA SPY

Seen at Stover's today . . . 

Columbia resident Joni Albright Groom spoke out about the lack of discipline and follow-through by administrators for bullying incidents at Columbia High School.  Groom spoke to the Columbia School Board at its September 15 meeting, with about 100 residents in attendance: "I was born and raised here. I'm a true Columbian. I love our town immensely. It is part of who I am. The reason why I'm addressing you this evening is because of the ongoing problems at our schools with lack of suspensions. I watched the video that has been circulated widely this past week of the altercation in the classroom. It is very shocking to me, to say the least, and very disturbing to me that even before the physical altercation took place just how out of control that classroom appeared to me. Example: Students walking around, cellphones out, sitting on desks. In plain words, they were basically doing whatever they felt like. That's what it appeared to me. "I witnessed fir...

The County Sheriff's Sale List for Wednesday, September 28, 2016,  includes properties that have been cancelled, postponed as well as those that remain active. Currently, there are nine Columbia Borough properties on this list. There are about 64 properties for sale in the borough at this time - three in one block alone.    At the borough's September 14 Safety Committee meeting, Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Helm said there are now 25 properties in Columbia on a "blighted" list.  There will be an "information only" meeting regarding the "Land Bank" on September 26, at 6 p.m. This meeting immediately follows the public meeting for interviews for market manager at 5 p.m.

A "Columbia Marketplace Revitalization Project" was presented during the  borough's September 20 Public Property Committee meeting. A group of four presenters, led by Cullen Farrell and Robert Irwin, gave a 45-minute presentation about an Aquaponic Booth to be housed inside the Columbia Market House near the entrance to the dungeon. An Aquaponic system combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. According to the presenters, the system would provide education as a micro-farm for children.  Re-branding Columbia, economic stimulation, tourism, were among other purported advantages of having an Aquaponic Booth. The presenters reassured the committee that if the booth is built, they will stay with the project in Columbia.  One presenter said he plans to relocate to Columbia and wouldn't just be here on weekends. Adding a greenhouse at the borough ...

Family Fun Night happens on Wednesday, September 21 at 6 PM.  This program will feature some special guests from our community.  The children will be making care packages.  Children do not need to bring any supplies or items.  There is a limit of 20 children and registration is required.  Age range is 5-12 and children MUST be accompanied by a caregiver.  Sorry, NO walk-ins.

The Borough of Columbia is accepting applications for a Full-time Manager of Code Enforcement and Storm Water. Job requirements include: Associates Degree in engineering, environmental science, management or related equivalent experience. Applications and complete job description including a list of additional required knowledge, skills and abilities is available at the Borough Office located at 308 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512 or on our website at . EOE. Applications will be accepted at the Borough Office until close of business on Friday, September 30, 2016. Category: Protective Service , Keywords: Code Enforcement Officer