Year: 2012

Columbia Borough Police Investigate String of Burglaries

Police are investigating a string of burglaries that occurred throughout Columbia Borough in the last week.
The perpetrators are entering homes through unlocked doors and windows, during the early evening hours when residents are home.
The burglars should be considered armed and dangerous because firearms are among the items they have stolen. Residents should not try to confront them but should retreat to safety and call police.
Some victims have spotted the burglars, but police are not releasing their descriptions, Sgt. Adam Miller said.
Since November 23, purses, cash, guns, digital cameras, GPS units, loose change and other small items have been stolen from homes in the 600 and 900 blocks of Plane Street, South 9th Street, the 100 block of Chestnut Street, the first block of North 4th Street, and the 100 block of South 6th Street.
Losses could end up in the thousands of dollars, Miller said.
Residents should keep doors and windows locked, even when they are home and should not leave valuables in plain view through windows and doors.
Police are adding extra patrols and using camera systems in the borough to assist in their investigation.
Police ask anyone with information to call Columbia police Det.  Matthew Leddy or Sgt. Miller at 684-7735.
Tipsters also may call Lancaster City/County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913 or anonymously text LANCS plus your message to 847411 (TIP411).

Prudhomme's Gets OK on Religious Promotion

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission says Prudhomme’s may give discounts to patrons with church bulletins, as long as the discount extends to atheists, also.  According to the commission’s legally binding settlement order, discounts may be given to any bulletin holders “from any group oriented around the subject of religious faith.”
So, what bulletin (other than a church bulletin) should an atheist present to get the discount?  
And doesn’t this decision basically mean everyone (with a religious bulletin) gets the discount?  (In that case, what’s the point of the promotion, other than creating a faux controversy to publicize Prudhomme’s?)

Go HERE for more information.

The First of the Last of the Snow Fizzles Before the Apocalypse

Even though we got little or no snow, we can console ourselves with the fact that yesterday was the first of the last of the snow fizzles before the end of the world on December 21st. We know this event will occur, because it’s based on the calculations of an ancient superstitious society, the Mayans.  We also know (enlightened as we are) that religious predictions – especially those several millenia old and involving numerology (12-21-12) – are infallible. To ease the anxiety resulting from the impending apocalypse, however, the following photos of faces around town may be perused during the coming final days. 
Enjoy!  🙂

Santa hanging out at the corner of Royer’s Flower Shop near the Columbia Plaza 
The following photos are from the Burning Bridge Antiques Market at Third and Walnut


Keagy's Produce Opens at New Location

This past Thursday, Bob Keagy opened the doors of Keagy’s Produce to customers at his new location at 438 Locust Street. 
Keagy’s is featuring fresh produce and fruit salad, cider (hot or cold), peanuts, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, as it did at the Market House, as well as fresh cranberry relish for the holidays. 
Hours: Thursdays and Fridays, 8 am to 6 pm 
Holiday hours next week: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 am to 6 pm

 Bob Keagy of Keagy’s Produce

 Victor Felix of Keagy’s Produce

EXCLUSIVE: Citizen Chases McDonald's Robber As He Speeds Through Columbia, Wrecks His Car

From scanner and eyewitness reports:
A woman helped police apprehend a robbery suspect after a high-speed chase that passed through Columbia this morning.
Stacie K. Landis of Maytown stopped at the 24-hour Centerville McDonald’s on her way to work at about 5:30 a.m. and noticed employees scrambling and shouting about an emergency. An employee pointed to a maroon vehicle leaving the parking lot and said to her,”That guy just robbed me.”
Landis called 911, gave the information to the dispatcher, and then proceeded to follow the suspect west on Route 30. At some point, local police took over the pursuit, which continued across the Wrights Ferry Bridge to the Wrightsville exit where the suspect turned right onto Cool Springs Road.
After negotiating the meandering Wrightsville back roads, the suspect crashed his vehicle on Dark Hollow Road, just past Roan Lane, and tried to flee but was too injured. Police apprehended him, and an ambulance was dispatched.
Despite the chase, Ms. Landis arrived at her workplace in Lancaster on time but was disappointed that she did not get her food.