2015 – Page 72 – Columbia Spy

Officer recognized for service during bank robbery

Columbia Borough Police Officer Dave Souders (second from left) was recognized at Monday’s borough council meeting for his service in apprehending a bank robber during a robbery at Union Community Bank in West Hempfield on March 1, 2012. West Hempfield Township Supervisor David Dumeyer presented Souders with a commendation award for his actions during the incident. Souders, who was off duty at the time of the robbery, observed the suspect on foot, called in the information, and aided on-duty officers.
(Also pictured above are Columbia Borough Police Chief Jack Brommer (far left) and West Hempfield Police Chief Mark Pugliese (far right)).

Council accepts donation of burning bridge mosaic

Columbia Borough Council accepted a donation of a 3′ x 5′ mosaic from Rivertownes USA, depicting the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge during the Civil War. The mosaic was created and completed by volunteers and event attendees from the 150th anniversary of the bridge burning and has been housed at various locations in Wrightsville, Marietta, and Columbia. It is currently on display at Columbia’s Watch and Clock Museum and may be moved to Columbia Crossing, formerly known as the Trail Services Building.

Agenda – Columbia Borough Council Meeting May 11, 2015

Trail Services Building renamed

The recently opened Trail Services Building at River Park has been renamed “Columbia Crossing.”

Columbia Borough Council unanimously approved the name at its May 11 meeting.

Security guard at the bank

Columbia Spy received this recent photo of a security guard at the East Prospect Susquehanna Bank. The bank was robbed by an armed gunman on April 24. East Prospect does not have its own police force, and the response time there for State Police is about 45 minutes.

(Photo by Rodie Cox)

Time for a trim?

The grass was high at Columbia River Park today, around and behind the new Trail Services Building and elsewhere on the grounds.

Police presence on Avenue J

A heavier police presence has been noted on Avenue J below South Second Street lately. The fate of Avenue J was a topic of discussion at the last two Columbia Borough Council meetings which have occasionally turned contentious, as residents of South Second voiced their opinions. Councillors Kelly Murphy and Jim Smith recently toured Avenue J to examine possibilities for its future.