Month: July 2017

Nuns hold vigil to oppose pipeline

About 100 opponents of the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline project gathered for an evening vigil at an outdoor chapel in West Hempfield on Sunday. Nuns from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, who oppose the Williams Company’s plan to route the pipeline through their land, led the gathering through speeches, music, and prayer. Members of Lancaster Against Pipelines were also present to show support for the nuns’ stance.

According to today’s LNP: “Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. took the nuns to court on Monday for an injunction granting them the right to seize the land via eminent domain. The nuns, who oppose the pipeline, have filed a counter injunction to block the seizure.”

Sister Mary Ellen Wurth
 Ann Sensenig and husband Daniel Erdman performed at the vigil.

Mark Clatterbuck of Lancaster Against Pipelines spoke at the vigil.

The group’s pledge of resistance.

Sister Mary Ellen Wurth spoke to the crowd.
The 87-year-old said she caught a ride to make the 800-mile trip to Columbia from the Ruma, Illinois chapter of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

Sister Martha Wachtel led prayers.

To conclude the ceremony, attendees attached ribbons to the rope around the chapel grounds.

Land Ethic of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ

Holy Trinity gets a lift

McCreesh Slate Roofing of Red Lion, PA did some high level work on the bell tower of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Friday. A spokesman for the company told Columbia Spy that they were repairing slate and copper on the roof. The JLG Ultra Boom lift that workmen were using extends to 120 feet, more than enough to accommodate the tower’s height.

"CODE" RED !

As shown in the photos below, painters were busy this week applying several coats of brilliant red paint to the exterior of the furniture store at 417 Locust Street, located in the heart of Columbia’s historic district. The last two photos show the most recent stage of the project. When painting is finished, the store should be strikingly visible, far and wide, hither and yon. Adjacent buildings will pale in comparison.

Caboobies come to Columbia!

Lots and lots of ladies braved the Susquehanna this afternoon for the 4th Annual “Caboobies” event to raise money for breast cancer research. The participants, who floated, tubed, canoed, and kayaked down the river, began their trek at Chiques Rock Outfitters in Marietta and disembarked in Columbia. Reportedly, over 200 signed up, with a goal of raising $10,000 for the cause.

40-day window for free property reassessment appeals is nearing an end

If you appeal

Planning to appeal your assessment? Here is some advice from Lancaster County Property Assessment Director John Mavrides:
• If there are any dates you will not be available for a hearing, indicate them on your appeal form;
• Be sure to show up for your hearing. Failure to appeal will result in a dismissal, and hearings cannot be rescheduled;
• At the hearing, be prepared to provide documented evidence of your property’s market value;
• If you choose to withdraw your appeal, notify the assessment office in writing (by letter or email).

Lancaster County Property Assessment Office

150 N. Queen St., 
Suite 310, 
Lancaster, PA 17603
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Phone: (717) 299-8381
MORE INFO:
HERE

2 charged with robbing, dragging 89-year-old woman in grocery store parking lot

Two people have been charged with assaulting and robbing an 89-year-old woman last week in the parking lot of a West Donegal Township grocery store.
Amanda N. Gill, 24, and Kevin E. Deshong, 22, both of Wrightsville, were arrested at 7 p.m. Thursday and were awaiting arraignment. 
MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/charged-in-robbery-during-which-elderly-woman-was-dragged-through/article_b1159ad8-6838-11e7-a25f-83b1429db319.html

Shooting suspect apprehended

UPDATE:  On Thursday, 7/13/17 at approximately 0700 hours, Miguel Angel Martinez was taken into custody pursuant to a felony arrest warrant at a residence on East Market Street in Marietta, PA.  Martinez was taken for arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Miles Bixler and incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.  A Lancaster County Adult Probation detainer was also issued.  The Columbia Police Department was assisted by the United States Marshal’s Service, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.