Year: 2021

DEEDS RECORDED – COLUMBIA BOROUGH – FEB. 22, 2021

The estate of Peggy Lee Ressler Huber Mahoney, The estate of Peggy L. Huber, The estate of Peggy Lee Huber, Debby H. Wells, Paul R. Huber and Jeffery A. Huber conveyed property on Poplar Street to Kondaur Capital Corp. and Matawin Ventures Trust Series 2020-1 for $10.

Frederick E. Elslager and Alice M. Best conveyed property on a public road to James C. Horn Jr. for $130,000.

Joann M. Fritz conveyed 450 Avenue I to Samuel E. Esh for $73,000.

Robert K. Emel conveyed property on a public road to Robert K. Emel and Michelle B. Emel for $1.

Jonette R. Hall and Jonette Rose Russo conveyed property on South Sixth Street to Jonette Rose Russo for $1.

Katelin J. Droege and Katelin J. Hess conveyed 59 S. Sixth St. to Cody Gray and Jenna Behrens for $210,000.

[Source: LNP]

About Town – February 21, 2021

Here’s a look at the municipal building, 
aka Borough Hall.

The town clock is on council’s meeting agenda for this Tuesday, because the clock mechanism needs to be replaced. Also on the agenda are several items related to the possible purchase of the McGinness Airport property, namely $144,000 in environmental studies, even though at least one such study was done in 2017. If the results of the studies are found to be satisfactory, the borough (we, the taxpayers) will most likely purchase the property, the most recent asking price of which was $1,495,000.

Here’s another “outside” clock. This one’s out along Route 462.
[Note: Due to a Google glitch, some photos refuse to center on the page.]
This snowman has a clock, too.
Let’s hope this signifies time running out for winter weather.
Flags at the Buddhist temple on South 2nd
He can see clearly now.
The stitching is tearing again, revealing what lies beneath.
We should always know what lies beneath.
Columbia Water Tap sign protected by a tiny ancient warrior
There’s an overturned baby carriage at Rotary Park.
But what’s in the bag?
Speaking of bags, here’s an overflowing dog poop station.
Damage from last week’s tragic car accident down by the bridge
A memorial has sprung up there (shown here and below).

The bridge has leaks, as evidenced by these icicles.
The state needs to hurry up with that bridge renovation project.
Well, at least there’s still some grass growing there.
In the 300 block of Avenue G – still the same arrangement
Yard ornament
Whoever left this cart has produced the only recent movement at this old building.
Life Lion with a watcher at the back window
Yes, we got hit with snow again this week.
Free meals from CHI
A contractor clearing out down on Union
Gutters down!
We’re deep in the heart of it.
Let that snow fly – drivers in back be damned.
Mailbox down!
Sheriff in town
There he is.
Former feral feline
A sparrow holding on
And one hanging out
 
Evidence of a recent feeding frenzy

And here’s fuel for another one:
Lady Gaga Oreos!
What’ll they think of next?

Lancaster County Democrats Adopt Resolution Against Sedition

LCDC Calls for Resignation of Rep. Smucker, Investigation into PA State Senator Mastriano

Lancaster, PA: At its annual meeting this past weekend, the Lancaster County Democratic Committee (LCDC) announced the adoption of a Resolution Against Sedition by its members. The resolution calls for the resignation of U.S. Representative Lloyd Smucker for his objection to Pennsylvania’s Electoral College results after the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol took place, as well as an investigation by the PA Attorney General into PA Senator Douglas Mastriano’s misuse of public funds for partisan purposes.

“It is unthinkable that our representatives, including our own Rep. Smucker, would advocate for throwing out the votes of millions of their fellow Pennsylvanians” said Diane Topakian, Chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee. “After dozens of failed court cases which presented zero evidence of voter fraud, irresponsible politicians like Smucker continue to spread unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen. These lies have cost people their lives.”

Additionally, the resolution names the members of the PA State Senate and the PA House of Representatives who signed amicus briefs in support of the baseless Texas v Pennsylvania, et al submitted to, and later rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. These briefs were signed by a number of representatives from Lancaster County.

Click here to view the full resolution.

***

About the Lancaster County Democrats: The Lancaster County Democratic Committee and represents the more than 100,000 registered Democrats across Lancaster County and the values that thousands more Lancastrians share, regardless of party. Those values — justice, equity, inclusion, and integrity — have been the foundation of communities here for centuries. Our purpose is to secure the rights of every Lancaster County family. Every Democrat in Lancaster County has someone they are fighting for; as the Lancaster County Democratic Committee, it’s our job to have their back.


Source: Press release

Lancaster County Democratic Committee endorses candidates for Columbia Borough Council and School Board

Candidates endorsed for Columbia Borough Council and School Board

At its first-ever fully virtual annual meeting and endorsement convention on February 13, 2021, the Lancaster County Democratic Committee voted to endorse in a number of races at the municipal, county, and state level.

“We try to do a public service by making our endorsements, especially in crowded primary elections” said Diane Topakian, Chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee. “By vetting candidates, seeing who brings the best qualifications and experience to the job, and who holds similar values to ours, our committee members endorse accordingly. Voters really appreciate their political party doing the research and homework on candidates. Now, our committee members are ready to get to work in support of these candidates.”

In addition to the PA Democratic Party’s endorsements at the state level, the Committee endorsed Timika R. Lane for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Amanda Green-Hawkins for Judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. At the county level, the Committee endorsed Christopher Hess for County Controller. The Committee’s districts also announced their endorsements for a range of municipal offices. The full list of endorsements may be viewed here.

***

About the Lancaster County Democrats: The Lancaster County Democratic Committee and represents the more than 100,000 registered Democrats across Lancaster County and the values that thousands more Lancastrians share, regardless of party. Those values — justice, equity, inclusion, and integrity — have been the foundation of communities here for centuries. Our purpose is to secure the rights of every Lancaster County family. Every Democrat in Lancaster County has someone they are fighting for; as the Lancaster County Democratic Committee, it’s our job to have their back.

Source: Press release

Columbia Borough plans new logo for "consistent brand message"

  • GAYLE JOHNSON | For LNP | LancasterOnline

Columbia Borough building

When: Columbia Borough Council meeting, Feb. 9.

What happened: Look for a new branded logo for Columbia Borough. Council members tasked their advertising and public relations firm, Gavin Marketing, with creating a single message and image describing the borough as a vibrant, family-friendly, historical area.

Quotable: “We want the same, consistent brand message across the board. We want it to be welcoming, and show that we’re ready to move forward,” Heather Zink, council president, said after the meeting. “I’ll know it when I see it.”

Background: The borough now displays different images and messages. For instance, the council uses one logo on its stationery and another on the side of police vehicles. Some borough signs display another image. Council hired Gavin in October to handle communications about the borough’s plan to purchase the McGinness airport property, voting to pay the York-based marketing firm a $2,500 monthly retainer through July. Legal issues delayed the airport property purchase, so council voted to direct Gavin to work on the borough’s brand — a combination of a uniform image and message that represents Columbia. By redirecting Gavin, council will save a $2,500 termination fee because the agency will now work on the logo instead of the airport purchase, Borough Manager Mark Stivers said.

Code conflict: Council members may approve an ordinance that would correct two contrasting statements regarding where residents can build property fences. One part of the code says fences must be two feet from a residential property line. Another statement says residents may build fences directly on the property line. Council members lean toward allowing fences at the property line, but first will seek recommendations from the Columbia and Lancaster County planning commissions before making a decision, Zink said.

Open positions: Interested residents may apply for a vacant council position after Pam Williams recently resigned. Anyone interested in serving on council must be a registered voter and have lived continuously in the borough for the past year. Letters of interest, addressed to Council President Heather Zink, must be received by Feb. 22, at the borough office, 308 Locust St., Columbia, PA, 17512. Applicants also may email HZink@columbiapa.net. Public interviews will follow, Zink said. The borough also has two open positions on its Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as well as two alternate spaces on the Zoning Hearing Board. Interested residents may write or email the council president.

Fire Report: Fires and other emergencies declined in the borough in 2020 when compared to 2019, council members learned. Fire department volunteers responded to 661 incidents this past year, down from 725 incidents in 2019, Fire Chief Scott Ryno told council when he presented the department’s latest annual report.

What’s next: The borough will hold a council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 23, and the meeting will be streamed on the borough’s Facebook page.

https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/columbia-borough-plans-new-logo-for-consistent-brand-message/article_e77083ce-7057-11eb-85f4-cbbc0340796d.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share 

UPDATE: Police identify man killed in fiery crash in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Pa. —

The coroner was called to a crash in Columbia, Lancaster County, Monday morning.

What we know

  • Police have identified the victim as Jason Brock, 37, of Columbia.
  • The fiery crash happened around 4:30 a.m. at Route 441 and Rotary Avenue.
  • Brock's vehicle struck a concrete bridge abutment and burst into flames.
  • A passerby pulled Brock from the vehicle before officers arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Any witnesses are asked to call Officer Brent M. Keyser at the Columbia Borough Police Department at 717-684-7735 or submit a tip online.

https://www.wgal.com/article/fatal-crash-fire-columbia-lancaster-county/35506585