Author: SPY
Wrightsville Firefighters train for ice rescue under real-life conditions
ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY TODD STAHL
On Wednesday, January 21, the Wrightsville Fire Department (Station 41) conducted their annual Ice Rescue Training Refresher. This training took place locally on Dark Hollow Road in Hellam Township.
Members reviewed a PowerPoint presentation addressing rescuer safety, rescue tactics, hypothermia, various types of ice, ice rescue equipment, scene size up, and department SOGs. This training was organized by Assistant Fire Chief Tyler Seibert and the following PA State Certified Rescue Instructors conducted and supervised the skill stations; Todd Stahl, Alex Myers, Phil Quinn and Kelly Lemmons.
With the current conditions we are experiencing, this was a great opportunity for members under a rare night-time environment and present real life conditions while allowing all participants to hone their skills.
Rescuers utilized Low Risk methods and High Risk tactics while engaging with each other.
Station 41 offers all disciplines of Water Rescue, including but not limited to Ice Rescue, Flood Rescue, Rescue Boat Operations and Swiftwater services to Wrightsville, Hellam Township and surrounding municipalities. Chief Seibert thanks the homeowner for the opportunity to utilize their pond, the ice rescue instructors for their expertise with managing the skills stations and their volunteer members for continuously showing up and being prepared for all and any emergencies they may encounter when the residents and visitors call upon them for their services.
Deeds Recorded—Columbia Borough—January 19, 2026
Jamie Anderson conveyed 328 Walnut St. to Rohrback Elizabeth G, Emery David M. for $319,000.
Detz Jeffrey C, Detz Christine A. conveyed 568 Chestnut St. to Ziegler Jacqueline H, Thomas Nicole P. for $460,000.
Michael R. Young conveyed property on South Fifth Street to JBS Homes LLC for $160,000.
Michael R. Young conveyed 27 S. Fifth St. to JBS Homes, Sinz Emily for $110,000.
Hilltop Investment Group LLC conveyed property on Union Street to Hilltop Holding Group LLC for $1.
About Town—January 18, 2026
This week’s photos of Columbia
Click on photos to see larger, sharper images.
JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
Many saw this brilliant display Monday afternoon/evening.
The WGAL News 8 Storm Team was at Columbia River Park Tuesday morning, forecasting and standing around.
*****************
More equipment arrived at 750 South 9th Street for a project in which nine single-family attached dwelling units will be built on the 0.55-acre lot.
Valley View Capital LLC bought the lot from the borough for $70,000 in 2023.
*****************
Wednesday morning provided us with this vivid sunrise.
Columbia under glass at Borough Hall
The mayor wants council to consider going with a single-hauler for trash pickup, although not necessarily this one.
The bell tower at the former Shawnee Fire Company building on Union Street is looking pretty shabby, but it does have a bell.
The restroom for Makle Park had to be relocated to avoid an underground electrical wire, at a cost of $3,445.00.
Here’s the documentation:
We were “blessed” with snow two days in a row…
~2.jpg)
###
Albatwitch Day 2026 accepting vendor applications
Columbia Borough School District proposes renovations for next 5 years | Community News | lancasteronline.com
MORGAN HUBER | FOR LNP | LANCASTERONLINE
When: Columbia Borough School board meeting, Jan. 13.
What happened: Keith Ramsey, business manager, on behalf of the property committee, proposed $1.97 million in renovation projects through the 2029-30 academic year.
Details: Anticipated improvements would include painting some of the Hill Campus interior, resurfacing the track at the football stadium, replacing the generator and storage tank at Taylor Middle School, and painting and updating the interior hallways, exterior doors, and bathroom floors at Park Elementary.
Funding: If approved, the balance of the capital improvement fund would end with $1.28 million following the implementation of these projects.
Background: Ramsey also outlined the recently completed renovation projects. This year, workers painted some of the interior of the Hill campus, replaced the stadium lights, updated the playground at Taylor Middle School and replaced exterior doors at Park Elementary.
Cost: These renovations cost the district $948,712, the lowest spending for renovations in three years.
MORE:
Seen today in Columbia: a man with a message
LANCASTER AREA SEWER AUTHORITY WILL BE WORKING ON MANOR STREET PAST 6PM ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 | Columbia Borough Police Department
Volunteers install siding and more at Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event in Columbia [photos] | Home & Garden | lancasteronline.com
Mayor Lutz does about-face, pushes for single-hauler trash pickup
JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
Mayor Leo Lutz is advocating for Columbia Borough to switch to a single-hauler trash collection system.
At Tuesday’s borough council meeting, Lutz cited the number of different haulers on borough streets as one reason for going to a single hauler. “It’s well over a dozen different haulers running around this town,” Lutz estimated.
“It’s time for us to get with the rest of the world,” Lutz said. “Everybody around us, and probably most of Lancaster County is going to the single-hauler system.” Lutz previously opposed the idea when it was discussed in 2019.
Currently, Columbia residents may select their own trash company from among several providers. Under a single-hauler system, the borough would contract with one company to handle all residential trash collection. The borough would oversee collection and payment. Lutz proposed issuing an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a single trash hauler for the borough.
Lutz also cited cost savings for residents as another reason for using a single hauler. He said Mountville Borough, which uses a single hauler, charges $70 a quarter for trash pickup, whereas he just paid $112 for the service.
Council explored the idea in 2019
When council explored the idea at an October 2019 council work session, residents, business owners and Lutz opposed the idea of a single hauler.Then-councilman John Novak opened the discussion by offering some potential positives of a single-hauler:
- Less impact on roads
- Less traffic
- Reduced cost
- Recycling improvement
- Reduced noise pollution
Lutz, however, argued that a single-hauler would put local trash companies out of business and eliminate jobs for borough residents. He also said a large hauler wouldn’t provide special pickups for items like mattresses or televisions.
“You’re not going to get a big hauler to do that kind of work, that kind of assistance for you,” Lutz said.
Also at that meeting, several residents commented, all of whom opposed using a single hauler:
JoAnn Fritz: “Just because you’re going to get a cheap estimate – cheap is not the best.”
Shirley McBride: “I’ve been through the single hauler, and it was an absolute nightmare.”
Sharon Lintner: “Gamby is the best. As long as you pick him, I’m for it.”
Kelly Kline of River Valley Disposal: “Cheaper is not better. You’re not going to be able to control the quality of what you get with a single hauler.”
Howard Stevens: “Mr. Gamby and River Valley – You couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Frank Doutrich: “Myself, I’m happy with my hauler.”
Robin Gamby of Gamby’s Disposal Service: “There’s a lot that’s been given back to this town by the trash haulers that are represented here.”
Heather Zink: “Let us enjoy the good service that we enjoy.”
Council revisited the topic in 2024
Council revisited the topic in September 2024, when then-President Heather Zink said tracking trash violations was difficult because the borough doesn’t receive notification when companies stop service due to unpaid bills. She suggested residents could save money with a single hauler.
At that meeting, Lutz cited the pending retirements of two longtime local hauling company owners as reason to consider a single hauler, saying “the time is right.”
Columbia Spy 