UPDATE: Lancaster city woman drowned in Susquehanna River over the weekend: coroner | Local News | lancasteronline.com

A woman found dead in the Susquehanna River on Friday in West Hempfield Township was identified as April Wefler of Lancaster city, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office announced today. 

Wefler, 33, of the 100 block of South Queen Street, died of freshwater drowning, according to the coroner’s office, which reported her body was found on the shoreline in West Hempfield Township between the Wrights Ferry and Veterans Memorial bridges.  

The coroner’s office said Wefler was reported missing by her family Saturday. The coroner confirmed Wefler’s identity via dental records.  

The coroner said the manner of death is still under investigation.  

West Hempfield police have not said if they are investigating the death and have not responded to requests for more information. 

Now Open – The Dispo Smoke Shop on Manor Street

A NOW OPEN banner and balloons have been hung on a house at 600 Manor Street. Recently, banners for “THE DISPO” and “SUPER GAS” were hung on the front and side of the house. Two of the banners read: “HIGH PREMIUM THCA ‘LAB TESTED’ HIGH LEVELS THCA PRESENTED BY: INNOVATIVE LEGACY ENTERPRISE LLC

WARNING:GAS ALERTTTT!!!!”

According to a Google AI Overview: “THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It’s the precursor to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and is not intoxicating on its own. When THCa is heated, it undergoes decarboxylation, converting into THC, according to Flore Dispensary.”

Online records list Samy Ghaly as the owner of 600 Manor Street.

Deeds Recorded – Columbia Borough – April 21, 2025

Megargee Thomas F, Griffiths Denise conveyed 602 Lancaster Ave. to Hartman Quin M, Hartman Sharon M. for $300,000.

Wayne B. Hershey conveyed 1210 Cloverton Drive to Hershey Wayne Barry, Hershey Family Trust for $1.

Faus Terrance Lee Est., Faus Samuel F, Faus Randy S, Faus Randy, Faus Ruth N. conveyed 226 S. Second St. to Faltaous Wasim, Baskharon Eriny for $1.

The estate of James R. Vollrath conveyed 1071 Cloverton Drive to Stephen Lease for $174,000.

Valley View Capital LLC conveyed 22 S. Fifth St. to Andrew Barton for $170,000.

Ted D. Smith conveyed 640 S. 12th St. to Campbell Jesse L, Campbell Jessica L. for $365,000.

The estate of Charles R. Gerfin III conveyed 1019 Locust St. to Samantha E. Gerfin for $1.

About Town – April 20, 2025

This week’s photos of Columbia

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images.

Police activity at 700 Franklin (probably training)

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Speaking of 700 Franklin, Farhat Excavating submitted the low bid to demolish it, at $52,780.

Fashion statement at Columbia Curiosities 

The DAC

Curious cat

5th & Chestnut at night

Drooping Star of Bethlehem 

Cannon parts at the bridge plaza 

Really?

The new smoke shop at Plane & Manor is moving right along. 

Seen in the wild

Jesus in a vacuum tank?

Bridge lights on in the daytime 

Tree City USA

Pansy

Is this still in effect?

Happy Easter!

Emergency personnel and county coroners responded to Columbia River Park on Friday for a report of a body found between the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Wrights Ferry Bridge. Officials have not released any further information at this time.

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Roofing problems at Columbia Crossing?

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Todd Stahl submitted these photos of signs, signs, everywhere signs . . .

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Emergency incident at Columbia River Park – Developing story

Emergency personnel responded to Columbia River Park this afternoon at 2:28 p.m. for a water rescue. 

Shortly before 4 p.m. two unmarked black SUVs arrived, each carrying a uniformed individual who appeared to be from the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office.

One of the individuals subsequently departed on a rescue boat that went upriver toward a location between the two bridges (Route 462 and Route 30). The nature of the operation and what prompted the coroner’s involvement remains unclear at this time.

Authorities have not yet released official details about the incident. This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

About Town – April 13, 2025

This week’s photos of Columbia 

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images. 

Firefighters from local departments salute the funeral procession for firefighter/paramedic Anthony Helsel at Mount Bethel Cemetery on Saturday (4/12/25).

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Birds’ nest, protected from weather

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Truck turning into the truck terminal at 4th & Manor 

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Signs lying down on the job

Barrels and a bike

Downtown signs

The former Poplar Street School 

Welcome 

Datestone at the former telephone company building 

Datestone at Grace United Church 

Roofing Solutions at Columbia Crossing 

4th Street pillars

Blossom-covered sidewalk 

The river’s edge

Real estate mailbox

Clean up the poop.

Seen at Tollbooth 

Light on in the daytime 

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