PennDOT to close Route 30 in Columbia area for brief stretches the night of May 17-18

Crews are planning to close Route 30 for brief overnight stretches in the Columbia area the week of May 16.
The move is needed so workers can install beams for an overpass carrying Columbia’s long-awaited truck bypass over Route 30.
The effort is planned tentatively for overnight Sunday, May 17, into Monday, May 18.
State Transportation Department officials said Friday the work will lead to intermittent closures of Route 30, of approximately 15 minutes at a time, for both eastbound and westbound traffic from midnight to 5 a.m. Monday, May 18.

Dr. Sherry Welsh named to council

Mayor Leo Lutz swore in Dr. Sherry Welsh, who was appointed by Columbia Borough Council on Monday night to fill a council seat vacated a few months ago by Jody Gable. Dr. Welsh will serve out the remainder of the term, which is two-and-half years. Welsh, who holds a doctorate in social work, is currently operations manager for York-Adams Transportation Authority and also works part time as a therapist.

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.