THE SCRIBBLER: Keep the Confederate flag under wraps

From today’s LNP:
“This continued flaunting of the flag of rebels who lost their bid to destroy the Union and preserve slavery a century and a half ago should disturb all Americans of goodwill, not just the African-Americans at whom it is often aimed.”

And all the bells were . . . silent?

Although many locations in Lancaster and York Counties rang bells today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, Columbia did not. Not one peal from one bell in one bell tower in the many churches around town. Not one celebration or observance around town or on the bridge.  And this, after last night’s meeting where it was mentioned that our history should be promoted. You know – our history, like the bridge burning that the town was directly involved in, which directly precipitated one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. You know – Gettysburg. Yeah . . that history. Nothing important or anything. Just another missed opportunity, and we can’t afford too many more of those.

Police: Teen missing from New Britain Township found in Columbia

Everyone's coming to Columbia.

A 14-year-old boy who was reported missing out of New Britain Township has been located and he is safe, according to police.

New Britain Township police Chief Robert Scafidi said Wednesday that Sebastian Keith took his father’s girlfriend’s SUV Sunday and drove it to Columbia Borough in Lancaster County.

The boy has relatives in the area and was located by borough police Thursday, Scafidi said. Authorities are still considering whether to file charges against the boy.

http://m.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/police-teen-missing-from-new-britain-township-found-in-lancaster/article_0c795d79-0f45-5fba-8b5a-3d71dc228522.html?mode=jqm

The day they drove old Dixie down

“The night they drove old Dixie down,
And all the bells were ringing . . .”
Today, April 9, marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Appomattox and the subsequent surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse.  The event is regarded as the end of the Civil War. Bells will ring at 3:15 this afternoon  in various locations in York and Lancaster Counties.
Columbia played a pivotal role in the Civil War when locals burned the covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna to thwart the advance of Confederate troops.  The Confederates were turned back and were later confronted by Union forces at the Battle of Gettysburg, a Confederate defeat – and the beginning of the end for the South.

Dog dragged by truck, then abandoned

Police  are investigating a case of animal cruelty. Authorities say a woman tied a male dog by the neck onto the bed of a white pickup truck and drove along the 300 block of Maple Street in Columbia. While en route, the dog fell from the truck and was dragged down the street. The woman allegedly stopped the vehicle, cut off the rope and drove off.
Columbia Police are asking anyone with more information to come forward. 
The “Help Find Sophie” Facebook page is asking people to share a post about this canine to help authorities locate the owner, who is expected to face animal cruelty charges. 
Animal rescuers say the dog appears to be about 10-months to one-year old. He is currently being cared for at a local shelter. 

Columbia plans its future

Over 50 people, mainly Columbia residents, attended a meeting sponsored by the nonprofit Columbia Economic Development Corporation at Perfect Settings on Wednesday night. Lancaster County redevelopment consultants presented a Columbia Downtown Master Plan as a step forward towards revitalizing the borough.
A copy of the plan can be viewed/downloaded HERE.
More details will follow.