Agenda – Columbia Borough Council Budget Workshop – October 17, 2024
354 Columbia cats processed through the CCAT program
354 cats have gone through the Columbia Cat Action Team’s TNR program to date.
In 2021, resident complaints about large numbers of feral cats led to the creation of CCAT. Over time, this program reduces the feral cat population. Some of the kittens and cats that were trapped actually found permanent homes so they are no longer roaming the streets.
A group of extremely dedicated volunteers perform a variety of duties which includes the physical work of trapping and transporting the cats to and from procedures, as well as housing the caged cats overnight before releasing them back where they were initially trapped.
Other duties include answering emails and making phone calls to schedule trapping dates and locations. Still other volunteers organize and contribute to fundraising, making this a true team effort.
CCAT now operates closely with The Columbia Animal Shelter which contributes to the enormous success of the program.
General Edward C. Shannon, Columbia’s War Hero
[Columbia Spy previously published this article on May 28, 2017.]
Columbia History – Did you know?
Edward C. Shannon in 1917
In September of last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs inducted General Edward C. Shannon into its Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional service to the department, the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Pennsylvania veterans.
At the ceremony, Mayor Leo Lutz said, “The Borough of Columbia has been the home to many brave men and women who have served their country, some who have paid the supreme sacrifice and some who have distinguished themselves in service to their country. The citizens of the Borough of Columbia are honored to have Major General Edward Caswell Shannon as one of its distinguished generals and greatly appreciate the honor you have bestowed on him today.”
Edward Caswell Shannon was born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1870, and grew up in Columbia, Pennsylvania. He studied metallurgical chemistry at Lehigh University and Lafayette College. He later completed a course in metallurgical chemistry in the laboratory of the Phoenix Iron Company, and then worked as a chemist and blast furnace superintendent in the iron and steel industries. In 1899 he married Maud Radcliffe Lucas (1877-1943). Shannon later worked as Treasurer and General Manager of Lucas Manufacturing, a clothes-making business in Columbia owned by his wife’s family. He was also a president of the Columbia Water Company and a director of the First Columbia National Bank.
His military career began in 1889, when he enlisted in Company C, 4th Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard. He advanced through the noncommissioned officer ranks and obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1893. He had attained the rank of Captain and command of a company by the time he volunteered to serve in the Spanish–American War.
Shannon remained in the National Guard, and by 1915 had become commander of the 4th Infantry with the rank of Colonel. He commanded his regiment on the Mexican border during the 1916 Pancho Villa Expedition. During World War I he continued in command of his regiment, which combined with other units and federalized as the 111th Infantry, 28th Infantry Division. During the war Shannon earned the nickname “Two Yard” because of the reputation he developed for leading his men from the front (“two yards” ahead) during their attacks on German positions.
Commemorative “Two Yard” stick – a tribute to Shannon from his men
(Courtesy of Columbia Historic Preservation Society)
Shannon was cited for distinguished and exceptional gallantry at Foret de Fere in 1918. He was presented the Distinguished Service Medal by General Pershing at the end of the war. Pershing said of Shannon: “He proved himself a forceful and capable military leader.” He was also awarded the Silver Star for “personally reconnoitering in front of his lines under heavy machine gun fire.”
After World war I Shannon was promoted to Brigadier General as commander of Pennsylvania’s 1st Infantry Brigade. He later commanded the 52nd Cavalry Brigade.
As Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor, 1934
In 1919 he was elected Prothonotary of Lancaster County. From 1931 to 1935 he served as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. Shannon unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor in 1934.
Shannon watches two women tack up a campaign poster in Philadelphia on April 30, 1934 during his run for governor of PA.
From 1933 to 1939 Shannon served as Major General and commander of the 28th Infantry Division. He succeeded William G. Price Jr., and was succeeded by Edward Martin. During World War II he was chairman of his local draft board.
Former home of General Edward C. Shannon at 500 Chestnut Street
Shannon lived at 500 Chestnut Street for about 20 years and died at home on May 20, 1946. He is buried at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia.
Associated Press obituary of Shannon
Shannon’s gravestone at Laurel Hill
Much of the information in this article was drawn directly (under a Creative Commons license) from Shannon’s Wikipedia entry.
Major General Edward C. Shannon Memorial Bridge Dedication – October 16, 2024
[LNP | LancasterOnline] Columbia labor administrator opposes Miller in 41st House District [Voters Guide]
Brad Chambers (left) and Brett Miller
Of the 45,091 registered voters in Pennsylvania’s 41st House District, 46% are Republican, 36% are Democrat and 18% are independent or third-party voters.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Brett Miller faces Democratic challenger Brad Chambers, a labor administrator from Columbia Borough, in the general election.
MORE:
[LNP | LancasterOnline] Columbia labor administrator opposes Miller in 41st House District [Voters Guide]
Brad Chambers (left) and Brett Miller
Of the 45,091 registered voters in Pennsylvania’s 41st House District, 46% are Republican, 36% are Democrat and 18% are independent or third-party voters.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Brett Miller faces Democratic challenger Brad Chambers, a labor administrator from Columbia Borough, in the general election.
MORE:
Deeds Recorded – Columbia Borough – October 14, 2024
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Ricky Warner V conveyed 912 Barber St. to Ricky Warner V for $1.
Carlton Mahadeo conveyed 417 Union St. to Lopez Hector Andrew for $197,000.
The estate of Patrick M. Donan conveyed 1058 Walnut St. to Eshleman Andrew, Myer Courtney for $237,000.
Hartman Quin M, Hartman Sharon M, Hartman Sharon conveyed property on North 14th Street to Joseph Welsh for $297,500.
Joseph Welsh conveyed 219 Lawrence St. to Larkin Harold F. V, Larkin Family Trust for $160,000.
The estate of Robert L. Patterson conveyed 340 Union St. to Powers Chris Monroe Jr. for $175,000.
Timothy B. Funk conveyed 226 S. Second St. to Faltaous Wasim, Baskharon Eriny for $121,212.
The estate of Robert A. Gainer conveyed 128 S. Second St. to Francis J. Lafferty for $225,000.
Kayla A. Waldrup conveyed 616 Walnut St. to Mccue William, Mccue Marie for $170,000.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day: What’s open and closed 2024
About Town – October 13, 2024
This week’s photos of Columbia
(Click on photos to see larger sharper images.)
A fortunate egret and an unfortunate minnow
Santa is at the Re-Uzit Shop already.
Does this mean the roadwork is underground?
A cute pooch at River Park
Let’s hope this one doesn’t attract all manner of trash.
This year’s Halloween Parade is coming soon.
Doesn’t really look like a car.
A fugitive recovery officer holding a pry bar Monday morning on North 5th Street. He must have been looking for someone in that building.
Here’s a closer look.
My Haunted Manor USA on the 100 block of Locust
Spooky Extrav! at the State Theatre
A couple of paintings at 5th & Walnut
Mums
Food truck in town
Here’s another one.
Autumn clouds
Doors and drawers all lined up
Free slightly worn tires
A church on the 400 block of Locust
A glass “artwork”
Old sign at an antiques building on Bank Avenue
More bridge inspectors were checking out the Veterans Memorial Bridge this week.
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Breaking up the sidewalk at 3rd & Cherry
Fishing down at the bridge
American Legion
On Wednesday we war! (ink?)
Campaign sign on Lancaster Avenue
Cleaning up at the bus stop
Living Stones recently replaced the stones on the wall at Columbia River Park, but removed them again, because the owner was not satisfied with the results.
A notice of some sort
This vehicle was towed from an accident scene on the 400 block of Locust Street Saturday morning.
Who says unicorns don’t exist? Here’s the remains of one on the hood of a vehicle.
KTA Outdoor Weekend at Columbia River Park coming up
The yellow shirt cycle squad at Columbia River Park
Columbia Park Rangers cleaning up
Halloween is coming soon.
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Columbia Spy 
