Columbia's water supply – Is it secure?

During this period last year, we were undergoing a water contamination scare. (Link: http://columbiapa-17512.blogspot.com/2013/03/columbia-water-customers-should-not.html?m=0)
After workers found evidence of tampering at the water storage tanks located between Chickies Hill Road and Laurel Hill Cemetery, it was thought possible that someone had contaminated Columbia’s water supply. An investigation ensued, and the water was later deemed safe.
On September 3, the PUC conducted a public hearing on an unrelated matter: Columbia Water Company’s rate hike request. At that hearing, I asked Water Company representatives what, if anything, had been done to ensure the safety of the water storage tanks. I don’t recall their attorney’s exact reply, only that it was vague and tentative, which leads me to believe the company had not implemented any measures except, perhaps, the hope that the crisis would be forgotten.
Well, we have not forgotten. Therefore, I am asking publicly – once again – of any Columbia Water Company representatives who might be reading this, or of anyone else “in the know”: What safety and security measures have been put in place to protect our water supply?

Columbia to digitize borough ordinances

Columbia Borough Council authorized an agreement March 10 between the borough and General Code to digitize the borough’s ordinances.
Ordinances have not been fully available, and searchable electronically, since 2008. The core issue that drove the decision was the inability for people to search for technical details about legislation when paper versions of ordinances were scanned into PDF format.
Instead, officials and residents alike have been relying, primarily, on binders.

From the Police Log – March 12, 2014

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
COLUMBIA: Lance M. Jones, 37, of 225 S. 4th St., Columbia, was charged Monday with aggravated assault, simple assault, and terroristic threats after a domestic dispute at his home. He was accused of advancing on a woman with a knife while swinging a shovel, threatening to kill her, striking her with his closed fists and choking her until she passed out. He was committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.
DRUG CHARGES
COLUMBIA: Andrea L. King, 28, of Delaware, was charged Monday with possession of drug paraphernalia and committed to county prison in lieu of $2,500 bail.
COLUMBIA: Travis W. Mengle, 18, of Ephrata, has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia at 6th and Cherry streets Feb. 28.

CHS To Present New Take On "Ugly Duckling" Tale

Columbia Borough School District will present “Honk!”, a musical tale of “The Ugly Duckling,” on Thursday through Saturday, March 13-15.
Shows are at 7 p.m. each night. There is also a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.
Performances will be in the high school auditorium.

Bob Hammer at Weavings INK

A note from Bob Hammer:

Hello Everyone,
    I would like to extend an invitation to an Artist’s Reception this Saturday from noon til 4pm at Weavings INK Gallery in Wrightsville.  In this solo exhibition, I interpret selected events from American history by em-
ploying symbols and imagery found in tarot cards.  Each card image is first illustrated using pen and ink.  The image is then scanned and colored using computer software.  The resulting print features the card presented in front of a background image that also relates to the historical event.  Both originals and prints will be on display and available for purchase.
     The reception is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.    In addition to attending the artist’s reception, I will be gallery sitting during regular gallery hours for the duration of the show.  The Gallery is located at 208 Hellam Street in Wrightsville.  Hope to see you there.  Thanks for your support.

Robert Hammer 

What I Saw – March 9, 2014

 Snow on the field

 On Barber Street, a guy wire (far right) has somehow broken free from its anchor rod and is dangling.  Already, the utility pole it’s connected to is beginning to lean.

I’m pretty sure the perpetrators live down the street at a converted laundromat.  They stand on the porch and watch as their dog craps on properties along the street.

 Being a music aficionado, I was tempted to take these, as I’m sure they’re worth a few bucks, but I didn’t want to get into the middle of what might be an alleyway divorce.  And not being a member of the Geritol generation, I couldn’t bear the thought of having to turn on the bubble machine as Perry Como croons me to sleep.  Besides, I don’t have a bubble machine.

 Three walking . .  and one riding?

It’s right around the corner.  Literally.  It’s on Cherry Street, right around the corner from Fifth.