today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!

Quote for today… “Inequality is as dear to the American heart as liberty itself.” –  William Dean Howells. Extracted from this article: “What recovery? US rich get richer, middleclass treading water.” – RT.com

• “We’re still breathing lousy air, study says: In its annual report, State of the Air 2013, the American Lung Association gave the Lancaster Metropolitan Area an “F” for its ground-level ozone and a “D” for its levels of soot pollution. The area is considered the 33rd worst in the nation for its ozone levels and 44th worst for its average long-term soot pollution.” – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

• “This year Earth Day began an entire week of green fun and spring cleaning for Columbia residents.”  – MyColumbiaNews

• “The Rock Lititz Tour begins with amateur racing at 11:30 a.m. Sunday  in the first block of East Main Street in downtown Lititz. Riders will repeatedly race around a fast, seven-tenth of a mile course in the downtown area.” – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

• Columbia: A “Tree City USA” – MyColumbiaNews

• Internet tax on products in Senate – YahooNews

• ” … change is in the making for Columbia Borough School District.” – MyColumbiaNews

• Hershey Hotel’s Circular Restaurant re-opens – Harrisburg Patriot-News

• POLICE LOG – “DAUPHIN COUNTY: Mary E. Fisher, 46, and Byron S. Fisher, 56, both of Columbia, were charged after they cashed out and redeemed credits that a 62-year-old Lewisberry man left on a machine Saturday at Hollywood Casino. The credits totaled $100.80.” – Marietta – Matthew M. Fryberger, 21, of 388 E. Front St., Marietta, was charged with domestic violence-related simple assault after he grabbed a female and choked her during an argument Monday night on Essex Street, police said. He previously punched the female, causing bruising. Fryberger had a detainer lodged against him and was committed to Lancaster County Prison. – EAST DONEGAL TWP.: Wesley R. Anderson, 34, of 4811 Marietta Ave., Columbia, was charged with harassment and criminal mischief after he struck a man and woman and caused $900 damage to a vehicle April 10 in the 700 block of Sharon Drive. – LANCASTER: Shacura L. Montague, 20, of Columbia, was charged with taking $25.29 worth of items Thursday from Party City at Red Rose Commons, 1700 Fruitville Pike” – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era