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

Quote for today… “The No. 1 question is, Is the pension system economically viable and sustainable? Some people believe it is. I, personally, do not. I firmly believe we need to make pension changes in Pennsylvania.” – Mike Brubaker, state senator, in this Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era article on Pennsylvania’s underfunded pension system.

• “Ephrata police at scene of standoff” – WGAL.com [NOTE: Check out the “tweets” from Ephrata’s Police Department. They’re keeping citizens informed.]

• Columbia Police Department facebook page last post: July, 2011

• There’s a difference between East Hempfield Township and West Hempfield Township. This FOX43 story talks about an armed robbery at a West Hempfield Township store. This Lancaster Independent Press article shows the site in Lancaster.

PHOTO: Lancaster County Fireman’s Association

• Fire trucks on parade on Saturday in Quarryville – Quarryville Fire Company Website

• “Whatcha’ doing?” “Nothing!” replied the guy with his arm in the ATM – York Daily Record

• Yet another lawsuit out of Penn State scandal – York Daily Record

• Jobless rate down- fewer job seekers – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

• Things must be getting better: PPL announces big rate increase – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era  [Columbia news, views & reviews NOTE: Things are getting better for the water company and PPL.]

• “hot dog hooker” – MyFOXNY.com

• “U.S. banks earned more from January through March than during any quarter on record, buoyed by greater income from fees and fewer losses from bad loans.” says a syndicated article in today’s Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era [Columbia news, views & reviews NOTE: Things are getting better for the banks, too! Way to help this economy grow, banker crooks!]

• “Wildwood officials are considering rules that would require visitors to pull up their pants, put on a shirt and wear shoes while on the town’s boardwalk.” – Newsday

• POLICE LOG: “EAST LAMPETER TWP.: Justin A. Prescott, 33, of Columbia, was charged with felony retail theft after he rang in items to random customers in exchange for cash while working at the Nike Factory Store Outlet at Tanger Outlets. Police said the incidents took place during the last two months. Loss to the store was $1,888.42. – Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

• LEGAL NOTICE published in the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era, May 30, 2013: “Sealed Bid Notice – District Administration Center (DAC) Painting. Bid information available at the District Office, 200 N. 5^th St, Columbia, PA 17512, or 717-684-2283. Also available on District website: www.columbia.k12.pa.us, Business Office, Bid Information. Mandatory scheduling of site visit. Bids due Thursday, June 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Laura Cowburn, Board Secretary” [Click to view the bid notice.] [Columbia news, views & reviews NOTE: This is the same legal notice that was published last week, but the Bids due date has been changed from June 6 to June 13.]