Today’s news and information gleanings from here and there.

Today’s quote … “I live on Butternut Grove Road. I saw the flood waters. I smelled the toxic fumes. Sunoco is blocking anyone from entering the area, and I was almost turned away tonight coming home from work because my address wasn’t listed on the paper. I’m angry. I’m mourning for the environment. I can only imagine the shady operations they are doing down here they don’t want the public to see.” – commenter Michelle Rooney in this StateImpact.npr report three days ago.

Another quote … “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” – Former US President, Ronald Reagan

• Wonder why folks can’t get believable, timely, continuing updated reports from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection?

• FOX43-TV report from yesterday: “however there are no anticipated impacts to the water systems from the gasoline spill at this point in time, according to DEP.”

• Duh! “Wild animals suffer from oil toxicity when they are exposed to oil released into the environment, typically as a result of human activity.” – Pennsylvania Game Commission Website

• The Russians wonder that too | “Though the recent floods have been blamed for the spill, some are calling this into question due to Sunoco’s lengthy history of poor pipeline management.” – RussiaNewsNow

• So the oil spill plume was “expected at the Columbia area Tuesday afternoon, October 25th” – according to the news release posted at the Columbia Borough Website. Did it?

• Three days ago, WITF wondered, “Why the Susquehanna River looks brown”

• How can this be? “The creek runs into the west branch of the Susquehanna River, but the company said Saturday that “no petroleum-related compounds” had been detected in the river.” – ABC News regurgitation of Sunoco news release.

• Remember the former BP president’s news release interviews / lies?

ALSO …

• Mardi Gras Parade: Rain is forecast for Thursday – “The original rain date for the parade was the 31st but that is trick or treat night so that date will not be used. At this point the parade will proceed as scheduled on Thursday. If rain forces a postponement a new date will be announced via Facebook and local media. The latest forecast has rain ending in the afternoon. Fingers crossed for no rain at 7:00.” – Mardi Gras Parade facebook page

• Dysfunction continues as the look-alike state party minions take orders from on high | “Another state pension reform plan bites the dust as the House fails to drum up support to pass it” – Pennlive

• Will the Market House be open for business tonight? One standholder says her stand will be open from “4 to 8 pm.”

• There’s no indication of Mardi Gras hours listed at the Market House Website or facebook page. | This news release doesn’t address extended hours either: “Columbia Market House is announcing their change of hours for the Fall/Winter Season. They will be open Wednesday & Thursday 10am to 2pm (with limited stand holders); Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 10am to 3pm. For further information; checkout our website and follow us on Facebook – Columbia Market House.” – News release

SEEKING ADORABLE? This found gentlemen is posted at the Columbia Police Department facebook page.