The Melrose Heights Neighborhood Association met on Monday November 9. Ian Hamilton, the treasurer for the Melrose Heights Neighborhood Association, said the yard sale for the Melrose heights area raised $731. A portion of the money will go to purchasing a child size picnic table in the Melrose Heights Park. Another portion will go to purchasing landscape blocks to help in sections of the park.

Scott Brazzell, a representative of the Columbia Fire Fighting Association said that since Engine 9 of the Shandon Fire Station and Engine 8 of the Atlas Road Station have been out of commission the response times of the fire fighters have increased. Earlier in the year both engines were shut down due to budget issues. Brazzell claims that having these trucks out of commission endangers the safety of the residents of Columbia because it increases the time that fire fighters are able to respond to the calls they receive.

“One call causes a ripple effect throughout the city in respect to trucks,” Brazzell says.

Brazzell also urged residents to say no to the city’s proposal of forming a TIF, Tax Incremental Financing, which will form a tax district. He claims the money made from this tax district won’t go to public safety, an area that desperately needs the money.

Deputy Stegall, with the Richland County Police Department, offered some tips as we approach the holiday season

1. Shop with a friend or family member.

2. Do not leave valuable items in vehicle or at home in plain site.

3. Cut all trees and bushes back from around windows and doors to eliminate potential hiding spots.

4. Do not give personal information over the phone.

5. When shopping, park in well lit areas.

Officer Stegall also reported that 11 arrests have been made in connection with 85 burglaries from Orangeburg to Columbia.