More Than News. We’re Part of the Community. At The Columbia Chronicle, we believe local news should do more than report what happened. It should help bring a community together. While many news outlets focus primarily on government meetings, politics, and regional issues, The Columbia Chronicle is committed to covering the full story of Columbia….
August 2, 2026 Another week is in the books in Columbia, and it was one filled with both challenges and reasons for optimism. From ongoing public safety concerns to important community discussions and positive developments around town, here’s your look at the stories that shaped the week. Public Safety Remains a Major Focus The biggest…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia’s ongoing debate over data centers and the future of the former McGinness property took another turn this week after Borough Council President Eric Kauffman publicly challenged claims made in a recent opinion article published by Columbia Spy. In the opinion piece, anti-data center activist Kathy Woods Embleton argued that residents had…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — New court filings have revealed additional details in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Wilfredo Garcia at the Wagon Works Apartments, leading to charges against two more individuals as investigators continue to piece together what happened inside the Plane Street apartment on July 18. Garcia was killed after being struck by a gunshot…
Saige Zink, 20, of Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, died following a two-vehicle crash that sent both vehicles into the Susquehanna River in Washington Boro/Manor Township during the early morning hours of July 30, 2026. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified Zink as the victim on July 31. According to Manor Township Police, the crash occurred…
By The Columbia Chronicle Walk around Columbia on any summer afternoon and you’ll see them everywhere. Electric scooters zip down sidewalks. Teenagers ride them to friends’ houses. Children cross intersections on them. Some riders wear helmets. Many don’t. It’s become such a common sight that most people barely notice anymore. The problem? According to Pennsylvania…
By The Columbia Chronicle The Columbia Borough Council meeting on July 28 was filled with positive news, forward-looking discussions, and heartfelt appreciation for the people working every day to make Columbia a safer and stronger community. While council members reviewed financial updates, community projects, and upcoming events, the evening’s most memorable moments centered around the…
Columbia Teen Faces Homicide Charges in Fatal July Shooting A summer evening in Columbia was shattered by tragedy on July 18 when a 17-year-old boy lost his life after a firearm was discharged inside a borough residence, according to authorities. Now, weeks after the incident, Columbia Borough Police and Lancaster County Detectives have arrested and…
By Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, Pa. — In the wake of yesterday’s arrest of a 17-year-old Columbia resident in connection with a fatal stabbing earlier this month, our community continues to grapple with grief, sadness, and difficult emotions. An arrest may answer some questions, but it does not erase the pain being…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — A 17-year-old Columbia resident has been charged in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred earlier this month in the borough, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. Joshua D. Flores was taken into custody Sunday evening and is facing charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence in…
(Columbia, Pa) By: Jesse Sweigart & Kimberly Robinson Over the past several days, we have had to deal with several incidents involving inappropriate and unacceptable comments posted on our Facebook platform. These comments included racist remarks, personal attacks, and other statements that clearly violated the standards of respect and decency we expect from members of…
COLUMBIA, PA (July 25, 2026) – Downtown Columbia is buzzing with activity today as residents and visitors gather to enjoy a full day of community events, local shopping, family fun, and small-town charm. One of the day’s biggest attractions is 4th Saturday in Columbia: Summer in the Streets, taking place downtown along Locust Street and…
By Jesse SweigartThe Columbia ChronicleJuly 24, 2026 COLUMBIA, Pa. — A Columbia native and former U.S. Marine has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison following a child exploitation investigation that federal authorities described as one of the most disturbing cases they have encountered. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District…
Good Things Ahead: Columbia Gears Up for a Fun-Filled Weekend By Jesse SweigartThe Columbia ChronicleJuly 24, 2026 COLUMBIA, Pa. While recent headlines have focused on serious community challenges, this weekend offers a welcome reminder of what makes Columbia special: neighbors coming together, local businesses thriving, and families finding opportunities to enjoy the town they call…
By Jesse SweigartThe Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA — In a town where neighbors know one another and community has always been one of our greatest strengths, two recent homicides have left residents searching for answers and asking a difficult question: What is happening to Columbia? Within just days of each other, Columbia Borough became the…
By Jesse SweigartThe Columbia Chronicle Columbia is hurting. Over the last several weeks, our community has witnessed an alarming series of violent incidents that have left families grieving, residents frightened, and many of us asking the same question: How many more vigils will we attend before something changes? This week, community members are gathering for…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — While recent headlines have understandably focused on serious events and important community debates, there’s also plenty of good news happening across Columbia this week. From family activities and children’s programs to downtown events, live music, and community gatherings, residents have several opportunities to come together and enjoy the best of what our…
