PJM to Conduct Voltage Reduction Test: What Columbia-Area Businesses Need to Know
Businesses and residents across Pennsylvania may notice an important announcement from their electric providers this…
PJM to Conduct Voltage Reduction Test: What Columbia-Area Businesses Need to Know
Businesses and residents across Pennsylvania may notice an important announcement from their electric providers this week. On Thursday, August 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., PJM Interconnection, the organization responsible for managing the regional power grid, will conduct a planned voltage reduction test affecting utilities throughout its service area, including customers served by PPL…
Columbia Mourns After Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Beloved Grandparents
COLUMBIA, Pa. — The shock and sadness felt across Columbia this week continues to grow following a tragic pedestrian crash that claimed the lives of two longtime residents and left their granddaughter hospitalized. The accident occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Third and Chestnut streets, where police say three pedestrians were struck by a…
Captured: Susquehanna River Crash Suspect Arrested in New York City
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA. Nearly two weeks after a devastating crash sent two vehicles into the Susquehanna River and claimed the life of a young Columbia woman, the man accused of driving one of the vehicles and fleeing the scene is now behind bars. Manor Township Police announced Tuesday that 23-year-old Mikaail Cotton of Lancaster was…
Columbia Borough Focuses on Growth, Hiring, and Future Development
COLUMBIA, PA — As Columbia Borough Council considers the future of the McGinness Innovation Park property, borough officials say their priorities remain attracting investment, strengthening the tax base, and supporting opportunities that benefit residents. In responses provided to The Columbia Chronicle, borough officials outlined development goals for the property while also addressing ongoing staffing challenges…
Columbia Couple Killed, Granddaughter Injured in Tragic Pedestrian Crash
COLUMBIA, Pa. — A tragic accident in Columbia Borough on Sunday morning claimed the lives of two local residents and left their granddaughter seriously injured. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as , Eric Lutz 74, and Donna Lutz both of Columbia. The couple died from injuries sustained when they were struck by…
Pennsylvania Families to Receive Additional $100 Energy Assistance Payment
As utility costs continue to strain household budgets, approximately 193,000 Pennsylvania families will receive an additional $100 energy assistance payment through the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced the one-time supplemental payments will go to households that received LIHEAP assistance during the 2025-26 heating season and…
Are You Owed Unclaimed Property? You Might Be Surprised
Millions of dollars in unclaimed property are turned over to the Pennsylvania Treasury each year, and there’s a good chance some of it could belong to you. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Treasury, one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property waiting to be claimed, with the average claim valued at more than $1,000. Unclaimed…
What’s Happening This Week in Columbia, PA
For The Columbia Chronicle | August 10, 2026 COLUMBIA, PA – There’s plenty happening around town this week as residents enjoy the final weeks of summer and take advantage of local community activities. One of the week’s notable events is the Borough Council Regular Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, where local officials will discuss borough business and…
Editorial: Columbia Has Been Knocked Down, But It Hasn’t Been Defeated
There is no denying it: Columbia has been through a difficult stretch. Between heartbreaking tragedies, acts of violence, and the daily challenges that come with a growing community, many residents are emotionally exhausted. Our first responders, especially our police officers, have been asked to carry an increasingly heavy burden. They answer the calls at all…
Fatal Pedestrian Crash Claims Two Lives in Columbia Borough
Fatal Pedestrian Crash Claims Two Lives in Columbia Borough COLUMBIA, Pa. (August 9, 2026) — A tragic pedestrian crash in Columbia Borough on Sunday morning claimed the lives of two adults and left a juvenile girl critically injured, according to Columbia Borough Police. Police were dispatched to the intersection of 3rd Street and Chestnut Street…
Columbia Residents Raise Safety, Development, and Infrastructure Concerns at Borough Workshop Meeting
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Bicycle safety, flooding concerns tied to the Walnut Street sidewalk project, downtown development questions, pedestrian safety, and staffing shortages were among the topics discussed during Columbia Borough Council’s recent workshop meeting. Several residents used the public comment period to voice concerns about a growing number of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters operating throughout…
Severe Storms Trigger Flood Warnings in Columbia Area as More Summer Heat Awaits This Weekend
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Strong thunderstorms swept through the Columbia area Friday afternoon, bringing torrential rainfall, damaging wind potential, and localized flooding that prompted multiple weather warnings across Lancaster County. The strongest storms moved through the region during the afternoon hours, darkening skies and unleashing heavy downpours that quickly led to hazardous conditions on area roads….
Social Media Posts Fuel Discussion as Saige Zink Investigation Continues
COLUMBIA, Pa. — As the community continues to mourn the loss of 20-year-old Columbia resident Saige Zink, social media activity connected to the ongoing case has sparked intense discussion among local residents. Zink died following a July 30 crash that sent two vehicles into the Susquehanna River near Water Street and Charlestown Road in Manor…
Columbia Residents: Check Your Phone Bills Carefully
By The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA — Local residents are being encouraged to take a close look at their phone and internet bills after a Columbia customer reported receiving a $203.41 late fee from Brightspeed, an amount that exceeded the customer’s normal monthly bill of approximately $180. While every account situation is different, unusually large…
Columbia Residents: Let’s Create Our Own Neighborhood Night Out!
By The Columbia Chronicle Sometimes the best community events aren’t the ones organized by a committee. They’re the ones that happen naturally when neighbors step outside, wave across the street, and take a few minutes to connect with the people who live right next door. While this year’s National Night Out activities may not have…
Saige Deserved Better Than Silence
By The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board Twenty-year-old Saige Zink should be alive today. Instead, her family is preparing for a funeral after she drowned in the Susquehanna River following a crash in Manor Township during the early morning hours of July 30. There will be time for courts, attorneys, evidence, and criminal proceedings. Those processes…
Lancaster City Man Charged After Fatal Susquehanna River Crash Claims Life of Columbia Woman
WASHINGTON BORO, Pa. — A Lancaster City man has been charged in connection with a tragic crash that sent two vehicles into the Susquehanna River and claimed the life of a 20-year-old Columbia woman. Police announced Monday that Mikaail Fahim Cotton, 23, of Lancaster City, faces charges including leaving the scene of an accident involving…
