East Hempfield Police Department Welcomes New Chief as Jennifer Brubaker Retires After 26 Years of Service
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A new chapter has begun for the East Hempfield Township Police…
East Hempfield Police Department Welcomes New Chief as Jennifer Brubaker Retires After 26 Years of Service
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A new chapter has begun for the East Hempfield Township Police Department as Chief Jennifer Brubaker officially retires following more than 26 years of service, and Christopher Chase steps into the role of Chief of Police. Brubaker leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to public safety. Her…
Columbia’s Walking Students Return to School Aug. 25: Safety Takes Center Stage
COLUMBIA, Pa. — As Columbia Borough School District students prepare to return to the classroom on Tuesday, Aug. 25, local leaders and community advocates are reminding residents that Columbia is more than just a school district. It’s a walking district, where hundreds of students travel to and from school on foot every day. With the…
Attorney General Warns Residents of Sheriff Impersonation Scam Targeting Pennsylvanians
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia residents are being urged to stay alert after Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a warning about a growing phone scam in which callers impersonate local sheriff’s deputies and attempt to trick people into sending money. According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers are using technology that allows them to make…
😄 What’s Happening This Week in Columbia, PA?
The Columbia Chronicle’s Unofficial Community Round-Up Welcome to another week in Columbia, where the bridge is beautiful, the weather is unpredictable, and everyone somehow knows what’s going on before it happens. 🌉 The Albatwitch Is Still Avoiding Responsibility While humans continue debating the future of the Albatwitch legend, the Albatwitch itself remains completely unavailable for…
A Open Letter to Rick Fisher
Dear Rick, First and foremost, I want to offer my sincere apology for any misunderstanding surrounding the recent article about the Albatwitch. It was never intended to create division, stir controversy, or diminish the contributions of anyone who helped make the festival what it became. The inspiration for the article came from a discussion one…
The Albatwitch Doesn’t Care Which Side of the Bridge You’re On
By Kimberly Robinson | The Columbia Chronicle (8/14/2026) There is something almost comical about watching grown adults in both our communities argue over a four-foot-tall hairy creature that steals apples over a cup of coffee. Yet here we are. The Albatwitch, Lancaster County’s legendary “apple snitch,” has become one of the most beloved pieces of…
Brett Miller Proposes Protections for Seniors Facing Tax Sales
COLUMBIA, Pa. — For many seniors in Columbia Borough, their home represents decades of hard work, sacrifice, and stability. As rising costs continue to squeeze household budgets, some older residents living on fixed incomes face the frightening possibility of falling behind on property taxes and ultimately losing their homes. State Representative Brett Miller (R-41) is…
Letter to the Editor – Letter to CBAA Leadership
To the Board and Leadership of the Columbia Borough Athletic Association, I am writing as a community member who cares deeply about the mission of CBAA and the positive impact the organization has on young people in Columbia. First, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the countless volunteers, coaches, parents, and supporters who dedicate their…
Historic Review Board Balances Preservation and Progress in Downtown Columbia
Columbia’s Historic Architectural Review Board meeting may have lasted less than an hour, but the conversations revealed something much larger than doors, signs, and murals. At its core, the meeting highlighted an issue that continues to shape the borough’s future: how can Columbia embrace new businesses, fresh ideas, and economic growth while preserving the historic…
Step Inside a Piece of Columbia’s History: Discover My Haunted Manor USA
By The Columbia Chronicle In a town rich with history and character, few places capture the imagination quite like My Haunted Manor USA, located at 131 Locust Street in Columbia. Standing as a remarkable reminder of Columbia’s architectural heritage, this historic property offers visitors a chance to step back in time while helping preserve one…
Tragedy, Public Safety, and Heated Debate Dominate Columbia Borough Meeting
The Columbia Borough Council meeting Tuesday night began routinely enough, but it quickly became a passionate and emotional discussion about two issues weighing heavily on the community: neighborhood safety and pedestrian safety. In the wake of a recent fatal pedestrian crash that claimed two lives and seriously injured a child, residents arrived prepared to speak,…
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…
