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…
Planning Commission Recommends Changes to Data Center Zoning as Community Debate Continues COLUMBIA, Pa. — The Columbia Borough Planning Commission voted Tuesday evening to recommend approval of a zoning amendment that would significantly limit where future data centers can be located within the borough, while public discussion highlighted growing concerns over the impacts of large-scale…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — The Columbia Borough Planning Commission is set to review a proposed zoning amendment Tuesday night that would prohibit data centers in the Borough’s Light Business (LB) zoning district and limit future projects to industrial areas through a conditional use approval process. The proposal follows a closely divided 4-3 vote by Columbia Borough…
Copilot said: A Lighthearted Look at a Very Real Columbia Borough Police Incident COLUMBIA, Pa. – Most people who need an ambulance call 911. One Columbia man apparently decided to skip a few steps and try the “take the whole ambulance” approach instead. According to Columbia Borough Police, 23 year-old Elijah Jordan Leed was arrested…
By Jesse SweigartThe Columbia Chronicle Over the past several weeks, Columbia has been forced to confront a troubling reality. Residents have watched reports of a homicide investigation, multiple stabbings, and other violent incidents dominate local conversations. These events have shaken our community and raised understandable concerns about public safety. Every victim has a family. Every…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — A juvenile male was killed Saturday night in a shooting in Columbia Borough, marking the latest violent incident to draw the attention of local investigators and residents concerned about public safety. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and they are asking anyone with information to come forward. According to the Lancaster County…
July 19, 2026 | The Columbia Chronicle Another week is in the books here in Columbia, and as always, there was plenty to talk about. From exciting community events and local achievements to ongoing concerns about crime, development, and the future direction of our borough, here’s our weekly look at The Good, The Bad &…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — A Columbia man sought by police in connection with a stabbing in West Hempfield Township was taken into custody Saturday after authorities say he was involved in a second stabbing and a sexual assault in Columbia Borough. According to police, Jared Gower, 21, was already being sought by law enforcement following a…
