Columbia Residents Could Gain More Say Over Major Development Projects
By The Columbia Chronicle A pair of bills moving through the Pennsylvania Senate could strengthen…
Columbia Residents Could Gain More Say Over Major Development Projects
By The Columbia Chronicle A pair of bills moving through the Pennsylvania Senate could strengthen transparency and local control when it comes to large-scale development projects, a topic that may resonate with many residents here in Columbia Borough. While the legislation specifically focuses on data centers, the discussion reaches far beyond technology. At its core,…
Pennsylvania Moves to Ban AI Apps That Create Fake Explicit Images
A growing concern in schools and communities across Pennsylvania is prompting lawmakers to take action against a troubling use of artificial intelligence. Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation aimed at banning so-called “AI nudification” apps, technology that can take an ordinary photograph of a person and use artificial intelligence to create a fake…
Fire Prevention Week Reminder: Safe Charging Habits Can Protect Columbia Homes
As National Fire Prevention Week begins, Columbia-area residents are being encouraged to take a closer look at how they charge the devices they use every day. From smartphones and tablets to power tools, e-bikes, and scooters, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become a part of daily life. While these batteries are generally safe when used properly,…
Protecting Yourself from Health Insurance Scams During Open Enrollment
As Medicare and Pennie open enrollment periods approach, consumer advocates are reminding Pennsylvanians to stay alert for scams designed to steal personal information, money, or even medical benefits. Open enrollment season is an important time for many residents to review their health coverage options, but it is also a time when scammers become especially active….
Columbia Career Fair Shows Opportunity Is Still Knocking
If there’s one thing last week’s Columbia Career Fair proved, it’s that employers are hiring and they’re eager to meet local talent. Held at the Historic Columbia Market House, the event brought together businesses, organizations, and job seekers from across the area for a day focused on opportunity. From healthcare and education to manufacturing, construction,…
CREEPMAS Comes to Columbia: Vintage State Theatre Blends Halloween Haunts with Christmas Cheer
By The Columbia Chronicle Staff A delightfully spooky twist on the holiday season is arriving in downtown Columbia this weekend as CREEPMAS takes over the State Theatre Vintage Emporium on October 3. The unique event promises a mix of vintage shopping, local vendors, Halloween fun, and early holiday spirit, all under one historic roof at…
Community Discussion: Why Hasn’t the Police Department Transition Been Completed?
A picture of our chief of police assisting in a fire on S 4th Street
Columbia Borough Police Launches 2026 Pink Patch Project Fundraiser
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA — The Columbia Borough Police Department is once again showing its support in the fight against breast cancer with the release of its 2026 Pink Patch Project apparel collection, giving community members a chance to make a difference while proudly supporting a meaningful cause. The annual Pink…
CBAA Needs Columbia’s Kids, Parents, and Volunteers More Than Ever
COLUMBIA, PA — Youth sports have always been about more than wins and losses. They are about teamwork, friendships, confidence, discipline, and giving kids a place to belong. That mission continues today through the Columbia Borough Athletic Association (CBAA), which recently elected Ronald Stauffer as Vice President as the organization works to strengthen and grow…
Columbia Chronicle Weekly Roundup
Albatwitch Returns Home, Borough Business Moves Forward, and Community Celebrates Columbia’s 300th Year Week Ending September 27, 2026 COLUMBIA, PA — It was another busy week in Columbia as residents celebrated local traditions, borough officials tackled important community issues, and hundreds gathered downtown for one of the area’s most unique festivals. Albatwitch Festival Returns to…
Columbia Residents Attend Special Meeting as Data Center Debate Continues
COLUMBIA, PA – For nearly two and a half hours Thursday night, Columbia Borough residents, council members, planners, and the attorney wrestled with one of the biggest development questions facing the community: how should Columbia regulate data centers before one potentially arrives? The special meeting, held Sept. 24 at the Columbia High School campus, was…
🍂 First Fall Fourth Friday in Columbia Is Here! 🍂
COLUMBIA, PA – Fall has officially arrived, and there’s no better way to celebrate than at the first fall 4th Friday in Columbia this evening! Downtown Columbia will come alive as local businesses stay open late, offer special promotions, and welcome residents and visitors for an evening of shopping, dining, and community fun. This month’s…
Columbia Gears Up for a Packed Weekend of Fall Fun, Community Spirit, and Fireworks
COLUMBIA, PA — If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, Columbia is shaping up to be one of the busiest places in Lancaster County. From downtown shopping and art exhibits to the beloved Albatwitch festivities, comedy, family activities, and an evening fireworks display, there will be no shortage of reasons to get out…
Editorial: Thank You, Heather
An Open Letter to Heather Zink Dear Heather, First, thank you. As publisher of The Columbia Chronicle, I spend countless hours wondering how to convince more people that local journalism matters. Fortunately, you helped make the case for me. At this week’s Republican meeting, you took the opportunity to publicly criticize our publication in front…
EXPLOSIVE CLASH OVER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUESTS ENDS WITH PERSONAL JABS AT BOROUGH MEETING
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – What began as a discussion about Right-to-Know requests and legal expenses quickly turned into one of the most heated exchanges of the night Monday as resident Robert Thompson, Mayor Leo Lutz, Borough Manager Jack Brommer, and borough solicitor officials sparred over transparency, government accountability, and the…
Columbia’s Police Pension Fund Nears Full Funding
COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia officials announced significant progress in the financial health of the borough’s police pension fund. During the meeting, council members noted that the pension plan is now approximately 95 percent funded, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years when funding levels were substantially lower. Officials recalled that the pension system once faced…
New Members Appointed to Columbia Planning Commission
COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough Council approved two appointments to the borough’s Planning Commission during Monday’s meeting. Colette Shaw was appointed to serve on the Planning Commission through December 31, 2027, while Todd Alshouse was appointed as an alternate member with a term running through December 31, 2030. The Planning Commission plays an important role…
