Public Trust Is Earned in the Open: What Columbia Borough Owes Its Residents Editorial | ColumbiaPA.online Bottom line: When residents ask direct questions about government business, they deserve direct, accurate answers the first time. The last two weeks show why public trust in Columbia Borough’s leadership is wobbling. Two Stories, One Problem: Transparency In back‑to‑back…
Last night, the heart of Columbia sparkled as families gathered for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a tradition lovingly planned and carried forward by Don Murphy and his wife, Becky. For more than a decade, the Murphys—together with the Merchant’s Association of Columbia (MAC), volunteers, and countless community members—have turned this event into a celebration…
The Government’s Back, Baby—and Columbia’s Got Questions, Coffee, and School Cash After 43 days of bureaucratic limbo, the federal government has finally reopened, and Columbia Borough is breathing a cautious sigh of relief—while still clutching its coffee and muttering, “Well, that was a ride.” President Trump signed the funding bill late Wednesday night, ending the…
Historic Review Board Advances Signage, Porch, and Church Fence Projects in Columbia The Columbia Borough Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) held its January meeting on January 14, approving several property improvement projects across the borough’s historic district. The meeting focused on proposed storefront signage, storm‑damage reconstruction, and fencing intended to support a local school’s outdoor…
A Republican View: Shared Responsibility for Columbia’s Budget Woes Columbia Borough faces a projected $1.1 million shortfall heading into 2026. Joe Lintner’s recent article frames this as a Republican-driven spending problem, but the facts tell a broader story: both Republicans and Democrats have overseen years of fiscal mismanagement that brought us here. Overspending Is Bipartisan…
Fire Police Officer Suffers Medical Emergency While Responding to Hellam Township Fire Wrightsville, PA — February 11, 2026A Fire Police Officer from Wrightsville Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1 is recovering after experiencing a serious medical emergency while operating at a house fire in Hellam Township on the evening of February 5. According…
A Community Thank You to Columbia Borough’s Street Department The readers of ColumbiaPa.online would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the Columbia Borough Street Department for their outstanding work during the recent winter storm. This storm brought heavy snowfall, bitterly cold temperatures, and strong winds, creating difficult and hazardous conditions across…
BREAKING: Dispute Erupts Over Funds Raised for Columbia Market House Jail Cell Restoration Columbia, PA — February 3, 2026 A public dispute has erupted in Columbia following a series of Facebook posts by local historian and event organizer Rick Fisher, who alleges that thousands of dollars raised for the restoration of the historic jail cells…
(Columbia, PA) – In the heart of Columbia, Pennsylvania, there’s a hidden gem that has been serving the community for over a decade. Columbia Gold Buy and Sell, located at 469 Locust St, is more than just your average store. Owned by Hamid Amtdi and his wife, this family-run business offers a wide range of…
Lancaster County’s Toys for Tots Faces Heartbreaking Shortage — Santa Needs Your Help Picture this: a child wakes up on Christmas morning, hoping for a gift that shows someone cares. But this year, for hundreds of kids in Lancaster County, that hope is fading fast. The local Toys for Tots program is facing a critical…