Thank You, Matt: Columbia Says Farewell to a Dedicated Public Servant
COLUMBIA, Pa. — During Monday night’s Borough Council meeting, borough officials formally acknowledged the resignation…
Thank You, Matt: Columbia Says Farewell to a Dedicated Public Servant
COLUMBIA, Pa. — During Monday night’s Borough Council meeting, borough officials formally acknowledged the resignation of Columbia’s Property Inspector, Matt Peak, effective Aug. 26, 2026. While the announcement was brief, many residents know that Matt’s impact on the community has been anything but small. For years, Matt has been a familiar face throughout Columbia, handling…
Residents Press Borough Council on Police Response, Property Issues, Noise Complaints and Traffic Safety
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Public comment dominated much of Columbia Borough Council’s Aug. 25 meeting, with residents voicing concerns about police investigations, code enforcement, neighborhood disturbances, parking enforcement, pedestrian safety, and community development. While council also addressed several borough business items, recognized a retiring police officer, and accepted the resignation of a property inspector, it was…
Storm Recovery in Columbia: One Week Later, Residents and Businesses Continue to Rebuild
By The Columbia Chronicle Nearly a week after the devastating storm that tore through Columbia Borough, many residents and business owners are still assessing the damage, cleaning up debris, and trying to figure out what comes next. The storm left a path of destruction throughout the community, damaging homes, businesses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure. County…
Local Schools to Receive Nearly $900,000 in School Safety Grants
Students, teachers, and staff across the 41st Legislative District will benefit from nearly $900,000 in school safety grant funding approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee. The funding is intended to enhance school security measures, strengthen behavioral health resources, and support safer learning environments throughout the district….
Concerns Grow Over Stability of Tornado-Damaged Fourth Street Building
COLUMBIA, PA — Nearly every reminder of Columbia’s devastating tornado has left a lasting impression on residents, but one of the most heavily damaged properties appears to be deteriorating further days after the storm. Following a recent walk through the area, residents observed what appears to be continued structural decline at 23 N. 4th Street,…
Storm’s Fury Leaves Columbia Shaken but Unbroken
COLUMBIA, Pa. — What began as an ordinary summer afternoon quickly transformed into one of the most destructive weather events many longtime Columbia residents have ever witnessed. Shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, dark clouds rolled over the Susquehanna River Valley as a powerful storm swept into the area. Fierce winds tore apart buildings, toppled trees,…
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,…
