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…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Residents and visitors will have plenty to do in Columbia on Saturday, July 18, as two unique events bring shoppers, families, collectors, and horror enthusiasts into the borough for a day of fun and community engagement. The day begins with Yuletide in July, taking place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — State Rep. Brett Miller, who represents the 41st Legislative District and maintains a district office in Columbia, voted in favor of Pennsylvania’s newly approved 2026-27 state budget, citing significant benefits for local schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to Miller, one of the biggest winners in the budget package is public education,…
By The Columbia Chronicle Staff COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia’s own Kayla Hess is once again proving that hometown talent can compete with the best in the country. The accomplished young disc golfer is currently competing in the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship in the Salt Lake City, Utah region, one of the sport’s…
COLUMBIA, PA – For those who have ever dreamed of serving their community and making a difference, the Columbia Borough Police Department is preparing for its next round of police officer recruitment and is encouraging qualified candidates to take the first step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement. As communities across Pennsylvania continue to…
COLUMBIA, PA – As family and friends continue to mourn the heartbreaking loss of Anthony Stoy-Velazquez, loved ones are inviting the community to come together this Saturday to celebrate his life, share memories, and offer support during an unimaginably difficult time. Anthony, 26, was remembered by those closest to him as a beloved son, nephew,…
By Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle A proposed zoning ordinance authored by Columbia Borough council member Ethan Byers is being promoted as a measure to remove data centers from the former Columbia Airport property. But a closer look at the ordinance raises an important question: Does it actually stop data centers in Columbia, or…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Concerns about public safety and police response times dominated public comment at the Columbia Borough Council meeting on July 14, as borough officials addressed staffing shortages within the police department while also approving several community-related initiatives and infrastructure payments. The meeting opened with the addition of a new business item concerning a…
