Local News

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,…

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…

Businesses and residents across Pennsylvania may notice an important announcement from their electric providers this week. On Thursday, August 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., PJM Interconnection, the organization responsible for managing the regional power grid, will conduct a planned voltage reduction test affecting utilities throughout its service area, including customers served by PPL…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — The shock and sadness felt across Columbia this week continues to grow following a tragic pedestrian crash that claimed the lives of two longtime residents and left their granddaughter hospitalized. The accident occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Third and Chestnut streets, where police say three pedestrians were struck by a…

COLUMBIA, PA — As Columbia Borough Council considers the future of the McGinness Innovation Park property, borough officials say their priorities remain attracting investment, strengthening the tax base, and supporting opportunities that benefit residents. In responses provided to The Columbia Chronicle, borough officials outlined development goals for the property while also addressing ongoing staffing challenges…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — A tragic accident in Columbia Borough on Sunday morning claimed the lives of two local residents and left their granddaughter seriously injured. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as , Eric Lutz 74, and Donna Lutz both of Columbia. The couple died from injuries sustained when they were struck by…

Fatal Pedestrian Crash Claims Two Lives in Columbia Borough COLUMBIA, Pa. (August 9, 2026) — A tragic pedestrian crash in Columbia Borough on Sunday morning claimed the lives of two adults and left a juvenile girl critically injured, according to Columbia Borough Police. Police were dispatched to the intersection of 3rd Street and Chestnut Street…

WASHINGTON BORO, Pa. — A Lancaster City man has been charged in connection with a tragic crash that sent two vehicles into the Susquehanna River and claimed the life of a 20-year-old Columbia woman. Police announced Monday that Mikaail Fahim Cotton, 23, of Lancaster City, faces charges including leaving the scene of an accident involving…

August 2, 2026 Another week is in the books in Columbia, and it was one filled with both challenges and reasons for optimism. From ongoing public safety concerns to important community discussions and positive developments around town, here’s your look at the stories that shaped the week. Public Safety Remains a Major Focus The biggest…