Local News

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Council approved more than $31,000 in previously budgeted community contributions Tuesday night, reaffirming the borough’s financial support for several local organizations that provide cultural, educational, historical, and veterans’ services throughout the community. The funding approvals came during the council’s regular business agenda and were largely procedural, as the organizations had…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Council took an early step toward a potential expansion of senior housing in the borough Tuesday night by approving a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Columbia Catholic Housing, allowing planning efforts for a future development project to continue. The proposal centers on the possible expansion of Trinity House and includes…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) received another boost from Columbia Borough Council on Tuesday night as officials approved agreements tied to a $500,000 state grant package that will support significant improvements at the organization’s museum campus. Representatives from GMS Funding Solutions attended the meeting to explain the project…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — While pedestrian safety dominated much of Tuesday night’s Columbia Borough Council meeting, another longstanding neighborhood issue resurfaced as resident Keith Williams returned to council seeking answers about ongoing disturbances near Third and Mill streets and the borough’s enforcement of its disruptive conduct ordinance. Williams told council he first raised concerns months ago…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Council voted Tuesday night to participate in a six-month emergency medical services pilot program designed to improve ambulance availability while helping emergency responders better manage limited resources. The initiative, known as the Alternative Dispatch Pilot Program, will be conducted in partnership with Penn State Health Life Lion and Lancaster County…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — While pedestrian safety dominated much of Tuesday night’s Columbia Borough Council meeting, a related concern quickly emerged as residents and officials voiced increasing alarm over the growing number of e-bikes and scooters being operated unsafely throughout the borough. During both public comment and council discussion, residents described what they believe is a…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Amid growing public concern over pedestrian safety, Columbia Borough officials say a coordinated effort is underway to address dangerous intersections, improve school walking routes, and identify funding opportunities for future infrastructure improvements. The update came during Tuesday night’s Borough Council meeting, where pedestrian safety dominated much of the evening’s discussion. Council members…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — What began as a grassroots effort to encourage walking and community engagement is evolving into one of Columbia’s most visible advocacy organizations. During Tuesday night’s borough council meeting, Columbia Walks founder Callie Thompson outlined the group’s future plans while emphasizing that recent pedestrian crashes and fatalities have transformed the organization’s mission. “I…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — What began as a regular Columbia Borough Council meeting quickly became a show of support for local pedestrian safety advocate Robert Thompson, as friends, family members, and community supporters filled the public comment period to defend Thompson following his recent arrest. Thompson was unable to attend the Sept. 8 council meeting due…

By The Columbia Chronicle Staff Job seekers, students exploring career options, and residents considering a career change will have an opportunity later this month to connect directly with employers and community organizations during a Career Fair at the Columbia Market House. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, and is being sponsored by the…

By The Columbia Chronicle At the September 1st Columbia Borough Council workshop meeting, resident comments dominated the evening’s discussion, with citizens raising concerns about pedestrian safety, downtown development projects, mosquito problems, feral cat colonies, park vandalism, and transparency in borough affairs. The meeting also included presentations on emergency medical services, public art initiatives, community events,…

COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Council will gather this evening for its September 1st, 2026, workshop meeting with a packed agenda that includes discussions on emergency medical services, public art projects, affordable housing expansion, major borough property sales, and upcoming community events. Among the evening’s featured presentations is an overview of an Alternate Dispatch Pilot…

By The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, Pa. — Severe weather is once again threatening our area today, and Columbia residents are being urged to take extra precautions. With thunderstorms and potentially damaging winds impacting the region, borough officials are asking the public to avoid the Fourth Street area entirely due to ongoing concerns surrounding the damaged…

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,…