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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA. Nearly two weeks after a devastating crash sent two vehicles into the Susquehanna River and claimed the life of a young Columbia woman, the man accused of driving one of the vehicles and fleeing the scene is now behind bars. Manor Township Police announced Tuesday that 23-year-old Mikaail Cotton of Lancaster was…
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…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Bicycle safety, flooding concerns tied to the Walnut Street sidewalk project, downtown development questions, pedestrian safety, and staffing shortages were among the topics discussed during Columbia Borough Council’s recent workshop meeting. Several residents used the public comment period to voice concerns about a growing number of bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters operating throughout…
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…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Four additional individuals, including an adult and three teenagers, have been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in Columbia Borough that claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy in July, according to Lancaster County authorities. The charges stem from the July 18 shooting inside an apartment in the 900 block of…
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…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — New court filings have revealed additional details in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Wilfredo Garcia at the Wagon Works Apartments, leading to charges against two more individuals as investigators continue to piece together what happened inside the Plane Street apartment on July 18. Garcia was killed after being struck by a gunshot…
Saige Zink, 20, of Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, died following a two-vehicle crash that sent both vehicles into the Susquehanna River in Washington Boro/Manor Township during the early morning hours of July 30, 2026. The Lancaster County Coroner’s Office identified Zink as the victim on July 31. According to Manor Township Police, the crash occurred…
By The Columbia Chronicle The Columbia Borough Council meeting on July 28 was filled with positive news, forward-looking discussions, and heartfelt appreciation for the people working every day to make Columbia a safer and stronger community. While council members reviewed financial updates, community projects, and upcoming events, the evening’s most memorable moments centered around the…
