Welcome to The Columbia Chronicle By Jesse Sweigart and Kimberly Robinson For months, we’ve watched something incredible happen. What started as a simple idea—to provide honest, community-focused local news—has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined. Today, we are proud to officially welcome you to The Columbia Chronicle, the next chapter in our…
Your weekly look at the biggest stories impacting Columbia Borough and the surrounding river community. Columbia Mourns Following Homicide Investigation The biggest story this week was the tragic homicide of 26-year-old Anthony Stoy-Velazquez of Marietta. Police discovered Stoy-Velazquez suffering from a fatal stab wound near Third and Linden Streets during the early morning hours of…
Columbia Borough Investigates Fatal Stabbing Death as Homicide COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Police are investigating a homicide after a 26-year-old Marietta man was found suffering from a fatal stab wound during the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 8, 2026. According to authorities, officers were dispatched to the area of Third Street and Linden…
In Loving Memory of Anthony Stoy‑Velazquez Today, our community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Anthony Stoy‑Velazquez, whose life was taken far too soon. His passing has left family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones grieving a loss that words cannot adequately describe. In times like these, we are reminded how precious life is and how important…
COLUMBIA, PA — Columbia Borough Police, along with the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, are investigating what authorities are describing as a suspected homicide near the intersection of North Third and Linden Streets early Wednesday morning. Police were dispatched to the area at approximately 1:05 a.m., and multiple streets surrounding the scene were immediately closed as…
COLUMBIA, PA — The Borough of Columbia has announced the cancellation of the Columbia Borough Council meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. According to Borough Manager Jack R. Brommer, the meeting has been canceled because an unusually large number of attendees were expected, exceeding the capacity of the Borough…
COLUMBIA, Pa. (July 1, 2026) — A highly anticipated community meeting is set for tonight in Columbia as residents, officials, and stakeholders gather to discuss the ongoing and controversial issue of potential data center development in the borough. The event, billed as a “community conversation on AI data centers,” is scheduled from 6–8 p.m. at…
A brief exchange during the June 23, 2026 Columbia Borough Council meeting drew attention to a broader conversation about representation, recognition, and the role of local government in community messaging. During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident addressed council regarding a recently issued Pride Month proclamation, leading to a response from Mayor…
June 23, 2026 | Key Issues, Community Voices, and Major Decisions Columbia Borough Council held its regular meeting on June 23, 2026, covering a wide range of topics—from development proposals and public safety concerns to community events and borough policy changes. Here’s a breakdown of the most important highlights residents should know. Major Proposal: Senior…
COLUMBIA, PA — A Columbia Borough police officer who was sworn in earlier this year has resigned after only a few months on the job. At the June 23, 2026 Borough Council meeting, officials included a brief agenda item acknowledging the resignation of Patrol Officer Blaine Schaffner. No additional details were publicly provided, and like…
COLUMBIA, PA — More than a week after a devastating fire tore through a portion of South Fourth Street, the scars remain painfully visible. What was once a row of homes and small businesses now sits silent—boarded, condemned, and empty—as the community prepares for the next difficult step: demolition. The massive three-alarm blaze broke out…
Columbia was alive with energy this past weekend as residents and visitors filled the streets, parks, and riverfront to celebrate everything that makes this historic town special. From milestone celebrations to engines rumbling downtown, it was a weekend that perfectly captured Columbia’s past, present, and future. 🎉 Columbia 300: A Town Celebrates Three Centuries The…
If you’ve opened your mail lately in Lancaster County, you’ve probably seen a number that made your jaw drop. For many homeowners—especially here in Columbia Borough—property assessments jumped dramatically. But before panic sets in, it’s important to understand what those numbers actually mean, and what they don’t. The Big Picture: What Just Happened? Lancaster County…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Borough of Columbia / ColumbiaPA.Online June 14, 2026 Community Comes Together After Devastating Columbia Borough Fire Columbia, PA – The Borough of Columbia is asking the community to come together in support of local families displaced by a devastating multi-structure fire that occurred Saturday afternoon in the first block of South 4th…
Yesterday, our town was shaken. A devastating fire tore through homes right here in Columbia Borough, leaving multiple families displaced and facing the unimaginable. One of those families is people I know personally—and I can tell you from the heart, they are the kind of people who would show up for anyone in this community….
ColumbiaPA.online | Breaking News COLUMBIA, PA (June 13, 2026) — A massive three-alarm fire ripped through multiple homes and a commercial structure in Columbia Borough on Saturday afternoon, leaving several families displaced and prompting a large-scale emergency response across Lancaster and York counties. According to reports from the fire broke out shortly after 3:20 p.m….
Tuesday night’s Columbia Borough Council meeting had a little bit of everything: Concerned residents.Tough questions.A few awkward pauses.And at least one moment where you could practically hear everyone thinking: “…did that actually just get asked?” The Crowd Shows Up (Again) If anyone thought the recent attention around the airport was going to die down… they…