From Runways to Rollercoasters: Why McGinness Isn’t the Bermuda Triangle of Development (November 10th, 2025) Columbia, Pa. If you read Joe Lintner’s latest piece on the McGinness Airfield, you’d think Columbia Borough had just purchased a cursed plot of land where developers vanish into thin air and zoning laws are written in invisible ink. Rick…
Columbia, PA — What started as one of the most shocking local stories in recent years is now becoming something much bigger… a second chance for an entire community. Just two years ago, the Columbia Boys Athletic Association (CBAA)—a foundation of youth sports in town—was rocked by a major theft case involving a former co-treasurer….
Lieutenant Holly Arndt: A Columbia Borough Leader Reaches New Heights Columbia Borough, PA – In a profession where leadership and integrity define success, Lieutenant Holly Arndt has achieved a milestone that sets her apart. The Columbia Borough Police Department recently announced her graduation from the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff…
Columbia, PA (May 26, 2026) — In one of the most intense and widely attended meetings in recent memory, Columbia Borough Council rejected a $6.35 million bid for the old airport property Tuesday night, following hours of passionate public comment from residents. The proposal, submitted by New York-based Sadia Holdings LLC, had raised concerns that…
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 journey to serve Columbia and the surrounding communities. Our…
WRIGHTSVILLE, Pa. — A longtime police officer is preparing to retire after an extraordinary personal battle that has inspired support from throughout the community. During a recent council meeting, officials shared an update on the police officer, who has been dealing with significant health challenges following a diagnosis involving a brain tumor. The encouraging news…
Leafageddon 2025: Columbia Borough Braces for the Great Sweep-Off COLUMBIA, PA — Residents of Columbia Borough, grab your rakes, move your cars, and prepare your souls. The annual showdown between man, machine, and Mother Nature is upon us. That’s right: leaf collection and street sweeping notifications are back, and they’re coming for your curbs. According…
Columbia Borough is now living through a multi‑layered transparency crisis that has shaken resident confidence to its core. What began with the firing and banning of Chris Vera, expanded into contradictions from council leadership, secret internal investigations, and—most recently—the revelation that Chief/Interim Borough Manager Jack Brommer privately sent a police‑coverage proposal to Wrightsville Borough while…
Columbia Man Charged After Early‑Morning Domestic Assault, Police Say COLUMBIA, PA — February 8, 2026 — A Columbia man is facing assault charges after borough police responded to an early‑morning disturbance that escalated into a reported domestic violence incident, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Columbia Borough Police Department. Officers were dispatched to…
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – What began as a discussion about Right-to-Know requests and legal expenses quickly turned into one of the most heated exchanges of the night Monday as resident Robert Thompson, Mayor Leo Lutz, Borough Manager Jack Brommer, and borough solicitor officials sparred over transparency, government accountability, and the…
Columbia’s Historic Architectural Review Board meeting may have lasted less than an hour, but the conversations revealed something much larger than doors, signs, and murals. At its core, the meeting highlighted an issue that continues to shape the borough’s future: how can Columbia embrace new businesses, fresh ideas, and economic growth while preserving the historic…
COLUMBIA, PA (May 13, 2026) — The Columbia Borough Architectural Review Board (HARB) held its monthly meeting Wednesday evening, approving a new residential development and reviewing several improvement projects throughout town. The meeting opened at 6:30 PM with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call confirming a full board…
New Year’s Day “Fire” at 50 North Fourth Street: Spoiler Alert—It Was Just Drama Columbia, PA — January 1, 2026While most people were nursing champagne hangovers and making resolutions they’ll break by February, one local building decided to kick off the year with a bang—or rather, a hiss. At 50 North Fourth Street, an unknown…
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,…
A notable redevelopment project in Columbia’s historic district is moving closer to reality. Council will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations at 425 Union Street, where Align Life Ministries plans to operate a pregnancy resource center. The project involves extensive renovations to the building’s exterior. Historic preservation officials recommended approval with conditions designed to…
In government, moments of concern rarely appear overnight.They build—step by step, decision by decision—until a pattern becomes impossible to ignore. In Columbia Borough, that pattern is now coming into focus. This is a timeline of how we got here. 2024: A Leadership Transition Begins In September 2024, Columbia Borough appointed Steven Kaufhold as borough manager…
Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to an Exciting New Year As we wrap up an incredible year in Columbia Borough, we at ColumbiaPA.Online want to take a moment to celebrate the milestones of 2025 and share what’s coming in 2026. Our mission has always been to keep the community informed, connected, and inspired—and this…
