Columbia Deserves Clarity: Why One Person Shouldn’t Be Both Borough Manager and Police Chief
Columbia Deserves Clarity: Why One Person Shouldn’t Be Both Borough Manager and Police Chief By ColumbiaPA.Online Editorial Board Columbia is a community that shows up—at parades, fundraisers, school events, and public meetings. We look one another in the eye. We care about how our town is run. That’s why an important governance question deserves thorough,…
Columbia Officials Outline New Strategy for Pedestrian Safety
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…
New Year’s Day “Fire” at 50 North Fourth Street: Spoiler Alert—It Was Just Drama
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…
Why Jasmine Preston May Not Be the Right Choice for Columbia’s Next Mayor
Why Jasmine Preston May Not Be the Right Choice for Columbia’s Next Mayor As Columbia, Pennsylvania prepares for a pivotal mayoral election, voters are weighing the merits of candidates who promise to shape the borough’s future. Jasmine Preston, a local activist and member of the Zoning Hearing Board, has emerged as a progressive challenger to…
This Is Where Decisions Are Made — and Why Columbia Needs You in the Room
On Tuesday night, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the doors of Paul W. Myers Council Chambers will open, the gavel will fall, and decisions that quietly shape daily life in Columbia Borough will move forward — with or without citizens present in the room. This is not a ceremonial meeting.This is where budgets, streets,…
What Lancaster County’s 2026–2027 Tax Assessments Really Mean for Columbia Borough Residents
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…
In Loving Memory of Dustin Rodkey
In Loving Memory of Dustin Rodkey A Tribute to a Life That Touched So Many ***DONATE TO HELP WITH HIS FINAL EXPENSES AT Fundraiser by Madisson Rodkey : A loving farewell to my dad Dustin Rodkey*** There are people whose presence leaves a mark so deep that even after they’re gone, the world still feels…
Editorial: Columbia Borough’s Finance Turmoil Demands Real Accountability—and a Clear Plan to Fix It
Editorial: Columbia Borough’s Finance Turmoil Demands Real Accountability—and a Clear Plan to Fix It Columbia Borough’s finance office has become synonymous with churn. Since late 2020, the borough has lost accountants and finance managers in rapid succession, with the most recent resignation announced at the December 2025 council meeting. Each departure arrives with scant public…
Good Things Ahead: Columbia Gears Up for a Fun-Filled Summer Week
COLUMBIA, Pa. — While recent headlines have understandably focused on serious events and important community debates, there’s also plenty of good news happening across Columbia this week. From family activities and children’s programs to downtown events, live music, and community gatherings, residents have several opportunities to come together and enjoy the best of what our…
🧹 Trash, Dogs, Cats… and Witch Hazel Blooms
🧹 Trash, Dogs, Cats… and Witch Hazel Blooms The night’s most passionate speaker was long‑time resident Mary W, who walked to the podium armed with four concerns: trash, cats, dogs, and alley conditions. Trash & Streets Mary didn’t mince words. “It is totally disgusting,” she said.After a major “Fourth Saturday” weekend, she described areas of…
PJM to Conduct Voltage Reduction Test: What Columbia-Area Businesses Need to Know
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…
Downtown Columbia Shines with Summer Energy This Saturday
COLUMBIA, PA (July 25, 2026) – Downtown Columbia is buzzing with activity today as residents and visitors gather to enjoy a full day of community events, local shopping, family fun, and small-town charm. One of the day’s biggest attractions is 4th Saturday in Columbia: Summer in the Streets, taking place downtown along Locust Street and…
Ambulance Theft? That’s One Way to Call for a Ride
Copilot said: A Lighthearted Look at a Very Real Columbia Borough Police Incident COLUMBIA, Pa. – Most people who need an ambulance call 911. One Columbia man apparently decided to skip a few steps and try the “take the whole ambulance” approach instead. According to Columbia Borough Police, 23 year-old Elijah Jordan Leed was arrested…
Historic Review Board Advances Signage, Porch, and Church Fence Projects in Columbia
Historic Review Board Advances Signage, Porch, and Church Fence Projects in Columbia The Columbia Borough Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) held its January meeting on January 14, approving several property improvement projects across the borough’s historic district. The meeting focused on proposed storefront signage, storm‑damage reconstruction, and fencing intended to support a local school’s outdoor…
⚖️ ColumbiaPa.Online Daily Court Filings
Because even justice needs a sense of humor📅 Filed April 8–9, 2026 🚗 Parking Enforcement: The Real Crime Wave Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Christian N. Delgado Charge: Unlawful Parking in a Meter ZoneOffense Date: March 17, 2026 Columbia Borough Police bravely took on one of society’s boldest offenders: someone who dared challenge a parking meter.Authorities…