COLUMBIA SPY

The Columbia School District ended the 2025-26 school year with an overall surplus of about $1.1 million, according to preliminary figures presented to the school board last week. Business Manager Keith Ramsey shared the pre-audit financial balances at the board's November 5 meeting. The numbers are subject to change once the district's audit is complete. Ramsey recommended that the board transfer the surplus cash to the district's capital improvement fund, which would set the money aside for future projects. Board members are expected to vote on the proposed transfer at their next meeting.

The Columbia Borough School Board appointed April Conroy on November 5, filling the opening left by Thomas G. Ziegler, who resigned last month. Conroy, owner of the Prospect Diner, was interviewed by the board and was sworn in immediately after her appointment. She will serve for the remainder of the vacated term. Conroy was the only candidate to submit a letter of interest to the board,

An offer you can't refuse... Columbia Cat Action Team member Frank Doutrich has announced that he will donate $10 to the CCAT organization for each person who attends the meeting this Wednesday, November 11, 2026. For example: If 20 people show up that's a $200 donation to the Columbia Cat Action Team!  Not only will your presence  generate a donation, you will learn about the Columbia Cat Action Team.  The meeting will be held  5:30-6:30 p.m. on  the second floor of Columbia's Watch and Clock Museum at North Fifth and Poplar.   Off-street parking is available in the lot. 

Leibfried Christine M., Waltz Stanley conveyed 223 S. Fourth St. to Integrity First Home Buyers LLC for $61,000. The estate of Gregory M. Gipe conveyed 149 N. Seventh St. to Strine Investments LLC for $88,000. Metzger Thomas C., Metzger Elizabeth A. conveyed 729 Chestnut St. to Jon Dracoules Investments LLC for $257,500. Kyle Bulicz conveyed 821 Ridge Ave. to Valencia Jason K., Valencia Jolene T. for $319,900. Leese Robert L., Leese Betty G. conveyed 231 Lawrence St. to 231 Lawrence LLC for $79,000. 92321 Madison LLC conveyed property on Avenue H to Walter E. Ali for $7,000. South Walnut Ventures LLC conveyed 1125 Lancaster Ave. to Soloman Investment LLC for $65,000.

Photos of Columbia, PA Week ending 11/8/26 At the river Flying in from Florida  Collecting coins for Bag #22 Ready for a cookout  A quiet morning between the cypress trees Peeking out A day or two earlier he was attempting a burglary.  *** Here, and below, is one making off with a candy bar. [Submitted photos] ***************** Starling convention in town  Faces about town: Brad Chambers was at Columbia River Park Friday afternoon for an interview with WGAL. Jesse Sweigart has copies of his printed newspaper,  The Columbia Chronicle , at 436 Locust Street and elsewhere around town.  More faces . . . ***************** Ready to deliver  New window paintings by anndope at the State Theatre Vintage Emporium  Dome in the distance  Broken crystal at Mount Bethel  A sign of fall More signs of fall Bootleg Betty The pet cemetery at Mount Bethel  Walkway of memorial bricks Broken posts and signs down, at the bottom of Walnut — Was it due to ...