About Town—November 16, 2025

 This week's photos of Columbia 

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY

Two sheriffs in town

On the 600 block of Walnut Street 

More progress at the Linden Street Build 

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Construction at the Von Hess building 

Red, white, blue, and green

Dust storm on South 4th

Casualties of the wind

Still working on the tracks

Life Lion flies over Columbia quite often.

Living Stones lends a hand.

Digging it at McGinness 

South 6th in the morning 

Real pumpkins

Virtual pumpkins 

Sunrise

Rising Sun

Afternoon golden hour 

Sunset

Morning sky

Books at the town square 

More night shots about town . . .

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Columbia Borough School District to receive over $11 million from the state

 

For the 2025-26 school year, the Columbia Borough School District is projected to receive approximately $11,296,441 from the state of Pennsylvania. This represents an increase of about $160,115, or 1.4%, from the previous school year's funding. This increase is part of the state's larger budget aimed at addressing school funding disparities, as detailed in the WITF report. 

2025-26 projected state funding: $11,296,441

2024-25 total state funding: $11,136,342

Increase from 2024-25: $160,115 (a 1.4% increase) 

Columbia Crossing repairs to cost $400,000; borough seeks state grant

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Columbia Borough Council has voted to apply for a $300,000 grant to help pay for repairs to the Columbia Crossing building at Columbia River Park. 

During a structural evaluation by C.S. Davidson, engineers discovered extensive internal wood rot affecting the majority of the building's wooden vertical columns and lower portions of sloped beams. The inspection revealed that water had become trapped at the base of columns behind stone veneer, and metal connections had allowed moisture to accumulate in the beams.

Although the building does not present any immediate danger, engineers recommend addressing the rot within the next two years and conducting periodic inspections in the interim.

Lauer Construction provided an estimate of $399,600 for the removal and replacement of deteriorated structural members, including modifications designed to prevent future water damage.

To help fund repairs, borough officials are applying for a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The original ask was for $200,000 but was increased to $300,000 at Thursday night's council meeting. The grant includes a 50% match to be paid by taxpayers. 

Columbia Borough seeks $350,000 grant to replace street sweeper

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Columbia Borough Council has applied for a $350,000 grant to buy a new street sweeper.

On Thursday night, council voted to apply for a Local Share Account (LSA) Grant for the purchase of a new sweeper. The existing sweeper has reached the end of its life after years of use in the borough, according to an executive brief. 

The borough's Public Works Department reports that the sweeper has received numerous repairs, with more anticipated if it continues to be used long term. 

The borough's street sweeping program fulfills "Project No. 1" in the its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Pollutant Reduction Plan Action Plan. Officials say replacing the sweeper is necessary to ensure the borough can continue to meet its MS4 goals.

Officials did not specify the price of a new sweeper at the meeting. The existing sweeper will likely be sold through Municibid, an online auction service for government agencies and others. The sweeper was purchased for $221,877 in 2017, when a previous sweeper "blew up," as Columbia Spy reported HERE.