A group of art enthusiasts looking to celebrate works inspired by the Susquehanna River are one step closer to establishing a permanent home for its art collection.
The Susquehanna River Art Collection purchased 22 S. Second St. in Columbia, with the facility planned to open to the public in 2027.
The collection, which was established over a decade ago, aims to highlight “the under-recognized role the river has played in the cultural, social, and economic growth and development of the nation.” Works span from the 1600s to the present, and recent acquisitions under founder and chief curator Rob Evans include works by Thomas Hart Benton, George Beck, Robert Henri and Franz Kline.
Jack Brommer, who has spent nearly three decades serving Columbia Borough in different roles, has submitted his resignation as borough manager, effective November 13, 2026, according to a letter posted on The Columbia Chronicle. So far, the reason for his resignation has not been made public.
Resignation letter
In September 2025, as part of a planned succession, he took on the role of interim borough manager while continuing to serve as police chief — a dual role he maintained through April 2026. During that transitional period, he earned a $118,000 police chief salary plus a $2,000 monthly stipend for his added manager duties, with guidance from part-time assistant borough manager Ron Youtz helping smooth the handoff.
On May 1, 2026, Brommer made the transition official: he retired from the police force after 29 years of service and stepped into the role of full-time Columbia Borough Manager, with a starting salary of $110,000 per year. His retirement as chief cleared the way for Holly Arndt, who was unanimously approved by the borough council on April 28, 2026, to take over as Columbia’s new Police Chief. Arndt officially assumed the role on May 1, 2026, and was formally sworn in during a public induction ceremony on May 5, 2026.
Brommer joined the Columbia Borough Police Department in 1997 as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks to become chief of police in 2011, a post he held for roughly 15 years.
Multiple units responded to Columbia River Park at 10:13 am Monday (9/14/26) for a report of a man who jumped from the Veterans Memorial Bridge. According to dispatch audio, the man was seen floating under the bridge. A witness said he then started to swim towards shore. After being rescued, he was transported by ambulance.
NOTICE is hereby given that Columbia Borough Council will hold a special meeting on September 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm to discuss proposed changes to the Borough’s Zoning Ordinance regarding data centers and any other business as may arise. The meeting will be held at the Columbia Borough School District High School Auditorium located at 901 Ironville Pike, Columbia, PA 17512.
Emergency personnel responded to a vehicle accident involving a Subaru Outback and a Ford SUV near North 3rd & Avenue F at 5:20 p.m. Friday (9/11/26). (On the dispatch sheet, the location was listed as N. 3rd St. and Chestnut Street.) In addition to fire units, several medical units were called. One person was seen being transported by ambulance.
Columbia Spy 