Balancing columns in InDesign

[KBrown]

I have a document that has a section header across the page, then two columns, then another section header across the page, and then two columns after that, etc.  I have had this in multiple text boxes linked together but that is a nuisance when text is added or deleted because all text boxes have to be resized and repositioned.  I would like to have this all in one text box.  I was playing around with various column settings within the text box.  My problem is, if I set the text box at one column and use "Split 2" for the column items, the second column has 5" of blank space at the end of it.  Also, a section with only 5 lines for the columned items does not split into two columns.  I also tried putting the text box at two columns and using "Span All" setting with the same results.  What setting am I missing to get the columns to be of equal height?

[vladan saveljic]

select the text frame > command + B (mac) or ctrl + B (win) > tick "Balance columns"

(or you can use the balance columns options in object style)

[KBrown]

Balance columns is checked but I still have the 5" of blank space.

[Steve Werner]

Screen capture, please. Also show us your settings in the Text Frame Options dialog.

[vladan saveljic]

can you share your file with us?

[KBrown]

This is what is happening either way, whether I do one column in text box and split for columned items or do two columns in text box and span all for section header.

Problem

Here are the settings.

Settings

This is the goal.  This used several text boxes linked together but it's a bother when adding or deleting text.

Goal

I could share the file if I knew how.

[vladan saveljic · Accepted solution]

....and can you show us paragraph panel menu "keep options"?

[KBrown]

That was it - Keep Options.  I unchecked "Keep Lines Together" and it's working as expected.  Thanks vladan_saveljic and Steve_Werner.

[Steve Werner]

Glad to help!