🌱 Hidden Cameras In Bathroom Of Columbus Restaurant + 400 New Jobs

Hi all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Come along to find out everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days.

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Now, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 80 Low: 66.
• Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 87 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories in Columbus today:

1. On Jun. 20, Dennis Cleveland Thompson, known as Landon, appeared in court and had his bond increased by $19,000. The co-owner of Animal Farm, a Columbus restaurant, was arrested for allegedly having hidden cameras in the restaurant’s bathroom. He was indicted for unlawful eavesdropping, surveillance, and 19 additional charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jul. 13. (WTVM 9)
2. Pratt & Whitney, a company that makes airplane engines in Columbus, announced it will be hiring 400 new workers and investing more than $200 million to expand its engine overhaul center. By the end of 2028, the company plans to have finished hiring the new engineers, mechanics, and operators. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
3. The Food Mill is hosting its “Mater Mania Street Festival” in Columbus on Saturday, Jun. 25, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.! The free event features food, activities for children, and an ugly-biggest tomato competition. An interview with Anna Sims from the Food Mill can be viewed at the link. (WTVM 9)

Today and tomorrow in Columbus:

Thursday, June 22

• A Toast to Tomatoes At Columbus Botanical Garden (5:00 PM)
• Rehab Live At The Outskirts Sports Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

Friday, June 23

• Coffee & Conversation At BANKS Food Hall (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Muscogee County School Board Race and the Troup County District 1 City Council seat results are now available! Pat Frey won the Muscogee County School Board Race and Jim Arrington won the Troup County District 1 City Council seat. The Muscogee County District 7 school board seats are still unknown, as of Jun. 21, due to a recount. (WTVM 9)
• The City of Columbus announced public service closures for Jul. 3 and Jul. 4 in observance of independence day. Trash will be collected on Jul. 3, but not on Jul. 4. The 311 Citizens Service Center, Animal Control, recreation centers, and more will be closed both days. There will be no Metra Bus service on Jul. 4 and the bus will operate on a Saturday schedule for Jul. 3. View the link for a complete list of changed services. (WTVM 9)
• Columbus officials announced that the city government offices will move to a new building on Broadway in Uptown Columbus. All the offices are expected to be settled in the new city hall by September. Click here to read more. (WTVM via Twitter)
• Looking for a new home can be overwhelming. To make it more manageable, check out this curated list of homes for sale in the Columbus area including a large four-bedroom home on Dartmouth Court for $499,900. (Columbus Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all soon for another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!