🌱 Protest Held For Chief Freddie Blackmon + Fatal Expressway Accident

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your new copy of the Columbus Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 50.

Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 83 Low: 68

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Columbus:

1. A man died on Manchester Expressway in Columbus this week in a single-vehicle crash, according to police. The crash happened in the westbound lane of the expressway near the Warm Springs Road Connector. It's not clear as of now what caused the accident. The victim was identified by the Coroner as Diego Javier Trejo-Martinez; he was pronounced dead on the scene. (WTVM)
2. Supporters of Columbus police chief Freddie Blackmon protested Tuesday afternoon outside the Columbus City chambers. According to Chief Blackmon, he was offered a severance package one day after he presented a plan "to address issues raised in a police department study authored by the national consulting firm Jensen Hughes," according to the Ledger-Enquirer. The protest gathered more than 150 people in support of Blackmon, asking that the reasoning behind his offer of severance become more clear. (Ledger-Enquirer)
3. A Columbus family continues to hope for Joe Akridge to come home. Eight years ago this week, Akridge left on a routine morning walk and was never seen again. He was 53 at the time of his disappearance and was last seen near Amber Drive on Mar. 28, 2015. According to police, Akridge is mentally impaired and has a third-grade-level cognitive ability. Those who have any information are encouraged to call the Special Victim's Unit. (WRBL)

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Today in Columbus:

• Guys and Dolls At Springer Opera House (7:30 PM)
• Crown & Comedy At The Loft (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Mark your calendars! Parlor Doughnuts, a craft doughnut and coffee shop, is coming to Highside Market by late summer of 2023. (WTVM)
• The local real estate scene is always shifting, and there are a variety of homes to choose from these days. For those in the market, here are some recently listed and interesting houses available in and around the Columbus area, including a few open houses. (Patch)
• Save the date for this Thursday, Mar. 30 at noon for the soft launch of the #CTCPantry! The pantry will supply fresh produce, meats, canned goods, toiletries, beverages, and much more. The pantry was created in partnership with Columbus Technical College and Feeding the Valley Food Bank. (Columbus Technical College via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you soon for your next 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!