Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a $5M grant could change housing options in Columbus
Also check out Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings on the Columbus Patch calendar

Good morning to you Columbus! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a $5M grant could change housing options in Columbus
- Will a new tip finally solve this east Columbus 2020 homicide?
- What’s replacing Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint in Old North Columbus?
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Monday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 43 and low of 40 degrees.
- Tuesday: A.M. mist; otherwise, cloudy, temps: high: 52, low: 32.
- Wednesday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 46 and low of 41 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. YMCA of Central Ohio awarded $5M to help families find stable housing (dispatch.com) — Families facing homelessness in Columbus and central Ohio could see faster access to stable housing thanks to a new $5 million grant to the YMCA of Central Ohio. The five-year investment will expand Rapid ReHousing services, build relationships with landlords, and provide financial support, continuing a pattern of major Bezos Day 1 Families Fund awards to Columbus-based organizations like YWCA Columbus.
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2. Columbus police still seeking leads in 2020 homicide despite dozens of witnesses (nbc4i.com) — Columbus police are still seeking tips in the unsolved 2020 shooting death of 26-year-old Andrew Kelly, killed in a backyard on Maryland Avenue despite 20–30 reported witnesses. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward and urges anyone with information to call 614-461-8477 or submit a tip online.
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3. Bossy Grrl's Pin Up Joint sells to Columbus bourbon bar owner (dispatch.com) — A well-known Old North Columbus spot, Bossy Grrl's Pin Up Joint, has been sold to the owner of Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge and will be reborn as a speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar in early 2026. The new concept promises prohibition-era vibes and a cozy place for Columbus neighbors to connect, keeping the beloved space active for regulars and new visitors alike.
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4. Make-A-Wish revives Holiday Wish Line with messages from courageous kids (abc6onyourside.com) — Columbus residents can dial a special Make-A-Wish Holiday Wish Line through Dec. 31 to hear encouraging recorded messages from children who’ve faced critical illnesses. The national campaign, highlighted from Columbus, features six wish kids and supports granting future wishes through donations at wish.org/wishline.
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5. 'One of the great wines of Ohio,' ice wine becomes state's sweet spot (dispatch.com) — Columbus sommeliers are helping spotlight Ohio-made ice wines, which are gaining national respect as a dessert-friendly specialty. The story explains how these wines are produced in cold Ohio winters, highlights award-winning vineyards across the state, and offers pairing tips that might inspire your next cheese board or special-occasion toast.
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📸 Around Columbus
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Columbus Museum of Art 480 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215
8:45 pm - Davidson Baseball Lifting
Davidson High School , 5100 Davidson Road , Hilliard
4:30 pm - Gym Backup for SACC
Hoffman Trails Elementary , 6305 Pinefield Drive , Hilliard
4:00 pm - Davidson Baseball Lifting
Davidson High School , 5100 Davidson Road , Hilliard
4:30 pm - BHS Boys Volleyball
Memorial Middle School , 2900 Walker Road , Hilliard
7:00 pm - New Year's Eve Party
Smash Park Westerville , 495 Polaris Pkwy , Westerville
9:00 am - *EARLY* New Years Eve at D&B Polaris
Dave & Buster's Columbus - Polaris , 1554 Polaris Pkwy , Columbus
4:00 pm - *EARLY* New Years Eve at Dave & Buster's!
Dave & Buster's Hilliard , 3665 Park Mill Run Dr , Hilliard
4:00 pm - NYE by Service Bar at Middle West Spirits
Service Bar at Middle West Spirits Distillery , 1230 Courtland Ave , Columbus
5:00 pm - Where Will You Be On NYE?
Hofbräuhaus Columbus , 800 Goodale Blvd , Columbus
6:00 pm - Enchanted Forest New Year's Eve Dance Party
The Crystal Ballroom Dance Center , 402 E Wilson Bridge Rd , Worthington
9:00 pm - Glass Town Countdown
104 N Broad St , Lancaster
10:00 pm
Sunday December 21
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
Wednesday December 31
📣 Columbus Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Missing on R Ave.
Bug got out Thursday night 12/18. She is semi feral, and may hide under sheds etc. If you see her, please dont try to catch her, but please call or… (Nextdoor Stockbridge) - I have backpacks with items for the houseless I want to disperse and make sure they get to people really in need.
Anyone with ideas on how best get these to the right people? (Nextdoor Southern Orchards)
- LaborMAX Staffing posted a job opening for Entry Level Stocker / Material Handler in Columbus. Apply here.
- Texas Roadhouse posted a job opening for Expeditor in Columbus. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbus here.
Ok Columbus! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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