Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Columbus’ camp shutdowns are reshaping life on the streets

Be sure to catch Bobcat Goldthwait on the Columbus Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday December 11th Patch AM
Thursday December 11th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

What's up Columbus! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Columbus’ camp shutdowns are reshaping life on the streets
  • Will Columbus Promise still cover free tuition for future graduates?
  • Why is Columbus’ fire chief suddenly facing possible termination now?

Also on today's calendar: Chris Distefano and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Columbusfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Low clouds and colder, with a high of 32 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Friday: A little snow, up to 1", temps: high: 33, low: 24.
  • Saturday: Cold with a little snow, with a high of 28 and low of 6 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbus homeless camp closures ripple into winter (spectrumnews1.com) — Columbus residents experiencing homelessness are bracing for another winter outdoors after the city cleared several large encampments last year, scattering people across new spots. Outreach workers say more unsheltered and younger people are on the streets, often avoiding shelters to stay with pets and belongings, while city leaders defend the closures as safety measures tied to housing efforts.
   

2. Free tuition program at Columbus State faces some funding uncertainty (10tv.com) — If you’re connected to Columbus City Schools or Columbus State, the free-tuition Columbus Promise program is facing uncertainty after being left out of the city’s proposed 2026 budget. City leaders say they’re still committed and are seeking public and private funding, while current students warn cuts could sharply reduce college access for future Columbus graduates.
   

3. Columbus fire chief faces possible termination as newly released email reveals tensions with city leaders (10tv.com) — Columbus Fire Chief Jeff Happ is facing potential termination over his handling of a 2023 fatal fire engine crash, with a key email revealing strained relations with city leadership. After initially denying any records, the city released emails showing Happ sought to “transition out” months before a costly disciplinary investigation. A decisive hearing is set for December 16, with his contract expiring in February.
   

4. Veterans museum, Columbus metro club team up for conversations (nbc4i.com) — A new partnership between the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Columbus Metropolitan Club is moving CMC’s weekly civic panel discussions to a more accessible downtown venue near COTA transit. Leaders say the centrally located space should draw more residents into conversations with community leaders while also introducing more people to the museum’s mission and exhibits.
   

5. Whitehall City Council debates proposed ban on blocking communications (dispatch.com) — Whitehall officials are weighing an ordinance that would bar the city from blocking emails or other communications, a move prompted by a police union lawsuit filed in federal court in Columbus. Council members also reviewed a nearly $45 million 2026 budget, including higher funding for safety services, a new Department of Neighborhoods, and a vote scheduled for December 16.
   

📸 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!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Bobcat Goldthwait
    The Olde Towne Tavern, 889 Oak St, Columbus
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 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

  • My neighbor/friend’s dog got loose around 8pm tonight in olde Gahanna.
    If you have seen her please send me a message. My neighbor is losing her mind with worry (Nextdoor Olde Gahanna)
  • REMEMBER THE HOMELESS.
    I always have older pillows, blankets, gloves and overcoats in my car. I give them away to the homeless. (Nextdoor Weinland Park)
  • Asset Living posted a job opening for Porter in Columbus. Apply here.
  • Life Time Fitness posted a job opening for Kids Team Member 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 could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Columbus