Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new police drones could change emergency response in Columbus

Also check out Service Bar December Cocktail Class on the Columbus Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
Tuesday December 16th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi there, Columbus! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new police drones could change emergency response in Columbus
  • How Columbus’ new salary-range rule will change local job postings
  • When will Linden’s new 27,000-square-foot library finally open?

Also on today's calendar: Service Bar December Cocktail Class and 9 more events.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Columbus? Post it to Columbus photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 36 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 39, low: 30.
  • Thursday: Becoming windier with rain, with a high of 53 and low of 21 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Law enforcement agencies using drones as new tool (spectrumnews1.com) — Columbus police have just launched a pilot drone program to speed responses, improve officer and public safety, and better handle searches and critical incidents across the city. Working alongside Dublin police, which has used drones since 2020, the department is testing the technology over eight weeks while addressing privacy concerns and complying with FAA rules in Columbus airspace.
   

2. Columbus, Ohio, Enacts New Pay Transparency Ordinance Requiring Salary Ranges in Job Postings (jdsupra.com) — Columbus has adopted a new pay transparency ordinance requiring most employers with at least 15 local workers to include reasonable salary ranges in job postings, effective now but not enforced until 2027. The law, enforced by the Columbus Community Relations Commission, aligns the city with similar rules in Cleveland, Toledo, and Cincinnati and could significantly change how local companies advertise jobs and structure pay.
   

3. Columbus Library sets opening date for new Linden branch (10tv.com) — Linden neighbors will soon get a much larger Columbus Metropolitan Library branch, opening Jan. 31 at 2223 Cleveland Ave. The temporary Jefferson Avenue site closes Jan. 17, and patrons can sign a commemorative panel before then. The new building more than doubles the current size and follows recent branch openings in Marion-Franklin, Barnett, and soon Canal Winchester.
   

4. How Columbus aims to protect resident information online (nbc4i.com) — Columbus is overhauling its technology rules and cybersecurity program to better protect residents’ personal data after last year’s major ransomware attack. City Council just aligned local code with Ohio’s new House Bill 96, modernizing records management, tech planning, and security standards for any entity receiving government funds. Officials say this is a long-term effort to safeguard information across city operations.
   

5. Porch pirate poses as delivery driver in Columbus holiday package theft (10tv.com) — A Merion Village homeowner’s porch package theft is prompting Columbus police to warn residents about a sharp holiday spike in so‑called porch pirates. Officers outline practical steps for securing deliveries, reporting thefts, and using online or phone options to file reports, stressing that even small incidents should be documented to help prevent repeat crimes in Columbus neighborhoods.
   

📸 Around Columbus

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Columbus

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📣 Columbus Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am filled with pride and joy for the kind neighbor who shoveled my driveway and front porch!
    Thank you so much! Share your heartwarming experiences too! (Nextdoor Whitehall Watch)
  • Whoever the wonderful person is who shoveled our driveway and sidewalk, THANK YOU so very much!
    You don't know how very much we appreciate it! You are so very kind. (Nextdoor Scioto Woods)
  • Ohio State University posted a job opening for Custodial Worker 2 in Columbus. Apply here.
  • The Salvation Army Eastern Territory posted a job opening for Learning Center Program Activity Leader 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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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