Community Corner
π± How a young Independence officer just earned national recognition
Coming up: TRUE TO HER HEALING on the Independence Patch calendar

Hello again Independence! Weβre bringing you the latest town highlights. Donβt miss out, keep going! βοΈοΈ
In today's newsletter:
- How a young Independence officer just earned national recognition
- Why an ex-officerβs Independence record is raising alarms again
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? π€ (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Independencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Cloudy and windy; p.m. rain, with a high of 53 and low of 27 degrees.
- Friday: Snow at times in the morning, temps: high: 32, low: 24.
- Saturday: Cloudy and not as cold, with a high of 43 and low of 27 degrees.
π° News we're reading
β’ Independence officer receives national honor (news5cleveland.com) β An Independence Police officer, Autumn Likes, has earned a national Next Generation Protector Award for her work advancing the departmentβs drone program, womenβs defense training, and atβrisk case work. Her chief credits her for consistently going above and beyond, and sheβll travel to Fort Worth this April to be honored at the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame ceremony.
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Find out what's happening in Independencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
β’ Former Cleveland police officer who shot and killed Tamir Rice hired by 2 West Virginia communities (cleveland19.com) β A former Cleveland officer involved in the Tamir Rice case has been hired by two West Virginia agencies, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and the Rice family. His past disciplinary issues in Independence are highlighted as part of broader concerns about how troubled officers move between departments and what that means for community safety.
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πΈ Around Independence
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π£ Independence Shout Outs!
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π Events Nearby
- MS/HS Semester Exams
Cuyahoga Heights Schools , 4820 E 71st St , Cleveland
7:30 am - End of 2nd Quarter / 1st Semester (HS/MS/ES)
Cuyahoga Heights Schools , 4820 E 71st St , Cleveland
7:30 am - Mayor's Court
Broadview Heights, OH Calendar , 9543 Broadview Road 2nd Floor , Broadview Heights
1:00 pm - Student Success Centers (Fall Season) β Grades K β 8
Maple Heights Branch , 5225 Library Ln , Maple Heights
4:00 pm - Shooting Fundamentals: Instructor-Led Shooting Clinic (BROADVIEW HTS)
Action Defense LLC , 100 Ken Mar Industrial Pkwy , Broadview Heights
5:30 pm - No-Bake Holiday Cookies (Grades 6β12)
Brecksville Branch , 9089 Brecksville Rd , Brecksville
6:00 pm - Family Space
Garfield Heights Branch , 5409 Turney Rd , Garfield Heights
6:30 pm - Trash and Recycling Pick Up
Brooklyn Heights, OH Calendar , Village Of Brooklyn Heights , Brooklyn Heights
7:00 am - JustDeeDeeMusic Live @ CountyLine Saloon
The CountyLine Saloon , 13007 Chippewa Rd , Brecksville
6:00 pm - STUDENT DANCE Brecksville Squares
Brecksville United Church of Christ , 23 Public Square , Brecksville
7:30 pm - Bridge The Gap at Rookies
Rookies Sports Bar & Grill , 6913 W 130th St , Parma Heights
8:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
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.
π¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Vista Springs Ravinia Estate posted a job opening for Activities Coordinator in Independence. Apply here.
- Flynn Restaurant Group, LP posted a job opening for Payroll Assistant in Independence. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Independence here.
π Nearby News
Seven Hills
- Seven Hills mayor touts 2025 as βanother successful year' (cleveland.com)
- Audit Advisory for Thursday, December 18, 2025 (einpresswire.com)
Garfield Heights
- What to know about 2025 City of Palms high school basketball tournament (naplesnews.com)
Cuyahoga Heights
Ok Independence! 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 donβt know. I havenβt heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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