Community Corner

🌱 How a young Independence officer just earned national recognition

Coming up: TRUE TO HER HEALING on the Independence Patch calendar

Thursday December 18th Patch AM
Thursday December 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Independence! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! β˜•οΈοΈ

In today's newsletter:

  • How a young Independence officer just earned national recognition
  • Why an ex-officer’s Independence record is raising alarms again

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? πŸ€” (Answer below!)

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


Weather forecast:

  • 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.

πŸ“° 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 department’s drone program, women’s defense training, and at‑risk case work. Her chief credits her for consistently going above and beyond, and she’ll 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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πŸ“Έ Around Independence

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πŸ’¬ 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.

πŸ—ž Nearby News

Seven Hills

  • Seven Hills mayor touts 2025 as β€˜another 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!


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