u/seannestor

This Week in Toledo 7/4/2026

• On Monday, government officials announced that Ukrainian Defense Drones plans to create their first U.S.-based drone manufacturing facility in Holland, Ohio. The $18.4 million plant is expected to create 300 full-time jobs manufacturing unmanned aerial drones for Ukraine and other U.S. allies by December 2029.

• Also on Monday, 71-year-old Richard Scheich and 55-year-old James Delverne, former employees of Northwest Capital, were sentenced to four years in prison for investment fraud. The employees were found guilty of mismanaging $72 million from area investors between 2010 and 2021.

• On Tuesday, two more former employees of Northwest Capital were sentenced to prison for investment fraud. 63-year-old Doug Miller received a sentence of seven years in prison, while 74-year-old Nancy Rathbun received a sentence of 120 days in prison and 100 hours of community service.

• On Wednesday, Toledo set a record high of 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The previous record high for July 1 in Toledo was 98 degrees Fahrenheit, set in 1931.

• Also on Wednesday, Gray Media, owners of the local ABC affiliate 13ABC, announced that it had purchased six television stations from American Spirit Media, including local FOX affiliate WUPW. WUPW has shared services with local CBS affiliate WTOL, owned by Tegna, Inc. since 2012.

• In further Wednesday news, local filmmaker Mike Balonek of Three Pines Production Co. released a 45-minute documentary about corruption and reform within the United Auto Workers (UAW) through the lens of a job selling scheme discovered by Toledo workers in 2012. To view the film on YouTube, click here.

• Federal officials announced Wednesday that the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport would receive $2,836,854 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for reconstructing a passenger boarding bridge and a passenger baggage handling belt. The Toledo Executive Airport also received $841,136 from the FAA for apron pavement and the reconstruction of taxi lanes.

• On Thursday, Owens Community College announced that it had received a $1 million loan from the Ohio Department of Higher Education to use toward demolition of Bicentennial Hall and the Health Technologies building.

• Also on Thursday, former employee of Perfecting Church Shenia Watson, also known as Shenia Brown, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for stealing $350,995.25 from the church between 2019 and 2023.

• Bowling Green State University will receive $750,000 from the Ohio Department of Higher Education for a structured literacy center - one of three universities, along with the University of Akron and Miami University, to receive a state grant for the centers.

• Superintendent of Ottawa Hills schools Adam Fineske has submitted his resignation to the district effective August 2. He has accepted a position as the next president and CEO of WGTE Public Media, a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

• Toledo City Council will vote on July 14 to place a 0.25% income tax dedicated to public safety before voters in the November general election. The measure, if approved by voters, would generate an estimated $25 million/year and last for four years, beginning January 1, 2027 and running through December 31, 2030.

• The City of Toledo will receive a $19.5 million grant for safety and mobility improvements on Front and Main Streets in East Toledo from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. The city was previously approved to receive $28.5 million for the project from the U.S. Congress’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, but that was canceled by the passage of the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• The City of Toledo continues work to repair the sinkhole that appeared on Arlington Avenue in October 2024, with sewer replacement estimated to be completed this fall and all street reconstruction estimated to be completed by 2028.

• A community group named “Harvard - Onward and Upward” has formed and is seeking to preserve and repurpose the recently closed Harvard Elementary School. Initial ideas include receiving a historic designation for the building and redeveloping the property into a combination of apartments, condominiums, and/or senior living.

• Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline has discovered that some postcards asking dog owners to renew their 2026 dog licenses were sent in error. The number of erroneous postcards has yet to be determined; approximately 11,000 were sent out.

• The Lucas County Child Protection task force, convened after the death of 13-year-old Kei’Mani Latigue in early 2025, has released a list of eight suggestions to strengthen the local child welfare system. They are: Expand community-based visitation, engagement and prevention spaces; Map services for child maltreatment prevention and improve family navigation and resource access; Implement coordinated prevention networks and post-reunification support; Deliver equity-centered workforce training and front-door practice reform; Embed lived experience leadership across governance, practice and accountability; Launch comprehensive equity-focused kinship and foster care recruitment; Increase coordination to reduce placement disruptions and promote stability of foster youth; and Reestablish a Lucas County ombudsman with public reporting authority.

• Perrysburg-based skate shop Just Skateboarding, open since 1996, announced that it would be moving to 617 Adams Street in downtown Toledo. The new location will double the shop’s footprint and will include an indoor ramp.

• This Sunday (July 5), Lucas County Canine Care & Control (LC4) will begin waiving dog adoption fees through July 26. All dogs available for adoption have passed a medical evaluation, received initial vaccinations, undergone deworming and microchipping, and have been spayed or neutered. A dog license must still be purchased.

• Next Wednesday (July 8) at 6 p.m., Decrim Nature Toledo, a grassroots group seeking to decriminalize possession and growing of psychedelic plants and fungi, will hold a free screening of the documentary “Music for Mushrooms” at Black Kite Coffee (2499 Collingwood Blvd.).

• Also next Wednesday (July 8) at 6 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will hold a community reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) for America250. Those interested in participating in the reading are encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m.

• Next Thursday (July 9) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a free concert by Cristina Vane in the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) atrium as part of its “Live at the Library” summer concert series. For more information, visit https://toledolibrary.org/music.

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC

u/seannestor — 1 day ago

▲ 79 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 6/27/2026

• On Monday, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library announced plans to close the Holland Branch location on September 25. The facility will be demolished and replaced with a new building set to open in 2028.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council voted 8-4 to approve a one-year contract renewal with Flock for mobile license plate-reading cameras, with Gadus, Jones, Komives, and Kramer opposing; voted 11-1 to deny a special use permit for a proposed gas station at 1322 Bernath Parkway with McPherson supporting; voted 9-3 to approve a special use permit for a Sheetz gas station at Monroe St. and Nantuckett Dr. with Gadus, Jones, and McPherson opposing.

• Also on Tuesday, the Toledo Public Schools board approved changing school start times beginning in 2027. Magnet high schools will hold classes from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; magnet elementary schools from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; traditional elementary schools in the Rogers, Start, and Woodward districts from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; and traditional elementary schools in the Bowsher, Waite, and Scott districts, as well as LEAP and Crossgates Early Childhood Education, from 9:25 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

• In further Tuesday news, Chief of Operations Megan Robson informed Toledo City Council’s finance and budget committee that 17 water disconnections have taken place since June 1 when the city resumed the practice paused in 2020. She also stated that of the approximately $61 million in unpaid bills accumulated since water shut-offs ceased, $15.87 million has been collected; $10.7 million from residential, $4.15 million from commercial, and $993,517 from industrial customers.

• O’Shea’s Bar (1851 W. Sylvania) closed permanently on Tuesday citing a lost of customers. In February, the City of Toledo declared the business a nuisance after receiving about 170 police calls in three years time. The owner, Sam Moussa, announced plans to open a restaurant called the Wild Horse on Laskey Road.

• On Wednesday, Metroparks Toledo officials announced that an estimated 30,000 people attended at least one event during the Watershed Weekend celebration last week.

• On Thursday, Governor DeWine announced that the Feilbach Building downtown would receive a $5,000,000 tax credit through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. Plans for the building, owned by IBC Properties, include three commercial spaces on the first floor and 40 apartments on the second through sixth floors.

• Also on Thursday, Mayor Kapszukiewicz announced that the city will be implementing a special safety zone for the 4th of July fireworks celebration downtown this year. In the designated zone, which runs along the river from Clayton Street to the Craig Street Bridge, no one under 18 may be present without being accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old; bags may be searched by law enforcement or security; no face coverings, masks, coolers, or backpacks will be permitted.

• In further Thursday news, local officials and activists held a rally opposing FirstEnergy’s proposed three-year electricity rate increases, citing the 2019 Ohio House Bill 6 corruption scandal that resulted in utility customers covering the costs of a $1.3 billion bailout of the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear power plants.

• ProMedica announced during an investor call on Thursday that their first quarter financials were good, with operating earnings of $84.9 million, up $5 million from the first quarter of 2025, and providing a margin of 11.2 percent. They also announced cash reserves of $1.3 billion, up from $745 million in the same period of 2023.

• On Friday, Dave “Klassik” Kwyer passed away from pancreatic cancer. Dave was known as a musician with the band Boogie Matrix Mechanism and as the founder of the food truck Naan Stop Kebap.

• Jefferson Street in downtown Toledo has reopened for the first time in over a month after the property owner of the former Hotel Lorraine repaired its crumbling façade and stabilized the building. The City of Toledo’s inspection department has stated that they will not be fining the owner of the property.

• NAI Harmon Group is developing the Monclova Health & Wellness District, which will include multi-family condos, medical offices, and health and wellness care facilities, on the site of the former St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee. Plans also include a pharmacy, a med spa, a coffee house, and small retail.

• Former deputy mayor Karen Poore has been named the new executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District (DTID). Under the new structure, DTID will focus on day-to-day operations in downtown Toledo, such as cleanliness, safety, and activation while ConnecToledo will focus on long-term planning and projects.

• The State of Ohio recently approved the creation of a Mud Hens specialty license plate, available by order through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles effective late September. Each plate will cost $20 during purchase or renewal, with $10 going toward the Helping Hens nonprofit program.

• The Lucas County Engineer’s Office is holding free roundabout training at Ottawa Park (2201 Ottawa Parkway) on Monday, July 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All who are intimidated by driving through roundabouts are encouraged to attend. To register, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DA4AC28A3F5C07-64595674-copy#/

• The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is seeking vendors, musicians, and performers for their upcoming Main Music and Market event taking place at the Main Branch Library (325 M. Michigan St.) September 19. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.toledolibrary.org/music/. There is no cost to apply.

• This Saturday (June 27) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friends of the Library will be hosting a book sale featuring over 30,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs, records, 8-track tapes, and board games at 1301 N. Reynolds Road. Each book is $1 or $8 for an entire bag.

• Also on Saturday (June 27) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Toledo Repair Café will host a free repair clinic at the Reynolds Corner Branch Library (4833 Dorr St.). Anyone can bring in items for repair at no cost, including appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers, jewelry, and lamps.

• This Saturday (June 27) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and this Sunday (June 28) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Toledo Festival of the Arts featuring work from over 175 artists will take place at the Toledo Botanical Garden (5403 Elmer Dr).

• This Sunday (June 28) at 5 p.m., the Media Decompression Collective will host a free screening of the Palestinian film “All Thats Left of You” at the Imagination Station (1 Discovery Way). For more information, visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/ImaginationStation1/AllThatsLeftOfYou

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

u/seannestor — 9 days ago

▲ 125 r/toledo

How Did They Vote? O-286-26 1-year Renewal of Mobile Flock Cameras

HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-286-26 Amending the existing agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for the Toledo Police Department's Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) for a one-year continuation of services for portable Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) (6/23/26)

• Summary & Background: "The Toledo Police Department currently utilizes portable ALPRs through Flock Group Inc. This authorizes the annual expenditure not to exceed $14,000 for one year. Flock Group Inc. is the vendor for the current ALPRs. This is a continuation of services for the portable ALPRs we currently have in service and would like to keep in service."

• Full text of proposed ordinance

• YES Votes: Driscoll, Hobbs, Martinez, Melden, Morris, McPherson, Sarantou, Williams ( 8 )

• NO Votes: Gadus, Jones, Komives, Kramer ( 4 )

• OUTCOME: Passed (8 - 4)

• The Blade: Council debates Flock contract renewal as public safety concerns persist - 6/22/26

Quotes: "Ms. Gadus also raised concerns about reports from other jurisdictions involving searches related to immigration and reproductive health."

"Councilman George Sarantou expressed support of the system, echoing that reported misuse cases represent a small fraction of its overall use.

'Only two dozen cases out of at least one billion,' he said."

• The Blade: Toledo City Council approves Flock camera contract extension in 8-4 vote - 6/23/26

Quotes: "'I am not in the mindset to take tools away from police that actually help our community,' Council President Vanice Williams said. 'I am all about giving police what they need to do good work.'"

"However, Ms. Kramer said she remained concerned about the privacy implications of the technology.

'I support TPD in all that they do, but we do need to listen to the residents and look at what is happening across our country,' she said."

• E-mails of council members:

john.hobbs@toledo.oh.gov

adam.martinez@toledo.oh.gov

theresa.gadus@toledo.oh.gov

vanice.williams@toledo.oh.gov

sam.melden@toledo.oh.gov

theresa.morris@toledo.oh.gov

mac.driscoll@toledo.oh.gov

brittany.jones@toledo.oh.gov

nick.komives@toledo.oh.gov

erin.kramer@toledo.oh.gov

cerssandra.mcpherson@toledo.oh.gov

george.sarantou@toledo.oh.gov

u/seannestor — 12 days ago

▲ 85 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 6/20/2026

• On Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted 2-1 to table discussion of a proposal to determine the costs of implementing a direct supervision design for the Lucas County Jail, with Sobecki dissenting. The proposal came from Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre and was tabled citing a need for broader budget conversations.

• Also on Tuesday, the Lucas County Republican Party erroneously published an obituary for former Toledo mayor Donna Owens. It was retracted later when it was discovered to be false. Owens is alive and well and turns 90 years of age this August.

• On Wednesday, the University of Toledo (UT) Board of Trustees voted to approve a $1.2 billion budget as well as implementing a requirement that all undergraduates to complete a co-op or internship, regardless of major. The board also approved new degree programs including an associate of science in general science, a bachelor of business administration in financial technology, and a bachelor of business administration in business analytics and artificial intelligence.

• Also on Wednesday, Toledo City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee voted to recommend council approve a proposed Sheetz gas station at Monroe Street and Nantuckett Drive; the body also voted to recommend council vote against a special use permit for a 24-hour Speedway gas station at 1322 Bernath Parkway.

• In further Wednesday news, police arrested 20-year-old Ka Nye Taylor in Columbus, Ohio. Taylor is the second suspected shooter involved with the June 6 shooting at the Old West End Festival that injured twelve people and was extradited to the Lucas County Jail later in the week.

• On Thursday, local officials announced that the City of Toledo has received a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to support its Lead-Based Paint Program. The funds will be used to provide grants to landlords who need assistance complying with the lead-safe ordinance.

• Also on Thursday, city officials unveiled new access to public bathrooms at Ottawa Park’s skating rink in an effort to provide better service to park attendees. The project cost $110,000, with $90,000 coming from Toledo City Council’s District Improvement Program and $20,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

• In further Thursday news, the Toledo Board of Honor voted 3-2 to recommend that Toledo City Council remove the dedication to Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way on North St. Clair and Washington Streets based on allegations that he disrupted police investigations into the 1980 murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl by Father Gerald Robinson.

• On Friday, Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle announced the findings of two recent internal investigations into two high-publicity officer interactions. The officer depicted using force to arrest a 15-year-old girl was exonerated, while two officers who traded barbs with teenagers during a stop received disciplinary action for violating department policies around discourteous treatment. Officer Zachary Cairl received a 15-day suspension without pay for conduct unbecoming an officer.

• Also on Friday, Stephen Taylor, founder of Taylor Automotive, announced that the company is now employee-owned using an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The company includes three Kia dealerships, three Hyuandai dealerships, Taylor Cadillac, and a collision center.

• The Ohio state capital budget will include $500,000 for updates and renovations to the Valentine Theatre and $300,000 for new roofing and windows at the Collingwood Arts Center. The Valentine will also receive $250,000 in reappropriated state funds.

• Following a survey on civic engagement conducted by Bowling Green State University’s Center for Regional Development, the City of Toledo has hired former human relations commissioner Caryn Maloney to deepen civic engagement from the public. Plans include modernizing the city’s boards and commissions with better standards, training, and processes and developing a municipal volunteer program.

• The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has allocated $600,000 to contract with Littoral Services for the development of a master plan for the city’s waterfront. The plan is expected to be completed in about 18 months.

• Neighbors report that three men dumped hundreds of used tires from a black pickup truck onto the yard of a vacant property on Dunloe Court. Neighbors have reported the activity using Engage Toledo and are awaiting a response from the city.

• On Sunday (June 21) at 5:30 p.m., Patrick Bronson from Metroparks Toledo will provide a free talk titled “The Battle of Fallen Timbers from the Indigenous Perspective” at Sweet Nate’s Café (27 Broadway St.)

• Next Wednesday (June 24), the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host “pop-up” listening sessions to collect neighborhood feedback for the new South Toledo branch library being built on Detroit Avenue near Glendale. The sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Area Office on Aging (2125 Arlington Ave.), from 12:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kroger (2555 Glendale Ave.), and from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Lickity Split (2021 Glendale Ave.)

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

u/seannestor — 16 days ago

▲ 173 r/toledo

Council to hold public hearing on Flock Cameras Monday @ 4pm

After failing to approve a renewal of the city's contract with Flock at their June 9 meeting, council is planning to conduct an emergency vote on the same measure this coming Tuesday, June 23.

This time, opponents of the Flock camera contract on council have gotten approval for a public hearing; however, it has been scheduled for Monday, June 22 at 4PM in city council chambers.

Public hearings are the only opportunity council affords for formal public comment on these measures, so its important to take advantage of that and speak up. If you are able to attend the hearing, please do so, and please sign up to speak and give a verbal statement if you can.

u/seannestor — 17 days ago

▲ 138 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 6/13/2026

• Last Saturday (June 6), a dispute between youths at the Old West End Festival led to a shooting that injured twelve people; all are currently in stable condition. Victims can be compensated for expenses stemming from the shooting by emailing crimevictimscompensationapplications@ohioago.gov.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council voted unanimously to contract with Pohlkat instead of Rocky Ridge Development to remove spent lime from the city’s water treatment facility; unanimously to allow free entry to municipal pools on days that reach at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit; 8-2 to grant a special use permit for a proposed solar field in South Toledo, with Gadus and Jones opposed; 7-3 to authorize a one-year contract with Flock Group for drone surveillance, with Gadus, Komives, and Kramer opposed; and 6-4 to authorize a two-year contract with Flock Group for license plate cameras, with Gadus, Jones, Komives, and Kramer opposed and the measure failing as it was an emergency vote and did not receive the minimum seven votes required for such a vote to pass. Martinez and Sarantou were not present.

• Also on Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to amend capital improvement plans to allocate an additional $5.2 million toward the restoration of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court building and an additional $1 million in funding to the cost of demolishing the former Child Study Institute building, citing unforeseen requirements from the Toledo Plan Commission to preserve historic parts of the building.

• On Wednesday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Westgate Village North, site of the former Sears building near Secor and Central. Tenants of the development will include Dick’s House of Spot, Golf Galaxy, Mission BBQ, Nordstrom Rack, Sierra Trading, Smoothie King, and Trader Joe’s.

• Also on Wednesday, area businessman Walt Churchill passed away at age 97. An heir to the Churchill grocery store chain founded by his grandfather in 1917, Walt Churchill converted the remaining locations to employee-owned businesses in 2019.

• In further Wednesday news, the Toledo Yacht Club narrowly avoided going to sheriff’s sale after procuring sufficient funds to preserve the club through a new ownership group.

• On Thursday, Maumee-based auto parts supplier Dana Inc. announced that it would combine with Eaton Mobility, a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, to become one of the largest powertrain suppliers in the world valued at approximately $10 billion.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo Plan Commission recommended approving a proposed Islamic cemetery near Bancroft and Cherry. The cemetery would employ burial techniques that do not use embalming fluids, coffins, or caskets; instead, bodies are washed, covered in white cloth, prayed over, and buried within 1-2 days of passing.

• On Friday, Mayor Kapszukiewicz proposed creating a “special event safety zone” to create rules and regulations for large events. Under the proposed law, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is 25 years of age or older during “peak safety hours” or face a fourth degree misdemeanor and a $250 fine.

• Also on Friday, U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is allocating $9,205,000 to dredge approximately 760,000 cubic yards from seven miles of the Maumee River and eighteen miles of Maumee Bay.

• The Toledo Children’s Memorial, located at the intersection of Jackman and Eleanor Roads, is planning to expand in size and add benches. Created in 1999, the site includes a monument and angel bricks with the names of young people who have passed away inscribed on them. To learn more, visit https://toledochildrensmemorial.com/

• Metroparks Toledo is seeking public input about improvements to Howard Marsh. To complete the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F5VGPRC

• This Saturday (June 13) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a homeownership fair with resources for first-time home buyers will take place at Scott High School (2400 Collingwood Blvd.). One attendee will win a $10,000 down payment. The event is free to attend, though one can register at https://www.surveyhero.com/c/j3tidyhy

• Also this Saturday (June 13) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence of Northwest Ohio is hosting an unwanted firearms disposal event at Monroe Street United Methodist Church (3613 Monroe St.). Those who bring unwanted firearms will receive a $50-$200 gift certificate.

• Also this Saturday (June 13) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Martin Luther King, Jr. bridge will be shutdown for an outdoor expo as part of Metroparks Toledo’s “Watershed Weekend” celebrating the halfway mark of the Glass City Riverwalk project. For more information, visit https://metroparkstoledo.com/watershed

• This Sunday (June 14) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Old Orchard neighborhood will host its annual garden tour event, with self-guided tours of six neighborhood gardens with owners on hand to answer questions. Nearly 700 people attended the tour last year. For more information, visit https://www.oldorchardgardens.org/

• Next Wednesday (June 17) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Harvard Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will host a farewell celebration at the school (1949 Glendale Ave.), which is closing due to budget problems in the district. Community members can visit the school between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through June 22.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

u/seannestor — 23 days ago

▲ 83 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 6/6/2026

https://preview.redd.it/7mg9q8i3rk5h1.png?width=780&format=png&auto=webp&s=179fae9b53c27209475df59f53eb478cf4160db2

• On Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to begin accepting proposals for renovation work on the Lucas County Jail, which is expected to total $63 million. Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre proposed additional renovations estimated between $80 and $87.5 million; however, the commissioners have not accepted that proposal. Lucas County has spent $18.75 million since 2015 on efforts to build a new jail at five different sites.

• Also on Tuesday, Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez voted against providing a $15,000 economic development grant to community nonprofit Nuestra Gente citing concerns about lax board oversight and missing financial reports. The grant was approved 2-1 with Gerken and Sobecki voting in favor.

• In further Tuesday news, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to hire Jamie Beier Grant as the new economic development director and James Hayes as the new director of the office of management and budget for Lucas County. Each position comes with a salary of $165,000.

• On Wednesday, a rededication ceremony was held in honor of the completed restoration of the John E. Gunckel memorial at Woodlawn Cemetery. The memorial, a 26-foot tall pyramid, honors the founder of the Toledo Newsboys Association. Approximately 130 people attended.

• On Thursday, Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle stated that the substation replacing the former D. Michael Collins Northwest Substation in West Toledo would be in a strip mall off Sylvania Avenue near the Five Points intersection with Jackman and Tremainsville.

• On Friday, the 53rd annual Old West End Festival kicked off. The weekend-long event features house tours, a parade, yard sales, food trucks, live music, an art fair, children’s activities, and much more. For more details, visit https://www.toledooldwestend.com/festival

• Toledo City Councilman Mac Driscoll is proposing an ordinance that would require municipal pools to be free of cost on days when the temperature reaches at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Driscoll, there were seven such days in 2025, nine in 2024, six in 2023, and five in 2022.

• A WTOL investigation found that of 64 complaints filed against the City of Toledo for damage to private property during nearby housing demolitions, only 27 were elevated to the city’s legal department. In most cases, no compensation is provided with the city citing immunity from civil liability.

• Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle stated that he has taken an officer off of special assignment after a video circulated online recently of the officer berating and insulting teenagers on Sylvan Avenue. The officers on duty in the video were Zachary Cairl and Chase Baney.

• Toledo Firefighter DeAndre Ware, Jr. is facing felony charges for theft and telecommunications fraud for allegedly using his fire station’s house fund to make personal purchases totaling approximately $1,000 over six months.

• Former Toledo City Councilman Bob McCloskey passed away on May 29 at 80 years of age. In 2006, McCloskey resigned from council and was later sentenced to 27 months in prison on three felony bribery charges.

• Metroparks Toledo has hired Billy Mann, an executive with the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, to replace Ally Effler as the organization’s chief philanthropy officer.

• The Arts Commission is accepting applications through July 1 for artists who want to design images that will appear on two new water towers being built by the City of Toledo. For more information, visit https://theartscommission.org/projects/toledo-water-tower

• The Farmers’ Market Association of Toledo is considering moving the Westgate Farmer’s Market to the Franklin Park Mall parking lot, citing more car traffic, a bigger parking lot, and more room to expand. The market has been operated there temporarily while Westgate Village undergoes construction of new buildings.

• Community nonprofit Connecting Kids to Meals is providing free weekday lunches to children under 18 at several library locations every weekday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. through August 21. No library card is needed and there are no income restrictions. For more information, visit https://toledolibrary.org/food

• On Saturday (June 6) at 6 p.m., Ottawa Park will launch its free summer concert series with a performance by Distant Cousinz at the Ottawa Park Amphitheater (2205 Kenwood Blvd.). To see the list of bands performing this season, visit https://ottawapark.org/

• Next Tuesday (June 9) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a panel discussion about the U.S. immigration system at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.). The event will discuss pathways to permanent residency in the U.S. and how to navigate common legal challenges as an immigrant.

• Next Thursday (June 11), Metroparks Toledo will launch “Watershed Weekend” to celebrate the halfway mark of completion for the Glass City Riverwalk. Events include a shutdown of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 13 for an outdoor expo. For details, visit https://metroparkstoledo.com/watershed

• Also next Thursday (June 11) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a free concert by HuDost in the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) atrium as part of its “Live at the Library” summer concert series. For more information, visit https://toledolibrary.org/music

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 30 days ago

▲ 174 r/toledo

Fighting Flock cameras

https://preview.redd.it/rp9dylo5vi5h1.png?width=1545&format=png&auto=webp&s=863c10eaedfcdaaefc74c94aa315fdd399430169

If you don't know: Flock is a privately-owned surveillance company contracting with public entities all over the country to collect and store information about our movement in a nationwide database, regardless of whether or not we have committed a crime or are suspected of committing a crime.

Public entities that contract with Flock are discovering what many of us already knew: this technology poses an existential threat to the idea of privacy, and quite simply should not exist. The City of Dayton, for example, recently suspended use of their Flock cameras after discovering serious violations of Flock's promised privacy protections.

The City of Toledo currently contracts with Flock to maintain over 100 cameras throughout Toledo, and Toledo City Council may vote as early as June 9 to renew their contract with Flock for two more years. We need to use our power to demand that our government respect our privacy and end the use of Flock cameras.

To help, please send an email to our council members before Tuesday, June 9, and share this graphic far and wide. If you're interested in coordinating ongoing opposition to public surveillance, please email me at seannestor@gmail.com with "Flock cameras" in the subject line.

Here are the emails of Toledo City Council; I recommend sending one email and copying all of them:

john.hobbs@toledo.oh.gov
adam.martinez@toledo.oh.gov
theresa.gadus@toledo.oh.gov
vanice.williams@toledo.oh.gov
sam.melden@toledo.oh.gov
theresa.morris@toledo.oh.gov
mac.driscoll@toledo.oh.gov
brittany.jones@toledo.oh.gov
nick.komives@toledo.oh.gov
erin.kramer@toledo.oh.gov
cerssandra.mcpherson@toledo.oh.gov
george.sarantou@toledo.oh.gov

For more information about Flock cameras, see this article in the Toledo Free Press: https://toledofreepress.com/flock-cameras-how-toledo-is-handling-surveillance/ or this article in Fortune Magazine https://fortune.com/2026/06/03/why-are-ohio-city-workers-covering-flock-cameras-immigration-enforcement-data-sharing-policy-violations/

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 1 month ago

▲ 17 r/toledo

How Did They Vote? O-193-26 Increasing annual motor vehicle registration fee by $5

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HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-193-26 Increase the annual motor vehicle license fee by $5 (from $25 to $30) with all revenues going to the Street Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Fund. (5/26/26)

• Summary & Background: "This Council recognizes the importance of maintaining city roads and infrastructure. The road maintenance costs have continued to increase, and the backlog of necessary road improvements continues to grow. With limited funding available, additional revenue is needed. Under the Permissive Motor Vehicle License Tax (O.R.C. 4504.173), municipalities may add a $5.00 license fee to all license plate fees. This fee would be specifically used to pay for the costs associated with roadway and highway projects and maintenance within the City of Toledo. To take effect beginning in 2027, this ordinance must be approved by May 26, 2026, to allow the required 30-day waiting period before the July 1, 2026 deadline."

• Full text of proposed ordinance

• YES Votes: Driscoll, Hobbs, Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Williams, Sarantou ( 8 )

• NO Votes: Gadus, Morris, McPherson ( 3 )

• ABSENT: Melden ( 1 )

• OUTCOME: Passed (8-3)

• The Blade: Toledo pitches additional $5 license plate fee - 5/7/26

Quotes: "'I think the takeaway is, it’s pretty undeniable that there is not a place nearby to move away from a fee like this,' Councilman Sam Melden said, referring to the other Lucas County municipalities who impose this fee." ... "'I don’t love it, but I think that’s the environment that we’re in,' he said."

"'I have a car, my tag is $5. I have a motorcycle, my tag is another $5. I have a trailer that carries my motorcycle, that’s another $5, so I’m charged an additional $15,' Ms. McPherson said. 'Where some may see that as not a lot, it can be costly, especially when our tags are costly.'

'As citizens we are being taxed, and taxed, and taxed,' she added. 'Gas is up, food is up, and here we go again, and we’re taxing again. I have a problem with putting more on the citizens of Toledo.'"

• The Blade: Toledoans offer mixed opinions on proposed license plate fee increase - 5/17/26

• The Blade: City officials urge approval of increased license plate fees to avoid deficit - 5/21/26

Quotes: "Councilman Theresa Gadus said she has heard from residents who are having a difficult time stretching dollars, but Councilman George Sarantou said the money collected now can be used to prevent larger maintenance projects down the road that could be more costly.

'I just want to be clear that there are absolute, very strong restrictions on this money,' Mr. Sarantou said. 'And it is not money that can be used for other things.'"

• The Blade: Toledo council approves trash contract, rejects outsourcing police tow lot - 5/26/26

Quote: "The council approved the Permissive Motor Vehicle License Tax, an extra $5 expense on all license plate fees. The ordinance passed in a vote of 8-3, with all of the council members present on Tuesday supporting it except Ms. McPherson, Ms. Morris, and Ms. Gadus."

• E-mails of council members:

john.hobbs@toledo.oh.gov

adam.martinez@toledo.oh.gov

theresa.gadus@toledo.oh.gov

vanice.williams@toledo.oh.gov

sam.melden@toledo.oh.gov

theresa.morris@toledo.oh.gov

mac.driscoll@toledo.oh.gov

brittany.jones@toledo.oh.gov

nick.komives@toledo.oh.gov

erin.kramer@toledo.oh.gov

cerssandra.mcpherson@toledo.oh.gov

george.sarantou@toledo.oh.gov

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 1 month ago

▲ 72 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 5/30/2026

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• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council voted unanimously to approve a five-year contract with Republic Services for curbside waste collection; voted unanimously to dedicate Wilmot Street to Kei’mani Latigue; voted 10-1 to increase monthly solid waste collection fees, with Gadus opposing; voted 8-3 to increase the license plate fee by $5, with Gadus, McPherson, and Morris opposing; voted 8-3 to reject a proposal allowing Toledo Police to outsource management of their tow lot, with Hobbs, Komives, and Williams approving; and voted 6-5 for a special use permit allowing construction of a water tower at 1910 Northover Road near Silver Creek Elementary, which failed as seven votes were needed for passage. Councilman Melden was absent.

• On Thursday, local elected officials held a grand opening ceremony for the new 75-unit Collingwood Green apartment complex at 400 Nebraska Avenue. Operated by Lucas Metropolitan Housing, the complex cost $29 million to construct and provides affordable one-bedroom housing for seniors.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority approved two bond-inducement resolutions that would finance bonds of up to $25 million each for the Ashland Manor and Covenant House apartment complexes. The port authority plans to become owner of the buildings, then lease them to New York-based Essence Development, owner of Alpha Towers, who will handle debt service on the bonds as well as handle renovations on the properties.

• On Friday, the Victory I cruise ship made its first visit to the Toledo port this year, with another planned for June 22. Another ship, the Patriot, has seven planned stops in Toledo this year starting June 14. Prior to 2025, cruise ships had not stopped in Toledo since the late 1990’s.

• Also on Friday, Party in the Park kicked off at Promenade Park in downtown Toledo with a free concert from the Skittle Bots. For a calendar of future performances in the concert series, visit https://visittoledo.org/events/major-events-festivals/partyinthepark

• In further Friday news, state officials announced recipients of this years Welcome Home Ohio housing program, which included $800,000 to Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity for rehab or construction of eight homes; $600,000 to the City of Toledo for rehab or construction of six homes; $481,500 to the Lucas County Land Bank for rehab or construction of five homes; $174,000 to the Lucas County Land Bank for acquiring properties; and $100,000 to Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity for acquiring properties.

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted searches Friday on two properties owned by Stansley Mining, parent company of Rocky Ridge Development, which has experienced zoning controversies around its disposal of spent lime from the city’s water treatment plant in neighborhoods.

• Lucas County is seeking to renegotiate healthcare payments with the unions it has contracts with, citing rising healthcare costs. A fund for catastrophic claims which had $25 million in 2022 now has less than $3 million, while finance experts recommend that it hold at least $8 million.

• Toledo Public Schools (TPS) is ending school library service in schools as part of its “Transformation 2.0” plan to cut $68 million from their budget over the next two years.

• The Neighborhood Health Association (NHA) is opening Doc Martin’s Remedy Shoppe and Apothecary at 12 N. St. Clair St. soon. The location is designed to look like an old-fashioned “soda fountain” pharmacy and includes a medical clinic, pharmacy, dental clinic, and ice cream parlor.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued several grants in our area, including $2,281,173 to the Neighborhood Health Association for its Health Center Program; $732,380 to the Lucas County Healthy Start Initiative; $433,334 to the University of Toledo’s Ryan White program; $418,822 to the University of Toledo Health Science Campus for cancer treatment research; $308,498 to the University of Toledo for biomedical research and training; $83,977 to Toledo Public Schools Head Start; and $30,447 to the Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission for head start.

• The Lake Erie West Regional Council is seeking public comment on its 2026-2030 active transportation plan, which includes walking, biking, and mobility assistance devices through the region. To view the plan and how to make comments, visit https://tmacog.org/active-transportation-plan.

• This Saturday (May 30) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hoffman Road Landfill (3962 Hoffman Rd.) will allow Lucas County residents (verified by state ID) to drop off solid waste, including trash, furniture, carpeting, mattresses, wood, and scrap metal, for free. Tires will also be accepted for a fee.

• Also on Saturday (May 30) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Toledo Repair Café will host a free repair clinic at the West Toledo Branch Library (1320 W. Sylvania Ave.). Anyone can bring in items for repair at no cost, including appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers, jewelry, and lamps.

• Also on Saturday (May 30) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye will host a takeover event at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) featuring meeting room baseball, an atrium hockey rink, NFL drills on the rooftop, and a visit from NFL defensive end Chris Wormley.

• Next Tuesday (June 2) at 1:55 p.m., Toledo City Council will meet to discuss permitting construction of a water tower at 1910 Northover Road. Residents have opposed the project, which officials say is necessary to increase water pressure and provide reserve support in case of an emergency.

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo’s 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 1 month ago

▲ 70 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 5/23/2026

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• On Monday, the City of Toledo announced that it had received a $571,342 grant from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program to remove asbestos and demolish the property at 635 N. Erie St., which currently houses the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. The Health Department will be relocated to 1933 Spielbusch, former site of the Diocese of Toledo’s Pastoral Center, later this year.

• Also on Monday, city officials closed off Jefferson Avenue between 11th and 12th streets downtown due to bricks falling from the long vacant former Lorraine Hotel. That afternoon, officials with the Lucas County prosecutors office began tax foreclosure against the property owner, New Jersey-based Zoeva Properties, for holding $79,414.91 in unpaid taxes across 14 parcels in Lucas County. Zoeva bought the Lorraine Hotel for $1.1 million in 2023.

• In further Monday news, the “Conserve Ohio” group circulating petitions for a state-wide ban on data centers stated that it has received more signatures (3,310) in Lucas County than any other county in Ohio so far. Wood County also has the third highest number of signatures (1,826). The group has collected 27,053 signatures to date, and needs to collect 413,487 by July 1 to be on the November general election ballot.

• On Tuesday, the Toledo Public Schools (TPS) board voted to hire Ryan Lockwood as the new district treasurer at a salary of $190,000. Lockwood, who replaces outgoing treasure Ryan Stechschulte, previously worked as treasurer for Springfield schools.

• Also on Tuesday, EatWell Cafe, a nonprofit pay-what-you-can restaurant located in the Main Branch Library downtown, announced that it had received an $18,000 operating grant from the Oswald Supporting Organization through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

• On Wednesday, city officials held a press event announcing over 70 summer youth programs that will operate this year, most of which are free of cost. To view the programs, visit https://toledo.oh.gov/summer

• Also on Wednesday, the Toledo Plan Commission recommended at Toledo City Council’s zoning and planning committee meeting that Toledo City Council adopt a plan for a proposed 1.5-megawatt solar array at 627 Lotus Avenue. The measure is expected to go before all of council for approval on June 9.

• In further Wednesday news, the Metroparks Toledo board approved purchasing 20 acres of land in the globally unique Oak Openings region for $300,000, using a $273,600 grant from the Clean Ohio Fund to cover much of the cost.

• On Thursday, several contractors who work with Toledo Police testified at a Toledo City Council public safety committee meeting in opposition to a proposed outsourcing of management of the police impound lot on Dura Avenue, citing happiness with the way the lot is currently run by officers.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo Zoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its newly renovated Reptile House, which took nearly a year and a half to complete at a cost of $15 million. Major improvements include a new event space, the Lanterman Family Atrium, and a larger space for Baru, the 17-foot saltwater crocodile.

• On Friday, the Lucas County Investment Advisory Committee passed a resolution affirming that the body will make investments using economic factors allowed by Ohio law. Several testified at the meeting urging the body not to renew $5 million in Israeli bonds that come to maturity in December.

• Also on Friday, the Arts Commission announced that it had extended the deadline for applications through June 1 for the Swayne Field Public Art Project, which centers on a permanent sculpture installation. For more information, visit https://theartscommission.org/projects/swayne-field

• In further Friday news, The Heights bar and restaurant re-opened for the season after abruptly closing in February. The downtown Toledo establishment is open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

• A study recently published by Construction Coverage found that median home prices in Toledo rose from $59,292 in 2016 to $129,627 in 2026, a 118% increase. The same study found that between 2014 and 2024, median household income in Toledo rose only 48.5% to $49,724/year. To view the study, visit https://constructioncoverage.com/research/cities-with-the-largest-home-price-growth-last-decade

• The Ohio Department of Development has issued a $92,298 tax credit through its Motion Picture Tax Credit program to a Toledo-based feature film production, a psychological horror called Method. The film is being created with a budget of $307,660 by University of Toledo professor Matt Foss and Tony-nominated actress Cora Vander Broek.

• The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport has received a $1.425 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a new HVAC system in the airport’s control tower.

• The Arts Commission is accepting applications for Lucas County Poet Laureate through June 19. The position receives a $5,000 honorarium each year of its two-year term, with the expectation of one large initiative during that tenure. To apply, visit https://artscommission.grantplatform.com/

• The Stranahan Theater is selling its old seats in sets of 4 for $200 through June 10 as it prepares for a new upgrade in July. To reserve seats for purchase, contact the box office at 419-381-8851.

• The Westgate Farmers Market will take place at the Franklin Park Mall this season while the Westgate Village Shopping Center undergoes major construction. The market is open Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Toledo Farmers Market in downtown Toledo will continue at 525 Market St.

• Local community radio station WAKT 106.1FM is seeking donations to continue operations through 2026. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/wakt-2026

• This Saturday (May 23) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the recently opened Mind and Soul Gallery and Studio will hold an open house at its location inside the Gardner Building downtown (500 Madison Ave.)

• Also this Saturday (May 23), the Imagination Station (1 Discovery Way) will open a new Star Wars exhibit, “Unofficial Galaxies”, that will feature over 100 pieces of memorabilia from the franchise. For more information, visit https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo’s 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 1 month ago

▲ 77 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 5/16/2026

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• On Monday, Mayor Kapszukiewicz held a press event announcing over $4 million in municipal park improvements this year, including new playground equipment at Collins, Dale Stone, Greenwood, Jamie Farr, and Mayfair parks; football field renovations at Westwood park; basketball court renovations at Friendship Park; new pickleball courts at Fort Meigs Sertoma Park; restroom access improvements at Ottawa Park; a full revitalization of Savage Park; and a new park (Pontiac Preserve) opening.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council deferred several proposed ordinances to committees, allowing opportunities for public comment. Proposals to sign a five-year waste disposal contract with Republic Services, increase waste collection rates, and create new codes for bulk waste setout were deferred to a sustainability and beautification committee meeting next Wednesday May 20 at 2 p.m. in council chambers. Additionally, a proposal to increase the municipal license plate fee by $5/year was deferred to a transportation committee meeting next Thursday May 21 at 2 p.m. in council chambers.

• Also on Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to change health care service providers at the Lucas County Jail from VitalCore, which cost $4,147,596.72 annually, to Armor Health, which will cost $4,887,081 annually after a six-month contract costing $2,395,255. The commissioners also voted to decommission the explosive gas monitoring network at the King Road Landfill, which holds old construction material.

• In further Tuesday news, the Toledo Mud Hens named Gary Jones their new manager. He replaces former manager Gabe Alvarez who was terminated for violating club policy after it was discovered that he sent an inappropriate text message to a female colleague.

• On Wednesday, at a meeting of Toledo City Council's water quality committee, the City of Toledo announced plans to continue contracting with Rocky Ridge Development LLC to remove spent lime from the Collins Park Water Treatment Plan at a cost of $5.5 million annually. District 3 Council Member Theresa Gadus spoke against the suggestion and stated that Rocky Ridge had been storing spent lime in large piles in her district, at 2322 Consaul St. City officials later announced that the spent lime would be removed from the site, but that no violations had been issued against Rocky Ridge.

• On Thursday, the Toledo Plan Commission unanimously approved a 32-lot duplex development called Dorr Haven Homes to be built on a vacant field along Dorr near Byrne, as well as to make no recommendation to Toledo City Council on a proposed Sheetz gas station at Monroe and Nantuckett.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo Public Schools (TPS) board narrowed their search for a new treasurer down to two candidates: Adam Koch, treasurer of Sylvania Public Schools, and Ryan Lockwood, treasurer of Springfield schools. Current treasurer Ryan Stechschulte will resign his office July 1.

• In further Thursday news, teachers at Toledo Public Schools (TPS) sent a letter to parents asking them to advocate for the Advanced Academics program for gifted students, which is slated to be cut by the district as part of Transformation 2.0 Plan.

• On Friday, the City of Toledo declared a residential property on Oak Street near Navarre Avenue unfit for human habitation and gave the resident, Hardy McCree, 72 hours to vacate. Landlord Donnie Nash owes over $70,000 in unpaid property taxes and claims he never received nuisance orders issued by the city in 2021 and 2022. City officials dispute claims by McCree and Nash that they had not previously been in touch about the house's issues.

• Residents of the Byrneport and Norwich apartments have returned to their homes after staying in hotels during renovations, sometimes for over two months. The renovations were triggered by failing "ready for occupancy" inspections by the City of Toledo in mid-April.

• St. Paul's Community Center, which underwent a fire on April 27 that displaced 35 residents, is seeking donations to aid in its efforts to reopen. To donate or to see a list of needed items, visit https://www.spcctoledo.org/

• The City of Toledo plans to begin shutting off water to nonpaying water customers June 1. As of April 15, 15,594 out of 93,341 residential water accounts are delinquent; 7,451 owe under $1000, 6,574 owe between $1000 and $4999, 1,309 owe between $5000 and $9999, and 260 owe over $10000.

• The Toledo Police Department is asking Toledo City Council to sign a five-year contract outsourcing management of the police impound lot on Dura Avenue to Vehicle Management Solutions LLC at a cost of up to $2,471,617.35 annually. The lot is currently operated by seven officers and a sergeant.

• Thomas Enright, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 8, has been charged with first-degree misdemeanor assault for shoving a man on the site of a data center being built by Dallas-based JE Dunn Construction in Bowling Green. His brother and business agent of IBEW Local 8, Shaun Enright, has been charged with a minor misdemeanor for disorderly conduct for threatening to fight two men at the site.

• The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) is seeking volunteer ambassadors for two advisory boards: one for the Art Tatum African American Resource Center, and one for the Steinem's Sisters Collection. For more information, visit https://www.toledolibrary.org/signaturecollections

• Accomplished orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nabil Ebraheim has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of Toledo (UT) for blocking his ability to perform surgeries at the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) as well as blocking access to his past records. Ebraheim, who was fired by UTMC after criticizing its then-active partnership with ProMedica, believes he was targeted for speaking out. He now works in another practice.

• This Saturday (May 16) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friends of the Library will be hosting a book sale featuring over 30,000 gently used books, CDs, DVDs, records, 8-track tapes, and board games at 1301 N. Reynolds Road. Each book is $1 or $8 for an entire bag.

• Also this Saturday (May 16) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the North Toledo Coalition invites residents, volunteers, and community organizations to enjoy free coffee and donuts at its "Coffee and Conversation" event at Jamie Farr Park (2140 N. Summit St.).

• Also this Saturday (May 16) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Bluff Street Village tiny home development will host an open house of its newest completed home at 3557 Monroe Street. For more information, visit https://bluffstreetvillage.org

• Also this Saturday (May 16) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Toledo Police Department will commemorate 100 years of its Safety Building at 525 N. Erie St. with an event featuring building tours, K-9 officers, a drone display, face painting, ice cream, a food truck, and police vehicle showcases.

• Also this Saturday (May 16) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a "pop-up" listening session at Plate 21 (3664 Rugby Dr.) to collect neighborhood feedback for the new South Toledo branch library being built on Detroit Avenue near Glendale.

• Also this Saturday (May 16) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the new Mind and Soul Gallery (formerly River East Gallery) will hold its grand opening in the Gardner Building (500 Madison Avenue). More than 40 artists and three bands will be performing, and an after party will follow from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

• This Sunday (May 17) from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the 11th annual CatFest will take place at the Golden Road (3560 Dorr St.). Featuring nine local bands, the event raises awareness about domestic violence and honors the life of local music fan Cat Lambert, who was killed by her husband in 2015.

• Next Monday (May 18) through Thursday (May 21) at 5:30 p.m., Toledo Public Schools (TPS) will hold meetings for parents of children at schools that are closing as part of Transformation 2.0 Plan. For more details, visit https://www.tps.org/discover_tps/news/community_meetings_on_school_transitions

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo's 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 2 months ago

▲ 81 r/toledo

This Week in Toledo 5/8/2026

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• On Monday, the Diocese of Toledo broke ground on the site of their new pastoral center at 2500 Collingwood Blvd., across from Holy Rosary Cathedral. Construction on the building, which will be home to 85 staff, is estimated to cost $17 million and take 18-24 months to complete.

• On Tuesday, the primary election was held with a 19.86% turnout rate in Lucas County. Republicans elected former state representative Derek Merrin to challenge incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur for Ohio's 9th district U.S. congressional seat in the House of Representatives. Additionally, 53% of voters approved a levy for regional 911 and 57% of voters approved a levy for the Toledo Zoo.

• Also on Tuesday, the Detroit Tigers fired Toledo Mud Hens manager Gabe Alvarez for violating club policies after it was discovered that he had sent an inappropriate text to a female colleague.

• In further Tuesday news, the St. John's Jesuit High School board of directors appointed Michael Pool to be the new president of the high school effective in July. Pool is an alumni of the school and most recently served as Dean of Students at Boston College High School.

• On Thursday, the Toledo Board of Honor voted to recommend that Wilmot Street be dedicated to Kei'mani Latigue and that a street sign honoring Vernon Liddell of Liddell's Barber Shop be placed at Junction and Indiana Avenues. A request to remove the dedication to Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way was deferred for 30 days pending investigation of his alleged role in covering up the 1980 murder of Sister Margaret Ann Pahl by Father Gerald Robinson.

• On Friday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued an opinion to Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates stating that county officials cannot direct country treasurers to cease investment in foreign bonds. Last August, Lucas County's investment advisory committee voted 3-2 to cease investment in foreign bonds; the county currently carries $5 million in Israeli bonds and $1 million in Canadian bonds.

• A study by DLZ Corporation has found that repairing the Lucas County Jail to make it functional for an additional 30 years will cost between $63.1 and $77.7 million. Sheriff Mike Navarre has requested the county commissioners wait before moving forward as he believes alternate renovations incorporating a direct-supervision model could save $10 million annually in reduced staffing costs and make the jail safer for both inmates and staff.

• The City of Toledo is requesting Toledo City Council to approve a $5 license fee increase on the estimated 222,000 motor vehicles in Toledo, raising the cost from $25 to $30. If approved, the increase would raise city revenue by an additional $1.1 million.

• The Ability Center, in partnership with Mathemaetica and the City of Toledo, has published a study which found that Toledo has a deficit of accessible housing. The study found that to meet current demands, the city needs an additional 8,000 affordable homes and 14,000 market rate homes. To view the study, visit https://abilitycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Housing-Needs-Study-by-Mathematica.pdf

• The Boys & Girls Club of Toledo has announced plans to merge the James A. Huber Teen Center at Rogers High School with the Schoenrock Family Boys & Girls Club on Hill Avenue effective May 29. The club also plans to continue at the new Whitmer Middle School after Hiawatha Elementary School closes.

• This Saturday (May 9), postal workers with the National Association of Letter Carriers union will pick up nonperishable food items left near postal customer mailboxes for donation to community food banks, pantries, and shelters. Volunteers organized by the Mockingjay movement will sort and organize donations all day beginning at 9 a.m. at the South Toledo Post Office (1144 S. Detroit Ave.). Refreshments will be provided.

• This Saturday (May 9) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) will host its third annual "Drive the Bus" event at its garage (1127 Central Ave.). Those interested in becoming bus drivers can try driving a bus with the guidance of an experienced driver.

• Also this Saturday (May 9) from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Tree Toledo will be distributing tree saplings on a first-come, first-served basis at the Ohlman's Farm Market (3901 Hill Ave.). Species include bald cypress, black gum, concolor fir, serviceberry, and tulip poplar.

• Also this Saturday (May 9) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Toledo Repair Café will host a free repair clinic in the Market Hall at Glass City Metropark (1505 Front St.). Anyone can bring in items for repair at no cost, including appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers, jewelry, and lamps.

• Next Tuesday (May 12) from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a "pop-up" listening session at Plate 21 (3664 Rugby Dr.) to collect neighborhood feedback for the new South Toledo branch library being built on Detroit Avenue near Glendale.

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo's 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC

reddit.com

u/seannestor — 2 months ago

▲ 46 r/toledo

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• On Monday, local civil rights leaders held a press conference decrying the recent actions of a Toledo police officer who used force to arrest a 15-year-old girl. Darlene Sweeney-Newbern, president of the Toledo Chapter of the NAACP, demanded a meeting with the city within 30 days to discuss overhauling the Civilian Police Review Board, requiring police to have de-escalation and racial profiling training, and hiring more diverse officers.

• Also on Monday, Gary Rathbun of Private Wealth Consultants was found dead by suicide after failing to appear in court. He and seven others are on trial for mismanaging a total of $72 million from area investors between 2010 and 2021.

• In further Monday news, St. Paul's Community Center shut down following a fire, for which 38-year-old Edward Belcher has been arrested for aggravated arson. Cherry Street Mission Ministries has agreed to temporarily house the center's 35 clients until repairs can be completed.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council passed several measures unanimously, including extending a moratorium on the demolition of historic buildings through December 31; extending a tax abatement to Owens Corning for an additional 30 years; funding the Property Readiness Grant program with $80,000; approving $250,000 for fire station improvements; and requiring biometric data gathering disclosures at public businesses and institutions.

• Also on Tuesday, finance director for the City of Toledo Melanie Campbell informed Toledo City Council's Finance, Debt, and Budget Oversight Committee that total tax collections through March 2026 were $39.3 million, down from $39.9 million during the same time period in 2025. City officials also revealed $15.8 million in past-due water bills collected since ending a pandemic-era moratorium on water shutoffs last June.

• In further Tuesday news, the Toledo Public School (TPS) board adopted Transformation Plan 2.0, which will close seven elementary schools. The district hopes the buildings can be repurposed for youth housing and credit recovery programs. The board also approved a voluntary two-year pay freeze submitted by the Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel (TAAP) union; district leaders says they will also adopt the same pay freeze.

• Junction Avenue between Blum Street and Nebraska Avenue closed during regular business hours beginning Tuesday to facilitate façade restoration work on the former St. Anthony's Church. The project is expected to take three months to complete.

• On Wednesday, General Motors (GM) announced plans to invest $40 million into the Toledo Propulsion Systems plant to increase the capacity of their 10-speed transmission line. This announcement follows a previous commitment of $40 million in the plant announced by GM March 18.

• On Thursday, officials with Jeep Fest, the annual celebration of the iconic motor vehicle brand, announced that Jeep would officially be a co-presenting sponsor of the festival for the first time in its ten-year history. This year's Jeep Fest will run from August 7 to August 9.

• Also on Thursday, local officials kicked off the fifth annual Litter League competition, a team-based volunteer litter clean-up competition. Last year, teams logged 633.5 volunteer hours cleaning up 705 bags of litter. For more information, visit https://www.ktlcb.org/toledo-litter-league

• On Friday, downtown Toledo restaurant PizzaPapalis announced that it would be shut down for at least 30 days due to a burst water pipe that will require complete replacement of the floors and a repair to the electrical system.

• The City of Toledo is submitting a proposal for Toledo City Council to renew its waste collection contract with Republic Services for five years at a cost of $13.2 million per year. An additional proposal would increase monthly waste collection fees from $11.50 to $18.50 beginning June 1, then to $20.00 on January 1, 2027 and $21.50 on January 1, 2028. Homestead properties would respectively increase from $6.50 to $10.50, $11.25, and $12.00.

• Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) has begun a year-long process of renovating each unit in the 75-unit Palmer Gardens apartment complex, which it acquired in 2024. The renovation includes replacing all floors and carpets as well as repainting walls and upgrading other amenities.

• The Toledo Yacht Club in Point Place is on track to be sold at the Lucas County Sheriff's auction next month as the current owners have defaulted on a commercial loan for $350,000 first taken out in 2015. The owners currently owe $263,000 plus interest, which hasn't been paid since 2023.

• Next Tuesday (May 5) is this year's primary election. To find out what is on the ballot, see the Toledo Free Press voter guide here: https://toledofreepress.com/toledo-free-press-voters-guide-2026-may-primary/

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo's 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL, Toledo Free Press

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u/seannestor — 2 months ago