This Week in Toledo, Toledo, OH (2025)

01/18/2025

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council settled lawsuits from two residents who were seriously injured by Toledo Police during George Floyd protests for $800,000; settled a lawsuit with former public bench contractor Fuel Outdoor of Toledo for $145,000; and approved the Tremainsville Farms housing development.

• Also on Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to join the newly created Ohio Large Urban Counties Alliance. The alliance, which Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken chairs, brings together the six largest counties in Ohio to lobby the state government for more support of urban population centers.

• On Wednesday, city officials held a press conference announcing that crime in 2024 declined from 2023. Instances of auto theft declined from 1,522 to 1,203; burglary from 1,404 to 1,397; homicide from 45 to 37; persons shot from 217 to 201; robbery from 409 to 387; and theft from motor vehicles from 1,510 to 1,111.

• Also on Wednesday, Lola - the last of four dogs stolen from Lucas County Canine Care & Control (LC4) in November - was found safely.

• On Thursday, the Toledo Plan Commission approved plans brought forward by Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) and Cherry Street Mission Ministries to develop a 65-unit building for the homeless at 1401 Monroe Street. The development is expected to cost $18 million and be completed by 2028.

• Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline recently found that a programming error by a contractor led to 346 properties in Lucas County receiving overinflated revaluations and consequently higher property tax bills. Moline's office is in the process of correcting the revaluations and adjusting the tax bills.

• The City of Toledo has received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which will be used to update the city's zoning code, develop housing design templates, and create incentives to develop housing in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.

• The City of Toledo has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat gun violence. The money will be used to fund a full-time coordinator, quarterly microgrants for community initiatives, a study, the creation of a training academy for community members, and two subgrants.

• Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle announced that the department would be taking a break from participating in On Patrol: Live, a nationally broadcast reality television show on Reelz. The department has worked with the program for nearly two years, and may return to it at an unspecified time in the future.

• The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission has announced that the Junction Coalition has won its annual Organization Award, and that the Change Wall has won its annual Collaborative Effort Award.

• The National Museum of the Great Lakes (1701 Front St.) is offering free admission this weekend in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 18; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 19; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 20.

• On Saturday (January 18) 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.

• Next Monday (January 20) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe St.) will hold a series of free events and activities in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For more information, visit https://toledomuseum.org/events/events-info/mlk-day-more-than-a-dream

• Next Thursday (January 23) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the City of Toledo will host a training on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Attendance at this meeting is required for community organizations interested in applying this year. The link to use is: https://toledo-oh-gov.zoom.us/j/85122124380

• Next Thursday (January 23) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a training on Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). Attendance at this meeting is required for community organizations interested in applying this year. The link to use is: https://toledo-oh-gov.zoom.us/j/88017825128

• Next Friday (January 24) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a training on the HOME Investment Partnership Program. Attendance at this meeting is required for community organizations interested in applying this year. The link to use is: https://toledo-oh-gov.zoom.us/j/87530514192

• 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

01/11/2025

• On Tuesday, the 188th anniversary of Toledo's founding, Toledo City Council voted to adopt a new flag for the city. They selected a design made by Mark Yappueying, who will receive $3,000. Jacob Parr and Jillian Hupp received $1,000 each for being runners-up in the design contest.

• Also on Tuesday, Toledo City Council reviewed a proposal (O-009-25) to expend $800,000 from the city's Risk Management Fund in an effort to settle lawsuits brought by two residents who were seriously injured by Toledo Police during George Floyd protests in May of 2020. Council will vote on the measure January 14.

• In further Tuesday news, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to elect Lisa Sobecki board president, approved $900,000 toward the redevelopment of the former St. Anthony's Church into a multipurpose recreation center, and approved $1,075,542.30 for construction of a roundabout at Shoreland Ave. and Summit St.

• The Toledo Board of Education voted Tuesday to elect Bob Vasquez board president and Chris Varwig vice president of the board.

• On Wednesday, Toledo City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee voted to approve zoning changes for a housing development called Tremainsville Farms, which would comprise 15 duplex and 3 triplex rental properties on a new street tentatively named Firefly Lane created through 2388 Tremainsville Road.

• On Thursday, South Toledo resident Roberto Torres declared his candidacy for Mayor of Toledo, running as an independent. Torres previously served on the Toledo Public School board from 2005 to 2008, most recently working as director of immigrant affairs and economic inclusion for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

• Also on Thursday, Toledo Family Pharmacy opened a new pharmacy location at 529 Dorr St., at the intersection of Dorr and Collingwood. The local business currently operates two other pharmacies at 1601 W. Sylvania Ave. and 324 Main St.

• On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration announced that the Lucas County Transportation Improvement District will receive $14.1 million to install 360 new electronic vehicle (EV) charging stations in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, and Wood counties.

• Mercy Health has announced plans to launch a network of urgent cares in the Toledo area, beginning with ten it is acquiring from Greater Midwest Urgent Care. Three of these urgent cares are in Toledo, while the others are in Bowling Green, Findlay, Monroe (MI), Sylvania, Rossford, Temperance (MI), and Waterville.

• The Flying Joe is planning to close its downtown Toledo location on January 24, citing decreasing sales and competition from several other downtown coffee shops. The Perrysburg location will remain open.

• 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, WTOL

01/04/2025

• The Taylor Automotive Family has made a donation to the Toledo Museum of Art ensuring that parking at the museum will be free for the next ten years or longer.

• Toledo Police have obtained a pilot first-responder drone that will be automatically dispatched when certain types of calls get made to the Lucas County Computer Aided Dispatch system. The drones have thermal cameras, zoom cameras, and microphones, and cost $300,000 to purchase after the pilot ends.

• There were 32 homicides in Toledo in 2024. Previous years saw 60 in 2020, 71 in 2021, 66 in 2022, and 44 in 2023. City officials cited increased police staffing, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (MONSE) overseen by Malcolm Cunningham, and City Prosecutor Rebecca Facey for the improvements.

• Lucas County currently has an unemployment rate of 7%, the highest of any county in the state. County officials attribute the figures to temporary layoffs in the automotive industry.

• This Sunday (January 5) marks the end of Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Linda Jennings' third and final term in office. Ohio law prohibits judges from being elected after turning 70 years of age; Jennings, who is 75, was last elected to a six-year term in 2018.

• Next Monday (January 6) from 6 to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will hold a meeting to solicit public feedback on their five-year plan to address social issues like homeless and gun violence. The event will take place at the Lagrange Branch Library (3422 Lagrange St.).

• Next Tuesday (January 7) at 3 p.m., Toledo City Council will hold a special meeting to vote on adopting a new city flag. Over 80 designs were submitted last year, and 10 semifinalists remain. The finalist will receive $3,000 for their work, and the second and third place winners will receive $1,000 each.

• Also next Tuesday (January 7) from 6 to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will hold a meeting to solicit public feedback on their five-year plan to address social issues like homeless and gun violence. The event will take place at the Believe Center (1 Aurora L. Gonzalez Dr.).

• Next Wednesday (January 8) from 6 to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will hold a meeting to solicit public feedback on their five-year plan to address social issues like homeless and gun violence. The event will take place at the Mott Branch Library (1085 Dorr St.).

• Next Thursday (January 9) from 9 to 11 a.m., the City of Toledo will host a meeting to discus Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in the Large Glass Community Room at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) Attendance at this meeting is required for community organizations interested in applying.

• Also next Thursday (January 9) at 12 p.m., Reverend Larry Clark will speak about his experiences traveling to Israel and Palestine recently as part of the First Thursday series. The event will be held at Monroe Street United Methodist Church (3613 Monroe St.) and the cost to attend is $15, which includes lunch.

• Also next Thursday (January 9) from 1 to 3 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a meeting to discus Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) in the Large Glass Community Room at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) Attendance at this meeting is required for community organizations interested in applying.

• Also next Thursday (January 9) from 6 to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will hold a meeting to solicit public feedback on their five-year plan to address social issues like homeless and gun violence. The event will take place at the East Toledo Family Center (1020 Varland Ave.).

• Next Friday (January 10) from 7 to 10 p.m., Ottawa Park (2015 Parkside Dr.) will host a Mardi Gras-themed skate night. Contests, seasonal foods, and giveaways will be held. Admission is $5 and skate rental is $2.

• 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

12/28/2024

• On Sunday, a 64-year-old from Clearwater, Florida crashed into a 6-foot-tall letter "L" in a stylized "TOL" logo located in the center of the roundabout at Byrne Road and South Detroit Avenue. The woman was treated for minor injuries and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

• On Tuesday, employees of the Starbucks at Westgate (Secor & Central) went on strike, joining over 300 Starbucks locations across the country unionized by Starbucks Workers United. The union is seeking higher wages for baristas and an end to unfair labor practices.

• Buckeye Broadband plans to lay off its local call center staff effective April 1. The company plans to outsource all call center functions with the exception of their sales and retention departments.

• Toledo residents can drop off used Christmas trees (cleared of decorations) for free at designated locations in the following parks through January 31: Bowman (4793 Jackman), Byrne (2201 Byrne), Detwiler (3775 E. Manhattan), Highland (1965 Finch), Jermain (1270 S. Cove), and Ravine II (1699 S. Ravine).

• The Toledo Zoo's Reptile House will undergo $14.5 million in renovations beginning January 1. The renovations include enlarging exhibit spaces to include underwater viewing opportunities and adding air conditioning throughout the building. It is expected to re-open in late 2026.

• Next Monday (December 30) at 2:25 p.m., Imagination Station (1 Discovery Way) will drop 25,000 bouncy balls in honor of New Year's. Tickets are available at the door beginning at 10 a.m. with members entering free. Among the balls dropped will be six golden ones, and those who find them will win a 1-year membership.

• 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, r/Toledo

12/21/2024

• On Monday, a judge ruled that no one be allowed into the Omni Polymers chemical processing facility on Nebraska avenue until major structural issues with the building are corrected. Several toxic chemicals, including arsenic, mercury, and zinc, were found to be improperly discharged at the site earlier this year.

• Also on Monday, the silo visible on Owens Community College's campus was demolished. It had stood as a unique feature of the college for over 60 years.

• On Tuesday, a federal judge sentenced Bitwise founders Irma Olguin Jr. and Jake Soberal to 9 and 11 years in prison, respectively, for falsifying financial statements. The two are also required to pay back the $115 million stolen from investors. The company was planning to expand to Toledo, where Olguin is from.

• On Wednesday, Toledo City Council voted 6-5 against approving a proposed Sheetz gas station at 1405 Bernath Parkway, with Hartman, Komives, Melden, Morris, and Sarantou dissenting. Council member Gadus was absent. Several residents near the proposed gas station testified against it before council last week.

• Also on Wednesday, Toledo City Council voted to replace older vehicles in the city's fleet with electric vehicles; allocated $100,000 to construct a roof over the Ottawa Park ice rink, allowing an extra 30 days of use each year; allocated $209,000 from the general fund to bridge a gap in underperforming municipal golf course revenue; and allocated $2.6 million from the capital improvement fund for payroll software.

• On Thursday, city officials shared tax collection revenue figures to Toledo City Council. As of November 30, $191.9 million in income tax had been collected for the general fund compared to $186.7 million during the same period in 2023.

• On Friday, automaker Stellantis announced that it is rescinding its previous plan to lay off approximately 1200 workers at the Jeep Plant in Toledo in January. The United Auto Workers (UAW) has stated that it believes only 125 workers will be layed off, and that they may be offered $50,000 severance packages.

• Washington Local Schools and the Teachers Association of Washington Local Schools (TAWLS) have reached a tentative contract agreement. The union membership will vote on whether or not to approve the contract in early January.

• Unionized employees at scrap metal recycler Omnisource have voted to leave Teamsters Local 20 following a campaign led by member Daniel Caughhorn. Despite being a tie vote, with 43 votes cast in favor of staying and 43 in favor of leaving, the lack of a majority in favor of staying defaulted to an exit.

• Mercy Health has filed suit against both ProMedica and Nationwide Children's Hospital, claiming that the two entities have conspired to exclude Mercy from meaningful participation in planning for pediatric services in the Toledo area. The suit seeks to block further collaboration between the two defendants.

• Brian Chapman, investor in recently-shuttered Heavy Beer Company, is suing Heavy's parent company Adams Street Committee LLC for $398,500 in unpaid loans. A countersuit filed by Adams Street claims the money in question constitutes equity, not a loan, and that filing suit breaks the terms of his investor agreement.

• Meteorologists have confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record for Toledo with an overall temperature of 54.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Records have been kept since 1870.

• Next Thursday (December 26), Monarch Comics will hold a soft reopening of its business a few units away from its former location in the same shopping center, Colonial Village (4400 Heatherdowns Blvd.). The longtime local business was nearly lost when a fire ravaged the complex on December 9.

• Merry Christmas! If you enjoy This Week in Toledo, please consider supporting my latest effort, the newly relaunched Toledo Free Press. You can sign up to give monthly on Patreon, or make a one-time donation via PayPal using the links in the comments.

• 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, WTOL

12/14/2024

• On Monday, the Colonial Village strip mall in South Toledo experienced a fire that began in Shawn's Irish Tavern and destroyed several businesses, including Employ Bridge, Laura's Framing and Place Gallery, the Legacy Room, Monarch Comics, and Rice King.

• Also on Monday, Toledo City Council's Parks, Education, Recreation, and Health Committee heard the proposed 2025 budget for youth programming. With American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars gone, youth programming will decrease from $2 million/year and 70 programs to $250,000/year and 16 programs.

• On Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners approved a 2025 budget that totals $193,713,138 with $183,575,455 in revenue, leaving a $10,137,683 deficit. The deficit will be covered through the county's one-time funding reserve, which totals $29,634,934.

• Also on Tuesday, Toledo City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee voted to recommend against council approving a proposed Sheetz gas station at 1405 Bernath Parkway after hearing concerns from area residents and a business owner. Council is scheduled to vote on the matter December 18.

• In further Tuesday news, the Ability Center announced that it's executive director, Stuart James, had resigned "due to a misalignment with the board of directors." James has served in the role for over three years, succeeding Tim Harrington, who served in the role for 22 years.

• The City of Toledo and public bench contractor FUEL Outdoor of Toledo settled a lawsuit on Tuesday. The city terminated a 20-year contract with FUEL early after the company failed to build benches as quickly as promised. Terms of the settlement will be disclosed in 30-60 days.

• On Wednesday, Toledo City Council's Finance, Debt, and Budget Oversight Committee was educated on FirstEnergy's proposed electric rate hike for 2025. A Toledo Edison official claimed that a homeowner using 750 kilowatt-hours would pay an extra $1.09, while the consumers' counsel believes it will be $1.56.

• Also on Wednesday, $3,878,198 in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits were awarded to the Riverview Tower development at 200 N. St. Clair St. (formerly the Fiberglas Tower). The project is expected to cost $16,981,470 and will feature commercial space on floors 2-4 as well as 84 total apartments on floors 5-11.

• In further Wednesday news, $1,868,047 in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits were awarded to the Stein Building development at 602-604 Adams St. The project is expected to cost $8,039,330 and will feature commercial space as well as 16 apartments.

• Heavy Beer Company (1301 Summit St.) announced plans to close permanently effective Sunday the 15th. Heavy Wheelhouse, which serves coffee and beer at Oak Openings Metropark, will also close.

• Toledo-based building products manufacturer Owens Corning plans to increase its quarterly cash dividend from $0.60 per common share to $0.69 per common share. The next dividend will be paid on January 17, 2025.

• Packo's at the Park (7 S. Superior St.), the downtown location of Tony Packo's, will cease lunch and dinner operations beginning on December 28. The business will convert to being a special event center.

• Local bar and music venue The Ottawa Tavern has shuttered, with owner Zack Jacobs posting on social media that he is in the process of transferring ownership of the business. Jacobs also denied criminal allegations without stating what they may be.

• Lake Erie Waterkeeper, the Waterkeeper Alliance, and Food & Water Watch have asked to join the federal suit filed by the City of Toledo, Lucas County, and the Environmental Law & Policy Center against the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for failing to protect Lake Erie with the Clean Water Act.

• Next Thursday (December 19) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a community meeting for South Toledo residents to continue discussions about the reconstruction of Broadway Street will take place at the Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center (1222 Broadway St.)

• 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

12/11/2024

To the readers of This Week in Toledo:

Over the last five years, I’ve monitored local news outlets here in Toledo so that I can summarize the most important stories for you. I’ve also been a writer for local papers, winning a Touchstone Award from the Press Club of Toledo for my work in 2023. Local news is something I take very seriously.

2,900 local newspapers across the United States have closed their doors since 2005, including the Toledo Free Press, which we lost in 2015. This is a disturbing trend, as declines in local news coverage have been linked to higher rates of government corruption, increased political polarization, and the rise of ideologically extreme politicians.

It is with this awareness that I have worked with Tom Pounds, publisher of the Toledo Free Press, to bring the paper back as a nonprofit digital news outlet. Through my nonprofit, Toledo Integrated Media Education, we have restored the Toledo Free Press website, assembled a small but effective staff, and started on a journey to become Toledo’s premiere newsroom.

We believe that a free press is essential to a free society - which is why we will not be putting our articles behind paywalls. We are also a truly independent grassroots newsroom - no corporate ownership, no orders from above, and nothing to fear when digging into the stories that matter. But without paywalls and corporate ownership, our only real means of funding this operation rest on you - the public. Our ability to serve you depends entirely on the support you’re willing to give us.

With that in mind, I’d like to ask that you consider joining our Patreon at either $10 or $25 per month (link in comments). Alternately, you can make a one-time donation through PayPal. Thanks to NewsMatch, your contributions through December 31 will be matched by the Institute for Nonprofit News, effectively doubling the value of your one-time donation. In fact, Patreon sign-ups are matched at a rate of 12x your monthly donor level!
Larger donations ($250 and above) should be sent to us by check. Please make your check out to Toledo Free Press, and mail it to PO Box 733 Toledo, OH 43697. If you are interested in joining our First Amendment Society, which is reserved for those who commit $1000/year or more for three years, please contact me directly at [email protected].

Together, we can ensure the future of journalism in Toledo.

Sincerely,

Sean Nestor
This Week in Toledo

12/07/2024

• On Monday, Toledo City Council heard 2025 budget proposals from public safety agencies. Due to the loss of revenue from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Toledo Police are proposing 20 fewer officers and shutting down ShotSpotter; Toledo Firefighters are proposing 13 fewer firefighters and 11 fewer paramedics.

• On Tuesday, Lucas County officials held a press conference calling on residents to secure a license for their dog. Dogs over three months old are required to have a license, which costs $25/year or $250/lifetime. For more information, visit https://lcapps.co.lucas.oh.us/OnlineDogTags/StartOrder.aspx

• On Wednesday, Toledo City Council voted 9-2 to allocate $910,999 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward converting the former St. Anthony's Church into a multipurpose recreation center. Martinez and McPherson cast dissenting votes, while Driscoll was not present.

• Also on Wednesday, Toledo City Council voted to allocate $175,000 toward cleanup of trees at Bandore Park, which were cut down in March as part of an ecological restoration project. The downed trees have been seen as an eyesore by nearby residents.

• In further Wednesday news, Mayor Kapszukiewicz held a press conference heralding the impending completion of the Smart Meter Replacement Program begun in 2021 at a cost of $100 million. Approximately 109,000 out of 116,000 water meters throughout the city have been replaced with new "smart" meters.

• Lucas County Children Services received a grant totaling $463,802 Wednesday from OneOhio for its Family Search and Engagement program, which helps families afflicted by opioid abuse. OneOhio's funding comes from Ohio's share of a settlement with ten major pharmaceutical companies sued over the opioid epidemic.

• On Thursday, the Toledo Plan Commission unanimously approved a zoning change to accommodate a proposed housing development called Tremainsville Farms. The development, comprised of 15 duplex and 3 triplex rental properties, would be on a new street named Firefly Lane created through 2388 Tremainsville Road.

• Olympian bronze medal winner Oshae Jones recently became the first female boxer from Toledo to hold a world title when she defeated Femke Hermans to take both the IBO and IBF junior welterweight championships.

• The Toledo Museum of Art has purchased a non-fungible token (NFT) digital art piece titled Abyssian Queen made by the arts collective Yatreda ያጥሬዳ. The purchase was made using a cryptocurrency (USDC), making it the first time a major cultural institution has used cryptocurrency to purchase art.

• Mobis North America, which plans to lay off over 200 workers beginning January 5, has told employees they can return as supplemental employees if they accept a salary and benefits package that is half of their current wages. The plant previously made the same offer in 2018.

• Stellantis chief executive officer (CEO) Carlos Tavares has resigned after four years in the role. Stellantis sales, including Jeep products made in Toledo, have been low for several months. The Stellantis Jeep plant in North Toledo plans to lay off over 1200 employees in January.

• This Saturday (December 7) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the National Museum of the Great Lakes (1701 Front St.) is offering free admission in honor of the museum's annual Community Giveback Day featuring the Christmas Tree Ship. For more information, visit https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship24/

• Also this Saturday (December 7) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wildwood Metropark (5100 Central Ave.) will host its free annual Holidays at the Manor House event. Each room in the manor house has been decorated for the holidays. This year also marks 50 years since Wildwood Metropark was established.

• Also this Saturday (December 7) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Libbey House (2008 Scottwood Ave) will host a free Christmas Tour. Parking is available behind the house off of Woodruff Avenue. For more information, visit http://libbeyhouse.org/

• This Sunday (December 8) at 6:30 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a holiday tree lighting ceremony at Ottawa Park (2015 Parkside Drive). An array of free holiday events and activities will also take place at the park beginning at 3 p.m., beginning with free ice skating and visits from Santa, the Grinch, and Elsa.

• Next Monday (December 9) at 4 p.m., the Lucas County Common Pleas Court will give a public presentation on its proposed 2025 budget inside courtroom #4, on the third floor of the courthouse (700 Adams St.)

• Next Tuesday (December 10) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a community input meeting regarding the $53 million Dorr St. to Adams Street project at the Mott Branch Library (1010 Dorr St.).

• Next Thursday (December 12) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a community input meeting regarding the $53 million Dorr St. to Adams Street project at the Jefferson Center (1300 Jefferson Ave.).

• 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

11/30/2024

• On Monday, city officials shared tax collection revenue figures to Toledo City Council. As of October 31, $174.2 million in income tax had been collected for the general fund compared to $170.6 million during the same period in 2023. The city is preparing for a loss of $2 million in 2025 due to auto industry layoffs.

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council heard a proposal to replace city vehicles with electric vehicles (EV). Currently, minivans cost $1.29/mile to operate compared to $1/mile for an EV; SUVs cost $4.25/mile compared to $3.87/mile for an EV; and sedans cost $0.74/mile compared to $0.54/mile for an EV.

• Also on Tuesday, representatives from the Toledo Police Department asked Toledo City Council for $150,000 to add 20 new FLOCK license plate readers across the city. The department also asked council for permission to begin a free year-long pilot program testing out a fleet of surveillance drones.

• In further Tuesday news, the Lucas County Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve a 3% raise with $1,000 one-time bonus for the 151 non-bargaining unit employees who work for the commissioners. Commissioner Lopez dissented citing her support of the raise but not the bonus.

• The board of Maumee-based auto parts supplier Dana Inc. named board member R. Bruce McDonald the new chairman and chief executive officer of the business, replacing James Kamsickas following revenue losses brought about by declining sales revenues. The board also plans to sell off its off-highway business line.

• Metroparks Toledo has added a new compost drop-off site inside the Market Hall at the Glass City Metropark (1505 Front St.) in East Toledo, thanks to a $10,000 donation from Kroger. Three other locations currently exist at Swan Creek Metropark, the Toledo Botanical Garden, and across from the Glass City Enrichment Center.

• Local restaurateur Kengo Kato is planning to open a new restaurant, Papa Kato's, at 30 S. St. Clair St. in downtown Toledo in mid-January. The restaurant will primarily be for takeout order and will serve Japanese-style fried chicken. Kato also owns Kato Ramen and Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, as well as Shobu by Kengo.

• This Saturday (November 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. Boats and tires will also be accepted for a fee.

• Next Thursday (December 5) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the City of Toledo will host a community input meeting regarding the $53 million Dorr St. to Adams Street project at Toledo School for the Arts (333 14th St.).

• 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

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