http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:36:34 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/25/city-police-prepare-record-breaking-july-4-crowd-new-toledo-safety-zone/stories/20260625102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/25/city-police-prepare-record-breaking-july-4-crowd-new-toledo-safety-zone/stories/20260625102#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:39:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/25/city-police-prepare-record-breaking-july-4-crowd-new-toledo-safety-zone/stories/20260625102 Toledoans can expect a record crowd, bigger fireworks, and heightened security at the city’s Fourth of July celebration this year. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference about safety enforcement on the Fourth of July on June 25. Toledo's special event safety zone will be in effect from July 4 at 6 p.m. to July 5 at 6 a.m. At right, Police Chief Michael Troendle listens as Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference about safety enforcement on the Fourth of July on June 25. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz shows a copy of the city's safety zone map during a news conference about safety enforcement on the Fourth of July on June 25. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference about safety enforcement on the Fourth of July on June 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/toledo-utility-collections-plateau-despite-rise-in-payment-plans/stories/20260624117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/toledo-utility-collections-plateau-despite-rise-in-payment-plans/stories/20260624117#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:21:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/toledo-utility-collections-plateau-despite-rise-in-payment-plans/stories/20260624117 The city of Toledo is continuing to collect on delinquent utility bills but is hitting a plateau despite an increase in customers enrolling in payment plans. Megan Robson, currently Toledo's chief of operations, speaks during a Wednesdays with Wade at the Highland Park Shelter House in Toledo on April 3, 2024. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/metroparks-pleased-by-its-watershed-weekend-response/stories/20260624094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/metroparks-pleased-by-its-watershed-weekend-response/stories/20260624094#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:07:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/24/metroparks-pleased-by-its-watershed-weekend-response/stories/20260624094 Metroparks Toledo officials said Wednesday they were blown away by the community’s response to the park district’s recently concluded Watershed Weekend. People take in the view during the Watershed Weekend River Crossing Outdoor Expo. Cynthia Dye tries out a kayak during the Watershed Weekend River Crossing Outdoor Expo in Toledo on June 13. A new sculpture by artist Blessing Hancock is installed on the Maumee River along the Glass City Riverwalk on June 2 in time for the Toledo’s Watershed Weekend celebration. Attendees are framed by the Starburst sculpture in the International Cove area during the Watershed Weekend River Crossing Outdoor Expo in Toledo on June 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/toledo-city-council-approves-flock-camera-contract-extension-8-4-vote/stories/20260623121 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/toledo-city-council-approves-flock-camera-contract-extension-8-4-vote/stories/20260623121#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:20:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/toledo-city-council-approves-flock-camera-contract-extension-8-4-vote/stories/20260623121 After weeks of debate over public safety and privacy concerns, Toledo City Council approved a one-year extension of the city’s contract with Flock Group Inc. on Tuesday. The Toledo City Council met on June 23 in council chambers at One Government Center. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/downtown-nonprofits-clarify-roles-improvement-district-connectoledo/stories/20260622080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/downtown-nonprofits-clarify-roles-improvement-district-connectoledo/stories/20260622080#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:35:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/23/downtown-nonprofits-clarify-roles-improvement-district-connectoledo/stories/20260622080 As more people and projects return to downtown Toledo, the two nonprofits helping guide its growth are drawing a clearer line between the work of managing downtown today and planning what it becomes tomorrow. Karen Poore, executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, in downtown Toledo. Karen Poore, executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, in downtown Toledo. Karen Poore, executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, in downtown Toledo. Karen Poore, executive director of the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/council-debates-flock-contract-renewal-public-safety-concerns-persist/stories/20260622077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/council-debates-flock-contract-renewal-public-safety-concerns-persist/stories/20260622077#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:25:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/council-debates-flock-contract-renewal-public-safety-concerns-persist/stories/20260622077 Concerns about public safety arose on Monday as Toledo City Council’s Public Safety Committee considered a contract extension with Flock Group Inc. for portable automatic license plate readers. Trevor Chandler, senior director of public affairs of Flock, addresses the Toledo City Council Public Safety Committee on June 22. Susan Kuehn of the Northwest Ohio Peace Coalition expresses her concerns to the Public Safety Committee on Monday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/housing-pressures-grow-toledo-leaders-push-local-solutions/stories/20260622084 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/housing-pressures-grow-toledo-leaders-push-local-solutions/stories/20260622084#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:55:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/housing-pressures-grow-toledo-leaders-push-local-solutions/stories/20260622084 Housing affects nearly every aspect of one’s daily life — but for many Toledoans, stable and affordable homes still remain far out of reach. ProMedica director of community health and impact Adrienne Bradley speaks during a panel discussion on affordable housing. Matt Klesta, senior community policy analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, provides stats during a panel discussion on affordable housing during a Rotary Club meeting at the Glass City Center on Monday. Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity CEO Erin McPartland speaks during a panel discussion on affordable housing. Also pictured are, from left, Fair Housing Center CEO George Thomas, Lucas County Land Bank president David Mann, ProMedica director of community health and impact Adrienne Bradley, and moderator Kendra Smith. Robert Pastor asks a question of the panel. George Thomas, Fair Housing Center, speaks at a panel discussion on affordable housing. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/overnight-power-outage-affects-south-toledo-maumee-firstenergy/stories/20260622070 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/overnight-power-outage-affects-south-toledo-maumee-firstenergy/stories/20260622070#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:13:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/22/overnight-power-outage-affects-south-toledo-maumee-firstenergy/stories/20260622070 A circuit-breaker problem caused an extended power outage overnight in parts of South Toledo and Maumee along with neighboring areas, a FirstEnergy spokesman said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/board-recommends-removal-street-sign-honoring-toledo-priest/stories/20260618113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/board-recommends-removal-street-sign-honoring-toledo-priest/stories/20260618113#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:33:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/board-recommends-removal-street-sign-honoring-toledo-priest/stories/20260618113 The Toledo Board of Honor has voted 3-2 to recommend the removal of an honorary downtown street sign dedicated to the late Monsignor Jerome Schmit, a priest who was once renowned in the Toledo diocese. Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign in Hensville on St. Clair Street in Toledo. Barbara Floyd, board chair, speaks during the Toledo Board of Honor meeting at One Government Center in Toledo. Lee Pahl, nephew of Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl, speaks in an interview ahead of the Toledo Board of Honor meeting at One Government Center in Toledo. Lee Pahl, nephew of Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl, speaks in favor of removing the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign. Steve Spitler, board member, during the Toledo Board of Honor meeting. Tom Antonini, general counsel for the Diocese of Toledo, gives a statement in support of keeping the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign up. Gary Stookey, board member, listens. The Rev. Stephen Stanbery speaks in favor of removing the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign. Claudia Vercellotti, of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, speaks in favor of removing the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign. Council President Vanice Williams speaks. Joe Fausnaugh, board member, speaks. The Rev. Stephen Stanbery claps as the board votes on the Msgr. Jerome Schmit Way sign. Lee Pahl, nephew of Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl, center left, and Claudia Vercellotti, of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, center right, speak to the media after the Toledo Board of Honor meeting. Lee Pahl, nephew of Sr. Margaret Ann Pahl, left, and Claudia Vercellotti, of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, speak to the media after the Toledo Board of Honor meeting. Claudia Vercellotti, of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, speaks to the media after the Toledo Board of Honor meeting. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/new-restroom-access-sidewalks-added-at-ottawa-park/stories/20260618094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/new-restroom-access-sidewalks-added-at-ottawa-park/stories/20260618094#comments Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:48:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/18/new-restroom-access-sidewalks-added-at-ottawa-park/stories/20260618094 After serving their last tennis ball or sinking their final putt on the disc golf course, Ottawa Park visitors no longer need to trek across the park to find a restroom. From left, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Councilman John Hobbs, and Joe Fausnaugh, the city's director of public services, check out the new access point to the bathrooms after a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. A sign pointing out restroom access is seen during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Councilman John Hobbs III speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Councilman Nick Komives speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Joe Fausnaugh, the city's director of public services, speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Councilman John Hobbs III speaks during a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz checks out the new access point to the bathrooms after a news conference at the Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo on June 18. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/speedway-development-hits-roadblock-committee-recommends-denial/stories/20260617120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/speedway-development-hits-roadblock-committee-recommends-denial/stories/20260617120#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:51:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/speedway-development-hits-roadblock-committee-recommends-denial/stories/20260617120 Toledo City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee has recommended denying a special-use permit for a gas station at 1322 Bernath Pkwy. Gene Abercrombie, legal counsel, presents a request for a special use permit for a Speedway located at 1322 Bernarth Pkwy. on June 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/shooting-local-group-calls-community-mentor/stories/20260617115 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/shooting-local-group-calls-community-mentor/stories/20260617115#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2026 21:31:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/17/shooting-local-group-calls-community-mentor/stories/20260617115 The grim statistics stacked up against young men from fatherless homes, as Tramain Rayford sees it, are as daunting as they are defiable. Mick Petersen and Tramain Rayford with The Program Inc. pose for a photo together at Rustbelt Coffee in downtown Toledo on June 17. Na'Kai Hayes, who has participated in the Program Inc. since he was 13, puts on a tie beside volunteer Mick Petersen at an event. Na'Kai Hayes, left, has participated in the Program Inc. since he was 13. Mick Petersen and Tramain Rayford with The Program Inc. pose for a photo together at Rustbelt Coffee in downtown Toledo on June 17. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/16/council-considers-safety-zones-special-events-after-old-west-end-festival-shoot/stories/20260616099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/16/council-considers-safety-zones-special-events-after-old-west-end-festival-shoot/stories/20260616099#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:49:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/16/council-considers-safety-zones-special-events-after-old-west-end-festival-shoot/stories/20260616099 Proposed special-event safety zones would give law enforcement a targeted way to address safety concerns at large public gatherings, Toledo Safety Director George Kral told Toledo City Council members. Toledo City Council to discuss Special Event Safety Zones. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/task-force-20-highlights-veteran-mental-health-programs-rotary-meeting/stories/20260615076 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/task-force-20-highlights-veteran-mental-health-programs-rotary-meeting/stories/20260615076#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:10:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/task-force-20-highlights-veteran-mental-health-programs-rotary-meeting/stories/20260615076 Army veteran Jason Graven recognizes that a veteran’s battle does not always end after leaving the battlefield. Army veterans Heather Vincil, left, and Jason Graven speak to the Rotary Club of Toledo about their nonprofit, Task Force 20. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/library-seeking-design-considerations-new-south-toledo-branch/stories/20260615068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/library-seeking-design-considerations-new-south-toledo-branch/stories/20260615068#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:43:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/15/library-seeking-design-considerations-new-south-toledo-branch/stories/20260615068 The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is seeking additional feedback on a new South Toledo branch. The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Main Branch on Sept. 24, 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/13/boost-civic-engagement-bgsu-study/stories/20260603100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/13/boost-civic-engagement-bgsu-study/stories/20260603100#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/13/boost-civic-engagement-bgsu-study/stories/20260603100 Before Toledo City Councilman Erin Kramer took her oath of office, she was an average citizen looking for ways to get involved with her community. Councilman Erin Kramer holds up a gun lock while speaking during a Gun Violence Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony at Toledo Spain Park in Toledo on June 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/photo-gallery-reinstallation-kabuki-dancer-boeschenstein-park/stories/20260612094 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/photo-gallery-reinstallation-kabuki-dancer-boeschenstein-park/stories/20260612094#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2026 02:43:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/photo-gallery-reinstallation-kabuki-dancer-boeschenstein-park/stories/20260612094 Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park in downtown Toledo on June 12. The sculpture was relocated from Levis Park in 2024 to undergo restoration, and a committee ultimately selected Boeschenstein Park as the sculpture’s new location. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. Crews lift ‘Kabuki Dancer’ by Jerry Peart onto its base at Boeschenstein Park. 'Kabuki Dancer' by Jerry Peart was fully installed on its base at Boeschenstein Park. 'Kabuki Dancer' by Jerry Peart was fully installed on its base at Boeschenstein Park. 'Kabuki Dancer' by Jerry Peart was fully installed on its base at Boeschenstein Park. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/cemetery-local-mosque-neighborhood-concerns/stories/20260611093 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/cemetery-local-mosque-neighborhood-concerns/stories/20260611093#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:07:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/cemetery-local-mosque-neighborhood-concerns/stories/20260611093 A local mosque is looking to develop a cemetery to serve the religious and cultural needs of the Muslim community, but some nearby residents don’t want the development in their neighborhood. The Toledo Masjid Al-Islam on East Bancroft Street in central Toledo on June 11. The mosque is considering an expansion to a vacant lot to the left of the building. The Toledo Masjid Al-Islam on East Bancroft Street in central Toledo on June 11. The mosque is considering an expansion to a vacant lot to the left of the building. The Toledo Masjid Al-Islam on East Bancroft Street in central Toledo on June 11. The mosque is considering an expansion to a vacant lot to the left of the building. The Toledo Masjid Al-Islam on East Bancroft Street in central Toledo on June 11. The mosque is considering an expansion to a vacant lot to the left of the building. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/toledo-mayor-proposes-special-event-safety-zones-after-owe-shooting/stories/20260612089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/toledo-mayor-proposes-special-event-safety-zones-after-owe-shooting/stories/20260612089#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:35:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/12/toledo-mayor-proposes-special-event-safety-zones-after-owe-shooting/stories/20260612089 The city of Toledo is creating rules and regulations around “special event safety zones” after a shooting at the Old West End festival injured 12 people. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has proposed creating temporary “special event safety zones” that could include restrictions for unaccompanied minors during large events. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/10/toledo-city-council-approves-spent-lime-contract-with-different-vendor/stories/20260610089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/10/toledo-city-council-approves-spent-lime-contract-with-different-vendor/stories/20260610089#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:16:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/06/10/toledo-city-council-approves-spent-lime-contract-with-different-vendor/stories/20260610089 The city of Toledo is moving forward with the excavation of its spent lime, but this time with a different company. Toledo City Council.