http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:26:38 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/photo-gallery-first-day-school/stories/20260819117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/photo-gallery-first-day-school/stories/20260819117#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:10:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/photo-gallery-first-day-school/stories/20260819117 St. Patrick of Heatherdowns invited community men to “show up” for students on their first day of school. Father Mark Davis leads a prayer after community members welcomed in kids on the first day of school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Aug. 19. Kendall Hayes, a third grader, heads in on the first day of school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Aug. 19. Kids head in on the first day of school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Aug. 19. Kids head in on the first day of school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Aug. 19. Julian Pettaway, an eighth grader, heads in with parents Brittani and Nathaniel Pettaway on the first day of school at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns on Aug. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/community-service-day-planned-for-north-end/stories/20260819088 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/community-service-day-planned-for-north-end/stories/20260819088#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:20:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/community-service-day-planned-for-north-end/stories/20260819088 The North Toledo Coalition is looking to round up volunteers for its Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Volunteers will pick up trash throughout the neighborhood and help organize as well as clean Salem Lutheran Church’s donation closet, kitchen, and food pantry, according https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/plant-swap-stands-take-root-across-nw-ohio-se-michigan/stories/20260813119 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/plant-swap-stands-take-root-across-nw-ohio-se-michigan/stories/20260813119#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:58:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/19/plant-swap-stands-take-root-across-nw-ohio-se-michigan/stories/20260813119 Hayleigh Garcia’s interest in houseplants began organically. Erie Road Plant Swap Stand on Aug. 14 in Temperance, Michigan. Hayleigh Garcia, right, stands with her daughter, Amira Garcia, 11, at their free plant stand, which offers a variety of plants and flowers, outside their home in Oregon on Aug. 15. Parsley is one of many different types of plants offered at Hayleigh Garcia’s free plant stand outside of her home in Oregon, on Aug. 15. Amber Stacey with her pop up greenhouse, Erie Road Plant Swap Stand, on Aug. 14 in Temperance, Michigan. Plants inside Amber Stacey’s pop up greenhouse, Erie Road Plant Swap Stand on Aug. 14 in Temperance, Michigan. Plants inside Amber Stacey’s pop up greenhouse, Erie Road Plant Swap Stand on Aug. 14 in Temperance, Michigan. Plants inside Amber Stacey’s pop up greenhouse, Erie Road Plant Swap Stand on Aug. 14 in Temperance, Michigan. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Aug. 14. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Aug. 14. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Aug. 14. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Aug. 14. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Aug. 14. Ashley Bake’s plant stand at her home in East Toledo on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Hayleigh Garcia’s free plant stand offers various plants such as succulents and herbs outside of her home in Oregon on Aug. 15. Hayleigh Garcia’s free plant stand offers various plants such as succulents and herbs outside of her home in Oregon on Aug. 15. Hayleigh Garcia stands with her free plant stand, which offers various plants and flowers, outside of her home in Oregon on Aug. 15. Hayleigh Garcia’s free plant stand offers various plants such as succulents and herbs outside of her home in Oregon on Aug. 15. Hayleigh Garcia stands with her free plant stand, which offers various plants and flowers, outside of her home in Oregon on Aug. 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/hayes-center-host-birthday-celebration-mobile-bookstore/stories/20260818102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/hayes-center-host-birthday-celebration-mobile-bookstore/stories/20260818102#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:42:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/hayes-center-host-birthday-celebration-mobile-bookstore/stories/20260818102 FREMONT — The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will celebrate its first lady’s birthday with a visit from a mobile bookstore on Aug. 29. The museum/library, at right, and the Hayes house, at back left, at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center at Spiegel Grove in Fremont on Feb. 16, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/free-eviction-sealing-clinic-set-for-aug-26-in-toledo/stories/20260817069 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/free-eviction-sealing-clinic-set-for-aug-26-in-toledo/stories/20260817069#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:45:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/18/free-eviction-sealing-clinic-set-for-aug-26-in-toledo/stories/20260817069 Legal Aid of Western Ohio will host an eviction sealing clinic Aug. 26 at the municipal courthouse downtown. Toledo Municipal Court https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/from-concert-care-strictly-rb-park-jam-connects-toledo-family-mental-health-supp/stories/20260812004 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/from-concert-care-strictly-rb-park-jam-connects-toledo-family-mental-health-supp/stories/20260812004#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:21:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/from-concert-care-strictly-rb-park-jam-connects-toledo-family-mental-health-supp/stories/20260812004 Trecsie Flanigan didn’t go to a concert last summer looking for help with her mental health — she went for the music. Trecsie Flanigan, center, with her family, Kylo, 7, Ahnastee, 14, and Marcus, 10, with event organizers Lance Self, right, and Tracy Haynes, back, at Promenade Park on Aug. 11, in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/create-a-mini-magazine-in-library-s-zine-workshop/stories/20260817070 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/create-a-mini-magazine-in-library-s-zine-workshop/stories/20260817070#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:04:37 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/create-a-mini-magazine-in-library-s-zine-workshop/stories/20260817070 Learn to make a mini magazine known as a zine at the Sanger Branch Library on Thursday. Sanger Branch Library. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/18-mile-ride-to-raise-money-for-bikes-for-kids-1/stories/20260816116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/18-mile-ride-to-raise-money-for-bikes-for-kids-1/stories/20260816116#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:47:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/18-mile-ride-to-raise-money-for-bikes-for-kids-1/stories/20260816116 Registration is open for the Aug. 30 Tour De Turtle bike ride presented by Funky Turtle Brewing Company. The turtle mural is showcased on the back of Funky Turtle Brewing Company in West Toledo on July 13. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/public-viewing-announced-for-police-seized-vehicle-auction/stories/20260817068 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/public-viewing-announced-for-police-seized-vehicle-auction/stories/20260817068#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:24:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/public-viewing-announced-for-police-seized-vehicle-auction/stories/20260817068 Public viewing for the Toledo Police Department’s next abandoned and forfeited motor vehicle auction will be Friday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/community-to-stand-against-gun-violence-in-unity-day/stories/20260816118 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/community-to-stand-against-gun-violence-in-unity-day/stories/20260816118#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:18:31 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/17/community-to-stand-against-gun-violence-in-unity-day/stories/20260816118 Sisters 4 Unity will host its fourth annual Communities Against Gun Violence March & Unity Day on Saturday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/film-festival-highlights-creativity-filmmakers-with-disabilities/stories/20260816120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/film-festival-highlights-creativity-filmmakers-with-disabilities/stories/20260816120#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:56:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/film-festival-highlights-creativity-filmmakers-with-disabilities/stories/20260816120 George Rose wanted to share the story of how Jesus Christ and the church community changed his life for the better. Darius Cunningham, left, and Phillis Schmidbauer, who both produced films in the festival, watch one of the films. Attendees watch a film during the CommUNITY Film Fest at the Maumee Indoor Theater. Skip Eiche’s 'Monkey Business in Gotham' film plays on the screen as Skip can be seen at the bottom right watching it. Skip Eiche watches as his film 'Monkey Business in Gotham' plays. Attendees watch the films. Lindsay Taylor’s 'Lindsay’s Driving Adventure' plays. Lindsay Taylor’s 'Lindsay’s Driving Adventure' plays. The iDance group provide percussion entertainment in the intermission. Charles Wetzel, networking coordinator at FilmToledo, left, Nabil Shaheen, community outreach and communications manager at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, open up the CommUNITY Film Fest. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/parents-can-learn-advocate-childrens-health-care-workshop/stories/20260816056 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/parents-can-learn-advocate-childrens-health-care-workshop/stories/20260816056#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:36:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/parents-can-learn-advocate-childrens-health-care-workshop/stories/20260816056 Pregnant women and parents of infants can attend a Friday workshop on health advocacy to learn how to navigate the health care system. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/centennial-health-fair-clinic-100th-anniversary/stories/20260816114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/centennial-health-fair-clinic-100th-anniversary/stories/20260816114#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:38:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/16/centennial-health-fair-clinic-100th-anniversary/stories/20260816114 The Toledo Clinic celebrates 100 years with its Centennial Health Fair on Saturday. Dr. Christopher Perry speaks during a news conference at the Toledo Clinic in West Toledo on Feb. 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/photo-gallery-incredible-rubber-duck-race-port-clinton/stories/20260815113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/photo-gallery-incredible-rubber-duck-race-port-clinton/stories/20260815113#comments Sun, 16 Aug 2026 03:20:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/photo-gallery-incredible-rubber-duck-race-port-clinton/stories/20260815113 The Incredible Rubber Duck Race took place at the Derby Pond at Waterworks Park in Port Clinton on Saturday. Money raised through the event supports health and human services for Ottawa County residents. Tina Ohmart Mendoza, with United Way of Greater Toledo, scoops out ducks at the conclusion go the race. Ducks await their swim during The Incredible Rubber Duck Race. Ducks move along in the water. Eric Zgodzinski, with Port Clinton Fire and Rescue, and his colleagues pour ducks into the water. Allison Abbulone, with United Way of Ottawa County, picks the winning ducks out of the pond. Eric Zgodzinski, with Port Clinton Fire and Rescue, and his colleagues pour ducks into the water. People watch the ducks make their slow but steady progress. Eric Zgodzinski, with Port Clinton Fire and Rescue, sprays the hose to push ducks along. Ducks after finishing their race. Ed Carlson checks his list of numbers after finding out one of his ducks, the one in particular chosen by his grandson, won third place. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/simultaneous-art-shows-take-over-downtown-perrysburg/stories/20260815101 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/simultaneous-art-shows-take-over-downtown-perrysburg/stories/20260815101#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:34:49 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/simultaneous-art-shows-take-over-downtown-perrysburg/stories/20260815101 Art lovers had two shows to choose from in downtown Perrysburg on Saturday.  Resident Robin Charney visited some of the 100 art booths at Perrysburg Hearts the Arts before swinging by Art Show on the Fringe just a block away. “I like the really unique stuff,” Ms. Charney said Nancy Hatalsky looks over the art of Amanda McGee. Light rain didn’t stop attendees. Amanda McGees speaks about her art. Charles Gabriel speaks about his photography. Kayleen Seybold, back facing camera, tries on a necklace by Sabina Brown, holding the mirror. People check out the various artist booths. Fresh water pearl necklaces at Sabina Brown’s booth. People check out the various artist booths. Rex Russell speaks about his organizing of the Art Show on the Fringe in Perrysburg. Christine Swiergosz speaks about her art. People check out the Art Show on the Fringe. Sherry Supinski looks at art by Kelleigh Bossa during Art Show on the Fringe. Linda Shetzer paints at her booth. Linda Shetzer paints at her booth. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/pride-marches-adams-street/stories/20260815099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/pride-marches-adams-street/stories/20260815099#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 18:25:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/15/pride-marches-adams-street/stories/20260815099 Flags, wigs, and umbrellas carried a rainbow flair down Adams Street Saturday afternoon as Toledoans celebrated the city’s 17th annual Pride Parade. Gwen and Meghan Lindsey wait for the Toledo Pride Parade to start in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. Bikers lead the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. Noah Conley, 4, uses his flag to pop bubbles as Angela Hill holds him during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. A person carries a pride flag while riding a one wheel during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. Matt Miller with Birds Eye View Circus waves to the crowd during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. Bikers lead the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. A girl waves a pride flag from the sunroof during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. Performers with Birds Eye View Circus walk down Adams during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. A woman throws flowers into the crowd during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. A Toledo Police Officer wears a pride flag during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. People ride on the Owens Corning float during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. The Glass City Rollers skate down Adams during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. A dog wearing rainbows walks down Adams during the Toledo Pride Parade in downtown Toledo on Aug. 15. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/3-authors-discuss-books-writing-september-library-events/stories/20260814089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/3-authors-discuss-books-writing-september-library-events/stories/20260814089#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:44:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/3-authors-discuss-books-writing-september-library-events/stories/20260814089 Tickets are now available for three author events in September at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Main Branch on Sept. 24, 2019. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-aug-13/stories/20260814080 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-aug-13/stories/20260814080#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:32:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/14/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-aug-13/stories/20260814080 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. Adam Cassi, Executive Director of Keep Lucas County Toledo Beautiful, looks at the newly unveiled pickleball sculpture along the Glass City Riverwalk on Aug. 13 inToledo. The sculpture is believed to potentially be the largest pickleball in the world. Trecsie Flanigan, center, with her family, Kylo, 7, Ahnastee, 14, and Marcus, 10, with event organizers Lance Self, right, and Tracy Haynes, back, at Promenade Park on Aug. 11 in downtown Toledo. Kelly Chalfant, a local photographer, stands in Side Cut Metropark, one of her favorite places to photograph, in Perrysburg on Aug. 8. Chalfant will be showcasing her work at the Hearts the Arts art fair in downtown Perrysburg. Running back Brayden Brown runs through drills during the Eastwood Eagles high school football practice on Aug. 12 in Pemberville, Ohio. A worker adds street signs to the Monroe Street overpass over U.S. 23 in Sylvania on Aug. 7. The overpass is scheduled to reopen tomorrow evening. Toledo’s Justice Bigbie makes contact with the ball as a piece of his bat splits off during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Omaha Storm Chasers at Fifth Third Field in Toledo Aug. 9. Ottawa Hills football team runs through drills during practice in Ottawa Hills on Aug. 13. Lead paramedic Renee Stuart takes medical student Laya Gokula, acting as an injured driver, away on a stretcher to be loaded in ambulance as the University of Toledo, Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, and local first responders coordinated a mock crash demonstration at a UT simulation center on Aug. 7 in South Toledo. Central Cahtolic’s Khalil Autumn catches the ball as Jeremiah Fuller runs alongside him during practice at Gallagher Athletic Complex at Central Catholic High School in Toledo Aug. 12. Perrysburg quaterback Brady Maxwell works with the offense during high school football practice at Steinecker Stadium on Aug. 10 in Perrysburg, Ohio. Jeremy Hopkins fires a rubber duck to the crowd during the Jeep Fest Parade in Toledo on Aug. 8. Gabe Balascio competes in the mud tire axel clean and press overhead lift during the WaughStrong Competition on Summit Street in downtown Toledo on Aug. 7. Stephen Irving fishes in the Maumee River at Middlegrounds Metropark in Toledo on Aug. 10. Sebastian Hoffman, 6, puts on his new shoes at the 'TPS Back To School Bash' providing kids and parents school supplies, clothing, haircuts and more at Bowsher High School on Aug. 11 in South Toledo. Ben Palicki, realtor at REMAX Preferred Associates, and Lucynthia Jones, realtor with Keller Williams Citywide, take a selfie with Candie Pitzen, realtor with Howard Hanna Real Estate, during the Northwest Ohio REALTORS Homeownership Expo at Ward Pavilion in Toledo on Aug. 8. Re-enactors fire a cannon while portraying members of Battery C 1st Michigan Light Artillery from the Civil War during a “Walk Through History” event hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft at Independence Dam State Park in Defiance on Aug. 9. Construction continues on Louisiana Avenue between Front Street and 3rd Street on Aug. 11 in Perrysburg. Paige Burgin, 16, tattoos a wildflower for Christi Evans during Tattoos for Tails at Sacred Markings in Toledo on Aug. 9. Tina Baden leads a crystal bowl sound meditation at the Create Community Peace Fest features artists, poetry, healing sessions, vendors, and demonstrations at Ordinary Pioneer Studios on on Aug. 8 in Whitehouse, Ohio. Dancers perform during the Don Quixote Dance Workshop at Toledo Center for Live Arts in Toledo on Aug. 11. Eeshan Shendge goes through human tunnel as he perform with the Dandiya Dhamaal group during the Festival of India at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania on Aug. 9. Dan Cummins is retiring from WTOL Channel 11 after 50 years of service on Aug. 13 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/legacy-dedicates-street-impactful-barbers/stories/20260813113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/legacy-dedicates-street-impactful-barbers/stories/20260813113#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:04:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/legacy-dedicates-street-impactful-barbers/stories/20260813113 In the 1950s, Toledo’s Dorr Street was dominated by black-owned businesses. Urban renewal forced many of those businesses to either close or move, including the one owned by Lee Liddell Jr.’s father. “They had us scrambling,” said Mr. Liddell. “All the black Vernon Liddell, Jr., owner of Liddell's Barbershop, is surrounded by young members of his family during the street renaming ceremony. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz speaks during the street renaming ceremony for Lee and Vernon Liddell. Members of the Liddell family and city officials pose for a photo outside of Liddell’s Barbershop. Members of the Liddell family pull the cover off the new renamed sign on (center) Alicia Smith, executive director of the Junction Coalition, speaks during the street renaming ceremony for Vernon and Lee Liddell. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/glass-pickleball-sculpture-serves-riverfront/stories/20260813114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/glass-pickleball-sculpture-serves-riverfront/stories/20260813114#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:35:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/08/13/glass-pickleball-sculpture-serves-riverfront/stories/20260813114 Toledo just got a lot more hole-y. People look a the newly unveiled pickleball sculpture along the Glass City Riverwalk on Aug. 13 in Toledo. Adam Cassi, executive director of Keep Lucas County Toledo Beautiful, looks at the newly unveiled pickleball sculpture along the Glass City Riverwalk on Aug. 13 in Toledo. The sculpture is believed to potentially be the largest pickleball in the world. The project is part of local artist Dean Davis’ 100 Works of Art initiative, an effort to bring 100 works of public art throughout the Greater Toledo area and create an open-air art experience for residents and visitors. Mike Gibbons, president and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures and Toledo Pickle, helps unveil the new pickleball sculpture along the Glass City Riverwalk on Aug. 13 in Toledo.