http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:23:00 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/nonprofit-newspaper-host-spring-art-mixer/stories/20260409099 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/nonprofit-newspaper-host-spring-art-mixer/stories/20260409099#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:20:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/nonprofit-newspaper-host-spring-art-mixer/stories/20260409099 The Scribe, a statewide nonprofit newspaper, will host its Spring Art Spotlight Mixer at Assembly American Brasserie on Saturday. Barbecue Pearl Onions is showcased in 2024 at Assembly American Brasserie in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/04/12/nominations-open-recipients-annual-bikes-kids-giveaway/stories/20260407099 https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/04/12/nominations-open-recipients-annual-bikes-kids-giveaway/stories/20260407099#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:12:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/frontpage/2026/04/12/nominations-open-recipients-annual-bikes-kids-giveaway/stories/20260407099 The Charles E. Boyk Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers law firm has opened nominations for its annual Bikes for Kids Giveaway. Volunteer Terry Waltzer fixes the spokes on a child’s bike during the Free Bike Fix-It event at the West Toledo YMCA on Aug. 21 in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/photo-gallery-rock-n-craft-show/stories/20260412130 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/photo-gallery-rock-n-craft-show/stories/20260412130#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:43:04 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/12/photo-gallery-rock-n-craft-show/stories/20260412130 The Northwest Ohio Rockhounds hosted its Rock-N-Craft Show at Bunker Bar and Banquet Hall in Holland on April 12. The club will have another event like the one pictured on Nov. 21-22. Scott Oerther, center, and Steve Shimatzki, right, crack a geode during the Rock-N-Craft Show. Oakley Alliman looks over some rocks at a booth. Linda Hutchins, right, adjusts items at her booth. Cabachon stones at a booth. Tom Barnhizer trims a dolomite. Tom Barnhizer trims a dolomite. David Nyquist gets a closer look at an agate. Tumbled stones sit in a bin at a booth. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/04/12/love-cats-draws-breeders-spectators-competition/stories/20260412123 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/04/12/love-cats-draws-breeders-spectators-competition/stories/20260412123#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:02:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/04/12/love-cats-draws-breeders-spectators-competition/stories/20260412123 BOWLING GREEN — Dianne Dodd was cuddling her 11-month-old Maine coon, J.B., who calmly soaked it all in. Stevie, a 1-year-old domestic short hair cat, is judged by Rick Hoskinson. People carry their cats for judging. Cats wait their turn to be judged. Cats wait their turn to be judged. Jim Simmons proudly shows Aurora, his nearly 2-year-old Maine coon cat. Jim Simmons shares a moment with Aurora, his nearly 2-year-old Maine coon cat. Judge Rick Hoskinson looks over one of the cats. Stevie, a 1-year-old domestic short hair cat, is handled by judge Rick Hoskinson. Cheryl Lorditch gets the attention of Puffy, a 10-month-old Persian cat, with a toy. Cheryl Lorditch grooms Puffy, a 10-month-old Persian cat, for judging. Cheryl Lorditch preps Puffy, a 10-month-old Persian cat, for judging. Judge Gary Veach inspects Puffy, a 10-month-old Persian cat. Judge Gary Veach handles one of the cats. Judge Gary Veach handles Milton, a 3-year-old Balinese cat. Judge Gary Veach inspects Milton, a 3-year-old Balinese cat. Dianne Dodd plays with J.B., an 11-month-old Maine coon cat. Dianne Dodd holds up J.B., an 11-month-old Maine coon cat. Dianne Dodd holds Taz, a 3-year-old Maine coon cat. Dianne Dodd feeds Desi, 7-month-old Maine coon cat. Judge Gary Veach inspects a cat. Eadgyth, a 10-month-old Ocicat cat, sits in her cat carrier featuring a chandelier. Robin Madigan holds Eadgyth, her 10-month-old Ocicat cat. A sign on the building hosting the Just Cat-In Around Cat Fanciers cat show ironically says “no pets allowed” at the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/no-room-right-turn-lane-secor-laskey-city-explains/stories/20260413024 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/no-room-right-turn-lane-secor-laskey-city-explains/stories/20260413024#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:47:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/no-room-right-turn-lane-secor-laskey-city-explains/stories/20260413024 While this year’s stage of Secor Road reconstruction between Laskey and Alexis roads does not involve the Laskey intersection, northbound Secor approaching Laskey narrows to one lane for both straight traffic and right turns, plus a left-turn lane. With the right lane closed beyond the intersection, northbound traffic on Secor Road queues into a single lane approaching Laskey Road on April 3. Two lanes each way on the eastbound side cross the Ohio Turnpike's Maumee River bridge on April 8. The temporary traffic pattern, set up the previous night, supports upcoming deck replacement on the westbound side, with the eastbound side to follow next year. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/12/perrysburg-schools-hold-cybersafety-presentation/stories/20260323090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/12/perrysburg-schools-hold-cybersafety-presentation/stories/20260323090#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:22:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/12/perrysburg-schools-hold-cybersafety-presentation/stories/20260323090 Perrysburg schools will host an internet safety presentation April 20 for parents. Brian Boos, Wood County deputy chief asst. prosecutor, gives information about internet activity during a cyber safety presentation to concerned parents and staff at Toth Elementary School in 2025 in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/uptown-block-closed-two-days/stories/20260412122 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/uptown-block-closed-two-days/stories/20260412122#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:15:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/04/12/uptown-block-closed-two-days/stories/20260412122 Part of Woodruff Avenue will be closed for road restoration, city officials announced. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/12/two-teachers-retiring-unique-shared-experience/stories/20260327113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/12/two-teachers-retiring-unique-shared-experience/stories/20260327113#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:12:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/12/two-teachers-retiring-unique-shared-experience/stories/20260327113 They started their jobs together, taught the same grades in the same building, and now, they are retiring together as well. From left, Sheri Lindsey and her teaching partner, Alysia Cloum, are retiring this year from Greenwood Elementary. They have taught together for the past 35 years in the same building and same grade level. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/juice-house-hosts-inaugural-pickleball-classic/stories/20260411098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/juice-house-hosts-inaugural-pickleball-classic/stories/20260411098#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:30:40 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/juice-house-hosts-inaugural-pickleball-classic/stories/20260411098 Patronela Burr looked down over the basketball courts in the University of Toledo Recreation Center on Saturday with a huge smile on her face. Tyler Yandura, left, and Caleb Harsh play a game of pickleball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Tyler Yandura, right, takes a swing at the ball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Ken Martin, left, and Jeannie Padgett play a game of pickleball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Shane Kagey, left, serves while playing with Bryce Behan during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. People watch pickleball action going on below during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. People on several courts play pickleball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Moira Kalakoda hits the ball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Shane Potgieter lunges for the ball during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Food trucks and two vehicles with Juice House are seen outside the recreation center during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. Jason Owens, a mentor of the iCode “blend” of Juice House, left, explains the iCode program in an recreational vehicle showing some of the group’s projects to Alex Andrade, right, during the 2026 Toledo Pickleball Classic and Expo hosted by Juice House at the University of Toledo in Toledo on April 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-maumee-river-fest/stories/20260411106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-maumee-river-fest/stories/20260411106#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:21:33 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-maumee-river-fest/stories/20260411106 The Maumee River Fest in downtown Maumee took place on April 11. Natasha Marchewski puts tinsel into Eloise Durbin’s hair. Jane Tomko, right, gets tinsel put into her hair by Chloe Johnson. Jemma Schmidt, 9, looks at her paint tattoo. Luna Whitney, 5, colors on a walleye wind chime. Anglers pick out their fish to weigh. Ben Scharf grabs a walleye to weigh. Anglers pick out their fish to weigh. Owner of Maumee Tackle Fishing Outfitters, Mario Campos, writes down the weight of the fish. People wait for the walleye fish weigh-in. John Decessna holds up two walleye. Chris Ritter and his son Benjamin, 6, watch as their fish are weighed. Anglers run in the Wader Waddle. Anglers pick out their fish to weigh. Anglers wait to weigh their fish. Anglers run in the Wader Waddle. Ben Scharf celebrates winning a fishing pole in a raffle. Anglers pick out their fish to weigh. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/local-republicans-face-off-primaries-ohio-house-representatives/stories/20260411033 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/local-republicans-face-off-primaries-ohio-house-representatives/stories/20260411033#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:33:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/local-republicans-face-off-primaries-ohio-house-representatives/stories/20260411033 Local Republicans are facing off in primary races in hopes of becoming the party’s nominee that succeeds a two-term Republican and a two-term Democrat in the Ohio House of Representatives. The William McKinley Monument is silhouetted in front of the west side of the Ohio Statehouse on April 15, 2024, in Columbus. Ottawa Hills resident David Karmol is running as a Republican for Ohio's House District 43. West Toledo resident Kristi Kille is running as a Republican for Ohio's House District 43. John Rozic is running as a Republican for Ohio's House District 44. Northwood Mayor Edward Schimmel is running as a Republican for Ohio's House District 44. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-metroparks-takeover-main-library/stories/20260411102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-metroparks-takeover-main-library/stories/20260411102#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:00:39 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/photo-gallery-metroparks-takeover-main-library/stories/20260411102 Families got to experience some of the adventurous activities often outdoors at their local library during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on Saturday. Ien Jackson, 8, climbs a climbing wall during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Lucas Whitaker, 10, tries out a hammock during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Mason Hassenruck, 8, and Devon Hassenruck try out archery during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Mila Hernandez, 13, does the tree climb activity during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Kids try out the tree climb activity during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Kids try out the tree climb event during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Corey Mowrey, 7, learns the basics from Matt Miller, Metroparks Toledo programming specialist, in the tree climbing activity during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. Kids try out the tree climb activity during the Metroparks Toledo Takeover at the Main Library in Toledo on April 11. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/folk-singer-featured-library-live-at-the-library-concert-series/stories/20260409010 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/folk-singer-featured-library-live-at-the-library-concert-series/stories/20260409010#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:39:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/11/folk-singer-featured-library-live-at-the-library-concert-series/stories/20260409010 Folk singer and songwriter Sam Robbins will be featured in the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Live at the Library free music series from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Joshua Davis performs during the “Live at the Library” concert series in 2025 on the rooftop of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library in Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/ohios-death-penalty-moratorium-lawlessness-lucas-county-prosecutor-says/stories/20260407096 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/ohios-death-penalty-moratorium-lawlessness-lucas-county-prosecutor-says/stories/20260407096#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/11/ohios-death-penalty-moratorium-lawlessness-lucas-county-prosecutor-says/stories/20260407096 COLUMBUS — Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates is pushing back on Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s characterization of the state’s unofficial moratorium on capital punishment. Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates is pushing back on Attorney General Dave Yost’s claim that Ohio’s halt in executions is a “wilderness of lawlessness,” saying those convicted remain imprisoned, most for life without parole. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost criticized the state’s unofficial pause on executions, calling it a “mockery of the justice system” in his office’s Capital Crimes Report. Gov. Mike DeWine has not allowed an execution to be carried out during his tenure, citing issues with Ohio’s lethal injection process and difficulty obtaining the necessary drugs. State Rep. Josh Williams (R., Sylvania Township) supports resuming executions in Ohio and has introduced “Kei’mani’s Law” as House Bill 707, following the death of 13-year-old Kei’mani Latigue in Toledo. Kei’mani Latigue is a 13-year-old girl whose body was found in a burned-out house in East Toledo. The girl’s father has been charged with raping and killing his daughter before leaving her in the abandoned structure. Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates defends Ohio’s criminal justice system amid an ongoing pause in executions, emphasizing that those convicted of the most serious crimes remain behind bars, many for life without parole. Debra Ogle was killed in South Toledo in a case that led to the conviction of William Montgomery. Jamie Madrigal, right, had his death sentence for killing an 18-year-old woman overturned by a federal court but ended up receiving a prison sentence that ensured he would die in prison after entering a plea agreement. A memorial grows in April, 2025, for Keimani Latigue near the Miami Street house where she was found dead in East Toledo. In April, 2025, a Lucas County grand jury handed up a 15-count indictment of Darnell Jones that includes four alternative counts of aggravated murder that have death-penalty specifications attached for the death of Kei’mani Latigue. William Montgomery was convicted of murdering Debra Ogle in South Toledo. Prosecutor Julia Bates at the Lucas County Courthouse in Toledo on April 10. Sierah Joughin, 20, was kidnapped and murdered while she was out riding her bicycle in Fulton County. James Worley is an inmate from Fulton County who was sentenced to death after he kidnapped and murdered 20-year-old Sierah Joughin while she was out riding her bicycle. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/10/new-nonprofit-uses-art-help-homeless/stories/20260410123 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/10/new-nonprofit-uses-art-help-homeless/stories/20260410123#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:51:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/04/10/new-nonprofit-uses-art-help-homeless/stories/20260410123 Valya Wright didn’t have a job or a place to stay when she came to Toledo in January at six months pregnant. An attendee orders from an ice cream truck during an open house to celebrate Street Art Missions group's launch as a nonprofit at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo on April 10. Valya Wright, left, stands with Andy Howard, right, founder of Street Art Missions, during an open house to celebrate the group's launch as a nonprofit at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo on April 10. Kacey McCreery, community engagement glass artist at the Toledo Museum of Art, demonstrates glass blowing during an open house to celebrate Street Art Missions group's launch as a nonprofit at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo on April 10. Attendees use airbrush tools and stencils to create art during an open house to celebrate Street Art Missions group's launch as a nonprofit at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo on April 10. Azariah Depp, 4, picks up a marker to color on a coloring sheet during an open house to celebrate Street Art Missions group's launch as a nonprofit at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo on April 10. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/10/automotive-manufacturer-building-new-facility-rossford/stories/20260410117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/10/automotive-manufacturer-building-new-facility-rossford/stories/20260410117#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:21:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/suburbs/2026/04/10/automotive-manufacturer-building-new-facility-rossford/stories/20260410117 An automotive manufacturer, which is expected to open in 2027 and initially employ 600, is coming to Rossford. A rendering of "Project Sapphire," a new auto manufacturer in Rossford. The site of a future automotive manufacturer in Rossford, off Glenwood Road. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/04/10/city-pulls-trash-contract-vote-from-council-agenda/stories/20260410110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/04/10/city-pulls-trash-contract-vote-from-council-agenda/stories/20260410110#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:51:14 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/04/10/city-pulls-trash-contract-vote-from-council-agenda/stories/20260410110 The mayor’s administration is pulling an item from Toledo City Council’s agenda that would have allowed the city to contract with Priority Waste LLC as its next trash provider. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/10/ohioans-could-see-lower-property-tax-bills-july-abolishment-campaign-continues/stories/20260410109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/10/ohioans-could-see-lower-property-tax-bills-july-abolishment-campaign-continues/stories/20260410109#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:34:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/04/10/ohioans-could-see-lower-property-tax-bills-july-abolishment-campaign-continues/stories/20260410109 COLUMBUS — Many Ohioans will soon experience the benefits of the property tax reform measures passed by the Ohio General Assembly near the end of 2025, according to the sponsor of all four pieces of legislation. Senate President Rob McColley speaks to the media after the State of the State address by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in the Ohio House chambers at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Columbus. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/04/10/bowling-green-resident-law-enforcement-agent-pleads-guilty-child-porn/stories/20260410119 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/04/10/bowling-green-resident-law-enforcement-agent-pleads-guilty-child-porn/stories/20260410119#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:56:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/04/10/bowling-green-resident-law-enforcement-agent-pleads-guilty-child-porn/stories/20260410119 BOWLING GREEN — An Ohio Investigative Unit agent from Wood County pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing files of child pornography, the U.S. Department of Justice said. A gavel. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/10/investigation-finds-no-wrongdoing-at-monroe-school-district-with-trans-athlete/stories/20260410112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/10/investigation-finds-no-wrongdoing-at-monroe-school-district-with-trans-athlete/stories/20260410112#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:29:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/04/10/investigation-finds-no-wrongdoing-at-monroe-school-district-with-trans-athlete/stories/20260410112 MONROE — An independent investigation of Monroe schools regarding a transgender student using a female locker room has found that the district did not violate Title IX. Briley Lechner, 16, listens during a news conference Monday, Dec. 8 in front of the Monroe County Courthouse in Monroe, Michigan. Miss Lechner’s father, Sean Lechner, filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education after a transgender athlete was using the female locker room during a volleyball match a Monroe High School.