http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:30:35 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:27:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/10/photo-gallery-best-pictures-for-week-ending-july-9/stories/20260710075 Blade photographers head out every day to capture the triumphs, tragedies, and oddities of life in Lucas County and beyond. Brendo Schack, manager of Just Skateboarding, skates July 3 at the DIY Skatepark in North Toledo. Debbie Dalke yells up to the windows as she protests U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop July 9 at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green. People wait for the City of Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July 3 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. LaJoia Hamilton lifts weights during a free fitness class July 6 at UpTown Green in central Toledo. Elodie Adeline Christine Schreiber hugs family and friends after becoming a U.S. citizen during the U.S. District Court naturalization seremony as part of Sauder Village’s celebration of America's 250th birthday July 4 in Archbold. Lily Zelina stands in a flooded ditch, which her family has dubbed 'the moat,' on July 7 near Curtice. New citizens wait to receive their certificates during the U.S. District Court naturalization ceremony as part of Sauder Village’s celebration of America's 250th birthday July 4 in Archbold. People watch a screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo on July 8 at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo. Young Owen handles a snake during a summer nature camp July 6 at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve in Perrysburg. Kids play as they wait for the City of Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July e at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. A man rides his bike along a trail July 5 at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo. People watch the Maumee and Perrysburg fireworks July 3 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. Rosa Linda Brown, center left, and Teresa Gott, center right, both residents at the Glen, cut the ribbon during a news conference and ribbon cutting ceremony July 8 at the Glen in Toledo. Gage Workman celebrates a run with Tyler Gentry during a Toledo Mud Hens game against the Iowa Cubs July 5 at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. Carrying American flags Jason Portala, left, and Steve Majewski, start off during the 33rd annual Starr Spangled 5K Race and Walk on July 4 at Starr Elementary School in Oregon. Committee members look through yearbooks as they prepare for the 'All Sylvania Reunion' on July 7 at the Sylvania Historical Society. The August event will celebrate the 50 year anniversary of Sylvania High School splitting into Northview and Southview. The Toledo Mud Hens' ground crew removes tarps after downpours delayed the game July 5 at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo. The Martin family works out together July 8 at Pine Glen Park in West Toledo. Parents Dennis and Heidi with daughter Selene, 15, have a years-long routine to walk around the park, "and talk," and stop to do pull-ups and other exercises. First responders including Haz-Mat attend to a then unidentified leak July 9 at the Old West End Community Health Center in central Toledo. Jerusalem Township and Oregon fire personnel head out in an Oregon Fire and Rescue Department boat during the search effort for missing 11-year-old Angelique Cunningham on July 3 in Jerusalem Township. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz plays the piano after a proclamation to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Georgjz419 on July 3 in downtown Toledo. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop July 9 at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green. Peyton Eaton, 8, throws his head back and smiles while on a swing with his friends and siblings on a and sunny day July 7 at Glass City Metropark in Toledo. Ironworkers from Bay Crane Midwest reinstall the Art Tatum Celebration Column by Cork Marcheschi in Toledo on July 7. Lisa Sokoloski, left, Pete Sokoloski and 7-year-old Claire Sokoloski participate in an interactive part of the walk as they re-enact Prussian-style musket warfare used by the Legion of the United States, during an educational walk around held by Metroparks Toledo on July 3 at the Fallen Timbers Battlefield in Maumee. While sporting American flag dresses, cousins Neyla Stallard, 7, left, and Audrey Booth, 8, watch as Anthony Haddad removes items during the opening of a time capsule from the United States' bicentennial in Sylvania on July 4. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:12:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/10/big-boy-locomotive-train-to-revisit-northwest-ohio-early-next-week/stories/20260710077 The Big Boy is on its way back toward northwest Ohio. Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, arrives to the Fostoria Iron Triangle Rail Park in Fostoria on June 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:01:24 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/animals/2026/07/10/lucas-county-canine-care-control-to-host-meeting-in-search-of-potential-partners/stories/20260708085 Lucas County Canine Care & Control will host an informational meeting in search of new rescue partners on July 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/records-review-analysis-could-delay-key-hearing-in-kei-mani-latigue-case/stories/20260708109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/records-review-analysis-could-delay-key-hearing-in-kei-mani-latigue-case/stories/20260708109#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:28:28 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/records-review-analysis-could-delay-key-hearing-in-kei-mani-latigue-case/stories/20260708109 Thousands of pages of records from Cuyahoga County child-welfare officials could delay a key hearing next month in the capital-murder case against Darnell Jones. Darnell Jones (right) confers with defense lawyer David Klucas before a hearing April 1 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:18:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/second-defendant-pleads-out-fatal-shooting-botched-robbery/stories/20260709112 A second defendant in a botched robbery last year that ended with one of the robbers fatally shot has pleaded out to involuntary manslaughter and other charges. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 20:19:06 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/university-host-ai-workshop/stories/20260708106 The University of Toledo will bring educators together to discuss how to best integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms ranging from preschools to universities in a daylong seminar July 30. Kristiana Walker, left, and Angela Lugibill, both freshmen and members of the marching band, enjoy lunch outside the Lancelot Thompson Student Union at the University of Toledo in Toledo in 2020. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:43:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/husted-uses-campaign-rally-attack-opponent/stories/20260709116 BOWLING GREEN — Resident Rick Netz wants U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R., Ohio) to be re-elected in November. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted meets with people during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s arrives before speaking to constituents during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. Debbie Dalke yells up to the windows as she protests U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. Kay Chapman holds a sign while protesting outside of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. People wait for U.S. Sen. Jon Husted to arrive at his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. People clap during U.S. Sen. Jon Husted’s campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted speaks during his campaign stop at Mr. Spots in Bowling Green on July 9. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:21:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/man-indicted-fatal-hit-skip-christmas-night/stories/20260709109 A Toledo man has been indicted for felony leaving the scene of an accident and misdemeanor vehicular homicide for a fatal crash Christmas night that killed a pedestrian. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:59:11 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/coroner-s-office-seeking-family-4-recently-deceased-individuals/stories/20260709098 The Lucas County Coroner’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding relatives of four people who recently died. The Northwest Ohio Medical Technology Center houses the Lucas County Coroner's Office, Lucas County Toxicology Lab, and the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:48:07 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/09/judge-gives-abke-maximum-sentence-for-abusing-4-h-proteges/stories/20260709100 BOWLING GREEN — A former member of the Wood County Fair Board received a maximum 17-year prison term Thursday from a Wood County judge for sexually preying on several 4-H participants. Brock Abke, left, appears in Wood County Common Pleas Court with defense lawyer Aaron Schwartz. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:55:52 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/washington-township-expected-to-name-new-police-chief/stories/20260709090 After serving as the interim Washington Township police chief for less than a month, Eric Hart is expected to be fully appointed to the position on Tuesday, township officials said. Washington Township police chief badge. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:49:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/09/ohio-earns-top-business-ranking-from-cnbc/stories/20260709092 COLUMBUS — Ohio is the best state for doing business in the country, according to CNBC. "Ohio is outpacing every state in the nation because we have worked together to create a strong economy, pro-business environment, and a work force that is ready to innovate," Gov. Mike DeWine said. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 16:26:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/homicides-down-25-percent-over-the-first-six-months-of-2026/stories/20260709095 Homicides within the city of Toledo were down 25 percent over the first six months of 2026 compared to the first six months of 2025. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. Toledo mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz relays mid-year crime statistics for the city at the Police Safety Building on July 9 in downtown Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/2-injured-after-motorcycle-hits-suv-head-on/stories/20260709086 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/2-injured-after-motorcycle-hits-suv-head-on/stories/20260709086#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:42:50 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/2-injured-after-motorcycle-hits-suv-head-on/stories/20260709086 MONROE —  Two people were seriously injured when their motorcycle crashed head-on into an oncoming SUV in Monroe Township at 11 p.m. Wednesday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/unknown-substance-sickens-3-forces-closure-of-medical-facility/stories/20260709089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/unknown-substance-sickens-3-forces-closure-of-medical-facility/stories/20260709089#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:14:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/09/unknown-substance-sickens-3-forces-closure-of-medical-facility/stories/20260709089 Multiple people were stricken by an unknown gas at a central Toledo medical facility Thursday. Employees and first responders, including hazmat, mill about outside from a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders including hazmat, attend to a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. Employees and first responders, including hazmat, mill about outside from a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders including hazmat attend to a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. Employees and first responders, including hazmat, mill about outside from a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders, including hazmat, attend to an as-yet unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders including hazmat attend to a then unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders, including hazmat, attend to a then unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders, including hazmat, attend to a then-unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders including hazmat attend to a then unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders including hazmat attend to an as-yet unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders, including hazmat, attend to an as-yet unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. First responders, including hazmat, attend to an as-yet unidentified leak at the Old West End Community Health Center on July 9 in central Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:18:43 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/09/miller-named-interim-superintendent-of-ottawa-hills-schools/stories/20260709091 Bill Miller, the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, will serve as Ottawa Hills schools’ interim superintendent after the Board of Education approved his appointment Thursday. Board President Kathy Lathrop said the contract is for one year and allows the board time to determine what its search process will be for a new superintendent. Mr. Miller’s contract runs from Aug. 3 through July 31, 2027. His salary is $158,000. “This is good timing for us,” Ms. Lathrop said during the special meeting. “Dr. Miller will be able to make plans for this year as well.” The board also accepted the resignation of Superintendent  Adam Fineske, who has stepped down as superintendent effective Aug. 2. Mr. Fineske will serve as president and CEO of WGTE Public Media. “It is with sadness that we accept your resignation,” Ms. Lathrop said. “But you have an exciting opportunity. Thank you for all you have done for the district.” Mr. Fineske thanked the board for the last seven years. “We have had ups and downs in the past, but it is with a heavy heart and a lot more emotion than I thought that I had that I step down,” Mr. Fineske said. “I still have a son in high school, so I will continue to support the district all the way as a parent.” Mr. Miller said after the meeting “It feels great” to lead the district. “I would like to thank Dr. Fineske, who has been a great mentor to me,” Mr. Miller said. “My top priority is having a smooth transition for all involved. I want to pause and look at all of the great talent we have, improve ourselves internally, and work with the community.” Mr. Miller has been with the district since 2000, when he was hired as an English and reading teacher. He earned his PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Toledo in 2015. He was named director of curriculum and instruction in 2016. Mr. Miller acquired his superintendent’s license in 2020 and was named assistant superintendent in 2022. Mr. Miller said he will be working with the board; Tom Siloy, treasurer/CFO; and the community as the district heads into the next levy season. “We will begin talking about what a levy in 2027 might look like,” Mr. Miller said. “I plan on having community meetings and focus groups to discuss our options. We have to secure the district’s financial future.” Former Ottawa Hills Superintendent Adam Fineske, left, stands beside interim Superintendent Bill Miller. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/09/new-local-group-seeks-decriminalization-of-psychedelic-plants-and-fungi/stories/20260708120 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/09/new-local-group-seeks-decriminalization-of-psychedelic-plants-and-fungi/stories/20260708120#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/09/new-local-group-seeks-decriminalization-of-psychedelic-plants-and-fungi/stories/20260708120 Advocates of the freedom to grow psychedelic plants and fungi for personal use have announced the launch of the chapter branch of their national organization. John Fredericks speaks about the movie before screening the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on July 8. John Fredericks speaks about the movie before screening the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on July 8. John Fredericks watches the screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on July 8. Sara Brenner and Ken Lawrence watch the screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. People watch a screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on July 8. John Fredericks watches the screening of the documentary, Music for Mushrooms, to officially announce the formation of Decrim Nature Toledo at Black Kite Coffee in Toledo on July 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/daily-log-7-9-3/stories/20260702130 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/daily-log-7-9-3/stories/20260702130#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:26:20 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/daily-log-7-9-3/stories/20260702130 Births https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/toledo-crime-log-7-9-26/stories/20260707116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/toledo-crime-log-7-9-26/stories/20260707116#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/09/toledo-crime-log-7-9-26/stories/20260707116 Click on icons in the map to find details of reported crimes. For a full list of all reported crimes in Toledo this week, consult the table below. Toledo police light bar. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/08/1-killed-in-3-vehicle-crash-erie-county/stories/20260708114 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/08/1-killed-in-3-vehicle-crash-erie-county/stories/20260708114#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 23:16:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/08/1-killed-in-3-vehicle-crash-erie-county/stories/20260708114 MILAN, Ohio — One person was killed and three others injured Tuesday in a crash in Erie County’s Milan Township, the Sandusky Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.