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How to vote in 2024

By
Paula Wethington
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Lucas Zielinksi, with Turning Point USA, hands Amelia Mathkour, a music, business and tech major at Owens Community College, a pamphlet about voting registration. Zielinksi said he was on campus for the day to help students register to vote. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Lucas County Board of Elections explains voting details, process

Toledo – With Election Day a month away, preparations are in full swing at the Lucas County Board of Elections office.

“We’re up and running and getting everything ready,” said Timothy Monaco, deputy director of the elections office. “It’s a wonderful time. It’s important to exercise your right to vote.”

Logistics that the staff and officers have been handling for weeks on behalf of Lucas County’s 303 voting precincts include preparing ballots, training precinct election officials, and getting early voting dates and times posted on their website.

Monaco said the most commonly asked question from voters during the past couple of weeks has been when absentee ballots will arrive in the mail. 

Here’s the answer: Ohio voters can look for the absentee ballots starting Oct. 8, which is one day after registration ends for the Nov. 5 election.

The Lucas County Board of Elections staff doesn’t give predictions on voter turnout, Monaco said. But, according to state election records, 67 percent of registered Lucas County voters participated in the 2020 presidential election, and 66 percent did so in the 2016 presidential election. This participation includes absentee voting, early in-person voting and traditional Election Day voting.

Those choices are meant to help all eligible voters participate, whether they prefer going in person to a local polling site or to cast a ballot before they travel out of town.

“It’s important to make your plan as to who you are going to vote for,” Monaco said. “Make sure you make a plan and know what is on your ballot.”

While the presidential campaign is the key race of the Nov. 5 election, there are also races in Lucas County for local judges and city officials. For those who want to see the list ahead of time, ballot proofs are available for review on the election board’s website.

“Ballots will be three pages for everyone and four pages for some,” Monaco said.

While some people remember how they wish to vote when going to the polls, others find it helpful to bring paper notes or refer to a list on their phone, Monaco said. “Some folks really come prepared,” he said.

“It’s also important to be respectful at the location,” he added, referring to an Ohio law that prohibits photos of marked ballots. “We do ask that you limit cell phone use at the ballot.”

Many other election details are explained at lucascountyohiovotes.gov.

Election calendar

Key dates for the November 5 election:

  • Military and overseas civilian voting: Started Sept. 20.
  • Voter registration deadline: 9 p.m. Oct. 7.
  • Early in-person voting season: Oct. 8.-Nov. 3.
  • Absentee ballot postmark deadline: Nov. 4.
  • Election Day: Nov. 5.

CAMPUS TALK

OWENS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SOUND OFF ABOUT VOTING

Question: How important is voting to you?

Oliver Odendahl
James Johnson
Nivant Dawson
Sydney Stanley
David Case III

Voting is not my main concern, but it is pretty important because it is the future of America and I would like to have a say in what is gonna be my future. I usually try to vote on voting day, if I can’t I’ll do the absentee ballot.

Oliver Odendahl | EMT Major | Tontogany Resident

I am not a registered voter. If I was to lie to you I’d say yes. But honestly, I don’t have enough time … it’s not really a main priority, even though it should be. I do plan on voting at some point, maybe when I’m in my adult phase. Even though I’m not a registered voter I do think voting is important because it basically determines the society and the rules and regulations we live by.

James Johnson | Broadcast Media Technology Major | Toledo Resident

I’d say voting is very important. There’s certain aspects of it that do feel sort of depressing, when you think about it, because a lot of people would say people voting normally wouldn’t matter because of a small majority in the Electoral College – their votes matter 100 times more than your own. That’s what it feels like at least from what I know. It does feel a little degrading knowing that’s going to happen.

Nivant Dawson | Business Major | Toledo Resident

I think voting is important, but I’m not exactly sure why it’s important. I mean, there’s a lot of things that come from it. You’re voting for someone that you’re putting your trust and you’re faith into to guide us all in the right direction, but we just all don’t know what that direction is yet. So, we’re just kind of free-balling it, in a way. So, I don’t know … I’ve never voted before but this will be interesting. I really don’t know what all is involved. I just have a lot to learn about voting – like what I should be looking for in the leader I’m going to be voting for. So, yeah, it’s coming up soon. There’s a lot to learn.

Sydney Stanley | Chemistry Major | Millbury Resident

Voting is very important, especially in this day and age, when everything’s going on.

David Chase III | Literature Major | Toledo Resident
Registration details

Ohio voters must be registered by 9 p.m. Oct. 7 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Residents can register to vote, look up voter registration, change their address, find an early voting location, look up Election Day polling location or track an absentee ballot at VoteOhio.gov.

Photo ID requirement

Bring your photo ID when voting. The options are:

- Current Ohio driver’s license or State of Ohio ID card.

- Interim ID form issued by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.

- U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.

A registered voter who has changed his or her name since the photo ID was issued will need to show proof of legal name change and sign a form. A photo ID card can show a former address if a current address is on file with the voting records. If you forget a photo ID, you can request a provisional ballot. 

How to vote absentee

An absentee ballot in Ohio needs to be requested, signed, dated and submitted for each election. Military personnel and civilian overseas voters can file one application for all elections happening in a given year.

The application asks for the number on your Ohio driver’s license or Ohio ID card, last four digits of your social security number, or a photocopy of other eligible ID such as a U.S. passport or military ID.

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and can be hand delivered to the Board of Elections on Nov. 5.

Additional instructions are on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

In-person early voting

Ohio’s in-person early voting season begins Oct. 8 and ends Nov. 3. 

The Lucas County Early Vote Center is at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite 121 Entrance C (at the rear of the Lucas County Board of Elections building) in west Toledo.

Voting times and dates can be found at LucasCountyOhioVotes.gov.

Election Day voting

Polling sites are open in Ohio from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5. You can look up your polling location at VoteOhio.Gov.

What’s on the ballot?

A “ballot proof” is available for review on the Lucas County Board of Elections page. It lists candidates and ballot issues by precinct, so voters know what to expect.

For example: Six president/vice president candidate teams have declared in Ohio, with an additional write-in option available. Other candidate races include U.S. Senator, Lucas County Sheriff and openings on Toledo City Council.

Ohio Issue 1 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that has gained a lot of attention. This issue, if approved, would designate a redistricting commission to draw state legislative and congressional districts.

There are other issues locally, such as a proposed bond issue for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library and a tax renewal request from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.

Are ballot “selfies” allowed?

Ohio does not permit photos to be taken of a marked ballot. It’s actually a fifth-degree felony should that take place, according to Ohio law.

The “I Voted” Sticker

A traditionally popular way to showcase voter participation is through an “I voted” sticker, picked up on Election Day at the polling site.

Ohio’s current “I Voted” sticker design was adopted in 2019 through a student art contest. A red squiggle depicts a map of Ohio, nestled in a blue circle outline, with the phrase “Ohio Voted.”

Voters are invited to download the image to share on social media at the Ohio Secretary of State website. That website also has also a “future voter” coloring page for children available for download.

Is campaigning allowed at election sites?

Ohio does not allow election campaigning, also known as electioneering, within 100 feet of a voting site. This means no campaigning messages on attire such as shirts or hats, Monaco said.

Two small United States flags are placed at each voting site to designate the “neutral” zone where this applies. 

Where is the Board of Elections office?

If you need to visit the Lucas County Board of Elections regarding a voting matter, that office moved about two years ago from its former location at One Government Center to 3737 W. Sylvania Road in West Toledo.

When are election numbers official?

Ballots cast on Election Day will be delivered in person to the Lucas County Board of Elections for the counting procedures.

There will be numbers reported after that count is complete. 

The Ohio Secretary of State does not consider voter counts to be official until two or three weeks later, after provisional ballots are accounted for and to give time for absentee ballots to arrive that met the postmark deadline.

The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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Editorial cartoon by Don Lee for the Toledo Free Press.

RELATED CONTENT: Story > The case for passenger rail expansion

Bowling Green embraces aquaponics

By
Mary Helen Delisle
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BGSU’s aquaponics facility. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)
BGSU’s aquaponics system grows a variety of produce, including lettuce, basil, radishes and kale, which are supported by nutrients from yellow perch and crayfish tanks. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)

BOWLING GREEN – Bowling Green has seen a surge in aquaponics development as a result of efforts from the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) aquaponics program and AGP Substrates LLC.

Aquaponics is a way to produce food using hydroponics (growing plants with water rather than soil) and aquaculture (raising organisms in a controlled area), creating a mostly self-sufficient ecosystem where both the produce and organisms can be harvested for human consumption.

Aquaponics is emerging as a way to create healthy and sustainable living, something that is important to 65 percent of consumers, according to the World Economic Forum.

Unlike aquaponics, traditional commercial farming often produces foods sprayed with pesticides, which can have adverse health effects.

More than 50 percent of foods tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both imported and grown in the U.S., have detectable levels of pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Aquaponics uses no pesticides, medications or antibiotics, according to Kevin Neves, a BGSU associate teaching professor and developer of BGSU’s aquaponics program, which has been operating for the past seven years.

Kevin Neves. (Courtesy Photo)

Despite the process for growing being different, Neves said when studies were conducted at BGSU, students thought the aquaponics-grown food was just as good, if not better, when compared to other foods.

The systems at BGSU have produced tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, basil and kale with water and nutrients from tanks containing yellow perch and crayfish, respectively. Largemouth bass are forthcoming to the system.

The program began after Neves was hired because of his background working with marine aquaponics. While marine aquaponics uses saltwater, the system at BGSU uses freshwater, which Neves said is more cost-effective.

Most of the water used in aquaponics is recyclable, and in some cases requires only 10 percent of the water used in traditional crop-production farming, making aquaponics a more sustainable production method, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AGMRC).

Though the AGMRC reports that aquaponics can be time and labor-intensive, Neves said aquaponics is low maintenance and mainly consists of cleaning tanks and monitoring the water’s iron levels. Since BGSU uses aquaponics to collect data, Neves said they do more maintenance than is required of the average person.    

“If this was in your backyard, it would probably be less than 20 minutes a day,” Neves said. “It’s very easily adoptable for your everyday person or someone who’s looking to get into growing their own food.”

Cori Byrge. (Courtesy Photo)

As part of an initiative to make aquaponics more accessible and sustainable, entrepreneur Cori Byrge founded AGP Substrates LLC.

“I wanted to help people access fresh and sustainable and organic food. Our mission is to improve that accessibility of organic food that’s nutrient-rich and local by empowering people to do it at home,” Byrge said.

Byrge’s company focuses on two products.

“We just developed a fish tank aquarium filter to help people grow food at home,” said Byrge. “Our mission is also to help the farmers that raise food on a commercial scale. So our second product is the substrate that I’m telling you about, which integrates with our aquarium filter but also can be sold to farmers that are doing aquaponics.”

The substrate is a biodegradable hydrogel bead made of iron and patented by BGSU.  

“[Most] Aquaponic systems are naturally deficient in iron,” Byrge said. “Our product supplements that iron with a natural source of [chelated] iron instead of the supplements that they’re using right now, which are completely synthetic.”

Byrge first began working with these beads during school at BGSU where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology. Byrge also volunteered with BGSU’s aquaponics program during her time there.

While the company is still in its early stages, Byrge said business hasn’t been stagnant.

“We’ve partnered with a couple of commercial aquaponic farms and I’m sending them samples of our product for them to test,” said Byrge.

BGSU graduate student Maria D’Amico fishes for a yellow perch. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)
BGSU graduate student Maria D’Amico holds a crayfish. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)

Byrge hopes in the future she will be able to get enough business to produce on a larger scale and to adapt the size and shape of the substrates so they will be more compatible with various aquaponics systems.

While she now lives in Cincinnati, Byrge continues to make substrates while working as the director of communication at The Aquaponics Association.

In terms of the industry’s future, Neves sees aquaponics continuing to grow.

“Shortages in wild-caught fish, a growing world population, even higher per capita fish consumption. We’re gonna need more sustainable sources of fish. And if you can piggyback the idea of growing the produce along with it, it’s gonna be sustainable, and I think that that’s going to be a shift in production in general,” Neves said.

Neves also said consumer acceptance of aquaponic-produced foods is increasing in the Midwest, which could help with the adoption of this system on a larger scale.

“Signs point to the fact that people want produce and fish that are local, that are sustainable, that are healthy, but also taste good, and we’re showing that these things are possible.”

These aquaponics tanks contain yellow perch and crayfish and help support plant growth. (TFP Photo/Mary Helen DeLisle)

The case for national mesothelioma registry for veterans

By
Jonathan Sharp
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(Courtesy Photo)

The risks linked to military service are not always on the battlefield; some are disguised as innocent day-to-day occupations and are present in the materials used to build ships, barracks and bases.

Among the seemingly “innocent” is asbestos, a mineral once hailed by several industries for being affordable, durable and resistant to fire and other chemicals. Sadly, this has put thousands of exposed veterans at risk of developing a rare but deadly cancer known as mesothelioma.

Yet, the real crisis is not just the disease itself. A larger issue looms in the form of widespread misdiagnosis and delayed detection resulting from fragmented healthcare records and the absence of an effective tracking system.

A national mesothelioma registry could help end this concern, as this pushes for timely screenings, accurate findings and better recovery rates for diagnosed veterans. 

Mesothelioma’s hidden toll on Ohio veterans

Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease that thrives silently but aggressively. This mainly grows in the thin layer of tissue lining certain internal organs, like the lungs, heart and abdomen. Health researchers say this is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral known for its ability to resist fire.

But the problem is that diagnosing mesothelioma is incredibly difficult. It can take decades from the initial asbestos exposure for symptoms, like chest and belly pain, nausea and unintentional weight loss to appear. And when they do, they are frequently misdiagnosed, mistaking it for other less serious conditions. Tragically, the cancer has often progressed to an advanced and complicated stage before it could be correctly diagnosed.

(Courtesy Photo)

This situation is particularly dire in Ohio, whose military and various industries have relied heavily on asbestos for so long. Veterans who worked in shipbuilding, construction and mechanical maintenance have been especially exposed to asbestos, which increases their risk of developing mesothelioma.

Accordingly, this mineral has become a staple in numerous building products here prior to the 1980s. However, such widespread use has resulted in serious health hazards and, worse, the deaths of thousands of affected Ohioans.

In fact, data indicates that between 1999 and 2017, the Buckeye State logged 12,697 asbestos-related casualties, of which 996 were linked to asbestosis and 2,353 were mesothelioma cases.

Lucas County alone accounted for an estimated 638 asbestos-related deaths. 

Even though this crisis can affect all walks of life, veterans are unfortunately among the most susceptible. Several military facilities in Ohio, like the Wright-Patterson and Youngstown Air Force bases, have been identified as critical sites of asbestos exposure.

In 2016, authorities also admitted that a facility at Toledo Express Airport in Lucas County contained harmful minerals, including asbestos. This connotes that service members, especially those who served here, are really at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Recent statistics show that 30 percent of the 3,000 Americans diagnosed with such a disease each year are veterans, which highlights the urgent need for targeted healthcare and support that could help ensure that this drastically impacted population has a higher chance of survival.   

Misdiagnosis, a far too frequent reality

Early detection is among the critical factors in enhancing the survival rate of mesothelioma patients. Yet misdiagnosis remains alarmingly high and common. Based on the latest data, 80.8 percent of stage 1 mesothelioma cases were confused with something else, causing the disease to worsen. Additionally, 70 percent of those in stage 2 have encountered the same issue, and the problem persisted into later stages—with 35.4 percent of stage 3 and 12.8 percent of stage 4 cases being inaccurately diagnosed. 

These high misdiagnosis rates could be attributed to its nonspecific symptoms which resemble those of more usual illnesses. The rarity of mesothelioma likewise contributes to its under-recognition and delayed diagnosis. And while there may be different reasons for these misdiagnoses, one fact is certain—these incorrect findings warrant immediate attention.

The troubling incidents of misdiagnosis we see are not just plain numbers because they represent the lives that have been severely compromised just because the healthcare system falls short in detecting the disease on time. Establishing a centralized system could be a key to comprehending the complicated nature of mesothelioma. 

Establishing a national registry could save lives

The prevailing issue of misdiagnosis among mesothelioma patients—particularly veterans—has been a longstanding challenge that demands comprehensive studies to improve both diagnostic methods and treatment options.

Yet, a hampering challenge is the lack of timely access to affected individuals who could contribute to this research. Mesothelioma cases can take up to two years to be included in the national statistics, which delays the researchers’ ability to reach out to their potential participants. Given the aggressive nature of the disease, many patients have already passed away before their cases are even reported, which makes it nearly impossible for them to partake in critical studies. 

A national mesothelioma registry could help fight this problem by implementing an efficient case-finding system that makes patient information available whenever needed. Such a system enables researchers to quickly engage with their prospective participants and deepen their comprehension of how the disease works. This also leads to the development of more accurate disease progression models and better-informed approaches to diagnosis and treatment—thereby accelerating advancements in care and survival. 

Immediate action is needed. It is high time for the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and all healthcare partners to collaborate and prioritize the creation of a national mesothelioma registry for veterans. Such a system would reduce misdiagnosis and boost health services to ensure these individuals receive the best possible care in the face of this hostile disease. 

The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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Cartoon caption: Fig. 12E: Subtlety (bad homophone). A lime in the bottom of a tea cup.

Bad homophone by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

 4U Diner opens in Downtown Toledo

By
Max Alfonso
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4U Diner in downtown Toledo. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

TOLEDO – A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened in downtown Toledo, so the Toledo Free Press team went to lunch at the 4U Diner – and left absolutely stuffed. 

4U Diner is a restaurant that specializes in American and Mediterranean cuisine. On the American side, it offers classic dishes, like scrambled eggs with turkey bacon, fried egg bacon cheeseburgers and fish and chicken. As for the Mediterranean fare, there’s everything from Baba Ganouj and falafel to Arayes Kafta and Lebanese burgers.

Because the restaurant is owned by a Lebanese family, expect a Mediterranean flavor to every meal.

Hassan El Khechen is the owner of the new family-owned establishment. His dad, Mohammad, his wife, Maryam, and brother, Ali, play a big role in the diner. 

Through the first few weeks they’ve been open, the cheese rolls made by Hassan’s wife, Maryam, have been one of the most popular items on the menu.

At 4U Diner in Toledo. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Cheese rolls. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Hassan says he does most of the cooking, with contributions from his wife, who makes the cheese rolls and rice, but eventually they would like to add to the staff. 

“Rice, salads, everything is homemade,” Hassan El Khechen said. 

When talking about the future of 4U diner, Hassan says he would love to grow the business as it gets more popular.

“I would open another location,” El Khechen said. “I’d keep this restaurant and open another with the same name.” 

I had never had Mediterranean food before this, so I tried my best to branch out of my comfort zone and not order American food. 

In our experience at the diner, a small and old-school eatery on N. Erie St., we tried to sample as much as we could. 

A mixed platter that includes from top right Cheese rolls; meat pie; grape leaf; hummus; special sauce and garlic sauce. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

The TFP team ordered an array of food. We got the mixed platter, which included grape leaves, falafels, kibble, cheese pie, spinach pie, hummus and tabbouleh – all for $16.99.

I ordered the gyro omelet with tomato, onion and feta cheese and it was fantastic. I’m from Cincinnati, and there are not many Mediterranean restaurants like there are in Toledo, so this was my first time trying gyro meat. When I looked at it, I thought it would be a hard texture, like steak or chicken, but it was surprisingly softer than it looked, and the flavor was … unique. It was good. Personally, it was a new experience for me because I hadn’t tried anything like it.

I also liked the tabbouleh (a salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, green onion, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil), and was surprised by the mint.  I also enjoyed the cheese pie and falafel.

Even though I was full, of course I found room for dessert. We ordered baklava, a Greek flaky, layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. As I was eating it, I described it as the greatest dessert ever.

“Everything is fresh, made in a professional way,” El Khechen said when asked what stands out about his restaurant compared to others. The meat is halal style (prepared in accordance with Islamic law); it is prayed over before they cut it and the meat is also considered ‘permissible or lawful.’ 

Chico Rodriguez, right, and a coworker stop in for lunch at the 4U Diner in Toledo. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

Sitting on a stool next to large windows that face an alley were two men on their lunch break.

“You never know it if you don’t try it,” said Chico Rodriguez, a new customer. “The prices are pretty good, food is definitely good … I’d come back again.”

4U Diner is located on N. Erie St in downtown Toledo.

Grape leaves and hummus. (TFP Photos/Lori King)

Hummus with olive oil and paprika spice.

The gyro omelet.

The gyro omelet.

Fried kibbe.

Baklava.

NEWS SHORTS: Happenings & Announcements

By
Press Release
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Pexels photo by Markus Winkler

(Compiled from press releases and announcements.)

Editor’s Note: News Shorts is an ongoing list of happenings and announcement briefs that’s also located in the Main Menu bar for easy access. This list is updated daily.)

Creativity Comes Alive at TPS Fine Arts Festivals

Enjoy the creativity of Toledo Public Schools, as students put their artistic and musical talents on display during the upcoming Fine Arts Festival series.

The TPS Fine Arts Festival events are free and open to the public:

Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5-7 p.m. Scott High School
Thursday, March 13 from 5-8 p.m. Waite High School
Saturday, March 15 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon Bowsher High School
Wednesday, March 19 from 5-7 p.m. Jones Leadership Academy of Business
Wednesday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. Start High School
Thursday, March 20 from 5-8 p.m. Woodward High School
Friday, March 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Rogers High School


Upcoming Red Cross blood drives
The American Red Cross Blood Donation Center is holding blood drives at the Toledo Blood Donation Center at 3510 Executive Parkway in Toledo on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Community blood drives:

Holland
Feb. 27: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Springfield Twp Hall, 7617 Angola Rd.
Maumee
Feb. 28: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant
Feb. 28: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Maumee United Methodist Church, 405 Sackett
Toledo
Feb. 26: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Church of St. Andrew United Methodist, 3620 Heatherdowns
Feb. 26: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. | American Legion Hall, 2020 West Alexis Road
Feb. 27: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. | Elks Lodge #53, 3520 North Holland Sylvania Rd.

TPS Kindergarten Open House

If you have a child who is five years old or will be five years old by Sept. 2025, TPS is offering a chance to meet the kindergarten teachers and principals at their elementary schools. No RSVP required. Call 419-671-9101 for more information.

Thursday, March 6: 5-7 p.m. at all TPS elementary schools.

The Mez hosts grand opening event

The new downtown venue will feature delicious food, handcrafted drinks and guided mini-tours of the space at the event. The Mez is now booking for 2025 and 2026 events, with 2027 reservations opening soon. For event inquiries or to RSVP for the Open House, contact general manager Dani Bucher at 567-218-0575 or hello.themeztoledo@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 6: 6-9 p.m. at The Mez, 710 Monroe St., Toledo.

TLC Community Credit Union Hosts Fraud Awareness Seminars

TLC Community Credit Union is holding a series of Fraud
Awareness Seminars designed to educate and protect community members from
financial scams and fraudulent activities. These free events will provide valuable
insights into recognizing and preventing fraud, equipping attendees with the knowledge
to safeguard their personal and financial information.

Community members interested in attending can register at www.tlccu.org/seminar.
Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The Fraud Awareness Seminars will be held at various locations throughout the
community on the following dates:

Bedford Library
Wednesday, February 26th | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 
Tecumseh Library
Thursday, March 6th | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
215 N Ottawa Street, Tecumseh, MI 
Dundee Senior Center
Monday, March 10th | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
284 W Monroe Street, Dundee, MI 
Adrian Library
Wednesday, March 12th | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
143 E Maumee Street, Adrian, MI 
Tecumseh Senior Center
Thursday, April 3rd | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
703 E Chicago Boulevard, Tecumseh, MI 
Adrian Senior Center
Wednesday, April 16th | 9:00 – 10:30 AM
327 Erie Street, Adrian, MI

Well-Rounded Garden workshop

Join Black Swamp Conservancy and Vicki Gallagher at Way Public Library for a gardening workshop. Mixing native flowers and vegetables together in your garden is a win-win. By planting an array of flowers in or around your garden, you will bring in a host of assistance in caring for it. This class will show you how to bring your garden up a notch and your ability to sit back and enjoy nature in your backyard. Registration is limited to the first 30 participants. Learn more here.

Saturday, March 8: 1 p.m. at Way Public Library, Lower Level, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

CrossBow brings soaring Celtic melodies to Tecumseh Center for the Arts

Known for their hard-driving rhythms and instantly captivating performances, CrossBow blends pop, rock and folk with traditional Celtic melodies to create a distinctive sound that appeals to music lovers of all ages. Purchase Tickets: Online at www.TheTCA.org or by contacting the TCA Box Office at (517) 423-6617.

Saturday, March 8: 7:30 p.m. at Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh, Mich.
(Courtesy Photo)

Judy Collins plays at The Stranahan

Singer/songwriter, activist, author, poet and icon Judy Collins is celebrating her 85th birthday this year on tour nationwide. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wednesday, March 12: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at The Stranahan Theatre, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.

Native American culture celebrated through conversation, cuisine

TOLEDO – Sign up for an afternoon luncheon and forum to celebrate Native American culture through a unique blend of storytelling, history and cuisine, sponsored by the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center and The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance.

This event will offer an opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue while partaking in a curated menu inspired by Native American traditions. This collaborative gathering is designed to honor and preserve Native American heritage, giving voice to Indigenous communities while fostering cultural understanding and unity within the local community. 

Saturday, March 15 from 2- 4 p.m. at 1225 Broadway St., Toledo
Ticket information here.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo announces Organizational Youth of the Year

TOLEDO – Tyreese Blue II, a Toledo Early College High School senior, is the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo Organizational Youth of the Year. Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s signature leadership award. The honor began in 1947 and includes local, state, regional and national competitions.

“It has been an honor to see Tyreese blossom into the young man he is today,” said Aleshia Furr, program director at Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo. “He came to BGCT in February 2022 as a shy sophomore and grew into an incredible leader and mentor for our members over the past three years. Tyreese has shown and proven to be a go-getter and works hard for everything he has earned.”

Toledo Opera announces 2025-2026 season

Beginning in October, the season will feature two main-stage productions.

Toledo Opera’s 67th season promises to be a thrilling exploration of passion, potion, and love’s pursuit, featuring two iconic productions: Carmen and The Elixir of Love. These timeless works offer audiences an unforgettable journey through desire, deception, and destiny, brought to life with breathtaking music and riveting storytelling.

Enhanced subscription packages, standard subscriptions, and single tickets are available for purchase now at toledoopera.org or by phone at 419-255-7464. To learn more about the season, visit toledoopera.org

Carmen by Georges Bizet
October 10 & 12, 2025
Valentine Theatre

The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti

February 13 & 15, 2026
Valentine Theatre

The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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Cartoon caption - "Nice try, dear. But I suggest sticking to upgrading computers, and not kitchens," says wife to husband. He's standing in kitchen with cabinets on the floor.

Cartoon by Jerry King.

BGSU gets revenge in Battle of I-75

By
Chas McNeil
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BGSU fans cheer after a buzzer beater in the first quarter. BGSU got their revenge when they upset UToledo 81-72.

Falcons beat Rockets for 1st time in 710 days

Story by Chas McNeil | Photos by Kyle Brown

BOWLING GREEN – Bowling Green vs. Toledo is a rivalry that flies under the radar in the sports world, but don’t be fooled; the teams get along as well as cats and dogs, Batman and the Joker and oil and vinegar.

What turns a rivalry into loathing is proximity and stakes, and the stakes could not have been higher at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green last night as the Falcons faced off against the Rockets.

In front of a screaming orange crowd that packed the stands, BGSU finally silenced UT 81-72, breaking their longtime losing streak, which they’ve been unable to do since March 4, 2023.

“When I first got here (Bowling Green), Toledo was the monster. I mean, they were just formidable,” said second-year head coach Fred Chmiel following the game.

BGSU guard Lexi Fleming is chased by UT defender Kendall Carruthers.
BGSU head coach Fred Chmiel directs a play.

“Tricia Cullop was just knocking it out year after year. They’re really good this year, but I told the players today it’s not about emotion but motion. You’ve gotta make feet move; you have to communicate; everything has to move forward. You can’t worry about the emotional piece.”

The game ultimately came down to “big-time” moments, and Bowling Green was able to answer the call early and often with the first evidence of that coming off a buzzer-beater three-point shot by fifth-year guard Lexi Fleming. The shot splashed through the net as time expired, giving BGSU a 25-14 lead.

Multiple Falcons showed up in one of the biggest games of their season, with fellow senior Amy Valasco scoring 30 points, which was just two points off her career high. Velasco became ninth all time on the BGSU scorers list with a layup that put BGSU up 20-12 in the first quarter.

Snapping their little winning streak is great! We went out there, we competed, but we’re focused on one game at a time and we’re trying to take our momentum with us and keep carrying it on.

BGSU senior Amy Valasco

Despite not coming out of enemy territory with a win, the Rockets have a lot to be excited about. The team produced 42 points from their bench, which towered against BGSU’s 10 bench points.

BGSU’s Amy Velasco calls a play while under pressure from UT’s Cadence Dykstra.

But where there is good there must also be bad, and there were plenty of negatives on both sides. The biggest, glaring flaw of the game was 18 UT turnovers compared to BGSU’s 12. UT opened the game with a turnover, and Bowling Green capitalized on many of the Rockets’ mistakes. The Falcons tallied 23 points from just turnovers.

“This was an incredible environment and everything I thought it would be,” Toledo’s first-year head coach Ginny Boggess said. “All the credit to BG and their staff. Porter and Velasco were playing like seniors that didn’t want to lose to Toledo at home the last time they got to play them.”

UT head coach Ginny Boggess draws up a play during a timeout against Bowling Green.

A big standout in the game for Toledo was graduate student guard Nan Garcia, who tallied a season high 18 points and eight field goals.

“I’ve only got five of these games left so I’m gonna give everything I have for this team, for this jersey and for Toledo. That’s what they deserve, and I’ve got to be better from the get go, not just the fourth quarter,” Garcia said.

Late in the game, Garcia did make her presence known, scoring a layup that led an eight-point run, setting BGSU fan’s hearts in their throats when UT got close at 69-66 with just over five minutes left in the game.

UT’s Nan Garcia takes a shot over a BGSU defender.

In the final moments of the game, it came back full circle to the rivalry and which team could be the loudest, so, with thousands of Falcons screeching at once, the Orange and Brown defense tightened, closing the contest with a nine-point gap.

Barring a MAC tournament matchup, both teams will have to wait nearly a full year to battle again, with BGSU holding the all-time lead since the series began in 1974 at 46-44.

“Man, what a game … Toledo’s a really good team. It was a dogfight back and forth,” Chmiel said.

“We took some big punches from them but we held tough, held the rope, and I think that’s the hardest we’ve ever played in terms of physical and mental toughness.”

RELATED CONTENT: UT continues to dominate BGSU

UT’s Sammi Mikonowicz gets the ball stripped from her as she drives to the net.

BGSU’s Amy Velasco weighs her options.

BGSU guard Lexi Fleming tries to get around UT’s Cadence Dykstra.

BG’s Erika Porter gets fouled by UT’s Jessica Cook.

BG’s Erika Porter takes a foul shot.

UT’s Destiny Robinson dribbles around BGSU’s Amy Velasco.

Faith Fedd-Robinson leaps above BGSU’s Taya Ellis (11) and Johnea Donahue to take a shot.

UT’s Khera Goss pushes off from BGSU’s Johnea Donahue.

BGSU head coach Fred Chmiel complains about a call to referee.

UT’s Kendall Carruthers goes up for a shot.

UT’s Nan Garcia takes a three-point shot.

The Humorists

By
Don Lee
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Cartoon with two men talking about Trump: "Oh, c'mon ... there's no way he would ... tere's no way he could ..." "Have you been paying attention?" By Don Lee.

Editorial cartoon by Don Lee.

BGSU stuns UT in last-second

By
Max Alfonso
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Surrounded by University of Toledo defenders, BGSU's Javontae Campbell goes for what would be the game winning shot.

Story by Max Alfonso | TFP Photos by Kyle Brown

TOLEDO – In a season loaded with injuries, Bowling Green pulled off an upset against Toledo behind a Javontae Campbell put-back layup in the final seconds to win 69-68 Friday night.

Bowling Green walked into Savage Arena 3-7 in their last 10 games not having won in Toledo since February 2021.

Javontae Campbell attempts a two-point shot in the key as University of Toledo guard Sonny Wilson goes for a block.

Before the game, Jon Rothstein, of CBS sports, announced Bowling Green starting guard Trey Thomas would miss the rest of the season with a broken leg, adding to a lengthy Bowling Green injury report with Sam Towns and Yousef Kahayat already out for the year.

“We practiced 3 on 3, with managers, coaches playing; it’s just a hard situation. Some guys are just games only,” he said.

Derrick Butler had 20 points for Bowling Green and played all 40 minutes. He moved into the starting lineup for Javontae Campbell, who is playing with a hand injury that has kept him out of practice since Jan. 6. They combined for 43 of Bowling Green’s 69 points.

“Derrick has been doing a great job for us, he’s given us a scoring punch off the bench,” BGSU head coach Todd Simon said. “We want to stagger some of these lineups, especially when you’re shorthanded, to make sure you have some scoring.”

Sam Lewis gave Toledo the lead with 15 seconds left when he went 1-2 from the free throw line to make it a 68-67 lead. Toledo only led for 5:02.

Simon called timeout with 15 seconds left and down 1. He drew up a play getting Campbell to the basket. He missed the layup; Wilguens Exacte missed a putback; Marcus Johnson missed a put-back; it was deflected to Exacte who passed to Campbell who made the layup to give Bowling Green the lead.

BGSU head coach Todd Simon reacts to a penalty call.
UT head coach Tod Kowalczyk yells out onto the court.

“I wanted to get a quick shot just so if I did miss, we could get the rebound,” Campbell said.

Simon wins his second game in the battle of I-75 and his first at Savage Arena in front of a crowd of 6,837.

“With the transfer portal and all the changes that happened, rivalries still matter,” Simon said. “At least it does in our community, and it does to our guys.”

Toledo has now lost 3 of 4 and falls to 9-5 in the MAC. This is the first time Toledo has lost at least five conference games since the 2019-20 season.

“Disappointing loss. I never thought we got our typical Toledo run. We never got that 10 nothing run,” Toledo Head Coach Tod Kowalcyk lamented.

Sonny Wilson had 13 points for Toledo, his third straight game under 15 points. Before that he had eight straight games with at least 15 points.

Toledo is back in action on Tuesday at Kent State. Last time they played each other, the Rockets lost 83-64. It was their largest defeat in conference play this season.

Bowling Green travels to Eastern Michigan on Tuesday for another must-win game. The Falcons currently sit 9th in the MAC. The top eight teams make the MAC tournament in Cleveland. Eastern Michigan is currently 8th.

BGSU’s Javontae Campbell signals a play. Campbell ended up making the game-winning shot.

Toledo forward Javan Simmons takes a shot while being defended by BGSU’s Marcus Johnson.

BGSU Forward DaJion Humphrey is blocked by Toledo guard Trey Thomas.

University of Toledo guard Isaiah Adams watches as a BGSU player attempts a layup.

University of Toledo fans come out for the matchup with I-75 rivals Bowling Green.

University of Toledo cheer team peps up the crowd during a game against BGSU.

Toledo guard Isaiah Adams takes a tumble while trying avoiding pressure from BGSU.

Wilguens Jr. Exacte takes a three-point shot over defendeder Andre Lorentsson.

BGSU men’s basketball coach Todd Simon watches his team on defense.

DaJion Humphrey takes a shot as UT attempts to block it.

BGSU forward DaJion Humphrey scans his options while Toledo defender Sam Lewis applies pressure.

Toledo’s Sonny Wilson directs his teammates to move while under pressure from BGSU defenders Derrick Butler (10) and Braelon Green (5).

A crowd of 6,837 packed Savage Arena for the Battle of I-75 game.

RELATED CONTENT: BGSU gets revenge in 2nd Battle game
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