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Iconic Owens CC silo demolished

By
Jeremy Schneider
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The red top of the 40-foot silo is toppled during demolition of the iconic landmark at Owens Community College. (Courtesy Photo/Brock Petrie)

Age, decay reasons for downfall of landmark

By Jeremy Schneider (Press Release)

PERRYSBURG – It has stood at the intersection of Oregon Rd. and Biniker Dr. before there was an intersection; before there was even an Owens Community College. Now, the iconic silo that’s welcomed visitors to campus for nearly 60 years is gone.

Due to its age and resulting safety concerns, demolition of the silo began Monday morning, and it only took 15 minutes to wipe out that 40-foot landmark.

The iconic silo at the corner of Oregon Rd. and Biniker Dr. on the campus of Owens Community College is now missing from the skyline. The Klumm Bros. finished the silo demolition Monday morning. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
A photo of the 40-foot silo taken last week. (Courtesy Photo/Brock Petrie)

Noticeable leaning of the structure prompted Owens officials to evaluate the silo. Marietta Inspection Services recommended that the silo be demolished because of its age and condition and noted it could not be preserved.

The Klumm Bros., a demolition contractor out of Lucas County, dismantled the silo from the top down. The debris was hauled away and will be recycled.

A first inspection was completed on the silo in 2016 because of leaning, but it was determined to be structurally safe at that time.

There is no known documentation to specify exactly how old the silo is, but it was in place when Owens made its first land purchase from Clarence and Mary Biniker in 1971. Two more purchases, in 1986 and 1991, brought the total land purchased from the Biniker family farm to approximately 65 acres, leading to the completion of the east side of the Owens campus.

Nearly 20 percent of the Owens Toledo-area Campus’ 368 acres was formerly part of the Biniker family farm.

The silo, along with the Biniker farmhouse, was part of the 1991 purchase. That land is now the site of the Galleria Complex, which includes the new Healthcare Education Center, Center for Fine and Performing Arts and the Student Health and Activities Center, among other facilities.

The Klumm Bros. construction company removes the last of the silo debris. (TFP Photo/Lori King)

“What a story that silo could tell if it could talk. From the foundational practice of farming in Ohio to the development and growth of Owens Community College, the silo has stood guard over the Biniker farm and Owens,” Owens president Dr. Dione D. Somerville said. “As Owens approaches its 60th anniversary, we must consider the continued evolution of our physical structures and their safety and footprint on our campus.

“We are saddened by this development as the silo represents an important part of Owens’ history, but the safety of our college community is always our top priority,” she said.

The east-to-west roadway through the eastside of campus is named in honor of the family whose sale of the land led to the expansion of the Toledo-area Campus.

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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Cartoon by Jerry King.

Ray Chapman’s tragic story

By
Mark Griffin
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Cleveland author’s book profiles the Toledo Mud Hen

It was the top of the fifth inning when Ray Chapman settled his 5-foot-10 frame into the batter’s box at the Polo Grounds in New York City.

The Yankees’ pitcher that day was right-hander Carl Mays, an infamous “headhunter” who was known for intentionally throwing at opposing hitters. Chapman, nearing the end of his career as the shortstop for the Cleveland Indians, knew this.

Chapman was not wearing a batting helmet. None of the players wore helmets back then. The day was Aug. 16, 1920. Less than 12 hours later, the 29-year-old Chapman, known for his speed and rifle arm, would die from a depressed skull fracture.

The fastball Mays threw hit Chapman in the temple with such force that Mays said later he thought the pitch hit the end of Chapman’s bat. Mays simply fielded the ball and threw to first base.

This tragedy has long been a part of baseball lore. To this day, Chapman, the son of a coal miner from Beaver Dam, Ky., is the only player to die in a major league baseball game.

Author Scott Longert, 70, a Cleveland native now living in Beachwood, knew parts of Chapman’s tragic story and chose the topic for his seventh book, Love and Loss: The Short Life of Ray Chapman. The book is 177 pages and was published by Ohio University Press in late August.

“I had this idea maybe three years ago,” Longert said. “I thought about Chapman for a while. Ohio University gave me a contract, and I did the research and we went from there. Chapman wasn’t born in Ohio, but he played in Toledo and played in Cleveland, so there was a good Ohio connection to it.

“Quite a bit about Chapman’s life was a rags to riches story. He played semi-pro ball and played for the Mud Hens for two years. He was considered the best shortstop in the American League.”

Chapman married Katie Daly, whose father, Martin, owned the Cleveland-based East Ohio Gas Company, the largest gas company in the country for many years.

“Katie was a very accomplished woman,” Longert said. “She went to school in Toledo, and her family had a house in the West End. They moved to Cleveland, and that’s where she met Ray. They had the perfect life.

“His father-in-law built them a home as a wedding present, and he was set at the height of his career. Life was great. He served with the Navy in World War I and probably would have gone on to great things. I just wanted to tell this story so people could learn about him and what he was about.”

One of Longert’s other books, Addie Joss: King of Pitchers (1998), profiles Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss, who pitched for the Mud Hens from 1900-01 and wrote sports for the old Toledo News-Bee. Joss also went on to play for the Indians.

Scott Longert

Thom Ovacek, a commercial producer at WTOL in Toledo, met Longert a few years ago while making a video on Joss. The video includes interviews with Longert and Mud Hens historian and author John Husman.

“The strange similarities are Chapman and Joss both played for two years for the Mud Hens before moving to Cleveland,” Ovacek said. “I work at WTOL and we were looking for something to do for opening day (2021). I did a three-minute video for the news and a 10-minute version.

“It was the 110th anniversary of the passing of Addie Joss (tuberculous meningitis) and I wanted to put a Toledo spin on it. I grew up in Cleveland and loved Cleveland baseball, and Scott was a connection from Toledo and Cleveland. I read his book (on Joss) and decided we should tell this story on the news if possible.”

Longert said Love and Loss covers Chapman’s life from when he was a young boy through the aftermath of his death, and what became of his family, notably Katie and their daughter, Rae.

“People still go to his grave in Cleveland and leave baseballs and gloves,” Longert said.

Whatever happened to Mays, the pitcher who threw the fastball that ended Chapman’s life?

“This did not really affect his career at all,” Longert said. “He came back to pitch five days later and never showed any remorse. That just made his reputation worse and was probably what kept him out of the Hall of Fame.”

Love and Loss: The Short Life of Ray Chapman can be ordered online at ohioswallow.com.

Toledo Air Show returns after six years

By
Stephen Zenner
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Speakers Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, from left; Col. Curtis Voltz, deputy wing commander of the Ohio National Guard 180th Fighter Wing; and Lance Woodworth, president and CEO of Destination Toledo, watch a video presentation before the start of the press conference. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)

Thunderbirds to make appearance at 2025 air show

SWANTON – A loud disruption forced emcee Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker to pause her speech during a press conference at the Grand Aire Hangar. A distant, low-rumble of an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet crescendoed and passed by before she resumed.

It was a fitting disruption during the press conference to announce the 2025 Toledo Air Show to be held in May at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport in Swanton.

“Military aircraft come here all the time,” reacted Holliker, 180th Fighter Wing public affairs superintendent and chief enlisted manager, as she stood in front of an F-16 on display inside the hangar on Tuesday.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon Model C is seen on static display at the Grand Aire hangar during a press conference to announce the details of the 2025 Toledo Air Show. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)
Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)

The press conference was led by Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Col. Curtis Voltz, deputy wing commander of the 180th Fighter Wing, and Lance Woodworth, president and CEO of Destination Toledo.

The press conference was kicked off with a short highlight reel that championed the unbridled power and spirit of pilots and aircraft.

Winston said the Toledo Air Show will be great for the community, and called it a celebration of innovation, skill and in the spirit of aviation.  

“And we have secured the Thunderbirds!” he exclaimed. “We’re happy to have them back after nine years.”

Eight pilots make up the elite United States Air Force Thunderbirds squadron, and more than 100 supporting personnel help make the performance and precision of the Thunderbirds’ aeronautical stunts a memorable and safe occasion.

“We express interest every year,” Winston said about the Toledo Air Show committee’s dedication to bringing large acts to Toledo. He cited this tenacity as the reason for securing the Thunderbirds.

He noted that Toledo’s last air show was in 2019, and that scheduling and availability of flying acts dictate the frequency of the shows.

Col. Curtis Voltz, deputy wing commander of the Ohio National Guard 180th Fighter Wing. (TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)

Other acts confirmed for the event on May 10-11 include performances from Toledo’s own 180th Fighter Wing’s New England pilot Rob Holland, the Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Show, and vintage planes associated with “Class of 45.”

Winston hinted that other potential air show acts were being considered, and that Toledo had representatives at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada this week vying for other flyers to come to Toledo in May.

“This event is important for our region. It’s a boost to the local economy, showcasing our city and airport to a national audience” said Winston.

Lance Woodworth, president and CEO of Destination Toledo. TFP Photo/Scott W. Grau)

Woodworth estimated the event would pull in 50-70,000 people for the weekend, and figured about a $1 million in sales would be totaled, based off of the 2016 revenues from the last time the Thunderbirds were in town. 

“While it is big fun, it is big business,” Woodworth said.

In the upcoming weeks, Woodworth said he is looking forward to preparing Toledo for the national stage. And for those who are new to Toledo, he described it as “a first date with our destination,” making it clear he intended to leave a good impression.

“Toledo is for everyone,” he said, citing Toledo’s “midwestern hospitality” as the city’s strongest asset. “It isn’t like that everywhere.”

Holliker explained that the civilian side of the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport will be working together with local first responders to make the event happen.

“We just pull them altogether in one event and it should be pretty seamless because we do this regularly,” she said.

The Toledo Air Show invites military and first responders in uniform and kids 3 and to attend for FREE.

To buy tickets and parking passes: Ticket Office

DAILY DOSE | THE HUMORISTS

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

Felony flag on the play!

Addressing resistance to childhood vaccinations

By
Carrie Baker
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(Adobe Stock)

The question I am often asked is whether or not parents should vaccinate their children. In fact, in our practice, there seems to be more resistance to vaccinations since COVID. 

I personally feel that one of the reasons there is an increase in resistance is the recent fear that COVID vaccinations were going to be made mandatory across the board. Although my personal stance is in support of the majority of vaccines, I also believe that it should be a parent’s choice. 

In human nature, when we tell somebody they “have to do something,” there is usually resistance and often a reaction to do the opposite. As strongly as I believe in most vaccines, I also feel as strongly that parents should have a choice.

As providers, I believe it is our job to educate parents about the risks and benefits of vaccines. We should be educating them about the diseases vaccines prevent, as well as teaching them about the repercussions of contracting the diseases. That should be in both verbal and written form at all of their well care visits. This is another important reason to have their scheduled well care visits, as set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

I have frequently been asked, especially by other providers, why I will continue to see patients whose parents will not allow their child to be vaccinated. And I have a few reasons. To reiterate, I believe it is the parent’s right to make that choice for their child. It is also not the child’s choice; it is the parent’s choice, so by not seeing the child who are we, as providers, punishing?  

If there are no providers that will see children who are not vaccinated, they will have to resort to using urgent cares and emergency rooms, as this will be the only form of healthcare available to them. Not only does this overwhelm the urgent cares and the emergency rooms for issues that should be seen in primary care office, it is also not good continuity of care for the child. 

Also, in an urgent care or ER, you do not always see the same provider, and there is not a fluent record that can be read and obtained with each visit.  

I think as providers we have to ask ourselves, why did we get into medicine to begin with? For me, it was to take care of patients, and I feel the best way to do that is to provide them with adequate education, good continuity of care, and to be available to them when they are ill. If I do not see unvaccinated children, I am not providing the care I feel is best for them. 

With all that being said, here is why I think children should be vaccinated:

  • Vaccines have been successful, in that we no longer see many of the diseases that used to cause severe illnesses and lasting disabilities. For example, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and meningitis are rarely seen in children anymore.
  • There is a lot of information online that scares parents away from getting vaccines.  Here is a video directly from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ healthychildren.org, where you can also find a lot medically researched information, access to immunization schedules, the specific vaccines and the diseases that they prevent. 

In conclusion, I do support the majority of vaccines, but I also strongly support the parent’s right to choose. I can respect any choice a parent makes, as long as it is an educated choice – and when I say an educated choice, it needs to be one that is made from medically sound, researched information, not from just anything that pops up on a Google search. 

It is our job as providers to present that information and educate our parents, and then allow them to make the choice.

RELATED CONTENT: Children and antibiotics

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Steven J Athanas
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0

Cartoon by Steven J Athanas for the Toledo Free Press.

Stacy Lewis hosts new golf classic

By
Fred Altvater
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Stacy Lewis will host the Greater Toledo Classic hosted by Stacy Lewis next year. Lewis is a local LPGA star and a Toledo fan favorite. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)

Toledo’s 40-year LPGA event gets new name, format

SYLVANIA – The annual LPGA Tour as we’ve known it, played on the rolling hills of Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania for 40 years, has come to an end.

The tournament, originally the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, has had several different sponsors over the years. Marathon, Kroger and, most recently the Dana Open, have all supported the Toledo event and helped it generate over $14 million for 215 Toledo area children’s charities.

Next year the tour will be called the Greater Toledo Classic hosted by Stacy Lewis, and in keeping with the tour’s charity tradition, proceeds from that tournament will be distributed to several Toledo-area children’s charities.

Toledo Classic, Inc. director Judd Silverman said he is very proud of the fact that the tournament has raised that large amount of charity funds.

Dana Classic tournament director Judd Silverman attends the Dana Open Charity Check Luncheon. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)
Chad Bridgman, of McDonald House Charities, accepts a $50,000 check from Sydney Williams during the Dana Open Charity Check Luncheon. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)

“With $335,000 being distributed from the 2024 Dana Open, we hope the total dollars generated will reach over $15 million after the 2025 event,” he said.

The Greater Toledo Classic will be held July 21-27. It’s a dual tournament and will feature 102 EPSON Tour players and 42 familiar LPGA Legends, who Toledo golf fans have watched for years.

It will be contested over 54 holes at Highland Meadows. In a unique twist, one Legends Tour player will be included in each threesome, with two EPSON Tour players, for the final round on Sunday.

Stacy Lewis. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)

Stacy Lewis, born in Toledo, 13-time LPGA winner and captain of the successful Solheim Cup Team the past two years, has participated in and supported the Toledo LPGA tournament since her amateur days at the University of Arkansas.

“It’s an honor to lend my name to this event and keep professional golf and the LPGA in Toledo. Most importantly, this event will celebrate our past while preparing the future LPGA stars,” she said.

“In addition to the dual tournament, we plan on having events for the Legends Tour players to spend time with the younger women to take advantage of a great mentorship opportunity,” she noted.

“We hope those relationships extend far beyond the week of the tournament. This new event is a fantastic opportunity for the golf fans in the Toledo area to see familiar faces from the past 40 years,” Lewis said.

Tournament week will include four pro-ams, the Women’s Leadership Summit, and other events local golf fans have come to enjoy.

Chanettee Wannasean, of Thailand, and tournament director Judd Silverman pose after she won the LPGA Dana Open at Highland Meadows in July. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)

“We are happy to bring the Legends of the LPGA together with the future stars of the LPGA in a never- been-done-before format featuring two tournaments at the same time,” explained Silverman.

“After 40 years, we thought it was time to try something different that will bring back many of the players that have competed in Toledo over the years, along with the up-and-coming future LPGA stars,” he said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Stacy Lewis agreeing to serve as tournament host. Her exceptional leadership has been on full display the past two years as the U.S. Solheim Cup captain. Her presence will be a huge benefit to the EPSON Tour players.”

American Lucy Li plays in the 2024 Dana Open in July. She finished T13 with -9. Next year, the tournament will be called the Greater Toledo Classic hosted by Stacy Lewis. (Courtesy Photo/Doug Hinebaugh)

Daily Dose | The Humorists

By
Jerry King
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0

Cartoon by Jerry King for the Toledo Free Press.

Habitat celebrates 21st build

By
Stephen Zenner
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Carla Savage, with her daughter, Samantha, shows off her new house key after her dedication ceremony.

Owens Corning partners with Habitat to house families

Story by Stephen Zenner | Photos by Lori King

TOLEDO – Clutching a house key and a Bible, Carla Savage took a moment to thank her family and supporters for helping her become the proud owner of a single-story house she helped build on Piddock Rd. in Toledo.

New homeowner Carla Savage wipes a tear as she thanks family and supporters during her Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication ceremony.
Carla Savage holds her new house key during the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication ceremony for Carla Savage on Dec. 6.

“I thank God for this because without him none of this would be possible in my life. I got to recognize that,” Savage said during her home dedication ceremony on Dec. 6. “I’m just so grateful for all of you for helping me make my dream come true of being a homeowner and for generational wealth for my family.

“I’m proud of myself that I actually did it. There were some days I was ready to throw in the towel,” she admitted as she as she continuously wiped away tears.

The home officially became hers just hours before the ceremony, when she signed paperwork to seal the deal with Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program. The program, in partnership with Owens Corning for more than 20 years, provides a zero-interest mortgage loan to families in need of decent and affordable housing.

Through this partnership, Owens Corning has replaced more than
375 roofs in Lucas County and built 21 homes with MVHFH. Owens
Corning also helps provide shelter around the world through their support
of Habitat for Humanity International.

Staff, donors and volunteers listen as Lauren Clark, of Owens Corning, talks about the build process.
Erin McPartland, executive director for Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity, gives thanks for staff and volunteers.

Erin McPartland kicked off the ceremony by saying she was excited to celebrate Savage’s homeownership journey with her. “Isn’t this a beautiful home? These are just beautiful homes we’re building, and for you Carla, it’s right in time for the holidays, so we’re so excited for this.”

McPartland, executive director of Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity (MVHFH), noted that Savage’s build was special because it was the 21st build in partnership with Owens Corning. “Our mission states that we seek to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Owens Corning exemplifies our mission.”

McPartland explained that every year Owens Corning partners with Habitat to help build and preserve homes in the community. She said the impact Owens Corning has on their mission is immeasurable – between the financial and in-kind contributions, and all the employee hours and volunteer engagement they give us. “Your impact can be felt across so many different families, so thank you Owens Corning for all you do. You are God’s love in action.

“And so, while this dedication is a time to love on our donors, Owens Corning and all of our volunteers and staff, it’s also a time to really love on Carla and talk about all the work you put into getting to this point, so, here to do that is Emily,” McPartland said before trading places behind the podium with Emily Buller, program director for MVHFH.

Jan Mills, ReStore donation coordinator, presents Carla Savage, right, with a SOLD tag during the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication ceremony for Carla Savage on Dec. 6.

“Alright Carla, so you have been in the program for 26 months. You completed 301 sweat equity hours and attended 18 classes, which talked about home maintenance, financial wellness and lots of other topics about homeownership, so you did awesome,” Buller said to Savage.

“I know there have been times that have been hard during this program, but through it you never gave up,” she continued. “Life hasn’t always been easy for you, but you have a lot of faith, and you pray a lot, and that has gotten you through a ton. I know that home ownership has always been a goal for you, but now, with Samantha, you really wanted to provide that stability for her and a place where she could call home even when she is an adult; she can come home to this place, always.”

During the program Savage was presented with a Bible from her father, Harvey Savage, Jr., who blessed the space, and home-warming gifts from Needle Arts Guild and ReStore.

Lauren Clark, of Owens Corning, gives Carla Savage her house key during the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication ceremony for Carla Savage on Dec. 6.
New homeowner Carla Savage thanks God during the Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication ceremony for Carla Savage on Dec. 6.

“Today’s the day to take a minute, take a deep breath, and celebrate that because you have done the work you have put in the time, and because of that we’re standing in your home,” said Lauren Clarke, strategic marketing leader with Owens Corning and a board member with Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity. 

With those words, Clarke handed Savage her new house key.

“I’m so just grateful it’s over … Jesus, now I gotta move and that’s gonna take about a week or two,” Savage said to laughter. “I’ll start tomorrow but I ain’t gonna be done tomorrow. I know it’s gonna take me at least a week, but I’m grateful and I thank God and I thank all of you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Carla Savage, 2nd from right, and her family pose in front of her new home.
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