Swanton Township trustees approved a 2-year contract for fire services with the Village of Swanton during a Sept. 22 special meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
SWANTON TOWNSHIP – Swanton Township Trustees approved a two-year contract with the Village of Swanton to provide fire coverage during a special Sept. 22 meeting.
The contract with the village outlines costs of $200,000 for 2027 and $230,000 for 2028, and includes a possible subcontract with the Village of Whitehouse for the southeast portion. Negotiations are underway with Springfield Township to continue covering the northeast portion for $75,000 per year for the next two years.
“This seems to be the cheapest way to get the best coverage. There are other ways, but then we’re right back to having issues with 15- and 16-minute response times,” said Trustee Mike Nowicki. “Calls are continuously going up each year, and the costs are going up each year as well.”
Currently, the township contracts with Springfield Township to cover the northern portion and Whitehouse for the southern. Springfield’s contract expires in 2036, but with Whitehouse’s contract ending on Dec. 31, Trustee Matt Beil began looking at options for fire service as soon as he took office in January.
Bryce Blair, a township resident who serves as safety officer for Whitehouse Fire, asked if one of the options explored included creating its own fire department. That was a consideration, Beil said, but would require much more funding to cover the cost of labor, equipment, insurance and retrofitting buildings and is not considered a feasible option.
“I agree,” Blair said.
A draft map created by Swanton Fire Chief Cuyler Kepling shows three potential fire protection service areas, with Swanton managing the western, central and northern portions (in blue), Springfield Township covering the Toledo Express Airport and northeast portion (in yellow); and another entity – possibly Whitehouse – covering the area south of the airport (in red).
This draft map of possible coverage areas for Swanton Township shows the village of Swanton covering the blue, Springfield Township covering the yellow, and possibly Whitehouse covering the red portion of the township. Swanton Fire Chief Cuyler Kepling said the map may be altered in the coming few months as negotiations with providers proceed. (Courtesy image)
Talks with leaders of the 180th Ohio Air National Guard Fire Department, which has mutual aid agreements with Springfield and other local departments, led Beil to agree that keeping Springfield’s coverage of the airport and surrounding businesses makes the most sense.
“They [the 180th] are a big proponent of keeping Springfield on because of where they are located and the response time. Springfield has most of our commercial buildings and their fire inspector takes care of all that,” Beil explained.
Another factor in keeping Springfield’s coverage of the businesses is the Knox boxes that contain keys or digital access codes for first responders to enter businesses after hours in case of an emergency. These are keyed for specific fire departments, and the cost to replace the estimated 45 boxes would be about $600 each, Beil said.
Kepling said he’s only had brainstorming sessions with Whitehouse, and nothing has been formalized. Any contract would contain strict performance requirements to ensure that the level of service is equal to or greater than that provided by the Village of Swanton Fire & Rescue Division, he said.
“This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining comparable department capabilities, meeting or exceeding current response times, and ensuring a high standard of service delivery,” Keplin said via email the following day.
“I am confident that any final arrangement will ultimately benefit the residents of the affected area. However, discussions are ongoing, and no final decisions have been made at this time. Residents who may be affected by any changes will be notified of their fire and EMS service provider as soon as practical once agreements have been finalized.”
Trustees approved the contract with Swanton, keeping in mind that both Springfield Township and Whitehouse – if chosen – will need to get approval from their governing boards before contracts can be signed.
“The shared goal of all parties involved is to provide the residents of Swanton Township with the highest possible level of fire and EMS service while ensuring the quickest and most effective emergency response times achievable,” Kepling said.
An existing levy brings in $187,000 a year, and $135,000 is currently used for the fire contracts with Springfield Township and Whitehouse, plus the $25,000 a year estimated cost to pay for county dispatching services. The overage is going into a budget bank that has a balance of $580,000. But with anticipated costs of $275,000 the first year and $350,000 in 2028, Beil said that overage will be nearly used up by mid-2029.
“We need to decide next year if we need a levy,” Beil said, explaining that in talking to the fire chiefs, the estimated cost beginning in 2029 will be “north of $500,000” due to rising costs. “We don’t need the money now but we won’t have enough in the reserves to fund even half of 2029.”
Any levy discussions will be publicly announced and held months ahead of any decision to put a levy on the ballot, Nowicki said. The next year will give the township time to see how the contracts and funding are working before in order to estimate needs for what will likely be a replacement levy.
During the meeting, the board also did a preliminary review of proposed changes to the zoning fee schedule, providing feedback for Zoning Inspector Ben Mooney to make further modifications.
Since the Salisbury-Albon roundabout opened in 2024, area residents have reported an increase in speeders along both roadways, causing dangerous conditions and noise. The trustees authorized the administrator to ask for a speed study through the Lucas County Engineer and ask the Lucas County Sheriff's Office to increase patrols. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP – When Julie Cody pulls in and out of her Salisbury Road driveway, she feels like she’s taking her life in her hands.
“I live on the Salisbury Speedway,” said Cody, whose home is just west of the Albon Road roundabout. “They come down our road at 70 mph and race from Albon to Crissey.”
Cody said she’s had three mailboxes destroyed and has nearly been hit as she’s pulled in or out of her driveway. And she’s not alone. During the Sept. 21 Monclova Township Trustees meeting, Cody and her neighbors shared the near-misses they’ve experienced since the roundabout opened in 2020.
“Going to the mailbox is an adventure,” said Jean-Marie Deschamps, who lives on Salisbury.
“I’ve had people give me the finger or yell and cuss at me when I slow down to go in my driveway. If I’m out checking my mail, it’s a wing and a prayer,” added Albon Road resident Daniel Donkor.
Michael and Marlene Cox live on Summerset in Stoney Creek, and said that the speeding vehicles are so loud that it keeps them up at night. And when Michael approached a deputy sheriff parked at Albon and US 20A about parking on Summerset to look for speeders on Salisbury, “He just shrugged his shoulders,” Michael said.
“Once they built that roundabout, it’s been insane,” Marlene added. “We need help.”
Township Administrator Mike Hampton identified two issues: the speeding and the need for more patrols. The trustees authorized Hampton to contact the Lucas County Engineer to request a speed study in the area, and to speak with the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office about stepping up its enforcement in the area.
It’s up to the Ohio Department of Transportation to set the speed based on the traffic study, and it could reduce the speed limit as a result, Hampton said, noting that Holloway was reduced from 55 to 50 mph after complaints of speeding after a roundabout was completed there.
“It should be 35 mph with no passing lanes,” Cody said. “Lowering it to 50 mph is not enough.”
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Approved new regulations for residential generators, including five-foot setbacks for permanent auxiliary generators and allowing the short-term use of portable generators for community or private events without a need to seek a permit.
-Asked Zoning Administrator Eric Wagner to finish two other recommended changes to the zoning resolution – to update language on Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDs) and Zones and also to better define conditional uses – by the Oct. 20 meeting. Wagner said he is meeting with the county senior planner, Molly Maguire, to go over some details later this week.
-Heard Waterside resident Risa Sindel urge trustees to show some movement to provide protection to the township. She also asked whether Monclova was waiting to see the result of Waterville Township’s model of using an M3 planned district before setting its own regulations for data centers.
-Heard that the Strayer Road roundabout should be open by Oct. 16.
-Approved the hiring of two part-time firefighters pending medical exams and drug screenings. Leah McConkey is a certified firefighter II/paramedic from Findlay who currently works as a paramedic for Putnam Co. EMS and as a firefighter with Liberty Township Fire Department. Nathan Rowe is a certified firefighter II/EMT who currently works in the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District and has previous work experience as a combat medic in the U.S. Army.
-Learned that the fire department responded to 200 calls for service in August.
-Heard Fire Chief Matt Homik say that he has been meeting with a renovation committee for review of plans for updates to the department.
-Listened to consultant Kristina White talk about plans for the Saturday, Oct. 3 township open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with local organizations, food trucks, 4H animals and fire trucks for guests of all ages to check out.
-Heard White say that a Veterans Day blood drive is planned in the township hall meeting room from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Consultant Kristina White speaks during the Monclova Township Trustees’ Sept. 21 meeting. Listening are (from left) Fire Chief Matt Homik, Administrator Mike Hampton, Fiscal Officer Gavin Pike and Trustees Barbara Lang, Chuck Hoecherl and Debbie Stevens Laux. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
-Listened to resident Roy Bechtel ask trustees to add a second portion of public comments to the agenda, so that residents can speak both on agenda items at the beginning, and on any township-related topic at the end. Locally, the Village of Whitehouse offers these two types of opportunities for public comment during regular council meetings, while other AW-area communities allow comments either at the beginning or end of the meeting.
-Agreed to only meet once in July and once in December due to staff and trustee vacations during those times.
-Joined Swanton Township in approving the inclusion of Cutshall Ditch in the Swan Creek Watershed, following a review by the Lucas County Engineer.
-Learned that at around 7:20 p.m. on Sept. 21, a Monclova Township Fire & Rescue crew was transporting a patient to the hospital when a vehicle pulled out and sideswiped the 2023 unit. According to Chief Homik, the ambulance was driving without lights and sirens on Manley Road in Maumee when a blue Cadillac pulled out of Timberline and was left of center. Quick thinking by the ambulance driver prevented the accident from being a head-on collision, as she veered the ambulance off the road. The Cadillac driver took off without stopping. While the damage was limited to trim, scratches and paint, Maumee Police are looking for any video of the incident. These can be emailed to [email protected].
While Nov. 3 is Election Day, there are, nationwide, millions of ballots that will be cast days in advance — some absentee, others in person. And in Ohio, it’s not long before voters begin making use of both options.
Tuesday, Oct. 6: Early voting starts, absentee ballots begin to be mailed out
While citizens currently abroad, including military members, had their absentee ballots sent out days ago, Oct. 6 is the day when domestic ballots begin to be mailed. If you’ve yet to request an absentee ballot, but need to, you must first fill out an application.
You can request the application form from your county board of elections, by phone, and have them mail it to you. There’s also the option to fill it out online — and from there — print, sign, and return it by mail.
Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m. is the deadline for absentee ballotapplicationsto be received by county board of elections offices.
Absentee ballots themselves must be returned by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (with the exception of those from military members and citizens abroad).
Ways of returning an absentee ballot include by mail, leaving it in your county’s secure drop box, or handing it to an official at your county’s board of elections office.
Also on Oct. 6, early in-person voting begins in the Buckeye State. For the first week, polls will be open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours do vary week-to-week, which is why it’s best to check out the Ohio Secretary of State’s 2026 Voting Calendar.
While, on Election Day, in-person voting is done at one’s designated polling location, that is not the case for early voting — which, instead, takes place at your county’s early vote location. If you’re unsure of where that is, this interactive tool can provide you an answer in seconds.
What’s on the ballot?
While midterm elections typically have lower turnout than those in presidential years, that doesn’t take away from their importance. This year, for instance, Ohio will be electing a new governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor, and treasurer for the first time in eight years. However, those who currently hold these positions — with the exception of governor and AG — are running for different state-level offices.
RELATED:Click here for the Toledo Free Press’ interviews with the Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian nominees for Ohio Secretary of State.
Ohioans will also determine who finishes out the term of JD Vance, who – after becoming vice president – left a vacant U.S. Senate seat. That senate seat is currently occupied by former Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, who was appointed by outgoing Governor Mike DeWine. While Husted is running to remain in the seat, former Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, is hoping to replace him.
Seats in the House of Representatives are on the ballot, too — including that of Ohio’s 9th Congressional District — currently held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo). Kaptur faces a rematch from Republican Derek Merrin, who she narrowly defeated in 2024. This year, the majority-Republican Ohio Redistricting Commission — as part of a legally-required mid-decade redistricting process — redrew Kaptur’s district, as well as that of Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati), to be even redder. As a result, 12 of Ohio’s 15 congressional districts are now Republican-leaning, three Democratic-leaning, and two tossups (Kaptur and Landsman’s).
Voters will also be electing their state legislators this year. All 99 seats in the Ohio House of Representatives are up for grabs.
RELATED:Click here for the Toledo Free Press’ interviews with State Rep. Erika White (D-Springfield Township) and Republican Ian Chamberlin, candidates in the 41st House District race.
Before May’s primary election, the TFP also spoke to candidates in the 44th House District race. You can find those interviews here, though keep in mind that Ed Schimmel ended up winning the Republican nomination, which narrowed the race down to him and Democrat Dave Fournier.
Also on the ballot: Issue 3 — the ballot measure that, if passed, would enshrine a voter ID requirement in the state constitution. Ohio law already requires voters to provide identification before they can cast a ballot. Proponents argue a constitutional amendment is needed to prevent future general assemblies from changing the law, while criticisms have ranged from it being something that doesn’t belong in a state’s constitution, to it being a way of juicing Republican turnout.
A final note
If you’re unsure of the status of your voter registration, or are unclear about the state or federal House district you reside in, head to VoterLookup.OhioSOS.gov.
(All events are compiled from press releases and other public announcements)
The Toledo area always has something going on, from live shows and family-friendly activities to protests and community meetings. Here are some of the events to check out. If you have something you’d like us to consider adding, please reach out!
Thursday, Oct. 15 – Sunday, Oct. 18 – North American Tour launch of THE BODYGUARD at The Stranahan Theater (4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.). Purchase tickets at BroadwayInToledo.com and StranahanTheater.com. Group ticket savings for 10+ are available by contacting [email protected]. Ticket prices vary by showtime and seating.
Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, THE BODYGUARD is a thrilling, romantic musical that combines high-stakes suspense with unforgettable music. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Both expect to be in charge of their situation – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. Read more about the show in David Yonke‘s TFP article here.
Friday,Oct. 16 – Party in the Park (Promenade Park) – From 6-9:30 p.m., enjoy Party in the Park on the Road in Uptown District featuring Funk Factory & Not Fast Enuff.
Saturday, Oct. 17 – Lucas County Children’s Services Trunk or Treat will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Believe Center (1 Aurora Gonzalez Dr.). At this FREE event, kids can enjoy receiving free candy and seeing mascots and costumed characters.
Toledo Opera’s 2026-2027 season
Beginning in October, the season will feature two main-stage productions.
Tickets can be purchased at toledoopera.org or by phone at 419-255-7464. To learn more about the season, visit toledoopera.org. Read more about the productions in a behind-the-scenes TFP story here.
2026-27 Season Schedule
Aida by Giuseppe Verdi October 16 & 18, 2026 Valentine Theatre
Torn between love and duty, Aida stands at the center of a tempest of passion, loyalty, and impossible choices. Captive in ancient Egypt, the Ethiopian Princess must navigate her love for the heroic Radamès, her devotion to her homeland, and the schemes of the jealous Princess Amneris. Toledo Opera’s original production brings Verdi’s unforgettable arias, soaring duets, and breathtaking choruses to life, immersing audiences in a story of desire, sacrifice, and destiny. Returning to Toledo Opera for the first time in over a decade, Aida is a monumental opera experience not to be missed.
Sung in Italian with English Captions
H.M.S. Pinafore by Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert
February 19 & 21, 2027
Valentine Theatre
After more than four decades, H.M.S. Pinafore returns to Toledo Opera, bringing Gilbert & Sullivan’s signature wit, music, and high-seas hijinks to life. Onboard, the captain’s daughter Josephine hopes for love with the humble sailor Ralph Rackstraw, despite her father’s plans to marry her to the pompous Sir Joseph Porter. Mischievous sailors, scheming relatives, and the bumbling Little Buttercup, whose long-held secret turns everything upside down, ensure laughter, surprises, and joyous music throughout. This original production combines rousing choruses, clever wordplay, and unforgettable characters for an evening of nautical fun the whole family will enjoy.
Waterville City Council has joined 40 other municipalities in the Better Buildings Northwest Ohio program of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, which opens the door for businesses like the soon-to-open Health 419 to utilize financing programs like Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
As Health 419 prepares to move into its new Waterville home at 1216 Michigan Ave., the health and wellness provider is getting some help from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. And other businesses in Waterville can now apply for help funding building improvements as well.
During Waterville City Council’s Sept. 14 meeting, Dana Clark, who handles the Better Building Northwest Ohio Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program for the Port Authority, explained how local property owners can utilize fixed rate financing to make improvements that yield energy cost savings. Improvements could include roofing, siding, HVAC, solar, windows and other permanent changes that stay with the building.
Once reviewed by an independent energy auditor, and a thorough financial review to ensure viability, the project cost is then placed on the property’s taxes as an assessment.
The Fuhr Property Group, LLC, is the owner of 1216 Michigan and submitted a petition to finance $83,426.28 in building improvements over 14 years, said Waterville Administrator Jon Gochenour.
For the loan to be approved, the city needs to be part of the Northwest Ohio Advanced Energy Improvement District. But it doesn’t cost the city anything. Council approved three pieces of legislation related to the program, and now Waterville joins 40 other northwest Ohio participating communities.
“Waterville is in a position to help businesses,” Clark said.
The owner of Waterville Animal Group, 210 Farnsworth Rd., is also in the process of applying for PACE financing for roofing, windows, exterior doors and siding, and that application should be coming to council soon, Clark said.
“This is a great partnership,” said Mayor Tim Pedro.
The owner of 210 Farnsworth Rd. and Waterville Animal Group is applying for PACE funding to make improvements to the building and expand into the space currently used by the Dazzled Dog – whose owner is seeking a new location for her dog grooming business. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
During the meeting, council also:
-Authorized the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to construct a single-lane traffic roundabout at Noward and S.R. 64 in 2028. ODOT will cover the $2.3 million estimated cost and construction will take about 90 days. Gochenour said ODOT did a traffic study after 9 crashes – including six with serious injuries – occurred between 2020 and 2022. In total, 51 crashes occurred between 2017 and 2022, many of them serious. A portion of the roundabout is in the city, and another portion is in Waterville Township.
–Proclaimed Friday, Sept. 25 as Arbor Day in the city. The Tree Commission will host a tree planting ceremony with Waterville students across from the school that day.
-Heard Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Smith detail plans for the Saturday, Sept. 19 Roche de Boeuf Festival that was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Waterville. There was a car show, parade, kids area, vendors, artisans and musicians, along with Waterville Historical Society activities and horse and trolley rides. Read more about the parade here.
-Heard that the city and Scout Troop 101 would be hosting a pre-Roche de Boeuf event on Friday, Sept. 18 with a Run de Boeuf, live music and food trucks in Parker Square.
-Heard that the work on widening Waterville Monclova Road between Pray and Michigan is almost finished. Two other projects are underway: repair and replacement of 5,200 feet of sidewalk; and turn lanes on S.R. 64 between Pray Boulevard and U.S. 24.
-Learned that preparations are underway to replace the waterline next to Waterville Primary School, which has had several breaks – including one on Sept. 15.
-Heard Gochenour say that he expects to have more information soon about the city’s investment in mandated improvements to the county’s sewer treatment plant. This could result in an estimated $93,000 a year increase in the city’s share of operating the plant, and may necessitate increasing sewer rates to residents.
-Learned that Police Chief Joe Valvano will share information on Flock cameras with council during the Sept. 28 meeting. The city has two Flock cameras posted in the city. Both were vandalized recently, and after one was replaced, it was cut down within 36 hours.
-Learned that the annual Christmas celebration will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in downtown Waterville.
Monclova Township Administrator Mike Hampton speaks to Waterside residents on Sept. 15 about Limited Home Rule, which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot as Issue 30. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP – Loud music, overgrown yards, and junk vehicles on the street are among the issues that lead residents to seek help from Monclova Township staff. But enforcing resolutions and ordinances about noise, weeds, vehicles and other nuisances can be a challenge, Township Administrator Michael Hampton told Waterside community residents during a Sept. 16 presentation.
“Our resolution doesn’t have enough teeth,” Hampton said. “We’re on the front lines taking those complaints…and we want to be able to help them.”
Waterside residents Ann Frahn and Risa Sindel often attend the township’s board of trustees meetings, and heard that the Nov. 3 ballot will contain a question asking Monclova Township residents whether they want to adopt a Limited Home Rule (LHR) form of government. So they invited Hampton, who took over as administrator earlier this year, to visit the 1,000-resident community to explain more on how LHR works.
“It’s a big voting bloc. We thought it would be nice to have information presented so people could make a good decision,” Frahn said.
Townships with a population of 2,500 or more can become LHR governments with a majority vote of the population, and those with 15,000 or more can adopt LHR by a vote of the trustees, but Hampton said Monclova’s trustees want to have residents involved in the decision, even though he expects the township to have a population of nearly 20,000 by the next census in 2030.
LHR was created in 1991 in response to concerns by townships about larger municipalities like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus trying to annex. Currently, 34 of Ohio’s 1,308 townships – including Perrysburg Township and Sylvania Township – have adopted the LHR form of government.
“Limited” is a key word, and Hampton explained that it would not allow Monclova Township to: enact a tax; circumvent Ohio Revised Code; prevent citizens from filing a referendum on legislation; change the zoning resolution or appeals process; change hunting, fishing or trapping rules; alter regulations on agriculture or natural resources; or set elected officials’ salaries above what is outlined in Ohio Revised Code.
“Limited Home Rule helps us battle everyday complaints and issues. It gives us the tools to help you and help us,” Hampton said.
One of the main tools is the ability to issue up to $1,000 in civil fines for violating the township’s resolutions, codes and ordinances. Right now, if a neighbor repeatedly calls the township or the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office about loud music, the most the sheriff can do is give a verbal warning or issue a citation for obstructing the peace. Hampton also pointed out some properties with overgrown grass, weeds and junk.
“Right now, we can send them ‘friendly-grams’ or ‘nasty-grams’ and say that they need to clean that stuff up. They just throw it away,” he said of the notices. With LHR, those notices would include information of a fine up to $1,000 and a 14-day timeframe to respond. He believes hitting violators with the threat of a fine will make a difference.
“We don’t want to harm folks. We just want folks, for health and safety reasons, to be good neighbors,” he said.
LHR can also aid in regulating potential impacts from business and industry, including noise, vibrations, soil erosion and water degradation, some of which are concerns shared about data centers – although Hampton was quick to note that he is not aware of any data center looking at the township.
With the opening of the US 20A interchange, one, if not two, gas stations are being eyed for the corners at Briarfield Boulevard. Having the ability to enforce codes prohibiting long-term parking or overnight stays will enable the township to prevent not only exhaust fumes from running semis but the possibility of prostitution, trafficking and drugs that often accompany truck stops, Hampton said.
One of the requirements of being an LHR government is that the township must have its own law director, which it has already. Currently, the law director has to work through the Lucas County Prosecutor’s office, which is very busy, to try to get codes enforced. With LHR, the law director can take issues and evidence straight to the courts. And if a property owner continually racks up civil offenses, that can equate to a criminal offense, he said.
“This allows more effective local response to everyday complaints,” he said.
Sindel, a Waterside resident, presented information about other townships with LHR, including the large Butler Township, which passed resolutions about impacts from commercial and industrial projects – such as light, noise, even overweight vehicles on the roadways.
Sindel, like resident Dave Burkart, admitted that their initial perceptions of LHR were that it was a move toward Big Brother government – referring to the totalitarian super state in George Orwell’s book, 1984.
“What I’m hearing now, the more I research, is that’s not what it is. We need teeth to preserve and protect our township,” Sindel said.
Burkart said the presentation put his mind at ease.
“It’s more about making the township a better place to be and to get it moving forward. I think it’s a good thing,” he said.
If Limited Home Rule passes in November, it would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027 and last for three years, at which point it would be evaluated, Hampton said. The township previously put LHR on the ballot in November 2024 and it failed, due in part to a lack of communication, Hampton believes.
Residents with questions on Limited Home Rule are encouraged to attend the Saturday, Oct. 3 Public Service Open House, 4335 Albon Rd., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to opportunities to visit with trustees, many local organizations and businesses will be on hand, along with food vendors, farm animals and fire truck visits.
Erin Holden tries her had at kayaking at Wiregrass Lake Metropark with Eric Slough, an avid kayaker who leads classes at the Metroparks and beyond.
This is the final episode of A Walk in the Park with, a WGTE Public Media and Metroparks Toledo collaboration hosted and produced by Erin. Join her as she explores everyday life in Toledo’s Metroparks. In each episode, Erin interviews different park visitors – runners, teachers, artists, parents and more – revealing the many ways people connect with nature. You’ll hear personal stories about people’s relationships with our parks and the activities they cherish. Erin also documents her journey along the way, reflecting on the insights she gains from each experience.
Whitehouse Village Council approved in a 4-3 vote to sell 6 acres of village-owned land to the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library during its Sept. 15 meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
WHITEHOUSE – Planning for a new Whitehouse Branch library on the northwest corner of Finzel Road and S.R. 64 can now move forward; Whitehouse Village Council voted 4-3 on Sept. 15 to approve the $620,000 sale of 6 acres of village-owned land to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL).
“At the end of the day, I think this will be a tremendous asset to the community,” said TLCPL CEO Jason Kuscma, following an hour-long, sometimes tense public comment session prior to a tie broken by Mayor Rich Bingham‘s yes vote. “I appreciate the council’s deliberation and the community members’ input.”
For resident Rebecca Rude, who over the past six weeks has pushed for answers on why the library won’t be located in Blue Creek Metropark as originally discussed, the final vote was a disappointment.
“I knew there was no changing their mind,” said Rude, who has spoken with representatives from the library, Metroparks and every single council member, urging them to build the Whitehouse Branch at Blue Creek or somewhere other than the roundabout.
In fall 2024, just prior to a countywide vote on a bond levy to raise $153 million for improvements and new construction for the entire library system, TLCPL announced plans to partner with the Metroparks on a combination library and Oak Openings conservation center. That bond issue passed, with 51 percent of Whitehouse voters approving it.
In March 2025, the two entities held a community forum in village council chambers, soliciting ideas for the combined project. But then, the state legislature slashed the Ohio Library Fund, cutting $2 million from the TLCPL budget. So instead, the library began looking at other options.
“We had to take a hard look at how far over our skis we were getting with building a location here in Blue Creek and the vision we had for that plan,” Kucsma said, motioning out the window at the park that surrounds village hall. While TLCPL values its relationship with the Metroparks and will continue working together, Kucsma said it didn’t make sense to lease property from them at Blue Creek.
But the library is committed to opening a branch in Whitehouse, in order to meet the needs of a growing population and to alleviate pressure on the landlocked Waterville Branch, which has the second highest TLCPL circulation behind Main.
After looking at several sites in and around Whitehouse, the land at the roundabout was determined to be the best fit, he said.
But several residents, including Rude, have voiced opposition to placing a library at the roundabout, citing concerns about safety due to traffic, the loss of the green space where wildflowers have grown for the past several years, and the feeling that the change was a “bait and switch.”
“We voted on and approved it to be in the park,” Rude said. “Build a facility there. It just seems more feasible and accessible. I think it’s a danger to put it at the roundabout – for vehicles and for kids trying to get there. This is for the public. Make it accessible to the public.”
Whitehouse resident Felix Rude addresses Whitehouse Village Council members including (from left) Nikki Hartbarger, Dave Riggenbach, Carrie Tuohy, Mayor Rich Bingham, Steve Fine, Joe Bublick and Larry Yunker during the Sept. 15 meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
Lisa Morrison, Agnes Finfera, Bruce Robertson, Felix Rude and Joyce Petrie also shared their opposition to the location, with Felix Rude asking that council form a special committee to look at options. Petrie wondered why Whitehouse wouldn’t require a traffic study and renderings before making a decision, but Council Member Joe Bublick said it’s untenable to ask any developer to invest thousands of dollars into studies before securing land.
Joe Urenovitch, an attorney, asked Law Director Kevin Heban whether there are any contingencies on the sale of the property. Heban said the only contingency is that if the library decides not to build on that site, the village would have the first right of refusal to purchase the land back.
Only one person spoke in favor of the village’s sale of the land to the library. Former council member Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer, who is also a board member of the nonprofit Toledo Free Press, parent of Anthony Wayne Free Press, shared an email that Council President Steve Fine read aloud during the meeting.
She recalled how the village bought the corner parcel in 2016 in order to provide right-of-way for the state to build the roundabout, and that the plan was always to sell that land to an appropriate project and recoup its costs. Over the years, the village has waited for the ideal project for the village’s gateway, and Bingham said it’s been eyed by developers looking at installing a gas station or hotel.
“We are so fortunate that the system is keeping its commitment to creating a branch in our village, and sale of this parcel to make that happen checks a lot of boxes,” Conklin Kleiboemer said.
She also noted that the pollinator habitat on the site could be relocated elsewhere in the village, and that would not be financially prudent to reserve a $600,000 parcel of viable real estate for wildflowers.
Council Member Dave Riggenbach was visibly irritated when he shared his comments prior to voting on the sale. He noted that the village has taken flak for investing funds in flowers, but now hears complaints from those who want to keep a valuable asset as “a weed field.”
Reading a summary of survey results over the last several years, Riggenbach said that citizens have asked the village to pursue economic development opportunities so they don’t need to pay more in taxes to maintain excellent services. The library project will bring in jobs and generate income taxes. Replacing that $620,000 in revenue would require a company with a payroll of $41 million to locate in the village, he calculated.
But in the end, Riggenbach said with no one except Conklin Kleiboemer voicing her favor for the sale, he was obligated to represent those who did speak out, so he voted no. So did Carrie Tuohy and Larry Yunker.
Initially, Yunker asked to table the issue, in order to give the library time to have a public forum and explain why this is the best option.
“The thing I really get out of all this is that everyone would like more information from the public library on why things fell through with the Metroparks,” he said.
Tuohy said she also understood residents’ disappointment that a partnership with the Metroparks didn’t come to fruition.
“As a council member, I can’t make the library negotiate with the parks. I do know the Metroparks don’t sell land. They give easements and lease land, but do not sell. I can see where the library stands on that,” Tuohy said. “But I vote on how the people of the village tell me to vote. It breaks my heart. I think the library is most needed.”
Bublick, Fine and Nikki Hartbarger voted in favor of the sale. Whitehouse now has an opportunity to welcome a new, beautiful library that will be well-used and for the village to recoup funds that it invested a decade ago, Bublick said, adding that he thinks it will be a beautiful addition to the entryway.
“We could be offered $650,000 next month for a car wash,” he said.
Concerns about traffic and safety can be addressed during the traffic study and site plan review process, Fine said. And Hartbarger said she knows that while it’s not an ideal location, she believes the library being located close to the Anthony Wayne campus will be beneficial for students and the community.
With a 3-3 vote, Bingham was asked to break the tie, and immediately voted yes. Unlike other municipalities, the mayor only votes in the case of a tie.
With the sale approved, Kucsma said the TLCPL board will vote as well, and then begin the process of holding community listening sessions for input on the design and services for the branch.
During the meeting, the board also:
-Thanked Yunker for his service on council, after he turned in his resignation as he is moving out of the village. Council received seven applications to replace outgoing member Louann Artiaga and selected four for the interview on Sept. 8: Jeff Haney, Nikki Hartbarger, Jake Heilmann and Melissa Morrison. Hartbarger was sworn in on Sept. 8.
The remaining three were considered to fill Yunker’s position, but Morrison dropped out. Heilmann was sworn in to fill that seat. The appointed members will serve through the end of 2027 and need to file to run in the November 2027 election. After the meeting, Haney said he still planned to attend meetings and possibly run for office in 2027. The deadline for candidates to file petitions with the Lucas County Board of Elections is March 5, in order to provide time for a May primary, if needed.
Mayor Rich Bingham swears in Jake Heilmann as a new council member, replacing outgoing member Larry Yunker. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
-Approved the purchase 2.3 acres at 10125 Waterville St. from the estate of the late Gary Pennell.
-Listened to Brian Brooks, a lay leader with Hope United Methodist Church, invite council and residents to participate in a community charrette Oct. 8-10. The purpose is to seek ideas for the use of a five-acre parcel of land owned by the church behind the Whitehouse Fire Department. The central public session will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
“At the heart of this effort is a shared commitment: we want every person in the Village of Whitehouse to know that they are welcome to participate in imagining the future uses of five acres connected with Hope United Methodist Church,” Brooks said. “This is not only a church conversation. We hope it will be a Whitehouse conversation—one that welcomes longtime residents, young people, families, business owners, civic leaders, neighbors, and all who care about the future of our community.”
-Approved, on a third reading, a new site plan for Country Meadows South, after the developer agreed to alternations to plans originally approved by the Planning Commission.
-Approved several policies related to vacation pay, pay classifications and benefit steps, comp time and more.
-Authorized the administrator to purchase new Stryker EMS equipment for use by the fire department.
-Heard that the village is working on plans for two murals: one by Dean Davis on the side of the CycleWerks building, and another on a village-owned storage building along the Wabash Cannonball Trail.
The Family, Community and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) Anthony Wayne-Penta Chapter
members made a presentation to the Anthony Wayne Board of Education on September 14.
Pictured are, from left, junior high advisor Kay-Lynne Schaller, Karter Rinker, Gracelyn Vance,
Sophie Canos, Diana Beach, Bryn Hubbard, Karis Doro, Tiffany Thomas, Mary Amstutz, Hailey
Thomas, Piper Trumbell and high school advisor Amanda Valdez. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
The Anthony Wayne Board of Education recognized its staff members of the year and national award-winning FCCLA students during its Sept. 14 meeting.
Jennifer Gross, a special education aide at Whitehouse Primary School, is the Classified Staff Member of the Year. She encourages students with a wide range of needs and lifts the spirits of those around her, said Assistant Superintendent Kevin Pfefferle.
“We appreciate everything she does behind the scenes,” added Superintendent Kevin Herman, acknowledging that the humble Gross doesn’t like being in the limelight.
Christine Young is the Certified Staff Member of the Year. She shares her passion for learning in her seventh-grade social studies classroom and beyond.
“She makes a remarkable difference across the district and in the community. She is driven by a genuine desire to see every student succeed,” Pfefferle said.
As a leader with the Purple Star Generals program, Young rallies the community to support families who have active duty or veteran members.
“She is one of the biggest advocates for our military families. The work she does for them is incredible,” Herman said, adding that with the deployments out of the 180th Fighter Wing, she is working to support those families.
This year, the district started a new tradition of recognizing a group of individuals who make a difference.
“This year it’s our school nurses, for their unwavering dedication and care across the district,” Herman said, noting that the six building nurses – Sarah Tapley, Libby Gagen, Amy Baburek, Fay Birkemeier, Valerie Bradfield and Laura Soeder – provide valuable support for students and staff.
Several of the Staff Members of the Year were recognized by the Anthony Wayne Board of Education during its September 14 meeting, including (from left) Laura Soeder, Jennifer Gross, Fay Birkemeier, Christine Young, Amy Baburek and Valerie Bradfield. Not pictured are nurses Libby Gagen and Sara Tapley. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
Wearing their signature red blazers, several members of FCCLA (Family, Community and Career Leaders of America) shared how they won top awards during the 2026 leadership conference in Washington, DC this summer. The club for students in Family and Consumer Sciences class in grades 7-12 is led by Penta Career Center teachers Kay-Lynne Schaller at the junior high and Amanda Valdez in the high school.
“Every single one began researching their projects in October and worked on these projects, not for a grade or extra credit, but because they wanted to do something bigger than themselves,” Schaller said, noting that many of the projects that took these students to the national conference included a community service component.
Presenting at the meeting were junior high students Mary Amstutz, Karis Doro, Piper Trumbell and Hailey and Tiffany Thomas. Mary and Piper teamed up and earned gold for a Repurpose and Redesign project. Karis placed Top 10 in the nation and earned a gold medal for his entrepreneurship project. Hailey and Tiffany took second at nationals and earned a 100 percent score for their Food Innovations project.
Many FCCLA members continue with the organization through high school while juggling academics, athletics, jobs and family life, said Valdez.
“They take so much pride in what they do,” said Valdez.
High school FCCLA members Diana Beach, Sophie Canos, Bryn Hubbard, Karter Rinker and Gracelyn Vance shared their appreciation for Valdez’ leadership. Earning silver in the national conference were Diana, for Red Talks on Education; and Gracelyn, for Fashion Construction. Sophie won gold for Professional Presentation and Bryn earned gold for Career Investigation.
Also winning awards were 2026 graduates Maddie Johnston and Grant Hubley, Aradhya Muthumula, Skyler Smelly and Megan Carpenter.
The students thanked Penta Career Center and the Anthony Wayne Board of Education for their support of the FCCLA program.
Valdez was honored this year with the Spirit of Advising Award, given to just one adviser per state for providing programming excellence, advocacy and education, student support and professional engagement.
“We are all lucky to have her,” Schaller said of Valdez. “When my young students go to the high school, I know they will have an advisor who cares for them.”
During the meeting, the board also:
-Heard that the state is expected to release its report cards. Herman said while state testing and graduation rates are one way to share the success of students, the district’s Quality Profile – to be released on Sept. 17 – provides a comprehensive look at how students are encouraged to explore and find their niche in academics, athletics, the arts and beyond.
-Heard that an August job fair to recruit substitutes went well, resulting in 24 people signing up to serve as substitutes in at least one position.
–Approved donations, including: $2,000 from the Anthony Wayne Parent Teacher Association to Fallen Timbers Middle School for turf and borders on the gaga ball pit; $500 from Ohio Middle Level Association to FTMS for supporting middle level students; and $8,000 from the Lott-Conlon Foundation for the Waterville Sensory Gardens Project, which will be installed next spring.
-Awarded a $146,143 contract to Earl Mechanical Services, Inc. for the junior high kitchen replacement project.
-Accepted the resignation of Michele Slover, Monclova Primary custodian, due to job abandonment. The board also accepted resignations from: driver Mike Stiff; special education aides Melissa Bergfeld and Pam Weideman; and custodian Christina Miller. Several others resigned from supplemental positions in order to take on new ones.
-Approved the hiring of Kevin Wikstrom, mid-day bus driver; Dorothy Schaffner, accounting secretary; Michelle Case, high school special education aide; and Jude Wyse, groundskeeper.
Case has worked in the district through the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West for many years, but now is being brought on as staff so she can assist in other areas, Herman said.
-Listened to board member Mike Stamm ask what the district does to educate students on the Constitution, noting that teachers do a nice job with educating students about September 11, 2001 and Veteran’s Day.
“It would be cool to see how student are learning about our country, freedoms and responsibilities,” Stamm said.
Herman said September 11 was marked with a moment of silence and activities throughout the day, and Veteran’s Day is recognized in multiple ways throughout the district. Students are required to learn about the Constitution, and Herman said he would share at the next meeting some of the ways that is done in the district.
“We do a lot of good things each and every day that promote patriotism and taking pride in our country and showing respect to those individuals that serve our country,” Herman said.
-Learned that the next board meeting is Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.
