On this episode of Behind the Byline, host Jaden Jefferson has a conversation with Springfield Local Schools superintendent Matthew Geha and Springfield Board of Education president Dr. Tanya Baldwin.
Matt Geha.
“It’s interesting … the vocabulary that different legislators use, some of them do say that more was put towards education because there’s probably one big pot they call ‘education.’ However, what could or is going to public education does not appear to be more – it appears to be less,” commented Geha in the podcast.
Geha and Baldwin talk about:
the difference in the amount other local schools, like Perrysburg and TPS, receive compared to Springfield
the Fair School Funding Plan
property taxes and levies
the cost of education per child
the power of opportunities and programs Springfield has purposefully put into place to create a successful environment for all the students
Springfield Local Schools success stories
the continued impact of COVID
New episodes of the Behind the Byline drop every Wednesday on the Pod Station.
Children from the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir perform at Monroe Street United Methodist Church on April 6 during Our Time to Break Silence. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
TOLEDO— An eclectic group united their voices at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church on April 6 to commemorate the anniversary of Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence, the famous anti-war speech delivered by Martin Luther King Jr.
One by one, individuals representing 50 different community organizations stepped to the microphone to solemnly proclaim King’s words calling for peace and justice. King gave the speech at Riverside Church in New York City on April 4, 1967 – one year to the day before he was assassinated.
Our Time to Break Silence has been held annually since 2017. The community reading is hosted by the church but organized by a committee representing a large coalition of individuals and organizations from the Toledo area.
Readers included representatives from Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities, the League of Women Voters, Lucas County Children Services, students from The University of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, and many other nonprofit and advocacy groups.
Children hold up signs at the end of a dramatic community reading of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.” (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
“I can personally say I have never been in a room with such a diverse group of people, and I think Dr. King’s message speaks to the fact that we are much stronger together than we will ever be apart,” said Marilyn DuFour, a member of the organizing committee and representative of Sacred Grounds Toledo.
“I think that’s what draws people to this event. It gives everyone an equal voice, and gives everybody an opportunity to share their own particular way of breaking silence,” she added.
Throughout the community reading, the crowd in attendance was encouraged to stand periodically to recite key lines expressing King’s message. Each of these passages was punctuated by the repetition of the phrase, “I will NOT be silent.”
Organizers drew parallels between the Vietnam War and other injustices of King’s day and those taking place now, including the war and devastation in Gaza.
“Even though it is no longer 1967, there are still travesties happening today that need to be spoken out against,” Vernita Lewis Taylor said during her introduction for the program.
Vernita Lewis Taylor introduces the program. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
Lewis Taylor, an event co-chair who also works as an accountant for TPS, cited among her concerns the attacks on women’s rights and voting rights, the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the Department of Education.
She said the event is meant to ignite people to want to do something to make their own communities better, using King as a role model.
“What he’s doing in the speech is saying that we must bond together,” said Lynne Hamer, a member of Monroe Street United Methodist who started the event in 2017 and co-chairs the planning committee. She added that King cast a broad net in his speech when he called for the defeat of “the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism and militarism.”
Lynne Hamer processes to the front of church with other community members. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
This year Hamer divided the speech into parts for 53 readers, trying as best she could to match excerpts with the priorities of the representative’s organization. “You hear the speech in its entirety in all of these different voices,” she said.
TPS has served as an event co-sponsor for the past several years. Students and administrators spoke during the program; artwork created by TPS students was on display around the church; and the Chamber Orchestra from Toledo School for the Arts performed “North Star to Freedom” by Soon Hee Newbold.
“It’s wonderful to have our students involved in this event, to show them that their voice does matter,” said Linda Ruiz-Bringman, the assistant superintendent of Student, Family and Community Engagement for TPS and a member of the event’s planning committee.
Stephenie Williams, a senior at Jones Leadership Academy of Business, said she was not familiar with King’s speech before she was asked to serve as a reader for this year’s event. She took her role seriously, noting that it was important not to read too fast or too slow.
“You got to let everybody hear the power that’s coming from you,” Williams said.
“Just to be part of something so moving, so inspirational, is something that I personally feel proud to be a part of,” she added.
Photos by Laurie Bertke
Anyah Powell portrays Maya Angelou and Olivia Smith-Pasker is Rebecca Lee Crumpler during the reading of “Our Time to Break Silence.” Both attend Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls.
Rodney Gordon represents the Toledo Kwanzaa House as he performs his reading.
Patricia McCauley tolls a bell during the reading.
Representing Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, third-grader Lyric Baughman reads from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.”
Kingston Polk, a freshman at the Toledo Pre-Med and Health Science Academy, reads from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.”
Dianne Stubblefield-Webb holds a sign during Our Time to Break Silence event.
Director Dianne Stubblefield-Webb sings with the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir.
Congregation members react during the the event. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
A child holds a sign as she performs with a group that included the Doug 419 Community Youth Chorus and the Ann Jerkins-Harris Academy of Excellence Select Choir. (TFP Photo/Laurie Bertke)
SWANTON – Greeted by rounds of applause, grateful hearts and the United States Armed Forces Medley, 73 veterans returned from an all-expenses paid, one-day trip to Washington, D.C.
The Flag City Honor Flight (FCHF) veterans arrived home on Tuesday, April 1, to aWelcome Home ceremony attended by their families, FCHF volunteers and community members.
“It was probably the best day of my life,” said 25th Infantry Vietnam Veteran Donald Miller.
“The send-off and return were unbelievable, the music, the band, shaking hands,” Miller said. “It was like New Year’s Eve.”
This was the 30th flight the FCHF has taken. The FCHF, a nonprofit with a 100-percent volunteer force, makes four veteran flights annually. This year’s dates are April 1, June 3, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14.
More than just a fun vacation to the nation’s capital, this visit is an opportunity for veterans to attend the World War II, Korean and Vietnam war memorials.
(Courtesy Photos)
The 2025 trips will differ slightly from previous years, however.
While all flights still depart and return from Toledo Express Airport, they are using a new airline, JetBlue,rather than Allegiant.
FCHF media leader Mallory Crooks said this is to help save time. With Allegiant, veterans had to fly to Baltimore and take a long bus ride to the memorials. JetBlue provides a more direct route to the memorials.
Mike Sassaman, left, and Rene Niese (Courtesy Photo/Rene Niese)
“Outstanding” was Vietnam veteran Rene Niese’s one-word response regarding his experience on the FCHF trip.
While Niese and Miller had each visited the national war memorials before, they agreed that seeing them on the trip with other veterans completely changed the experience.
“The Vietnam wall was my favorite,” Miller said. Miller’s cousin was killed during the war, and his name is inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial.
Miller explained that while everybody looks at war memorials differently, to him, they are a celebration of life.
In addition to seeing memorials, the trip is also a chance for veterans to bond and connect.
For Niese, who was a battalion supply officer in Vietnam and a captain in the 359th Transportation Company, it was a chance to reconnect. He happened across one of his old high school classmates, who, unbeknown to Niese, had also served in Vietnam.
While the trip was attended by Korea veterans, as well, for the Vietnam veterans, being honored for their service was especially moving.
Warm welcomes were not especially common when soldiers returned home from Vietnam.
“Welcome homes then were mom and dad, and maybe a friend,” Miller said.
Niese said he also particularly enjoyed mail call. He recalled that during his deployment, he used to eagerly await letters or packages from his wife and family.
“We would wait, and they would call your name and give you your mail,” Niese said.
So, it was particularly moving during mail call at the Welcome Home ceremony. Niese received a mail bag filled with dozens of letters written by everyone from children to congressmen.
“I did not want it end,” he said.
In addition to the bag of mail, Niese also received a knitted red, white and blue blanket, which he plans to use while sitting on his porch chatting with his wife.
While the memorials are the primary focus of the trip, Crooks said veterans have opportunities to see more sights.
Arlington Cemetery. (Courtesy Photo/Rene Niese)
“This particular flight, we had four Flag City Honor Flight representatives lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” Crooks said.
Veterans in Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan qualify for the FCHF flights.
“I’d highly recommend it to any veteran,” Miller said. “It’s really well worth it. Makes you feel good.”
Crooks said the FCHF is looking for volunteers and sponsorships to help fund the flights and keep them free for veterans. Learn more at flagcityhonorflight.org.
The Sunshine Communities pool was built in 1991 and needs upgrades. Sunshine is seeking donations to each their $400,000 goal. The pool is now closed. (Courtesy Photo)
MAUMEE – If you’ve ever sought out resources for a family member with developmental disabilities, you’ve likely heard about Sunshine Communities, a longtime community presence. The organization is now trying to meet a fundraising goal to address badly needed updates to their therapeutic pool, which is currently out of commission.
The nonprofit is known for building community among people with developmental disabilities and their families, friends and staff through residential, vocational, therapeutic and recreational services on their Maumee campus and in community homes.
They also offer supported employment opportunities through Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts, a coffee shop and restaurant, and Sunshine Studios, an art studio and creative space in Uptown Maumee.
Sunshine was founded in 1950 by Roy and Georgette Engler. The two had five children with developmental disabilities. While taking care of their children at home, the couple visited state institutions to see what care options were available. Since they found other institutions appalling, they founded Sunshine Children’s next to their home with the help of a nearby Mennonite congregation.
At the core of the offered services is a commitment to the progression, inclusion and integration of individuals with developmental disabilities within our community. They empower the people they support by promoting independence and growing confidence to improve the quality of life.
Aquatic therapyand recreation
One service Sunshine Communities offers is its aquatic program, which utilizes an indoor swimming pool that became part of Sunshine in 1991.
A volunteer helps a child swim in the pool when it was open. It which was built for both therapy and recreation. (Courtesy Photo)
The pool can be used for both therapy and recreation. It has a raised floor and chair lift to allow individuals of all abilities to enter the water safely. The pool is kept at a temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit to support neurological engagement. The pool is utilized for arthritis exercise classes, swim lessons, local school classrooms, birthday parties and practice space for basketball and cheerleading teams and more.
“Therapy in the pool helps patients with pain relief, improves mobility, strengthens muscles, reduces inflammation and enhances balance and coordination,” said Lori Ciacelli, director of clinical services.
Lori Ciacelli. (Courtesy Photo)
Sunshine must make significant upgrades to the pool to reopen it and continue offering its benefits to their residents and community. To improve the pool, they will replace and relocate the aging natatorium HVAC unit. New mechanics will improve ventilation, and corrosion exterior plumbing costs will be reduced.
Sunshine needs to secure funds to finish the upgrades. Ciacelli explained how people can help, how much they need to raise, and what the money goes to.
“People can donate to this cause, and every dollar helps us get closer to the $400,000 needed for the specialized equipment,” she said. “Pools are expensive, and this includes essential features, like the raise-and-lower floor, temperature control, and other factors that ensure safety and accessibility for individuals at Sunshine.”
Shannon Bova, chief philanthropy officer at Sunshine Communities, added that “Sunshine’s pool is a unique year-round therapy outlet that we are proud to offer. Individuals love it, and our staff enjoys incorporating it into their therapy plans. The community is eager for public use and classes to return.”
Although no fundraising events are scheduled for the pool, Sunshine is in need of financial support to reach their goal of $400,000. If you would like to contribute to the vital improvements of the swimming pool and the aquatic program, you can donate to the fund here.
Adult coots gather on top of a muskrat cabin at Howard Marsh Metropark. (TFP Photo/Art Weber)
Our Toledo Mud Hens baseball team is back for the season, and so are the American coots, commonly called mud hens, the bird that gives our famous baseball team its unique name.
Coots are unique looking water birds that flourish and breed in our local marshes. See them in big numbers right now in such places as Howard Marsh Metropark, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area.
A mud hen – an American coot – takes off running and splashing as it picks up speed at Howard Marsh Metropark. (TFP Photo/Art Weber)
Mud hens are often referred to as ducks, but they’re a water-loving member of the rail family. Check their feet and note that they’re not webbed like a duck’s, but equipped with long bizarre-looking lobed toes. Those toes give them extra traction when paddling, and when they perform their classic frenetic watery takeoffs that require skittering and splashing to get airborne.
Coots spend a great deal of time out of the water, so they are often observed standing on mud flats and muskrat cabins, for example.
They’ll be nesting soon. Our coots, aka mud hens, that is.
Toledo mayoral candidates from left: Roberto Torres; Harold Harris; Wade Wade Kapszukiewicz. (TFP Photos/Stephen Zenner)
This is an introduction to all three mayoral candidates on the City of Toledo primary election ballot: Incumbent Wade Kapszukiewicz,Roberto Torres and Harold Harris.
On May 6, Toledoans will choose the top two candidates, who will then be placed on November general election ballot.
Incumbent Wade Kapszukiewicz
The office of mayor is defined in Toledo as nonpartisan, but Kapszukiewicz, 52, has been affiliated with the Democratic political party in the past.
Goals:
Improve public safety by reducing crime, with a special focus on reducing homicides
Provide economic development to Toledo
Continue building infrastructure in the form of repaired roads
Invest in housing for the city of Toledo
Proposed changes:
Since Kapszukiewicz is an incumbent, he made it clear most of his work would be focused on continuing the work he has already been doing, but offered a number of proposed continuations for what his third term might look like.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
“The first thing we decided to do was to increase the size of the police class that we had budgeted this year,” Kapszukiewicz said.
Growing the police is a common goal the mayor has highlighted in the past, along with declining crime rates in Toledo. It should be noted that the declining rates are coming off of an all-time high during the 2020-21 pandemic, where most American cities experienced large spikes in crime.
Site Selection Magazine placed Toledo as the best mid-size city for economic development, and the city’s increased bond rating increased in 2025 following the submission of Kapszukiewicz’s city budget this year.
Kapszukiewicz raised road levies during his time in office to repair roads, and during his State of the City address, Kapszukiewicz focused on converting vacant commercial spaces downtown into housing.
Experience:
Kapszukiewicz took office as mayor of Toledo in 2018, is still in office, and he is up for reelection for his third consecutive term as mayor. There has not been a third term Toledo mayor since the introduction of its charter in 1916.
In 2024, the Toledo City Charter was amended by ballot initiative, Issue 9, to allow for a third term for mayors of Toledo. Right before the introduction of Toledo’s Charter, Brand Whitlock served four consecutive terms as the mayor of Toledo from 1906 to 1914.
Kapszukiewicz also served as a member of Toledo city council, beginning in 1999, and went on to serve as the Lucas County treasurer before becoming mayor.
In his time as treasurer, Kapszukiewicz founded the Lucas County Land Bank.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz talks to Mud Hens fans during Opening Day in downtown Toledo on March 28. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
Roberto Torres
The office of mayor is defined in Toledo as nonpartisan, but Torres, 62, announced his candidacy as an Independent candidate.
Goals:
Live within the means of Toledo’s revenues
Community Development in the form of empowering local neighborhoods
Attract new businesses to economically develop downtown
Proposed Changes:
“We need job creation if we’re losing population,” Torres said, and criticized the current mayor for growing the police force as population continues to decline. “What’s the rationale for keeping more police officers when you have less Toledoans?”
Torres worked under previous Toledo mayors Jack Ford and Carty Finkbeiner, and wants to restart the community Block Watches that were active during those mayors’ administrations to reduce crime.
“The more people that we support out in the neighborhoods…the less we have to employ with the city,” he reasoned.
Torres emphasized the need for economic development, stating that “we cannot be a city that’s just run on federal funding.”
Roberto Torres unveils his campaign sign and announces his candidacy for mayor at his campaign headquarters at 151 Nn Michigan Ave. on March 25. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
Roberto Torres. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
He also talked about the difficulties that may be ahead as the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to cut federal funding.
Massive amounts of federal funding have been procured by the Kapszukiewicz administration through competitive grants and the American Rescue Plan Act funds under the Biden administration. Most recently, grants and funding of this kind have been used to supplement projects like the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA.
“We need to have private investment,” Torres said, and pointed to his experience working with the governments in Detroit, Canton, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Mich., as proof of his ability to provide economic prosperity to cities.
If there is economic development in northwest Ohio, Torres said it generally goes to another municipality in the area, instead of Toledo. Torres blamed a labor agreement that is active within the city as the cause for slowing economic development in Toledo.
“Toledo is ripe for growth,” Torres said, adding, “We have, right now, a policy that’s supported by this administration [Kapszukiewicz’s administration] that prevents development, so it discourages people from coming here. The cost of development here is much higher because of that.
“What I would change is the threshold that qualifies individuals that are impacted by this agreement,” Torres said, and pointed to Detroit and Cleveland as cities with a similar labor agreement with higher thresholds. The criticism of this labor agreement deals with the low threshold affecting nonprofits and small businesses, instead of just affecting larger investors.
Experience:
Torres currently works as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion in Detroit, and has worked in this capacity since 2018.
Torres served in the United States Marine Corps as a sergeant and a battalion legal chief.
Torres’ foray into politics began in Toledo in 1996 when he served as the director of the Board of Community Relations for the City of Toledo, then the director of the Toledo Youth Commission; director of the Office of Latino Affairs for the City of Toledo; and a development specialist for economic development for the City of Toledo, ending in 2008.
Venturing outside of northwest Ohio, Torres became the director of economic development, 2008-2012 for the City of Canton, Ohio.
From 2013-2015, he worked as the executive director of the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
In Grand Rapids, Mich., Torres served as the executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan from 2015-2018 until taking on his current role in Detroit.
Harold Harris
Harris, 69, announced his candidacy as an Independent, non-committed candidate. He explained the non-committed title he gave himself like this: “I’m not committed to the Republican Party. I’m not committed to the Democratic Party. I’m committed to the people.”
Goals:
Reduce Toledo crime, specifically shootings and homicides
Prevent incumbent Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz from getting a third term as the mayor of Toledo
Provide basic services to Toledoans in the form of road maintenance, tree removal, etc.
Create an attentive city government that hears the people’s needs
Proposed Changes:
“The most important one [issue] is gun violence, homicides, shootings,” Harris said, and blamed Kapszukiewicz for a rise in crime.
“30 years ago, you never heard of drive-by shootings, never heard of murders and homicides [in Toledo]. We’re gonna bring those numbers down,” he said, referring to the crime involving deaths in Toledo.
How Harris said he would change Toledo for the better revolved mainly around his own ability and competency.
When asked how Harris would bring down crime in Toledo, he responded, “I think it’s pretty simple. I’m [going to] meet with the police chief, okay? I’m gonna give him my direction. He works directly for me, okay? And we’re gonna take care of it.”
Harold Harris holds a sign for his candidacy at the corner of N. Erie and Monroe streets in downtown Toledo on March 28. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
Harold Harris sits in front of his private residence in Toledo on Tuesday March 25. Harris said he strongly disagrees with the current mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s bid for a third term. (TFP Photo/Stephen Zenner)
Face-to-face command ability, authenticity and military experience provided the bulk of Harris’ explanation on how he would run the city, reduce crime and fix up Toledo’s neighborhoods.
“I’m an action person. I’m not going to burn time talking about an issue,” he said, and clarified that he didn’t have much on his mind concerning legislation or policy. “My thing is, let’s keep it simple.”
Harris said he was interested in giving power back to the people, and felt Kapszukiewicz was purposefully ignoring the needs of everyday Toledoans.
“The guy on the 22nd floor has brought me out of retirement,” Harris said. “But that’s okay, because I’m fighting for the people; it’s all about the people, and, hopefully, I will do a good job for them.”
Because of his stated frustration with Kapszukiewicz, Harris refused to say Kapszukiewicz’s name during the interview. Instead, Harris alluded to Toledo’s current mayor as “the guy at 1 Government Center” or “the guy on the 22nd floor of 1 Government Center.”
Being among the people and listening to their needs was an utmost priority to Harris, and he sought to reconnect people with their government through the reinstatement of the Block Watch program.
“They’re [the Toledo city government is] not hearing these people cry out,” Harris said.
Experience:
Harris achieved the E-6 rank of Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
He served in the Air Force for 20 years from the Vietnam War into the Gulf War era.
He is a disabled veteran, a combat veteran and Harris believes his grass roots organizing over the past six years is good preparation for Mayor.
“I’ve pushed everything from issue nine to issue 21 to voter registration, to voting, to police reform, you name it,” he said.
About 4,000 protestors walked the span of the Craig Street Bridge in Toledo. (TFP Photo/Jaden Jefferson)
TOLEDO – Normally, the Craig Street Bridge in Toledo carries vehicle traffic across the Maumee River to East Toledo. But on Saturday, it was carrying foot traffic – and a lot of it.
As part of the planned nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ protest against the Trump administration, people walked from one end of the bridge to the other. They held signs criticizing the role of billionaire Elon Musk in the federal government, while others criticized the president’s policies.
Protestors walk the Craig Street Bridge. (TFP Photo/Jaden Jefferson)
Demonstrations were held in large and small towns throughout all 50 states, and even included Canada, as protestors in Detroit and Windsor lined both sides of the Detroit River.
“This is a very diverse crowd. This is not left or right, this is right or wrong. We are out here with a lot of nonpartisan groups, a lot of people on all political stripes, that believe in democracy and believe in protecting our country.”
Melissa Portala is an organizer with the group Toledo Persists, which was behind the local demonstration.
“We were expecting a large crowd today, but this is even bigger than what we were expecting,” Portala explained.
She says over 3,000 people signed up to attend, but many more showed up from word-of-mouth, leading her to believe there were around 4,000 attendees. So, what is the message they’re aiming to send?
“We are here saying ‘no.’ We want to keep our Social Security; we want to keep our Medicare, we want to keep funding for our schools,” she said.
Protestors carry signs criticizing the Trump administration and Elon Musk. (TFP Photo/Jaden Jefferson)
Deborah Wright attended the protest. In particular, Wright was opposed to the U.S. Agency for International Development – or USAID – having been dismantled.
“I’m really upset about the U.S. aid for all these countries that really, really need it. Medicine and the food- and he doesn’t care about anybody but his own pocket – and I don’t feel that way,” she said.
Asked if the demonstration will be effective in any way, Portala cited court orders blocking some of the White House’s agenda as examples of successes. She said the goal of the protest is to get elected officials to do the same.
“When the people that are ostensibly representing us in our government see this massive pushback, it makes them think twice about what they’re doing.”
