As the year winds down and a new one begins, it’s easy to plan for transition here in Northwest Ohio. The leaves have fallen and everyone knows it is time to get ready for the next season.
Similarly, it is often at the end or beginning of the year that many people choose to retire. If you are wondering if you can retire and what the steps to success are, the process isn’t always easy as planning for the weather.
Here are three simple steps to help guide the transition:
Step 1. Create a financial inventory. This will be helpful in gathering a clear picture of the current situation. This summary should include financial assets, debts and insurance coverages. Then identify the income sources.
This would include social security, pension, annuity and any other work income if one spouse plans to continue to work. Clarify the income goals for retirement. Think in terms of minimum monthly income needs, plus discretionary spending on travel and hobbies, and then add 20 percent for unknown expenses.
Step 2. Stress test the current plan. Using a tool called a Monte Carlo simulation will tell the possible outcomes of retirement success. This tool will be helpful to identify issues on why the plan could fail, such as a major market decline, higher taxes, or a long-term health care crisis.
If the outcome is 90 percent probability of success or higher, that is great news. If below 90 percent, to increase the probability of success, review how to make retirement dollars work harder, consider different retirement spending strategies, or look at ways to optimize income.
Step 3. Write down a summary of the observations. As someone who has guided hundreds of retirees, I often identify opportunities and threats when I go through steps one and two. To get organized and everything accomplished, create a written checklist of the items to work on.
Break down those observations into tax strategies, estate planning, asset protection, and money management. For example, if the plan is to retire before the age of 65, reviewing affordable healthcare should be put on the checklist. This is now the working blueprint on getting retirement ready.
By following these three steps, you will have a foundation to get through retirement with relative ease. This clarity and checklist can help reduce the stress of retirement and turn it into the next exciting season of life.
For more information about America’s Retirement Headquarters, tune in every Saturday at 12 PM on 1370 WSPD or visit www.arhq.com. Investment Advisory Services are offered through The Retirement Guys Formula, LLC. Securities are offered through PEAK Brokerage Services LLC., Member FINRA / SIPC. America’s Retirement Headquarters and Retirement Guys Formula is not an affiliate of PEAK Brokerage Services LLC. The office is at 1700 Woodlands Drive, Suite 100, Maumee, OH 43537. 419-842-0550
Jaymz Collins (JC), owner of JC’s Comics, chats with a customer inside his shop at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Story and photos by Stephen Zenner
Standing underneath black KISS masks dangling from the ceiling and surrounded by thousands of sequential art stories, Jaymz Collins, or JC as he is less formally known, talked about his legacy as an artist who runs the oldest comic book store in Toledo.
Jaymz Collins (JC), owner of JC’s Comics.
Exterior front of JC’s Comics N’ More.
Collins has amassed a treasure trove of visual details unleashed on his customers when they walk through the doors of JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store. The few hundred square feet of commercial real estate is filled to the brim with varying merchandise, from comic books, magazines and posters to action figures and games. There is so much that it truly could not be called anything less than a “super-store.”
“You gotta’ do at least two laps of the place, and even then you’re not guaranteed to catch everything,” said Oak Harbor resident Greg Fillmore as he rummaged through a box of comics. “This is where I come to get my Godzilla fix.”
Each nook and cranny of the store is leant to an expressive image, a unique story or any variety of curiosities Collins would be more than happy to obsess over with anyone who finds their way into his shop, located at St. James Plaza on Central Ave. in Toledo.
Greg Fillmore sifts through comic books. Fillmore is one of JC’s most dedicated patrons, always on the prowl for more Godzilla paraphernalia.
Collins took over the previous comic store on Hill and Reynolds in 1985. The 23-year-old, fresh out of the Navy, mortgaged his inheritance to make a downpayment on the store.
The ultimate personality hire, Collins let his love of comic books run wild, and lends a bit of his own expert fandom to each customer who enters his store.
“I think stores like this thrive on relationships,” said Jacob McPhail, who was a fairly regular customer before he started working for Collins. McPhail has since gone on to get a “big-boy job,” but said they have maintained a strong friendship.
“He’s real,” McPhail said. “If you ask him, he’s gonna’ give you the truth. He’ll give it to you straight and I think people appreciate that.”
Jacob McPhail, of Southbend, Indiana, stands inside JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store. McPhail used to work for JC’s nearly a decade ago and maintains a close friendship with JC Collins.
It is common for Collins’ customers to form a long-lasting relationship with him. After all, his super store will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September.
But recently, Collins has been upfront about the financial difficulties he’s been having at the store as he tries to make ends meet.
“I guess I am theoretically rich,” quipped Collins, referencing the merchandise in his store. “But my bank account? Not so much.”
Collins explained that his business thrives off of disposable income, and with the cost of necessities rising, people are slowly cutting comics and the paraphernalia he provides out of their budget.
But plenty of people still wander into Collins’ store with lighthearted expectations, which McPhail affectionately calls “one-sie, two-sies,” based on how many times they may come back to the store.
“We’re just kinda’ looking,” new customer Conn O’Halloranon told Collins as he snaked his way through the narrow pathways. But O’Halloran, here on vacation from California, ended up purchasing a few comics for himself and a number of other items for his kids.
Conn O’Halloran, of Tehachapi, California, shows off his comic book finds. O’Halloran was with his kids inside JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Conn O’Halloran shows off his comic book finds at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Collins has mastered the art of piquing curiosities with his selections and making informed recommendations, but, the bottom line is his comics need readers.
McPhail said that “online I can find any issue I want, but there’s a distinct feeling of going through a bin and finding things, that create an experience for the buyer. People can find things cheaper online, but resourceful people come to JC’s.”
Two years ago, Fillmore, a Godzilla fanatic, found an oddly specific Godzilla piece at JC’s, and he and Collins both remember it clearly.
“It was a 62’ Godzilla, the first King Kong vs Godzilla, released in Japan in 62’ and in America in 63’. That’s the one I walked in and I had to have it,” Fillmore recalled. That light-up Godzilla cost around $300, but Fillmore prefers not to dwell on the price of his “habit.”
“I peel the price tags off so the wife doesn’t see them,” he laughed. “He’s got anything you could damn near imagine. That’s what keeps me coming here over and over again.
“Did you have me in mind when you bought that Godzilla,” Fillmore asked Collins, who replied that of course he had Fillmore in mind when he bought the rare piece.
Austin Kochanski, of Swanton, looks at action figures at JC’s Comics N’ More: Your Pop Culture Super-Store.
Jaymz Collins draws Christmas trees on gift certificates. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Jaymz Collins, the owner of JC’s Comics, points to framed custom comics made by famous comic book artists specially for JC’s store at JC’s Comics N’ More.
ODOT driver Nathan Stribrny prepares his plow truck for a wintery mix of rain and snow. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Advice for motorists: ‘Ice and snow, take it slow.’
MAUMEE– In anticipation of today’s forecast of 1-3″ of slushy accumulation and up to 1″ of snow throughout parts of Lucas County, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) mechanics and drivers at the Lucas County Garage were busy preparing many of their 16 plow trucks for the road.
Brian Drewes, Lucas County Garage transportation manager.
“Currently here at Lucas (County Garage), we started getting our trucks ready for the possible event that may happen this afternoon and this evening,” said Brian Drewes, transportation manager of the Lucas County Garage. “It’s important we go over all of this stuff so we know we can get through the storm without any issues.
“We also want everybody to keep in mind that our drivers are out and to give them their space so we can get home with our families,” he said.
Safety is a primary concern for ODOT. Last winter, ODOT plow trucks were struck 22 times while engaged in snow and ice operations. Ohio’s Move Over law requires drivers on state highways to move over a lane or slow down when approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing lights, no matter the season or color of the flashing lights.
ODOT mechanic Nick Rupp works on a plow truck in the Lucas County Garage in Maumee before a winter event on New Year’s Eve. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
As winter weather arrives, snow and ice make roads slippery and dangerous. These conditions increase the chances of a vehicle accident. To make the roads safer, ODOT works tirelessly to stay prepared for winter storms.
Kelsie Hoagland, public information officer for ODOT District 2, discussed during a recent press conference at the Lucas County Garage how ODOT prepares for weather events by keeping the roads clear and salted. District 2 serves Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Williams and Wood counties in northwest Ohio, and is headquartered in Bowling Green.
“We have mechanics at each of our garages that regularly maintain our vehicles, and we do in-depth snow and ice inspections, where we actually do a deep dive in identifying any miscellaneous problems that might be overlooked,” Hoagland said.
She added that they also send the mechanics to the Bowling Green garage or bring in district garage mechanics from Bowling Green.
Hoagland explained that the garage considers weather conditions and snowfall rates to keep the roads safe, and they take into account the many different types of weather events that can come in, whether it has ice, heavy snow, light snow, winds.
She also discussed the process that takes place before and during a snowstorm. “We have two shifts – A shift and B shift – and then we run those at a rolling 12 hours throughout a winter event. So, if a storm is going to start with rain, we cannot do any pre-treating, but if the temperatures are cold enough that it’s going to start with snow, then we can do things like pre-treat the roads with Brine, which is a saltwater combination.”
ODOT driver Tony Juhasz prepares his Tandem wing plow for a wintery mix of rain and snow. Juhasz, of Whitehouse, has been driving for ODOT for two years. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
She clarified that Brine are the white stripes you see on the roadway before winter events. If a storm is going to begin with rain, it cannot be used because the rain will wash it away. Rock salt is also put on the roads for snow and ice.
Hoagland noted that each county is responsible for monitoring the weather, which is done through checking local news stations and other weather networks. After that, they roll into shifts for pretreatment (if applicable), followed by shifts after the snow begins to fall. Workers stay on 12-hour shifts until the snow is gone and the road is restored to normal conditions.
Hoagland offered advice for how regular drivers can help the ODOT driver.
“’Ice and snow, take it slow.’ That’s one of our slogans. And ‘don’t crowd the plow’ is another one that’s really focused on helping our drivers,” she said.
“It helps the motoring public because when you’re too close to our trucks, they can’t see you, and you are not having the best benefit of their work. You’re not actually getting the protected roadway. So, if you’re actually driving into the salt, it hasn’t had the chance to work yet. Give the room space, the truck space.”
She also recommended motorists keep materials, like a blanket or bottled water, in their vehicles in case they are ever stranded, and keep tires at the correct PSI.
ODOT driver Nathan Stribrny exits the Lucas County Garage as rain begins to fall on New Year’s Eve. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
Lori King, center, visits a University of Toledo UT:10 TV production class to recruit interns for the spring semester. Max Alfonso, center in red, is one of those interns. (Courtesy Photo by Kevin O'Korn)
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all our readers, donors and subscribers for supporting our mission of providing local journalism that matters.
Reflecting on the past six months, I’m amazed at what we’ve accomplished in such a short time. Since June 3, when the TFP board hired me as the editor-in-chief, we’ve been busy moving into our office above the Blarney Irish Pub at 605 Monroe St. (a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated desks, chairs, tables, and even a fridge). We’ve hired staff, freelancers, and interns; built a website; secured funding to help keep us operational; and worked to spread the word that we’re up and running as a nonprofit, online-only local newsroom.
At this point, we only publish one story and cartoon a day, but that will hopefully increase as our staffing increases (my New Year’s resolution). We are also developing a podcast page, and will not only have our own podcast shows, but we’ll host other local podcasters, like Stage Door and Jaden Jefferson Reports.
Toledo Free Press publisher and founder Tom Pounds greats a new team of freelancers during the first staff meeting in the office. (TFP Photo/Lori King)
By the way, I no longer call the TFP a newspaper—after all, we don’t publish hard copies anymore. It’s a tough habit to break, considering I’ve been in the print newspaper business since 1980. But times have changed. It’s now the 21st Century, and how we disseminate news has changed dramatically. We’re witnessing the fast disappearance of legacy newspapers in our own lifetime, something I never thought would ever happen. At least we’re saving trees …
Unfortunately, as newspapers fade, news deserts and ghost newspapers are on the rise. According an executive summary in a 2024 report of The State of Local News, more than 3,200 print newspapers have vanished since 2005. In 2023 alone, 130 newspapers ceased operations. Imagine the void left in communities without journalists reporting on local events; uncovering corruption; and holding public officials who make our policies accountable.
It’s our job as a nonprofit newsroom, which are thankfully increasing, to shed light on the truth and serve our community. Read the 2024 report … the details are alarming.
The Toledo Free Press staff: audience engagement editor Kelly McGilvery, from left, editor-in-chief Lori King, assignment editor Erin Holden and investigative reporter Stephen Zenner. (TFP Photo/Alonzo Torres)
When I taught journalism and media communication at Owens, the University of Toledo, and Wayne State, I always surveyed students on the first day of class about their news habits. I was initially shocked that most of them had never read a newspaper. That’s right … never.
Those who did pay attention to news got it from social media, like X (formally known as Twitter and now owned by billionaire Elon Musk, who makes you pay for a blue checkmark rather than earn it); TikTok (which capitalizes on partisan algorithms, though its fate is nigh); Facebook (now capitalizing on paid boosts to share content); and podcasters, YouTube and online news sites, like Patch, Axios and Vox.
What hasn’t changed? The absolute necessity for journalism to remain fair, balanced, verifiable and reliable.
Tom Pounds and Lori King visit the WTOL studio to secure our media partnership. (Courtesy Photo/Brian Dugger/WTOL)
Starting a newsroom from scratch is no small task, and we expect growing pains for at least another year. Building a strong identity that resonates with the community takes time. I appreciate your patience as we work to fulfill our mission of telling your stories ethically and responsibly.
One of our biggest challenges is simply letting northwest Ohioans know we exist. How can we thoroughly cover Toledo without reader input and news tips? We don’t want to rely solely on press releases.
So, here’s my ask: If you like what we are doing, please share our content on social media, and continue supporting us as we grow.
I also ask that you keep us accountable, as well. Help us ensure that we’re meeting your expectations. If you see something—good or bad—please let us know. You can contact me at loriking@toledofreepress.com.
Before I close, I want to highlight three key tools on our website:
• The Donation Button: This button takes you to our Patreon, PayPal and First Amendment Society links. Your contributions help employ our journalists and keep the Toledo Free Press completely free. Donors also receive a weekly newsletter with updates on new hires, staff profiles, event announcements and more.
• The Subscription Button: Sign up for Kelly McGilvery’s weekly newsletter, which recaps published stories and behind-the-scenes insights.
• The Story Tip Line: Use this to let us know what’s happening in your neighborhoods.
The staff (Erin Holden, Kelly McGilvery and Stephen Zenner) and our board members thank you for supporting local journalism. Together, we can ensure that Toledo and northwest Ohio have the robust news coverage you deserve.
Lt. Jeff Wheeler, right, instructs recruits how to operate an aerial ladder during pump works and hose work training on Oct. 3, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
TRFD Academy celebrates its current class with Family Day
This is Part 2 of a limited series about the current Toledo Fire & Rescue Academy class.
Story by Paula Wethington | Photos Courtesy of Toledo Fire & Rescue
WALBRIDGE – Toledo Fire & Rescue Department’s newest class of probationary firefighters have earned their assigned stations after being sworn in during a ceremony on Dec. 6.
Nineteen recruits from Fire Class 298 take the firefighter oath during family day on Dec. 6, at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. They will be assigned to line operations as probationary firefighters. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
The ceremony took place during the academy’s Family Day program at the Center for Emergency Preparedness Center on Tracy Road. The facility, designed for public safety and first responder training, is near the main campus of Owens Community College.
“I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. I wanted to give back to my community,” said Aubrey Bruhn, 18, of Waterville, who was among those named to probationary firefighter rank that day.
Scott Bruhn, who described his daughter as “motivated,” explained his daughter did not wait for the 2024-25 fire academy to officially begin, but took her emergency medical technician class ahead of time. The schedule for EMT was tight, given her birthdate, but the accomplishment was earned.
Bruhn’s TRFD assignment is at Station 9. She met her station crew mates just one day before earning her rank.
Fire Academy Class 298
Toledo Fire Class 298 started its training Aug. 16 with 30 recruits. By early December, one was on an injury leave while 29 remained active in the program.
The class participants ranged in age 18 to 39, with some coming in from former careers, such as with the military. Those who already have EMT or paramedic certifications, like Bruhn, get station assignments after completing the firefighter training courses, while the rest continue with EMT-Basic classes.
A graduation ceremony for the academy class takes place Feb. 28.
Training their crew mates
Running a fire academy is a huge investment for the department, and it happens only as schedules and budgets permit.
One reason is that veteran personnel from across the city need to step out of their regular 24-hour-on/48-hour-off station assignments into instructor preparation and training hours to coincide with the recruits’ schedule. But that’s how TRFD wants to bring new personnel on board.
Recruit Nathanael Hicks leans back in his harness at the top of the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct.18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial ladder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
Recruit Garrett Whitney climbs the 95’ ladder of an aerial ladder truck on Oct. 18 at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness. The aerial adder climb is a requirement for all recruits, intended to boost their confidence. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
“They put forth effort, and we’ll get them to the finish line,” said Lt.John Rodriguez, who was among the academy instructors.
“I’m very proud to say they are coming to the line with me,” said Capt. Michael Romstadt, who led this year’s academy class. “It’s a very tough academy. We push them; we push them very hard.”
TRFD academy meets for 40 hours a week. Most of the classwork and training takes place at the Owens facility; some instruction takes place at Maumee Fire Division’s burn tower. The lessons include how to put out a structure fire, handling hazardous materials at a scene and how to operate the department’s equipment.
“I knew it was going to be very physical,” Bruhn said about the 16-weeks firefighter training. “But I didn’t expect how physical, and how good they got me in shape.”
Another classmate, recruit Shamonde Sanders, age 26, of Toledo, is a military veteran who had considered police work as his next career step. But then he decided on fire and rescue.
“This is a perfect opportunity to give back to the community,” Sanders said about his career path. “I think it is underrated how smart firefighters are, what they need to know and be prepared for at all times.”
The recruits are paid for academy training, and “we’re definitely getting our money’s worth,” Romstadt said.
Family Day celebration
Family Day is second only to graduation day itself within the academy. It marks the training achievements so far, and it is also a chance to meet and thank family and friends who supported recruits throughout the process.
The Dec. 6 ceremony and luncheon took place in the vehicle bay of the Owens training facility. It included speeches from the TRFD chief and other officials, introductions of the instructors and a roll call of the newest firefighters. Rev.Nicole Ritz, one of the TRFD chaplains, also gave a welcome and prayers.
The speeches and remarks included numerous acknowledgements for the family and friends at home.
“It’s the support system at home – you guys – that get this across the finish line,” Romstadt told their family and friends. “We talk a lot about tradition in the fire department. This is not a job: This is about service. This is about teamwork.”
Daniel Brown-Martinez, deputy chief of the training academy, encouraged the academy students to keep their passion for service. “Remember that it is a privilege and an honor to serve,” he said.
Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong speaks during family day for Fire Class 298. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
Then TRFD Chief Allison Armstrong gave her keynote speech.
“We know that they rely heavily on family and friends for support,” she said. “We chose a career of service.”
In their future roles, she reminded the audience, firefighters will have long and busy 24 hours before going home.
Lt. Jeff Wheeler, left, instructs recruit Rafael Cordova how to work the instrument panel for a pumper rig during pump works and hose work training in October at the Owens Center For Emergency Preparedness in Walbridge, Ohio. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
The firefighters are trained to respond to situations, such as a traffic accident or medical emergency. Under those conditions, the chief said, the firefighters are expected to treat the public with courtesy and professionalism. “People call us because they need help,” she said.
But there are also school visits, community events, parades, vehicle maintenance, training updates and smoke detector demonstrations.
Jadon Thompson, left, who became a probationary firefighter after taking the firefighter oath, shakes hands with recruit Nathanael Hicks during family day on Dec.6. Thompson will be assigned to line operations while Hicks will progress to Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training before he becomes a probationary firefighter. (Courtesy Photo/TFRD)
Armstrong instructed her new personnel that they are to be the first to get up and last to sit down when they arrive at their stations for a shift.
“Expect to be busy all day and prepare for that,” she said.
The 19 students who earned probationary firefighter status wore a full black dress uniform with the TRFD patch and cap. After the speeches, they lined up at attention in front of a Toledo fire truck to raise their right hands and recite the department’s oath of office.
The remaining 10 recruits who will continue on in the academy wore a simpler uniform and a red hat. Those recruits sat among the audience, but stood to join their classmates in the chant: “We will serve our community. We will inspire.”
What’s next?
Toledo’s newest firefighters spend a year rotating around three different stations.
TRFD has 18 stations across the city, and while the crews primarily work within the city limits, the department participates in mutual aid calls with neighboring fire districts as needed.
With upcoming city budgets currently under discussion, it’s not clear when the next academy class will begin. Romstadt said they like to start that series in the summer so that any training that needs to take place outdoors can happen amid ideal weather conditions.
Romstadt and Rodriguez said the schedule and personnel selected for each academy is intended to stay ahead of pending and expected retirements.
Bolt Express was recently honored as RXO's Ground Expedite Carrier of the Year. (Courtesy Photo)
Imagination Station bounces in the New Year Dec. 30
It’s time to ring in 2025 with a bounce! 25,000 bouncy balls will fall from the ceiling of Imagination Station Dec. 30 at 2:25pm to celebrate New Year’s Eve Eve.
There are five New Year’s activities for the whole family to try—alongside other exhibits and attractions—as you wait for the main event. Create noisemakers, decorate foam 2025 glasses, make a straw kazoo, discover shrinking art and join the Fort Fest for a snowball fight.
Tickets to New Year’s Eve Eve will be available at the door beginning at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve Eve is included in all memberships. Admission is first-come, first-served.
La-Z-Boy, Inc. to acquire Toledo locations
Set to take effect in January, La-Z-Boy, Inc. will officially acquire Durocher’s two Toledo La-Z-Boy stores: La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor at 5178 Monroe St. in Toledo and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries at 5804 Airport Hwy. in Holland.
As part of the transition, partners and advertisers are told all existing contracts for these La-Z-Boy locations will end on December 31, 2024. Future inquiries and advertisement propositions should be directed to La-Z-Boy’s corporate office. Partners of Durocher’s Sylvania and Monroe, Mich. locations should continue to contact them directly about future advertising.
La-Z-boy (Flickr photo by Mike Mozart)
TARTA honored by Ohio Public Transit Association
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) was honored last month for its services to the Toledo area and efforts to create a better ride experience for sensory-sensitive passengers, receiving two awards from the Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA). The TARTA paratransit team was given the Collaborative Excellence Award for becoming the first Ohio transit agency division to be named a Certified Autism Center, part of a larger effort with Destination Toledo to make the city a Certified Autism Destination. Information Operator Lynette Stanley was presented with the Milestone Award, recognizing her 28+ years of customer dedication, making her the third Team TARTA member to receive the award in as many years.
Assisted Living Locators now serving Toledo
Mohammed Al-Fadhel. (Courtesy Photo)
With a new location in Toledo, nationwide senior placement and referral service Assisted Living Locators will provide families with no-cost aid in the search for senior care options — be it independent living, assisted living, memory care, or in-home care. Under the leadership of Mohammed Al-Fadhel, a University of Toledo alum, Assisted Living Locators helps families sift through the overwhelming amount of available senior care options.
Services include personalized assessments of senior living facilities, an online care planning tool, guided tours and placement support, financial guidance and resources, emergency placement assistance, and ongoing support throughout the entire placement process.
For more information, call Mohammed Al-Fadhel at 213-550-6272 or visit their website.
Bringing Kava Culture to Toledo
Opening soon, Kava Culture Kava Bar is a non-alcoholic bar and lounge, located at 4701 Talmadge Rd.. With a concept centered on community and the earth, Kava Culture encourages people to socialize and build connections, providing the environment to do so while serving up traditional kava, botanical teas, non-alcoholic cocktails, coffee, and vegan treats.
Transportation brokering service RXO has recognized Bolt Express, provider of Time-Critical Transportation Solutions®, as Ground Expedite Carrier of the Year. The Toledo-headquartered Bolt Express credits this achievement to their continued investment in technology, introducing new advancements for their customers and drivers, dedication to employees, and commitment to quality. Integration of Bolt Express’ new Bid App™ module, a high priority for their technology team this year, has aided in creating faster response times and has produced benefits for customers, drivers, and the company alike.
