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Waterville Township to save 115-year-old barn with renovation

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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This 1911 barn at the corner of Dutch and Waterville Monclova Road was purchased by Waterville Township in April. The trustees agreed to hire a company to reside the barn in order to preserve its integrity. The barn will be used to store equipment. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP – Exterior renovations to a landmark barn are set to start this summer.

The 1911 barn was among three Dutch Road parcels along U.S. 24 that were purchased by Waterville Township in April for a total of $138,385. The township plans to move forward with having the barn’s outer shell covered in metal in order to preserve a structure that is otherwise in good condition.

Trustee Toby Miller obtained quotes from three specialists – E & R Roofing and Heritage Construction and Renovations – who recommend the siding in order to make the building watertight and to keep animals out, he told trustees during their May 27 meeting. E & R Roofing also included a quote for replacing the exterior with wood,  which would be more authentic but would necessitate painting every five to seven years. 

All three quotes also include work on the doors, windows and roof, and range from $76,000 to $87,000. Trustees approved a budget of up to $80,000 and authorized Fiscal Officer Jeanne Taylor to obtain information on insurance and Workers Compensation and to negotiate a contract with one of the three.  

“I want to know potential uses and how it will benefit the township,” said Trustee Julie Theroux.

Miller said the facility can be used for the storage of equipment for the township, county and Klumm Brothers, which plows the non-county roads. But to allow its use for public gatherings would require extensive renovations inside, as well as adding fire protection.

“If you look at our comprehensive plan, there are a lot of folks who would like to see a public space that could be used by people in the township – like a park. We have to consider the cost. We can maintain the outside of the barn to keep it structurally sound. That will give us time to consider what else we could do,” he said.

Funds for the renovations will come from the gas tax and road funds, since the facility will be used to store road equipment, including a new $15,166 mower from D&R Outdoor Power Equipment and a trailer. The township contracts with the county to mow roadways, but instead can now contract with township residents to provide that service.

Trustees Julie Theroux, Kyle Hertzfeld and Toby Miller, along with zoning inspector Jim Fischer, prepare for the May 27 meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

During the meeting, the trustees also:

-Heard that a draft of the Land Use Plan update is posted at watervilletownship.com and that a final version should be ready for review in June.

-Discussed the zoning fees, which the township Zoning Commission reviewed, and made recommendations on changes. The commission sent its proposal to the county for review, but is seeking input from trustees on what to charge for an off-premise electronic sign.

The current, nonrefundable application fee for such signs is set at $10,000, which the commission and zoning inspector think is unreasonably high. Dan Bollin and James Moline, who own Dutch Self Storage, would like to install an electronic billboard along U.S. 24 to promote other businesses and include safety alerts, but are awaiting news on what that zoning fee will be. Trustees agreed to wait for the county’s recommendations before discussing and voting on it.

-Learned that trustees are working with Whitehouse to amend its existing annexation agreement and to coordinate a joint economic development district. The annexation agreement is expected to be presented for a vote during the June 24 meeting.

-Heard Miller say that he and his neighbors received notices from the Lucas County Engineer asking to inspect ditches in order to charge an assessment for their maintenance. He learned that those notices went out by mistake, as the township is covering the cost of ditch maintenance in Swan Creek Watershed using the $62,000 remaining in stormwater maintenance fees. The township can do this maintenance themselves or hire someone to do it – or the county could use these funds to do the work. 

-Heard that the police department is set to receive a $5,000 Safety First Grant from Norfolk Southern. Chief Kevin Smith said that former officer Joel Turner – who now works for the railroad – alerted him to the grant opportunity. The funds will be used toward radio equipment.

-Learned that Anthony Wayne High School 2025 graduate Marissa Galton is interested in an unpaid internship with the township police. Smith will check with the insurance company on liability.

-Viewed a video taken by Miller from his back deck, showing a Nexus pipeline blow down – when a large quantity of gas is released into the air. Nexus or Enbridge are supposed to contact local public safety officials prior to the blowdown but did not. He called the hotline number on the township website, but that number and several others are disconnected. Eventually he found an Enbridge representative who promised to provide an emergency number. Enbridge owns the Nexus pipeline and the compressor station on Moosman Drive.

-Approved a $57,530 contract with Premier Patching to do crack repairs in 25 locations throughout the township.

-Learned that the Lucas County Planning Commission will review the township’s proposed zoning text changes governing data centers and other large facilities during its Wednesday, June 24 9 a.m. meeting at 1 Government Center in Toledo.

-Listened to Todd Heller, a member of the Data Center Advisory Committee, ask whether Bill Burkett – a member of the township zoning commission and an employee of Regional Growth Partnership – would be recusing himself from a vote on the zoning text amendments, especially in light of the fact that Burkett voted to forward the proposal to the county during a May 12 special meeting. Heller said that’s a direct conflict and asked trustees what they would do. Trustee Kyle Hertzfeld suggested he contact the Ohio Ethics Commission for clarification.

-Answered questions from Whitehouse resident Leslie Harper, who read the moratorium and proposed zoning language changes to govern data center and other large facilities. 

-Discussed Lyn Cox‘s question about what happens if an applicant makes a request to rezone a property to M-3 and only two trustees are voting. Hertzfeld has stated that he will recuse himself because relatives own land in the area that has generated interest from a data center developer. If Trustees Theroux and Miller have a split vote, no zoning change could take place. Two votes at a minimum are needed to pass a zoning change, Miller said.

Big names commit to the Memorial Tournament

By
Fred Altvater
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Annually the Memorial Tournament selects an honoree and this year’s honorees are two-time major champion David Graham (pictured here) and former St. Andrews professional Allan Robertson. (Courtesy photo)

DUBLIN, OHIO – The Memorial Tournament is once again set to be contested at Muirfield Village Golf Club, June 4-7. The event, one of nine Signature tournaments on the PGA Tour with a $20 million purse, always draws a star-studded field. 

First played in 1976, the Memorial has seen 36 different winners, 85 honorees and generated more than $56 million for Nicklaus Charities and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

Thus far, they have received commitments from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, Tommy Fleetwood and Gary Woodland. 

In his last four starts at the Memorial, Scheffler has recorded two third-place finishes and is working on a three-peat, having won the tournament in both 2024 and 2025. 

Matsuyama was the youngest winner ever of the Memorial, as well as the first Japanese player to win there, when he grabbed the title in 2014.

Fleetwood is one of the most elite ball strikers in the world. He has always been a solid performer for the European Ryder Cup Team and won the 2025 Tour Championship. 

Woodland earned an emotional fifth career PGA Tour victory recently at the Texas Children’s Houston Open. He publicly revealed in March at THE PLAYERS Championship that he had been diagnosed with PTSD following brain surgery he underwent in September 2023.  It was his first win since capturing his U.S. Open title at Pebble Beach. 

Other names that will probably be in Dublin for the tournament include Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Cam Young, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa.

Annually, the Memorial Tournament selects an honoree; this year’s honorees are two-time major champion David Graham and former St. Andrews professional Allan Robertson. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Memorial founded and hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Graham and Robertson will be honored at the presentation ceremony, Wednesday, June 3.

David Graham, from Australia, won eight times on the PGA TOUR, including the 1979 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills and the 1981 U.S. Open at Merion. Both major victories came on storied courses that validated his longtime goal of becoming a world-class player.

The Aussie won the 1980 Memorial Tournament beating another major champion Tom Watson by a single stroke, making birdies on three of his final four holes. 

 

Jack Nicklaus. (Photo by Fred Altvater)

“This is one of the greatest honors I have ever received,” said Graham, 79, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2015. “I’m just tickled to death as a past winner of the Memorial and a proud Muirfield Village Golf Club member to have been selected by the Captains Club. It’s even more rewarding to know that this was a decision by such a distinguished committee. This is a really special honor, especially having a close relationship with Jack Nicklaus.”

A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, Graham is credited with 36 professional wins on six different continents. He also won five times on the PGA TOUR Champions before retiring in 2004. He served as the captain of the International Team in the first Presidents Cup in 1994 and for years was a member of the Masters Tournament Cup and Tee Committee responsible for setting up the course at Augusta National Golf Club. He also has designed golf courses, predominantly in the U.S.

Among the honors he has received include the Order of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 for contributions to the game. He is a member of the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and the Australian Golf Hall of Fame as well as the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Born St. Andrews, in 1815, Allan Robertson followed his father and grandfather into golf. Both men served as caddies at the Old Course at St. Andrews and were accomplished feathery ball-makers. His father, Davie, was one of Scotland’s top players.

Robertson became known as one of the finest feathery ball makers in Scotland. Old Tom Morris worked as an apprentice in Robertson’s shop. Ultimately, it was his skill as a player that set Robertson apart, and he reigned over the game for nearly two decades. He was known to be practically unbeatable in challenge matches, either alone or with Morris as his partner. Robertson also contributed to golf as a caddie, inventor, keeper of the green and course designer. Among his credits are improvements to the Old Course and 10 holes at Carnoustie Golf Links.

Charles Blair Macdonald, a trailblazer in American golf, once said, “Allan Robertson was the best-known golfer of his generation and generally thought to have been the greatest player of his day.”

Robertson died on Sept. 1, 1859, in St. Andrews at age 43 after an attack of jaundice. His prowess as a golfer was so profound that his passing inspired golfers at Prestwick Golf Club to institute a competition to determine who would succeed Robertson as the best player, or “Champion Golfer.” Thus was born The Open Championship.

A plaque in his honor was dedicated only a few weeks ago at St. Andrews. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.



The 2026 Memorial Tournament presented by Workday will celebrate the Tournament’s 50th anniversary June 4-7. For ticket information, visit thememorialtournament.com or call 614-889-6700.

Campus Prairie serves as a living classroom

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Morgan Lindsey, Izzy Geha and Kaleigh Glesser install a plant in the prairie. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

A section of land along Blue Creek – long used for overflow parking during Anthony Wayne football games – is being transformed into a living classroom.

Over the past several months, Anthony Wayne Junior High School students have planted and watched the progress of a prairie that will provide food and shelter for native animals. 

“I didn’t realize how much prairies helped,” said seventh-grader Crosby Caskey, watching on May 22 as his classmates fanned out onto grass that was planted in early March. “I have an interest in native plants. Just seeing them providing for animals is awesome.”

Anthony Wayne Junior High students search for pre-dug holes in which to place native plants in a prairie that is in its first year. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Kneeling in the grass, Reece Bueher took an aster and tamped it into the ground. While he was a student at Waterville Primary School, Reece was often involved with that school’s land lab.

“It took a while for it to come together,” Reece recalled of the Waterville prairie, which now serves as an educational resource for students.

It was seeing the success of Waterville Primary’s land lab that inspired junior high principal Jordan LeFevre to apply for his school to be a part of Project PRAIRIE, which is made possible through the Toledo Zoo’s Education Department in coordination with Wild Toledo and a grant from Owens Corning.

Last year, LeFevre learned that the school was accepted into the program, which includes standards-based curriculum for teachers to use in educating students about the prairie. The junior high prairie is now one of 160 planted outside schools, businesses and communities throughout the northwest Ohio area in the last 13 years.

“Knowing how much Waterville uses their land lab, and seeing kids being able to get outside and experience it, I can see opportunities for science classes to do studies here,” LeFevre said. “It’s experiential type learning.”

Nolan Barnaby, Caleb Duggan, Sammer Elmays and Gabe Mendoza prepare to put some native plants into the prairie. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Last fall, a long patch of grass just south of the middle school parking lot was cleared. In early March, Toledo Zoo educators arrived with native grass seed for students to plant.

“With the freezing and thawing, the seed coating around the grass seeds will open up just like an egg for the grasses to grow nice and tall,” Toledo Zoo educator Alex Burris told the shivering students during that first visit. 

And grow tall it did. As the students returned last week to add wildflowers, milkweed and other native plants, they had to search for the pre-dug holes that Toledo Zoo educators had made among the grass. 

Bradley Dean, a self-described “green thumb,” has planted sunflowers, herbs and deep flowers that attract hummingbirds in his yard, but this was his first experience in planting a prairie. Just being outdoors during the school day is a bonus, said Bradley, who is a Counselor in Training for the Metroparks – helping with outdoor and nature education.

Even as Bradley and the other eighth-graders move on to the high school, they will have opportunities to visit the prairie to observe its progress. LeFevre said he can envision all students in grades 7-12 gaining insight from the prairie, including those interested in STEM, the environment and even Principles of Food classes. It’s also a prime example for the community to witness a change.

Audra Buckenmeyer accepts a handful of seeds from a Toledo Zoo educator during an early March planting of a prairie on the Anthony Wayne Local Schools’ Finzel Road campus. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Native plants can absorb run-off and nutrients that would otherwise wind up in the water supply, said Ryan Walsh, Ph.D., director of plant conservation for Toledo Zoo. 

“The deep root systems of native plants stabilize soils and hep the plant absorb harmful CO2 that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Humans benefit from all of these ecosystem services provided by native plants as well as the positive psychological benefits that are known to come from exposure to natural areas,” Walsh said.

Native plants are adapted to the area and are easy to grow. Some native plants can serve as host plants for up to 10 different species at a time, he said.

Max Kleiboemer checks out a sign that illustrates the actual size of a big bluestem and its roots – one of several native plants that make up prairies in our area. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

“Planting milkweed probably results in the biggest visible change. Even a single milkweed plant can attract breeding monarchs to a yard,” Walsh said. “Milkweed also plays host to the milkweed beetle and milkweed aphid, making them a tiny ecosystem in themselves.”

Even small changes, like a small garden, can have big impacts on local biodiversity, he said.

“We encourage our customers to watch their plants and listen. A prairie or native garden can actually be quite loud with all of the insects buzzing and the animals foraging. Native gardens quite literally buzz with life.”

For property owners who want to add native plants, visit wildtoledo.org.

Ryder Matney and Grant Klewer get their fingernails dirty while placing a native plant in the ground. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
Standing next to a Wild Toledo sign announcing the prairie are (from left) Aiden Johnson, Enzo Cottier, Tenley Smith, Grace Holland, Bella Kerschner and Talya Tokmak. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Wild Side: Killdeer are masters of disguise

By
Art Weber
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Killdeer eggs in Temperance, Mich. (Photo by Metroparks Toledo Nature Photographer Art Weber)

Look very closely at this image until you see them…

Mother Nature has endowed its creatures with a wondrous array of adaptations to fill every niche. Some species are outliers, possessing survival techniques well outside the norm.

Count the killdeer, an attractive upland shorebird with a piercing call that sounds like “kill-deer,” among those outliers. Within hours of hatching, their young are ready to run and begin feeding themselves by mimicking their parents’ foraging techniques.  

Their nests are virtually non-existent because, well, they don’t really need them. The adult female lays her well-camouflaged eggs directly on the ground in a spot that’s often little more than an exposed scrape in gravel or short vegetation. 

Your best indicator a nest is nearby is the arrival of one of the adults performing a famously overly dramatic broken-wing display intended to lure would-be predators away from the nest. 

So, did you see them yet? Four eggs in a “nest.”

Whitehouse bids farewell to Josh Hartbarger

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Josh Hartbarger, center, is joined by his father, Rory, wife Nikki and daughters Josie and Valerie following the May 19 Whitehouse Village Council meeting, where he was commended for his 25 years of service. Hartbarger is set to begin a new position as administrator with the city of Maumee on June 1. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WHITEHOUSE – The 13 Anthony Wayne High School students attending the May 19 Whitehouse Village Council meeting for AP Government class witnessed first-hand how public servants can make a difference.

As Josh Hartbarger prepares to conclude his 25-year career with the village – one that started as a volunteer firefighter and concluded as deputy administrator and chief operating officer – Council passed a resolution commending him for his meritorious service.

While he will remain a village resident, Hartbarger will begin a new chapter in his career as administrator for the City of Maumee. Village Administrator Jordan Daugherty said he’s always known that Hartbarger was destined for something big.

“Josh’s leadership here has done more than direct operations or manage programs – it has inspired others to grow professionally, to pursue excellence in public safety and to deepen their commitment to public service,” Mayor Rich Bingham said. 

He noted that since taking his most recent role as COO and deputy administrator, Hartbarger has brought steadiness, strong administrative skills and clear communication – elevating day-to-day operations by mentoring staff, refining systems and modeling professionalism that is expected from public servants.

“He is known across departments and among residents as dedicated, respected, a thoughtful communicator and a mentor – a public servant who blends administrative skill with a genuine concern for people,” Bingham continued. 

Anthony Wayne High School AP Government students gather outside Whitehouse Village Hall on May 19, following the village council meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Council members also weighed in. Carrie Tuohy said her first months in office were “scary” but that Hartbarger allows everyone to have a voice and feel heard. Steve Fine said Hartbarger’s service and leadership served as a role model. Joe Bublick noted that Hartbarger is respected throughout the community. And Larry Yunker said he’s enjoyed seeing Hartbarger progress in the 20 years since they first met while Yunker was applying for grants for the fire department.

“I wish I could have met you sooner,” said Council Member Dave Riggenbach.

Council Member Louann Artiaga first met Hartbarger when he was third-grader in Barb Smigelski’s Whitehouse Primary School classroom, which approached council in the early 1990s to ask that the village open a public library. When the non-profit Whitehouse Library opened years later, Hartbarger was one of the first board members.

“Who Josh Hartbarger is to me: a man of principal and many virtues. It has been my honor to watch you grow as a man, friend and community leader,” Artiaga said.

One reason why Hartbarger has been able to shine is because of the support he’s had over the years from an excellent staff, elected officials and residents, noted former council member Rebecca Conklin Kleiboemer.

“One of the best legacies you can do for him is to continue that spirit and work together,” she advised. “They’re big shoes to fill, but you have such great people here.”

Hartbarger thanked the village, administration and elected officials for their support, and credited his parents, wife Nikki, and daughters Josie and Valerie, who put up with his time spent away from the family. He also noted that Smigelski’s letters over the years have continued to inspire him to “build bridges.”

During the meeting, council also:

-Heard that the village received $258,000 in Ohio Public Works Commission funding for resurfacing in Steeplechase, Blue Prairie, Belmont Circle and Stockton Avenue.

-Listened to Police Chief Allan Baer thank the students who participated in a joint rescue task force training at the high school – designed to give police and fire/EMS personnel realistic scenarios that involve mass casualties in order to streamline communications and response times. The 20 students acted as victims – screaming and acting so realistically that it elevated his blood pressure, Baer said. 

-Heard Fire Chief Jason Francis say that Dave Beakas will resign effective May 31 after 34 years in the fire service. He will be recognized on June 3.

-Listened to Tuohy ask about Bingham’s comment, during a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, that he could serve as a tie-breaker if Council is split 3-3 on a vote regarding employee benefit changes. Since the COW meeting is a discussion led by the council president, Tuohy and Yunker said Bingham should not have a vote. Law Director Kevin Heban said Council only votes during council meetings, but that he would need to research Bingham could break a tie on decisions made on whether to forward a recommendation from COW meetings to a full vote at council.

-Heard that the village needs to reline a section of sewer, which comes with a price tag of $1.2 million. Staff is looking for grants to cover the cost, but may consider a low interest loan.

-Discussed a request for a speed study on Oak Brook Drive, as development of Country Meadows South will access Oak Brook through a Temperance Street stub. The current concern from many Oak Brook residents is speeding, and a speed camera can be used to provide data to determine if a future speed study is needed. If it is, the developer could be required to pay for the study.

-Heard that Council is considering reinstating a Design Review Board to govern standards in the downtown area.

Providence Township considers data center zoning

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP – Providence Township is getting help from its neighbors to the east.

Concerned that a data center might land in the area, trustees asked Waterville Township Trustee Toby Miller to share details on his township’s push to adopt a new M-3 zoning designation – and amend its M-2 and M-1 zoning language – rather than using a conditional use permit process put into place last year.

During their May 20 meeting, Providence Township trustees listened as Miller outlined how his township put a one-year moratorium in place Dec. 17 and has since formed a Data Center Advisory Committee. Through the committee’s research and advice from the planner leading the township’s land use plan update, Waterville Township agreed to move forward with a change in how it will handle requests from data center developers or other large, campus-style high energy usage facilities.

Using a conditional use permit (CUP) for such large entities is problematic for a few reasons, Miller said. First, the process bypasses trustees –elected officials who meet regularly – and puts the decision in the hands of Board of Zoning Appeals members, who are appointed officials who only meet when needed.

Also, a CUP is considered an administrative process, and therefore cannot by challenged by citizens. On the other hand, a decision to rezone property to M-3 could be appealed by residents, who could file a referendum by collecting signatures from 10 percent of registered voters who voted in the last election.

“This is a major change switching from a conditional use permit to actual zoning,” he said. 

The 67-page document outlining proposed changes to the zoning resolution includes regulations for sound, light, setbacks, landscaping and other aspects. It also sets fees of $500 an acre just to apply for rezoning, plus a large escrow that would be used in the event that the facility was not finished, abandoned early or if the operators do not comply with regulations.

“What we’ve seen in Middleton Township and found in our research is that it’s never Microsoft or Apple coming in with a single permit – it’s 27 LLCs splitting it into dozens of permits,” he said. “In this resolution, we make it to where they have to submit an integrated plan.”

That means even if multiple entities are handling portions of a large project, the entire project has to be presented with a plan for all phases of construction so that all the rules apply across the board, Miller said.

Trustees spoke with Miller about how to integrate the new language into their existing zoning resolution, and Miller offered to help in that process. Providence Township had already been undergoing an overhaul of its zoning resolution when Jim Fischer – who serves as zoning inspector for both townships – suggested they look at following Waterville Township’s lead to add M-3.

Monclova Township and Spencer Township are also watching to see how the Lucas County Plan Commission and staff receive the proposed language changes. During a recent meeting, Monclova Township Trustee Barbara Lang thanked Waterville Township for taking a different approach that could provide more protection.

“We’ll see how comfortable everyone is with the language,” Providence Township Trustee Steve Kendall told Miller during the meeting. “We’re obviously aware that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. People on the township line have been asking if it will be across the road.”

While no applications have been submitted, the southern half of Waterville Township has plenty of farmland. Its dividing line with Providence Township is Hertzfeld Road.

Making the zoning regulations the same in both townships will solve future problems that may develop, Kendall said. Trustee Lee Bialecki agreed, noting that moving on changes soon makes sense.

“That way if something breaks loose we’re all on the same page,” Bialecki said.

Without having any language governing data centers on the books, Providence Township approved a one-year moratorium on April 15, and asked Fischer to seek out advice. Miller recommended that trustees and residents who are interested in more details on the proposed zoning language should look at watervilletownship.com for the full report and a presentation made during a May 12 meeting. The next step is for the county to review the report and make recommendations. A series of public hearings will take place at the county and township level in the months to follow.

During the meeting, trustees also:

-Heard Jim Stang, zoning commission chair, ask why trustees are looking at replacing a 10-year-old dump truck. With the price of new vehicles skyrocketing, he said trustees should consider the number of miles and usage of the truck rather than just replacing vehicles every 10 years. Bialecki said keeping the fleet in good working order is vital to ensure roads are cleared in emergencies. He added that waiting would result in a lower trade-in value as well.

-Discussed a Berridge Road resident’s request for another extension – this time until Dec. 30 – to complete an accessory building that is under construction. The building was to be complete April 30, but due to delays they asked for a June 30 extension. Trustees agreed to wait until the property owner could come to a meeting to answer questions before deciding on issuing another extension.

-Heard an update from Fire Chief Richard Triggs on options for repairing or replacing the 2022 ambulance damaged in a Feb. 18 accident by another driver. He is also reviewing with Fiscal Officer Julie Ludwig the insurance coverage amounts for all vehicles and equipment.

Waterville Library celebrates 100 years

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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The Waterville Branch Library will mark its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 800 Michigan Ave. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WATERVILLE – A century ago, the Waterville Library opened in a small but growing village on the banks of the Maumee River. Located in the “new” Waterville School – razed in 2017 and now Parker Square – the library could be found up a short flight of steps from the ground floor.

“Those steps seemed huge,” recalled Karen Wiggins, a retired Waterville Library branch manager who remembers walking up those steps as a child. “It was both the public and the school library…but it was pretty small. Now it’s one of the top circulation branches in the whole system. The community uses it a lot.”

Amy Fluck is the longest-serving employee of the Waterville Branch, joining the library in 2000 as a shelver. She created a scrapbook of the 2004-2005 renovations at the library. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

The community is invited to celebrate the library’s 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 800 Michigan Ave. 

The 1926 founding of the Waterville Library is mentioned in a 2001 history of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library by David M. Noel. According to his research, within a year of opening, the Waterville Chamber of Commerce appealed to the county school board for a separate building, but it wasn’t until 1964 that the 2,600-square-foot branch on Michigan Avenue was completed.

In the 1970s, a 5,000-square-foot addition was completed to the east of the building and, in 2005, renovations made space for meetings and story hours – including a built-in puppet theater and Carruth Studios pieces inset into the walls.

Three Main Library employees – Mary Rava Miller, Emily Fountain and Carlye Seybold – have fond memories of their time with the Waterville Branch Library. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Mary Rava Miller, who is now the Main children’s library manager, remembers the excitement when the Bluebird passenger train would roll by on the tracks next to the library.

“We’d pause because every child would run to the window. When working with children, librarians have to be flexible,” said Rava Miller, who worked with Jo Kehoe to launch the Babytime program at the branch. “We had lots of babies and families. Librarians are a good role model for reading books to children.”

When Kehoe retired after 39 years of working with children, Patti Lusher took the helm, and for 18 years has organized programs both on-site and in the schools and community. One of her favorite programs has been “Sit. Stay. Read.” –  in which children read to pups from Therapy Dogs International.

“Parents loved it. Kids loved it. I loved it,” Lusher said. “If kids start loving books because they come to a story time, it doesn’t matter who helps them. The important thing is that they love to read and to go to the library. It’s fun to help kids get into something they’re interested in.”

Over the years, Lusher has expanded the branch’s homeschool program, with its own book club and STEM time. She also works with librarian John Cook, who runs a popular chess league.

Carlye Seybold, who now works at the Main Library, often helped Lusher with children’s programs, and she laughs at recalling teen librarian Adrienne Amborski‘s program based on the popular Fear Factor. Amborski put together odd concoctions of food, including a fried worm, for kids to try.

“Kids love the weird,” Seybold said. “And they would come out in full force.”

Adapting programs for children and teens has been a focal point for many of the librarians, with themes based on Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter and other popular books. Wacky Olympics and crafts like tie-dying and making suncatchers are also big draws. Teens always come out in full force to volunteer during the Summer Reading Club, which draws over 1,000 participates a year.

During the pandemic, Seybold worked on an online program modeled after Animal Crossing, in which players were invited to visit Library Island.

“We’re lucky to work in an organization that gives us ideas for programs but gives us room to move too,” Seybold said.

Waterville has always been known as a family-oriented branch, said Emily Fountain, who was a circulation clerk at the branch before moving to Main in 2021. She was known as the sticker lady for giving fun stickers to children.

“It’s nice to learn about the families and the community. I loved engaging with people at the circulation desk,” Fountain said.

When Wiggins was manager, she launched Bookenders, a daytime book club, and Book Chat, in which members share their latest reads. These provided an alternative to the evening book club that Amborski launched in 2005.

“I love the adult book club. Many of us have become friends. And we still have some of the original members,” said Amborski, who has since launched a Cookbook Club that features members scouring the variety of cookbooks available in the library and making foods to share and compare.

All of the librarians point to the community for their support, and the library’s success. 

“We have an avid clientele of readers here. That’s why Waterville is such a gem,” Amborski said. “We have a blend of technical services and traditional library services – programming and connecting readers to the right author.”

Staff members of the Waterville Branch Library include (from left) Will Harbauer, Adrienne Amborski, Colleen Staerker, John Cook, Editha Dehm, Patti Lusher and Jess Huth. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

While the Waterville Branch is among the smallest physically, it’s among the busiest, with 86,524 visitors in 2024. The juvenile section is the most-used section – with young readers growing into adult patrons over the years, said manager Will Harbauer. The Waterville branch has an extensive collection on site, access to materials throughout the system, and free options through Hoopla, Libby and Audible, he added.

The library receives 40 percent of its funding from the state and 60 percent of funding from property taxes or levies. Harbauer points to a return on investment report showing that for every $1.00 invested in the library, the community gets $6.73 in return.

Retired Waterville Library manager Karen Wiggins stands next to a portrait of the library’s first manager, Lois Waffle. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

The report shows that the library is successful in boosting early literacy and kindergarten readiness and helps adults with workforce development, digital access and entrepreneurial support. The library provides access to local services, like the Maumee Senior Center programs for seniors, and those are show to reduce social isolation and improve public health. 

When community members flock to the Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission‘s Eats & Beats Food Truck Tuesdays each summer, or attend a public meeting, they discover a space that is open and bright, with a community glass mural depicting a tree swing, waterfall, train and castle – a scene that captures the essence of the adventures that await inside the books.

Patrons also come to find that the library staff is there to listen, advise and encourage growth. 

Lois Waffle, who worked for Waterville Library for 53 years, is seen in a 1983 photo with a young patron. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

That’s a trend that started with the first manager, Lois Waffle, who served for 53 years, starting as a page while still in high school. 

“The library was her life from a young age. I’ve heard many stories and know that she was quite a character who had no qualms speaking her mind,” Amborski said of Waffle, who was followed by Cam Brady, Wiggins and Harbauer as managers.

A portrait of Waffle hangs in the library. Amborski calls it the Scooby-Do portrait.

“Everyone would say that her eyes move with you,” Rava Miller laughed.

Stop by the library during regular hours to lay eyes on Waffle’s portrait, check out a book or say hello to the staff. And join the fun on Saturday, June 6 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. for a celebration that includes members of the Anthony Wayne Marching Generals, Metroparks Toledo’s rock climbing wall, food trucks, crafts, games, a food truck and organizations including the Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission, Waterville Historical Society and the police and fire departments.

Library staff members include back row, from left, Colin Harsh, Will Harbauer, Tina Ross, Amy Fluck and Jess Huth, and (front row) Beth Chovanec, Noel Anderson, John Cook and Patti Lusher. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Toledo perspectives on Israel & Palestine

By
Stephen Zenner
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Walaa Kanan, a northwest Ohio organizer for the Pro-Palestinian movement, addresses Pro-Palestine advocates who were unable to fit in the room during the Lucas County Investment Advisory Committee meeting inside City Council Chambers. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

October 7, 2023 marked a significant escalation in tensions surrounding Israelis and Palestinians living in the Levant. 

Hamas, the local government in Gaza, and U.S. designated terrorist organization, launched a coordinated attack on the south of Israel. The attack resulted in about 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 people taken hostage by Hamas. 

As of October 2025, the United Nations (UN) reported that 81 percent of all buildings have been destroyed in Gaza, with 92 percent of all housing in Gaza destroyed or damaged as part of Israel’s retribution against Gaza for the Oct. 7 attack.

At least 72,000 Gazans have been killed during Israel’s attacks on Gaza since 2023. 

The destruction in Gaza, withholding of aid, along with dehumanizing rhetoric against Palestinians from Israel’s far-right leadership has led a UN commission to declare what is happening in Gaza as a genocide, while Israel maintains that it is defending itself from terrorist attacks. 

Tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine have always been high, but have become a part of regular American discourse, with rising support for Palestinians and waning support for Israel. 

According to a February 2026 poll by Gallup, all demographics across America show a downward trend in support for Israel, some significant, while others show a lull. 

And Palestinian support has become significantly higher, especially for those under the age of 55. 

Regardless of the fallibility of polling, contrary views on Israel and Palestine run hot. 

The Toledo Free Press spoke to people from northwest Ohio with varied viewpoints, all of whom cared enough about the issue to show up in-person during public opportunities to make their stance known.

Initially, there were four different groups the TFP hoped to sit down with for long-form interviews to better understand their beliefs, including: the American Jewish Zionist perspective, a Palestinian American perspective, an American Christian Zionist perspective and an American anti-war perspective. 

TFP was successful in getting three of these categories represented, with members of the Greater Toledo House of Prayer declining to be interviewed for the American Christian Zionist perspective. TFP captured that group’s presence at a county meeting that involved discussions about divesting from Israel. Read that full story here.

In performing these interviews, TFP did not attempt to prove or disprove the beliefs presented by the interviewees, but to question enough to showcase how the individuals were thinking about what is going on in the world as it relates to Israelis and Palestinians. 

The contentious nature of discussions over Israel and Palestine has entrenched opposite sides, and our publication’s hope is that these interviews will act as a footnote to document opinions of those who cared enough to show up in person and voice them. 

Collecting these three interviews took place over the course of many months, and global events changed over those months. When viewing each interview, it is important to make note of the date to place it into proper context of what had happened at that time, as Israel, Palestine and Gaza all have had significant changes in international politics since beginning this project. 

Phil Tottenham (Interviewed on Oct. 23, 2025)

The first interviewee for this project was Marine Veteran Phil Tottenham, representing the American anti-war perspective, as a member of Veterans for Peace. 

Tottenham talked about his history, growing up in Texas, joining the marines and viewing the world from an initially right-wing perspective before re-evaluating his beliefs. 

Since then, Tottenham has become vehemently anti-war and pro-Palestine, ultimately trying to break the blockade on Gaza by taking part in the second Global Sumud Flotilla and briefly being imprisoned in Israel. 

From his view, Palestinians are oppressed so that others may profit from their losses, and not necessarily just Israelis. Tottenham spoke of Smedley Butler, the most decorated Marine in history, and his book, War is a Racket, talking about how the rich profit off of war, fought by less wealthy individuals.  

Tottenham hopes for a better life for Palestinians, when they are not restricted as they are currently. 

Stephen Rothschild (Nov. 26, 2025)

CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, Stephen Rothschild, sat down to speak about the need for Israel as a safe haven for Jews across the world. 

Rothschild spoke on behalf of the Jewish Federation, and clarified his responsibility to speak from his position and not from personal viewpoints. 

During this interview, Rothschild spoke of the hostility Israel has received from its neighbors, and the need for Israel to defend itself. 

Israel and Palestine are caught in an intractable conflict, according to Rothschild, who fears the massacring of Jews if the United States withheld its support from Israel. 

Rising global antisemitism is a major concern for Rothschild, and in his view, Israel needs to remain an ethnostate for the safety of Jews around the world. 

While Rothschild may not agree with all parts of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s policy, he remains strong on the need for a Jewish state in the levant, and feels a double standard is applied to Israel when it tries to create a safe world for its citizens. 

In his opinion, Israel may not be perfect – no countries are – but Israel is better than other governments in the region. 

Walaa Kanan (April 2, 2026)

Palestinian American and pro-Palestine organizer, Walaa Kanan, spoke from her first-hand experience growing up in Toledo and traveling to visit family in the West Bank of Palestine. 

Kanan spoke of the encroaching and illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, separate roads for Israelis and Palestinians and Israeli checkpoints. 

Gaza’s history does not start on Oct. 7 for Kanan, but with Israel restricting goods and access to the area for decades and with the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians during the 1948 War. Kanan does not believe there is a conflict, but that Israel is a modern colonial state that took land from Palestinians through ethnic cleansing and genocide. 

Kanan hopes for a one-state solution where Muslims, Jews and Christians can live equally under one government. 

Swanton Township addresses zoning issues

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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(AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

SWANTON TOWNSHIP – Between Arrowhead Lake Mobile Home Park, an Airport highway heavy equipment sales and service shop and an abandoned boat on Reed Road, Swanton Township Zoning Inspector Ben Mooney is busy, he told trustees during their May 12 meeting.

Arrowhead Lake owners were sent a notice of violation in December, and Mooney has been in touch with local and out-of-state management, but he has reached out again to ask for an update on progress on issues including blight, trees and vacant homes. Per the advice of the county’s assistant prosecuting attorney, John Borell, Mooney will continue to document progress.

A special zoning meeting will be set to discuss how to handle 12565 Airport Highway, where the new owners of the former Pastorek’s are operating a semi sales and service shop. Neighbors have complained about noise, lights and the use of the facility at all hours of the night, as well as increased truck traffic on Soul Road and Airport Highway. The zoning was mixed use with residential and C-2 when it was an auto sales and service shop. The current owner is running a C-4 zoned business. 

Mooney is also working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of State to obtain a title for a boat that was abandoned on a Reed Road property, in order to donate or sell the boat.

In addition to addressing complaints, Mooney said he would like to being a thorough review of the township’s zoning resolution to bring it up to date and clarify some inconsistencies in language. 

“This will be a large and detailed project. It will take time to get it all put together and reviewed but it will be a huge benefit to the residents of the township when it’s done,” he said.

Any special zoning meetings will be announced on the website, Facebook and the bulletin board.

During the meeting, the trustees also:

-Cancelled the regular June 9 meeting due to an expected lack of quorum and set a new meeting for Monday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m.

-Heard Springfield Township Fire Chief Jonathon Ziehr report that of the 18 runs in the northern half of the township in April, 14 were for EMS and four were fire-related. The department was involved in 17 related events, including fire inspections and pre-planning meetings. The department received a $364,000 federal grant to replace 50 radios and has plans for replacing a 16-year-old engine. Stations 51 and 53 are undergoing remodeling.

-Listened to Trustee Matt Beil report that Velocity, a managed technology solutions provider at 11300 Crosswinds Dr., held a ribbon cutting on an expansion of its operations. Founded in 2005, the expansion represents a $1.5 million investment and 40 employees who will be relocated to the township. The project will bring employment opportunities, infrastructure investment and continued development of the region’s logistics and technology sector, Beil said.

-Learned that the Metroparks will be installing a 22-space gravel parking lot along Girdham Road, which is one of the top birdwatching spots in the area.

-Heard an update on the Toledo Express Airport Joint Economic Development District (TEA-JEDD) – a collaboration with Monclova Township and the city of Toledo for properties around the airport. The township receives one-third of the 1.5 percent income tax collection. For the fourth quarter of 2025, that was $18,887.98.

-Heard Trustee Bill Anderson say that an application has been submitted to have a Revolutionary War historical marker placed on the grave of Joel Scott. 

-Learned that construction for two roundabouts – one at Monclova Road and Wilkins and another at Providence-Neapolis-Swanton and Archbold-Whitehouse roads – is expected to start in June and July. Another roundabout is planned for Wilkins and Shaffer in 2031.

-Heard Beil say that he continues to be in discussions with both Swanton and Whitehouse about options for fire/EMS coverage throughout the township, with the current primary focus on the southern half.

-Learned that green reflective mailbox signs are available for $10 through the Springfield Township Fire Department.

-Discussed a letter from the Village of Swanton about the annexation of two parcels – a total of 160 acres – owned by Schmidt Farms Group. Trustees expressed frustration over the continued loss of land and plan to ask Swanton officials to engage in cooperative discussions.

-Heard that the launch of the website and email – which would benefit from a .gov domain – was delayed. The site is now expected to launch in a month. The ADA compliance portion of the website can be delayed until April 2028 per the Ohio Auditor of State.

-Heard Beil say that the township’s four outdoor sirens are the responsibility of the jurisdiction they are in, and the EMA provides the signal to the warning sirens, not maintenance or installation of the sirens themselves. It may cost up to $40,000 to repair or replace one non-functioning siren on S.R. 295. Beil said he had a conversation with the EMA director and conducted his own research, and found that there are better, more cost-effective solutions available, such as automatic alerts and weather radios.

The other three sirens are working. Residents can sign up for text alerts from the Lucas County EMA. 

-Unanimously approved a resolution opposing the elimination of all property taxes in Ohio. The resolution will be sent to state officials.

Anthony Wayne organizations award scholarships

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Among the Waterville Community Foundation scholarship winners are, from left, Grant Hubley, Nathan Barasch, Colleen Hildebrand, AJ Rea, Liam Close and Madeline Johnston. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Three area organizations – the Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club, the Anthony Wayne Area Democratic Club and the Waterville Community Foundation – awarded scholarships to area seniors in May.

Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club

Ella Hertzfeld. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

The 98-year-old Waterville Rotary Club is now the Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club, in recognition of its service throughout the area. High school students get involved through the Interact Club, which provides opportunities for following the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

Four students were selected for scholarships this year. Katherine Cardenas plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biology. Grant Hubley is headed to Ohio University to study political science and pre-law. Ella Kosinski is attending The Ohio State University to major in dance and exercise science. And Lydia Smucker will major in biochemisry at the University of Detroit, Mercy.

ROTARY

Four students were selected for Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club scholarships this year, including (from left) Lydia Smucker, Grant Hubley, Ella Kosinski and Katherine Cardenas. (Courtesy photo)

Anthony Wayne Area Democratic Club

Grant Hubley was chosen as the recipient of the Anthony Wayne Area Democratic Club scholarship, after submitting an essay on political courage. 

In his essay, Grant explained how he was on a student panel in March 2025, making a presentation, when an adult attendee stood up and shouted at him, accusing him of being wrong.

“In that moment, I faced a choice. I could react defensively and escalate the situation, or I could model the democratic principles I value: respect, healthy and productive dialogue, and a willingness to change,” he wrote. “I chose composure.”

Afterwards, Grant spoke with the man about the reasons behind his comments, and learned that his frustration was not personal, but rather because of his own challenges in making needed reforms.

“Listening to him broadened my understanding. While I maintained my positions, I learned how much persistence and passion are needed to succeed with policy change,” Grant wrote. “The conversation changed no policy. Instead, it changed the adults in the room’s foundational beliefs: democracy functions when disagreement leads to conversation rather than division, especially with young people. Respect transformed confrontation into dialogue.

“Political courage is not always casting a dramatic vote; sometimes it is standing firm in your convictions while treating opponents with dignity. This is what continues to instill  public trust in our institutions for generations to come.”

Grant has served in national and state levels of Family, Community and Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) leadership, is on student council and a member of the Interact Club and Environmental Awareness Club. He plans to major in political science and pre-law at Ohio University, with a goal of working in Washington DC.

Waterville Community Foundation

The Waterville Community Foundation awarded the Katherine R. Smith Scholarship to nine area seniors. Founded 25 years ago, the foundation supports numerous community projects, but the Katherine R. Smith funds are focused on helping children – including scholarships for graduating seniors.

The recipients who were able to attend shared some of the highlights of community service projects they have enjoyed over the years.

• Nathan Barasch, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, is heading to Ohio Northern University to study engineering and join the swim team. His goal is to become a design engineer in the automotive industry. One of his favorite projects over the years has been the Halloween food drive, in which students collect canned and boxed foods for those in need.

•Abigail Beier, a Notre Dame Academy graduate, will study operations management at Indiana University-Bloomington.

•Liam Close, a Toledo Technology Academy graduate, plans to study civil engineering at the University of Toledo. During high school he designed and built sets and did lighting and sound for community theater organizations. He recently spent a semester as an intern at the Lucas County Engineer’s Office.

•Ella Hertzfeld, a St. Ursula Academy graduate, is headed to the University of Dayton to major in biology for a pre-med track. Ella volunteers with Toledo Victory Center, helping with events. As a student council, she has also hosted fundraisers for cancer research.

•Colleen Hildebrand, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, will study biomedical engineering at Miami University with a pre-med track. As a member of Interact Club, one of her favorite programs to support is Let’s Build Beds. Through DECA, she created a marketing campaign on the nonprofit that provides beds for children. 

•Grant Hubley, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, is headed to Ohio University to study political science/pre-law, with the goal of being elected to office or to get involved in Washington, D.C. Through FCCLA, Grant said his favorite community service project was working with Waterville Primary School students to write holiday letters to residents of StoryPoint Senior Living Community.

Arjun Jayaraman. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

•Arjun Jayaraman, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, plans to study mechanical engineering or business at the University of California at Berkley.

•Madeline Johnston, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, plans to study business administration and international business at The Ohio State University. As a member of Youth Leadership Toledo, Madeline has been involved in numerous community service projects.

•AJ Rea, an Anthony Wayne High School graduate, plans to study communication design at Miami University. His favorite community service project was building and distributing beds to children in need through Let’s Build Beds.

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