TOLEDO – White sandy beaches, tropical blue water, warm weather and bright sunshine sound pretty good to most Ohioans this time of year. And that’s evident by the number of people who already have flown Allegiant’s new nonstop route from Toledo to Sarasota/Bradenton.
Allegiant Airlines plane. (Photo courtesy of Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority)
“We launched the Sarasota flight in November, and we just received data for our first full month, which was December, and we are just really excited to report a 93 percent load factor,” said Thomas Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. He explained that “load factor” is an airline industry term for the percentage of seats that are filled on each flight.
President and CEO Thomas Winston of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. (Courtesy photo)
“We’ve demonstrated 20 years of the community supporting the service for Allegiant, and particularly for the kind of destinations for leisure and traveling like Sarasota/Bradenton.
With the addition of the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Allegiant now flies from Toledo to a total of four airports in central and Gulf Cost Florida.
“They launched the Orlando-Sanford flight in 2005, added the St. Pete-Clearwater flight in 2006, and then launched the Punta Gorda/Fort Myers flight around 2013,” Winston said. “So when you look at that Gulf Coast area of Florida, we’ve demonstrated the ability to support those leisure and travel opportunities for our residents.”
He noted that people from the Toledo area own more than 200 second homes in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.
“That’s the type of data that airlines, specifically Allegiant, will use and look at,” Winston said, adding that he and his staff meet regularly with airline and airport officials from around the country to discuss possible routes and services.
The Sarasota-Bradenton area already was a popular vacation spot for Toledo-area travelers, according to Paul Hoback, President and CEO of the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
Sarasota, Fla. (Photo courtesy of the Toledo Lucas-County Port Authority)
He moved to the Sarasota area from Pittsburgh in October to take the SRQ job and said he meets so many people from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania that “it just feels like home down here.”
“It’s so exciting for people in the Toledo region to come on vacation down here, to paradise, to be able to enjoy the beaches that we have, the amazing arts and culture that we have here, you know, even the culinary experience, the foods and all of the opportunities you have with that. I mean, it’s just…it’s incredible,” Hoback said.
He said he really does consider the Sarasota-Bradenton area to be a paradise.
“I mean, it’s not just white sandy beaches. It’s boating opportunities, it’s golfing, it’s fishing, it’s the wildlife…. I’ve been exploring the state parks and seeing alligators and manatees and dolphins; it’s just unbelievable. It’s absolute paradise down here, and I think that’s why it’s so easy to sell this region to the rest of the world because it’s your chance to get away.”
Anna Maria Island, just west of Bradenton, offers beautiful views of sunset on the Gulf of Mexico almost every day. (Courtesy photo)
Among the area attractions are the beaches of Anna Maria Island, Cortez, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key. In Sarasota, The Ringling is a museum that is “literally one minute from the airport,” Hoback said.
“There are large buildings that house a lot of memorabilia from the [Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey] Circus, but it’s not just a circus museum,” he said.
The museum’s extensive art collection features Baroque masterpieces including four massive paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and an exact copy of Michelangelo’s statue of David, as well as other art from a variety of regions and eras.
Winston pointed out that Toledo Express and Allegiant have been steadily increasing their travel offerings.
“In December, we had 11 more flights than we had in December 2024. Because of the services with Allegiant and the support of the community, there were 1,800 more seats available last December than a year ago,” Winston said. He expects the new nonstop flights to Sarasota/Bradenton will continue to raise those numbers.
“At the beginning of May, we will have over 5,800 more available seats flying out of Toledo Express in the first five months of 2026 than we did in the first five months of 2025,” Winston said. And the increased numbers of travelers help the local job market in a variety of ways.
“There is certainly more of an indirect impact on jobs, like the ground handling services that service these aircraft, more opportunities for our car rental agencies, more fuel going into aircraft … there’s a ripple effect on getting this additional route,” Winston said.
Winston said it’s too early to know for sure, but the Jan. 10 announcement by Allegiant that it is acquiring Sun Country Airlines will likely be a boost for Toledo travelers.
“The future combined company airline will have over 170 destinations that they fly to, particularly around the U.S. but also in Mexico and the Caribbean,” he said. “The bottom line is that with the changes in the industry, with consolidation taking place, we believe there is clearly a niche for Toledo Express,” he said, mostly for trips to vacation destinations like Florida and Arizona.
“The community has supported that for 20 years, and we know we can continue to support that,” Winston said.
The Pale Horse, a horror-themed bar on N. Superior St. in downtown Toledo, will open on Friday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. (TFP photo by Steven Bieber)
Opening on Jan. 16 on Superior Street
TOLEDO — While there are already plenty of great watering holes in Toledo, one new bar aims to bring something fresh to the downtown area: The Pale Horse, Toledo’s first-ever horror-themed bar.
Owner Jessica Delgado has loved the horror genre for as long as she can remember.
“I love everything horror. I have been watching horror since I was a child, you know…Creepshow, Chucky…all those kinds of things,” she said. “I just grew up on it. I go to conventions every year – oddities conventions, horror conventions. I just love the genre, and I know there are a lot of people like me that like that too.”
Before setting her sights on opening a bar, Delgado worked as a quality technician for 10 years. During that time, she conducted her own research to determine whether there was enough interest among horror fans to pursue the project. She was also influenced by the emergence of other horror-inspired businesses, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and cafes.
Owner Jessica Delgado standing by some creepy artwork a week before opening. (TFP photo by Steven Bieber)
Any new business owner faces a series of challenges, and Delgado is no exception. Since she began planning for the January 2026 opening, she has had to navigate the many licenses and permits required to open. The most difficult license for her to obtain was the liquor license; without it, her dream would have been dead in the water. She also noted some staffing issues, as two of her chefs recently quit.
Fortunately, the process has not been all doom and gloom. Delgado said she has not had to look far to find people eager to work. When she received the keys to the building, she posted on Facebook and was met with a flood of messages from individuals seeking employment. She also offered advice to anyone looking to start their own business.
“Definitely have a plan going forward. Do all the research. Know everything that you want to know before you start, because if you’re in it and you’re learning those lessons, it’s going to be so hard. And I’d say network as much as possible because people are incredibly helpful.”
With her liquor license in hand, Delgado is free to serve drinks that are as unique as they are spooky. The Pale Horse’s menu features eight specialty cocktails, as well as slushies (alcohol optional) and six mocktails for people who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy the experience. The food menu keeps things simple, with items such as burgers, chicken chunks, and sliders. Delgado also includes empanadas as an homage to her roots in Cleveland, which has a large Latin American community.
Along with food and drinks, The Pale Horse seeks to entertain its guests. In the main room, movies will play on screens throughout the space. Downstairs, guests can enjoy games such as pool, darts, and karaoke free of charge. Delgado also shared her ambition to eventually host live shows at the bar.
Delgado said her priority is for everyone to have a good time, even those who are not horror fans, and she encourages everyone to come out and try something new.
The grand opening for The Pale Horse will be held Friday,Jan. 16, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at 319 N. Superior St. Learn more at The Pale Horse website.
Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez speaks during a Lucas County Commissioners meeting at 1 Government Center in downtown Toledo on Tuesday, Jan. 13. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
TOLEDO – Commissioners Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez appeared blindsided by their counterpart, Pete Gerken, as he made an impromptu attempt to vote symbolically against a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant during Tuesday’s Lucas County Commissioners Meeting at 1 Government Center in downtown Toledo.
Gerken said the grant was supposed to empower the county to stop drug runners coming down from Canada, but stated that “ICE, DHS and Border Patrol have devolved in front of the country’s eyes, as we saw clearly this last week.”
ICE in Minnesota
On Jan. 7, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents surged into Minneapolis, Minn. and, during neighborhood raids, killed Renee Good, a United States citizen.
A subsequent DHS action near Roosevelt High School later that same day led Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) to close their district for “safety concerns” for the rest of that week.
Minnesota officials have claimed DHS agents are terrorizing the city and state, while DHS have maintained their actions are justified as part of their immigration raids.
Under the Trump administration, concerns about due process, detaining American citizens and other aggressive tactics used by ICE have been criticized more significantly, but the killing of Good has cemented a more intense opposition to DHS.
Operation Stonegarden
Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
For over a decade, Lucas County has received money from the Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) Grant, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the commissioners unanimously voted to receive the $70,000 grant back on Dec. 2, 2025.
An “administrative error” landed the grant back in front of the commissioners on Jan. 13, and they had to approve the amended amount, $68,250, before the Sheriff could receive the funds.
Gerken used the grant’s appearance on the agenda as an opportunity to speak on national politics, and stated outright that he began speaking without intent to rescind the grant.
“I understand this is not a rescinding of that resolution [OPSG],” he said towards the beginning of a political monologue against DHS, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and ICE.
“I’m not going to maintain my neutrality when it comes to taking any money for this county to do the purposes of DHS, ICE or Border Patrol…I think DHS, ICE and Border Patrol have gone from a legitimate law enforcement agency to a terrorist group.”
Then Gerken read the definition of a terrorist group: “A group who uses threats of violence to create fear, aiming to intimidate civilians or coerce governments to achieve political, religious or ideological goals, often by targeting noncombatants or property for maximum psychological impact.”
No DHS
Lisa Sobecki, president of the Board of Lucas County Commissioners. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Scrambling to pick up after Gerken’s impromptu speech, Sobecki said she agreed with Gerken, but the vote from December was still in place to receive the grant.
Sobecki stood by her vote in December to receive the funds, but said she did not condone the actions of DHS agents in Minnesota.
During both of the other commissioners’ speeches, Lopez’s face became quizzical.
When given an opportunity to speak, Lopez asked if the commissioners could turn Gerken’s symbolic words into real action, and asked if it was too late to rescind the grant in full.
Gerken responded with, “Oh, you’re going there.”
Noting that this was not a contract, like the previous Flock contract the commissioners tried to pull out of last summer, Gerken said, “This is a grant. We can un-accept at any point with the will of the board.”
A motion to right the administrative error to the OPSG was voted down, with Sobecki the only commissioner supporting the amendment to the grant.
And then Gerken made a new motion, not on the agenda, to rescind the Dec. 2, 2025 vote, unaccepting the DHS grant.
“Again, I voted for it” back in December, he said before taking the vote that would deny the funding from DHS. “Things have changed.”
Then and now
Back in December, the Toledo Free Press asked, in light of Gerken’s outspoken opposition to Trump’s immigration policy, why he accepted the grant, and received this answer from him on Dec. 8, 2025 in an email:
“This grant covers Lucas County Sheriff’s Office expenditures for overtime and vehicle use/maintenance related to border security. It is not a new grant; Lucas County has received federal funding for these operations for at least 20 years. It also is not a contract with ICE.
Lucas County is a border community. Monitoring our international border to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious crimes is an important part of the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office’s work to keep our community safe.”
After stating things had changed, Gerken belittled the DHS patrol boat the federal government had supplied to watch Lake Erie, and said, “That was a waste of, probably, money to do that. It apprehended no drugs from Canada, but gave us a $300,000 boat to patrol Lake Erie on.”
“Given where we are today, in the history of our country, I don’t want to have monies co-mingled with our county funds,” he said, and made the motion to rescind the grant entirely.
“I don’t want the sheriff to be tainted by that, so I would make a motion to rescind the resolution for the Stonegarden grant.”
Lopez and Gerken voted to rescind the grant, while Sobecki voted to receive the grant, and the grant was rescinded.
Pete Gerken, a Lucas County Commissioner, speaks on the Department of Homeland Security next to his fellow Lucas County Commissioners Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Sheriff’s response
Back in December, the Toledo Free Press asked Lucas County Sheriff Michael Navarre about Operation Stonegarden in relation to ICE and Border Patrol, and he said in an email,
“This grant was previously called the ‘Northern Border Initiative’ and has been in place for two decades. It was historically used for patrols on Lake Erie. It pays for overtime for deputies and is intended to stop illegal drug trafficking. It has nothing to do with enforcement of federal immigration laws.”
The Toledo Free Press reached out to Navarre for comment on the rescinding of OPSG, but did not hear back.
Navarre is quoted in The Blade, in an article by Alex Bracken, responding to the Board of Lucas County Commissioners’ decision:
“‘I think it is foolish to turn away free money from the federal government with no strings attached,’ Sheriff Navarre said. ‘We’re not working with the Department of Homeland Security, we’re not working with Customs and Border Patrol, and we’re not working with ICE — they’re just the providers of the money.’”
The report file for OPSG on hand with Lucas County reads:
“The goal of this project is to enhance cooperation and coordination between Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol, and Lucas County to improve overall border security.
…Lucas County law enforcement agencies will work in coordination with USBP to serve as force multipliers in a combined effort to disrupt, dismantle, and interdict transnational threats while improving communication and intelligence sharing. Lucas County will utilize their own law enforcement authorities to support the border security mission and do not receive any additional authority by participating in OPSG.
…To accomplish the Operation Stonegarden mission, law enforcement sensitive information is shared between Federal, State, and local friendly forces. This information includes intelligence sharing, CONOPS/Applications, Operations Orders, Fragmentary Orders, Daily Activity Reports, After Action Reports, and more.”
The day before the Commissioners’ meeting, the Toledo Free Press spoke with Navarre concerning another matter, during which he clarified, “My issue [with ICE] was the family separation that the federal government still has not adequately addressed.”
Navarre went on to say he is in communication with DHS entities on a regular basis, and he said, “If we get a request from ICE to assist them, we’re going to assist them. We’re not going to tell them no.”
“We’re not going to turn our backs on law enforcement. They’re taking orders from their bosses just like we are.”
Dissent
Commissioner Sobecki corroborated the Sheriff’s assessment on the grant.
“It has nothing to do, in my opinion, in my vote, that I took today, that I also took in December— it had nothing to do with what was happening across our country with ICE,” she said. “I’m supporting the ability for the sheriff to be able to have a grant that came from the federal government, to be able to offset some costs…”
“I don’t agree with the fact that ICE can come into a community, wear a mask, and you don’t know what their names are and things like that,” Sobecki said, but upheld a difference between receiving the grant and directly supporting ICE.
Limits on federal power
Lopez, who turned the symbolic gesture by Gerken into real action said, “We don’t want any of those dollars under this culture that has developed under Homeland Security.”
“If we accept those dollars, does that mean we silently approve of their actions and operations? I think that’s what it comes down to,” she said.
Specifically, Lopez talked about the practice of wearing masks, “If we’re going to accept dollars, there should be parameters, so if our law enforcement are out there with no masks in operation with Homeland Security, then their law enforcement should also be transparent and be easily identifiable.”
At that moment, a group of county parole officers walked through the first floor of 1 Government Center, and Commissioner Lopez motioned to their un-masked example as to how law enforcement should carry out their duties.
When the grant comes around next year, Lopez said she would be happy to renegotiate, but wanted assurances from DHS about their conduct in Lucas County.
“I think we need to set some parameters when they’re in our county, and if not, we shouldn’t accept the dollars.”
Everywhere in Toledo, you’ll find people who play a role in making our city tick – from hospitals and factories to restaurants and art galleries – and behind every person is a story. Our program, Toledo Works, highlights those stories from workers’ firsthand accounts. Each week, Toledo Free Press hosts Jaden Jefferson and Stephen Zenner focus on a different topic within the Toledo workforce, exploring their day-to-day challenges and triumphs.
In this episode, Jaden sits down with two workers from organizations that help Toledo kids thrive: Abbie Spencer fromToledo Day Nurseryand Katie McGuckin from WIC.
Amy Barrett was voted in unanimously to the Anthony Wayne School Board. (Courtesy photo)
ANTHONY WAYNE – Amy Barrett is joining the Anthony Wayne Board of Education, filling out the remainder of Shellie McKnight‘s term. After a nearly 90-minute executive session on Jan. 13, board members Jeff Baden, Lindsay Hoipkemier, Kyle Miller and Mike Stamm returned to vote unanimously for Barrett, who ran for a seat on the board in a crowded 2023 election.
“We had a really good discussion. There’s so much talent. We really appreciate all 25 candidates who applied for this position,” Baden said.
Barrett has been involved in the district for over 28 years, including leading a drug prevention education, working as a substitute teacher, serving on parent-teacher organizations and founding a weekend food bag program. Currently Barrett is a self-employed grant writer and the volunteer coordinator for Anthony Wayne Neighborhood Bridges, which ensures that students have food, clothing and other resources.
“I am very honored to have been chosen to serve both the school district and our community in this capacity,” Barrett said.
She will be given the oath of office during the Monday, Feb. 9 board meeting.
The Anthony Wayne Board of Education approved the selection of Amy Barrett to serve out the remainder of Shellie McKnight’s term during its Jan. 13 meeting. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
During the meeting, Superintendent Kevin Herman gave a state of the schools address that is available in full on the district’s website at anthonywayneschools.org.
He detailed the district’s financial health. While boosted with a $3.2 million revenue increase due to increases in property valuations, the district needs to be fiscally conservative to deal with increasing costs, Herman said, noting that the district is closely monitoring House Bill 335, which seeks to reduce the tax burden for property owners.
Student enrollment has declined over the past four years, with a total of 4,127 this year.
“That surprises people when they see the new houses going in,” Herman said of the growing district. “People feel that we should be busting at the seams.”
The district continues to perform well, ranking in the top five percent in the state for academic performance.
“We will continue to work and build on that,” he said. “But success is not just measured in test scores.”
Superintendent Kevin Herman gave a state of the schools address. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
In addition to strong academic performance, the district has excelled in the arts, athletics and other extracurricular activities – with a high percentage of student participation.
With the district’s five-year strategic plan set to wrap up in 2027, work will begin on updating the plan to incorporate changes in state laws and enrollment. Herman said the district’s other goals include deepening community partnerships and providing students with opportunities to gain the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Herman encouraged community members to contact the district with questions.
“Your voice is important,” he said.
During the meeting, the board also:
-Named Jeff Baden as board president and Miller as vice president, approved committee assignments and set meeting dates.
The Anthony Wayne High School girls soccer team was honored for its state title win. (Courtesy photo)
-Congratulated the state title-winning girls soccer team and coach Lori Williams, who noted that the 24 athletes also achieved a GPA of 4.16 while ending the season with a 19-0-3 record. Williams said the support from the community throughout the season was palpable.
-Listened to parent Roy Collaco share research about EdChoice vouchers, initially designed to give low-income families an opportunity to choose private schools. In the 2024-25 school year, 614 of the 3,802 students in the district used vouchers, although only 3 percent qualified as low-income, according to Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) data.
That means that families who can already afford private schools received up to $8,408 for that education. The public school, by comparison, receives $813 per student. In Ohio, EdChoice Expansion gave out 69,000 new vouchers but private school enrollment grew by less than 3,700, meaning that the money was used to pay the tuition of students already attending. Continuing this practice will cause greater cuts in public school funding, said Collaco, who urged voters to pay attention to candidates and whether they support school vouchers.
-Encouraged Anthony Wayne graduates who are couples to sign up for a Saturday, Feb. 14 basketball game followed by a reception with refreshments, photo ops and tours. The AW True Blue SweetheartsReunion is a way of recognizing alumni couples – whether they met in school or later, Herman said.
Scott Jahns (left) and Nick Sargent (right) stand with Waterville Mayor Tim Pedro after being named to fill two open positions on Waterville City Council during the January 12 meeting. The two will be sworn into office on Monday, Jan. 26. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
WATERVILLE – Waterville City Council members Todd Borowski, Mary Duncan, Rod Frey and Wayne Wagner, along with Mayor Tim Pedro, unanimously selected Scott Jahns and Nick Sargent to fill two vacant council seats during the Jan. 12 meeting.
“It was a tough decision,” Pedro said, following nearly two hours in an executive session to interview the seven candidates, which also included Rob Allen, Karen Eboch, Tim Guzman, Michael Hampton III and Amy Self.
Jahns, a retired engineer, has lived in Waterville for 32 years, and first got involved with city government six years ago, when he had ideas and questions about a changeover in refuse and recycling collection, recalled Pedro. He then got involved in serving on committees, including Charter Review, Public Works, Waterville Comprehensive Plan and Architectural Review. In the past two years, Jahns has attended nearly every city council meeting.
“I started coming to Council so I could learn how government works. It became a passion of mine,” he said. “I believe I bring a positive outlook, fresh ideas and a common sense approach. I want to see the city prosper.”
Sargent, who moved to Waterville in 2013, is managing partner of S&L Cabling Solutions and brings a background in computer engineering and network infrastructure. He got involved with the city nearly a decade ago, serving on the Safety Committee and then chairing a levy that passed by 70 percent, funding the W3 Co-op – a collaboration between Waterville, Waterville Township and Whitehouse – which provides regular staffing, training and equipment for fire and EMS services in the area.
“Through those actions and the voters passing that legislation, we are able to save lives as firefighters are now physically in the building and responding to calls as opposed to responding from their homes,” he said.
Sargent said he feels like it’s time to give back and be part of the growth and prosperity of the community by working on ordinances that have a long-lasting impact.
Maumee Municipal Court Judge Daniel Hazard will attend the Monday, Jan. 26 meeting to swear in the newly appointed council members.
Todd Borowski was named vice mayor of Waterville. (Courtesy photo)
During the meeting, council also:
-Witnessed Pedro administer the oath of office to re-elected council member Mary Duncan.
-Unanimously voted to name Todd Borowski as vice mayor – a role that includes filling in for Pedro in representing the city in the event he is out of town or unable to serve.
-Learned that the city ended its year with a cash balance of $12.4 million.
-Listened to Dave Weber of the Save the Bridge Association ask council to write letters of support for their efforts to save the Roche de Boeuf Interurban bridge, which was issued a one-year reprieve from demolition in April 2024 by Gov. Mike DeWine. He also asked council to consider applying to become a certified local government to show its commitment to protecting historic sites. And he asked for the city to consider ownership of the bridge. Pedro said a meeting with the current bridge owner, the Ohio Department of Transportation, is slated for Jan. 15.
-Heard that Pedro was interviewed by WGTE for a Monday With Mayors program that aired on Jan. 12.
At the corner of Central and Secor, on Sunday, a protest was held by the group Toledo Persists. (TFP photo by Jaden Jefferson)
TOLEDO – The killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis this week sparked protests – not only in Minnesota – but across the country. Good was a mother and U.S. citizen whose name is now at the center of a movement to put a check on ICE’s power. At the corner of Central and Secor on Sunday, a protest was held by the group Toledo Persists.
The Trump administration has defended the ICE agent. Officials claim he shot in self-defense as Good attempted to run him over. However, for many who’ve seen videos of the incident, they draw a separate conclusion. Among them is Christine Mesmer, a veteran of Afghanistan and member of Toledo Persists. She believes “it was murder.”
“Everybody knows you do not fire into a vehicle. Unless you are going to disable it, you fire at the wheels, you fire at the engine block – you do not shoot the person behind the wheel – that is dangerous. A real police officer knows that; anybody that’s done any sort of law enforcement knows that.”
She explained what drove her to be a part of this movement.
“We need to have our voices heard. As a member of this community, as a member of a lot of other communities, we need to have our voices heard,” said Mesmer, who added, “It’s horrible how the machine keeps chewing us up and spitting us out.”
At a time when many feel powerless, Mesmer agrees with the idea that protest is one way of reclaiming power.
(TFP video by Jaden Jefferson)
“Grassroots starts out here on the streets. This is an absolute grassroot movement. This is just the absolute beginning of what’s going to happen.”
She went on to explain that “at this point, we are going to band together and create community. We’re going to reach out. We’re going to make sure everybody has all the resources that they need, everybody knows where food banks are, where to get clothing, where to get emergency shelter.”
Mesmer said “our immigrant community is what makes this nation so great; diversity is what makes this nation great.”
Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken, who was among the demonstrators on Sunday, said that “ICE hasn’t been here yet, but we don’t wait until they get here.”
Gerken had a message for his fellow elected officials, the county sheriff, and police captains: that they should “keep us safe first” in the event ICE comes to Toledo.
“So they’re not here yet, but let’s let them know that ICE – and the system of deportation trauma they’ve imposed – doesn’t play in Toledo, Ohio.”
He said, “I’m proud of our community for doing this and I wanna be part of it. I’ve been doing this since 1968 – I’m not gonna quit now, and more people are joining in.”
The Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio in Williams County is one of the holding facilities for ICE detainees. According to Commissioner Gerken, “We just received 57 more detainees from ICE two weeks ago.” He said most of them, as Lucas County officials are finding out, have no criminal charges and “are just here because they didn’t have their papers with them.”
(TFP photo by Jaden Jefferson)
Immigration agents have recently been operating in Ohio’s capital city. When asked if he’s concerned that Toledo could be next, Gerken said, “We have great, strong immigrant roots here. We have many people from everywhere here. That’s to say they could come here, so we’re prepared.” He added that “the resistance will meet it when it comes.”
Lucy Frank, in addition to protesting Good’s death, was present to collect signatures on behalf of Amy Acton’s gubernatorial bid.
“I’m a local Democrat and I believe in rights for everybody. My husband, who just became a citizen this past summer – we both believe everybody has a right to be here. And so, I really appreciate everybody coming out today.”
Frank noted that Columbus, which has the second largest Somali community in the U.S. (after Minneapolis), has been feeling the presence of ICE – more so than Toledo has thus far. However, she believes that “we all have to stand beside our brothers and sisters and people who are scared.”
She said that, as an occasional protestor, Good’s death concerns her.
“The fact that I can’t go to a protest, and feel like I can come back alive…that’s not okay in the United States of America – it’s just not.”
There have been calls to abolish ICE, from Frank and others. It’s not something she expects to happen under the Trump administration, but believes the fact it’s a fairly new government agency – created in 2003 – means it’s not one that can’t be eliminated entirely.
(TFP photo by Jaden Jefferson)
Reverend TK Barger, senior minister at the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, spoke to the role of faith officials in activism.
“I don’t often wear a clerical collar, although my profession is minister. But, as I say, when you wear it for protest, you need to show that religion supports this type of action.”
He explained that “we are trying to live in ways that some of the great religious leaders have tried to demonstrate and advocate. Rather than to depend on some supreme entity to change us, it is up to the people to make that change.”
Jae Morales of central Toledo holds a sign protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prompted by an ICE agent shooting and killing a Minneapolis, Minn. woman, Renee Good. The protest was held at 1 Government Center in downtown Toledo on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. The protest was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Toledo, Ohio 50501, Northwest Ohio Democratic Socialists of America (NW Ohio DSA), University of Toledo Students for Justice in Palestine (UTSJP) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Toledo. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
TOLEDO – 80 to 100 people gathered in front of Toledo City Hall, 1 Government Center, Thursday evening to protest the actions of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, Jonathan Ross, who shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, in Minneapolis, Minn. Good was killed on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Many videos, including different angles, of the shooting have spread across social media since the morning Good was killed while operating a vehicle with a number of ICE agents surrounding it.
Outrage and protests against ICE started the same day as the shooting, following Good’s death, and the protest action on Thursday is one small part of that movement.
Bryce Howard, a student at Bowling Green State University, speaks during the protest.
Nationally
President Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), immediately supported the ICE agent who shot Good saying that the agent acted in self-defense and denounced Good as a “domestic terrorist,” alleging Good was trying to attack the ICE agents with her car.
In reaction to the statements by the president and DHS, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the claims of self-defense “bullshit” during a press conference, and said ICE was “causing chaos and distrust,” ultimately telling ICE to “get the fuck out of Minneapolis.”
Later, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz backed Frey’s sentiments saying Trump and Noem had “done enough,” and issued a warning order to the Minnesota National Guard.
Throughout Jan. 7, ICE agents and protesters met in stalemates, and a large vigil of thousands was held for Good that night.
Nora Riggs of south Toledo holds a sign during the downtown Toledo protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Outrage over the shooting divided the country along party lines with supporters of the president largely arguing the claim of self-defense, and detractors from the president claiming the shooting was a murder.
The ongoing investigation of the shooting has been just as contentious as the federal and state leadership’s words to each other have been. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has pushed local and state jurisdictions in Minnesota off the case, with Noem casting doubt on Minnesota law enforcement for not investigating protesters who harass ICE.
Walz has backed the state investigative bureau, and said that “Minnesota must be part of this investigation.”
Nora Riggs of south Toledo, Original Sub Shop owner Maureen Brogan, and south Toledo resident David Gedert (candidate for Ohio’s 9th Congressional District) all hold signs during the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Local impact
A few Toledo Police cars actively watched the small crowd in front of city hall from 6 p.m. until it dwindled by 7 p.m., organized by Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Toledo, Ohio 50501 (No Kings), Northwest Ohio Democratic Socialists of America (NW Ohio DSA), University of Toledo Students for Justice in Palestine (UTSJP) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Toledo.
Toledo City Council Member At-Large Nick Komives attended the protest, but not as an organizer, speaker or leader of it. He told the Toledo Free Press he was there to “stand in solidarity against a government that will attack us in the streets.”
Bryce Howard, a student at Bowling Green State University, speaks during the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Chants of “Fuck ICE” were intermittent with individual speakers from the crowd grabbing a bullhorn, and highlighting a number of different issues going on in the country.
One such speaker, LaMar Willis, pointed out that an off-duty ICE agent had shot and killed a Black father, Keith Porter, in Los Angeles, Calif. on New Year’s Eve, an incident still under investigation.
Other local community notables included the owner of the Original Sub Shop, Maureen Brogan, who said it was her patriotic duty to attend the protest. “The most patriotic thing you can do is want your country to be better,” she said, and called ICE a modern gestapo terrorizing communities.
David Gedert, made famous on the Food Network for his drag-queen-themed food truck (Maybe Cheese Born With It), announced his candidacy for Marcy Kaptur’s House seat early this week, and attended the protest.
“We do not gun down Americans in the street,” Gedert said. “This is not a partisan issue, and not up for debate.”
Other statements said Good’s death was a failure of capitalism and the two party system.
A local organizer of the event with PSL Toledo, Joshua Haggans of Point Place, told the crowd that ICE was connected to every problem in America, and emphasized that this was not a “singular issue.”
The event ended with a call to action to “do something” and get involved, as community members interacted organically.
(TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Nick Komives, Toledo City Council Member At-Large, stands in support of the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
(TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Joshua Haggans of Point Place speaks during the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
LaMar Willis, of downtown Toledo, speaks during the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Bryce Howard, a student at Bowling Green State University, speaks during the protest. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Maumee Municipal Court Judge Daniel Hazard administered the oath of office to Whitehouse Village Council members (from left) Joe Bublick, Steve Fine and Louann Artiaga. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
Whitehouse will consider a request to rezone 38 acres on Archbold Whitehouse Road. Monclova Township continues to hear requests for a data center moratorium. And Providence Township trustees held their first meeting of 2026. Read below for a summary of the Anthony Wayne area meetings held the first week of January. Visit anthonywaynefreepress.com for more AW stories and to sign up for our newsletter.
Whitehouse to consider rezoning 38 acres
A proposed zoning change for 38 acres at 11320 Archbold Whitehouse Rd. will be on the March 3 Whitehouse Village Council agenda, as Artisan Craftbuilt Homes owner Charles Grass seeks to build single-family homes on existing farmland.
During a Jan. 5 Planning Commission meeting, Grass presented his request to rezone the property from S-1 suburban to R-2 single family, which has lots with a minimum of 15,000 square feet.
“There were a lot of questions from the audience about the site plan and what it will mean. That’s reasonable that they want to know, but the exclusive purpose of the public hearing and the Planning Commission is the zoning itself, not to review the actual site plan,” Administrator Jordan Daugherty told Whitehouse Village Council during its Jan. 6 meeting. “There were a lot of questions on what does R-2 mean and concerns from the audience on that type of density,” he added.
Artisan Craftbuilt Homes purchased the 38-acre parcel between the Oak Brook and Lone Oak Crossing subdivisions in June for $420,000 from Kennedy Investors. Grass applied in 2024 to rezone the property to R-3, which matches the nearby Oak Brook and Westwyck subdivisions, but was turned down after neighbors shared concerns about density.
While the Planning Commission at the time suggested that Grass should come back with an R-2 request, he then submitted a request for an R-2 with a planned unit development (PUD), which gives the developer more flexibility on setbacks. That, too, was turned down.
“He came back to fulfill his promise – making it a less dense, less populous area,” said Planning Commission Chair Dennis Kennedy, explaining that R-2 lots would be about one-third of an acre.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning, so council would need a supermajority, or five out of six votes, to turn down that recommendation, said Law Director Kevin Heban.
The village will need to give 30 days notice to the community about the public hearing, which will be held Tuesday, March 3 at 6:15 p.m. Heban said he would draft legislation that could be read during three separate meetings, but could could also choose to vote on it as an emergency.
If approved, Grass would then need to return to the Planning Commission with a site plan for approval, Kennedy said.
During the Jan. 6 meeting, Council also:
Maumee Municipal Court Judge Daniel Hazard administered the oath of office to Whitehouse Village Council members (from left) Joe Bublick, Steve Fine and Louann Artiaga. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
-Witnessed Maumee Municipal Court Judge Daniel Hazard administer the oath of office to re-elected council members Louann Artiaga and Steve Fine, and newly elected council member Joe Bublick.
-Unanimously voted for Fine to serve as council president for 2026.
-Heard Fine say that as a member of a Toledo Metropolitan Council of Governments subcommittee, he is working on fair scoring criteria for transportation grants.
-Approved Mayor Rich Bingham‘s appointments to committees, including: Rob Casaletta and Allen Kuck, Planning Commission; Chuck Kethel and Brian Slagle, Board of Zoning Appeals; Steve Connelly, at-large member, Tree Commission; Larry Yunker, Finance Committee; and Angie Kuhn and Phil Whaley, Charter Review Commission.
-Learned that Tom Vincent retired as a volunteer firefighter after 31 years.
-Heard that the fire department handled 1,093 incidents in 2025, a nearly 15 percent increase. Fire Chief Jason Francis said he is working on an open house to promote volunteering.
-Heard Police Chief Allan Baer say that the department will host a Citizens Police Academy in March, providing a hands-on understanding of what the department does.
Monclova residents urge trustees to work with them
Dozens of Monclova Township residents filled the Monclova Township hall on Jan. 5 meeting to deliver a message to trustees: work with the citizens, the county and neighboring communities to protect the township from data centers.
“DCs are a threat. And if it’s not now, then it will come and we need to be prepared,” said Diane Stroshine. “We need to strengthen our conditional use documents with strong restrictions on light, sound, setbacks, generators. Also, massive fines for noncompliance and escrow money to reclaim the land when they’re no longer useful.”
The Monclova Township Board of Trustees includes chair Barbara Lang, Chuck Hoecherl and vice-chair Deborah Stevens-Laux. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
She urged the board of trustees, including Barbara Lang, Chuck Hoecherl and Deborah Stevens-Laux, to issue a 12-month moratorium to allow time to modify the conditional use documents, study data centers and work alongside others who are facing the same challenges.
“Our leaders should be working with us, not against us. And remember, respectfully, that we are your bosses,” Stroshine said.
Last year, the trustees approved a text amendment to the township’s zoning resolution, allowing data centers in agriculturally zoned areas with the granting of a conditional use permit. This was the best option for protecting residents, as opposed to changing the zoning, which is a more cookie-cutter approach, said Zoning Administrator Eric Wagner. The process of issuing a permit and deciding on conditions is the role of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
“The BZA, historically, is able, for conditional uses, to look at things in greater detail and work with a particular site. It gives them a lot of authority to do what they need to do to protect the surrounding property owners,” Wagner said.
John Langevin read aloud the township’s zoning resolution section on conditional uses. Landscaping, screening, parking, hours of operation and lighting are the only five items listed in the zoning regulations when it comes to conditional uses, he said. Langevin said he believes that language does not appear to allow the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) the authority to require additional setbacks or other aspects of control.
“You have mega corporations that have lawyers that would pick this thing apart,” Langevin said, urging the trustees to rescind the text amendment and start over with an open process that includes citizen input, so that everything is spelled out.
Hoecherl countered that it’s difficult to spell out conditions when the township hasn’t even received an application.
Resident Marilyn Campbell asked Hoecherl, Lang and Stevens-Laux to weigh in on whether they, as residents, would personally support a data center in the township. Lang has previously advised that trustees should not make a blanket statement against any type of development, as it could open them up for legal action.
“I cannot say as a trustee, ‘I’m against apartments,’ and then the apartment person comes in and tries to build apartments, and they sue us because I’ve stated I’m against apartments,” Lang gave as an example. “I cannot come out – maybe I can as your neighbor across the fence – but I’m sitting at this desk being a trustee.”
Stevens-Laux, in her first meeting as a new trustee, said she’s not anti-data center but believes there are better places for them to locate.
“My personal opinion will never be part of this. It is always going to be about what is best for the residents,” she said.
Hoecherl said he’s not for or against data centers, but is against annexation, which remains a primary concern for the land off Black Road that is still within the township.
The law director is currently working on language to strengthen the township’s position against possible annexation of that land, he noted. In the meantime, Maumee is looking at a moratorium against data centers, which Campbell wondered if it would alleviate some of the township’s fears.
Christina Egan said she’s reached out to Maumee’s new mayor and council members, as well as the Lucas County Commissioners and State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) about a county-wide moratorium and protecting the township from annexation.
“If you can get an annexation change, wow,” Lang replied.
Egan urged the trustees to represent the residents and ask the county for help.
“We appreciate everyone being so well-informed,” Stevens-Laux said. “We wouldn’t be able to do anything without all of your input.”
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Named Lang as chair and Stevens-Laux as vice chair.
-Heard Hoecherl say that the township will work on updating the meeting agendas with more details prior to the regularly scheduled Monday trustees’ meetings.
-Certified that the township is responsible for the maintenance of 66.879 miles of public road, up .997 miles with the inclusion of roads in Crimson Hollow, Stonegate, Stoney Creek and the extension of Riverfort Drive.
-Learned that, per a contract between Republic Services and Lucas County Solid Waste Management District, the monthly price for trash and recycling pickup will increase from $16.44 per month to $17.26. The number of residential units has increased from 5,453 to 5,511. The annual cost will increase from $1,075,767 to $1,141,438. The township pays $522,442 out of its General Fund while residents will pay $618,995 from a special assessment on their property taxes to cover that total.
-Learned that as of Dec. 29, the township had 2,016 iOS downloads of the My Monclova app and 700 Android downloads. The app has been accessed 1,314 times through the website by users who have not downloaded the app.
Providence Township Trustees’ meeting
The Providence Township trustees include (from left) chair Steve Kendall, Lee Bialecki and vice chair Jeremiah Floyd. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
A Lucas County Engineer’s representative will be invited to visit the next Providence Township trustees meeting to discuss the county’s request to utilize the township’s salt storage facility.
During the Jan. 7 meeting, Trustee Jeremiah Floyd and Road Superintendent Kevin Keifer shared discussions they had with Albert Hilt, the county engineer’s road superintendent, about that possibility.
Floyd said that because the township is in the southwest corner of the county, county road crews lose up to 90 minutes in drive time by returning to the McCord Road facility to pick up salt up to six times per weather event. Allowing the county to store 30 tons in the township’s salt bin will not only ensure more efficient road clearing in the township but save the county time and the taxpayer’s dollars, Floyd added.
“Our salt bin is not in the best condition and not the biggest either,” said Keifer, expressing concern that some of the less experienced county drivers might damage their facilities, which don’t have a lot of space for maneuvering.
Floyd said Hilt assured him that the more tenured drivers – with more than 20 years of experience – request the rural routes instead of city routes, and would exercise caution. Hilt also noted that any salt removed would be replaced.
Trustees agreed to invite Hilt to come to a meeting to answer questions and put into writing any agreement between the township and the county.
The next meeting is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
During the meeting, the trustees also:
-Watched as solicitor David Chamberlain administered the oath of office to trustees Lee Bialecki and Jeremiah Floyd.
-Heard zoning inspector Jim Fischer say that he issued four permits in 2025: two for new homes; one for a home alteration; and one for a residential solar field.
-Listened to Fischer say that a Doran Road resident was asked to remove a sign from a right of way. He did that, but now it is back up, reinforced with 2 x 4s. Chamberlain said the homeowner will need to remove the sign or the township will do it for him.
-Held a discussion about a $4,121.29 bill to pay for electrical work done on the replacement of two diesel fuel tanks at the township building. Keifer said he was in a bind after learning that Stanwade Metal Products would not do the electrical work on the new tanks, which hold fuel used by township vehicles.
He contacted John Berry of Phase Electric who recommended contacting AE Electric, which completed the work. Floyd said he was concerned about the lack of written quotes from other companies, especially since AE is owned by Bialecki’s brother. He added that he had tried to stop the work as it was in progress when he learned that AE was doing the work. Solicitor David Chamberlain advised that Bialecki doesn’t have a conflict of interest in voting on payment or the work since he doesn’t financially benefit. Bialecki and Kendall voted to issue payment while Floyd abstained.
-Heard Fire Chief Rick Triggs say that the new 3,000-gallon tanker/tender – which is replacing a 1984 unit – should be complete and delivered by May. The township received a $523,809 FEMA grant to pay for the vehicle. The department had 462 runs in 2025, including: 15 structure fires; 27 outdoor fires; three car fires; 44 motor vehicle accidents; seven calls for downed wires; 306 EMS calls; and 60 miscellaneous runs.
Yarder Manufacturing president Jeff Conlan and Vice President Matt Yarder are joined by Mosser Construction President Brian Geffe inside the new 100,000-square-foot Yarder Manufacturing facility in the Monclova-Maumee-Toledo Joint Economic Development Zone (MMT JEDZ). Construction is expected to be complete this summer. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
With the 100,000-square-foot Yarder Manufacturing headquarters now under roof and easily visible from I-475, Vice President Matt Yarder is getting more questions about his family’s business – and the newly-created Legacy Business Park where it’s located.
“I get calls from people who put the dots together, knowing we were planning to build in Monclova Township and then seeing it from the highway,” he said. “We’re going from a little, unassuming family business in a neighborhood in Toledo to having this kind of visibility.”
When Yarder and resident Jeff Conlan began looking at options for expansion of the sheet metal parts and product manufacturing business, they figured they would just buy a piece of land and build. In the process of looking for the right property with available utilities, Yarder teamed up with Mosser Construction to create a new business park on 70 acres in the Monclova-Maumee-Toledo Joint Economic Development Zone (MMT JEDZ).
YMG, as their partnership is known, purchased what is now Legacy Business Park and secured funding from Monclova Township, Lucas County and the state to fund the 1,200-foot extension of Riverfort Drive to access not only Yarder’s property but the north side of three other 20-acre properties and an 8-acre parcel to the west of Yarder Manufacturing.
Legacy Business Park in the Monclova-Maumee-Toledo Joint Economic Development Zone just west of I-475 has space for additional companies to locate. Yarder Manufacturing teamed up with Mosser Construction to install a 1,200-foot extension of Riverfort Drive to allow access to the interior of the property. (Courtesy image)
“This was an opportunity to help a client like the Yarders find their next home,” said Mosser Construction president Brian Geffe. “When we look at available green sites available in Lucas County, there’s only a handful of them. This has great access to the interstate with the new US 20A interchange, and Monclova Township is business friendly. Once this starts to activate, I think we’ll see a lot of opportunities.”
The YMG team is already in discussions with another family-owned business eyeing one parcel and, now that Yarder’s construction is underway, are receiving inquiries about other areas. Yarder’s project is utilizing just half of the land while reserving the other half for future generations to expand in place, Matt said.
“We’ve been in our current facility since the mid-1940s, and it’s served us well for generations, but this facility will showcase our capabilities to the level of customers that we deal with. We have some global customers who visit our shop right now, and they’re impressed with what we’ve been able to do with our current space,” Yarder said.
The current facility doesn’t have shipping or receiving docks, so employees load and unload materials in the parking lot. The production takes place in five separate buildings. And their conference room is a closet-sized space under a stairwell, jokes Conlan.
The new building will feature 88,000-square feet of open production area for lasers and brake presses, and an enclosed area for grinding. Conlan expects that having all production under one roof will enhance the work flow.
“Right now we have stuff crammed everywhere. It will be nice to spread out in one building where everything flows the proper way,” Conlan said.
Wearing hard hats and safety vests, Yarder, Conlan and Geffe were joined by Mosser project manager Tom Koepfler and supervisor Nick Fisher last month for a tour of the facility, which includes a reception area, glass-fronted offices and a large, sunlit open area for employees in sales and purchasing to view the outdoors from three sides.
“Our employees have been involved in the design from the get-go,” Yarder said.
Mosser Construction employees (from left) Grady Welker, PJ Szakovits and Samantha Teigland look out the windows from the front offices to the receiving dock at the new Yarder Manufacturing facility. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)
Pointing to the windows facing the receiving docks that allow easy viewing of trucks coming in, Yarder explains that this was just one of several ideas shared during every phase of the design process.
On the east side of the administration building is a large breakroom that can be used to hold trainings and employee gatherings – a big step up from holding meetings in the cramped production area, Conlan said.
“It’s going to be a complete upgrade to our culture: the way that we recruit, the way we train, the way we engage with our staff. This whole project, we have had our culture in mind from Day 1. We’re family-owned and family-oriented in everything we do. We have a lot of limitations on our current site. This will allow us to expand on our culture.”
That culture also includes some downtime, Yarder said, noting that the No. 1 question he gets from employees is whether the detention pond out front will be stocked with fish. Yes, it will.
When Yarder first announced its move, the manufacturer had 62 employees. In the past year, eight more have joined the team. By the time the new facility opens, Conlan expects that number to grow to the mid 80s, including engineering, sales and purchasing positions.
If construction goes as planned and the electric is hooked up in time, Conlan expects that the transfer of machinery from the Toledo location to the new location will begin in June. Several area companies specialize in moving large equipment, including one laser that will require seven semis to move.
The Anthony Wayne Free Press is working on a series of articles about growth and projects in the Anthony Wayne area. To share information, contact [email protected].
