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SNAP benefits: Lucas County seeks to fill the funding gaps

By
Stephen Zenner
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Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez during a Lucas County Commissioners’ meeting at 1 Government Center in Toledo on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – There was a notable gulf between Lucas County Commissioners Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez during their Nov. 4 meeting. 

Sobecki and fellow commissioner Pete Gerken formed a majority voting unit that stopped items 3 and 4 on the agenda, brought by Lopez.  

“I make a motion to approve $1 million that will be identified for the agencies that Lisa Sobecki had recommended in her resolution, and I ask for my commissioners’ support,” Lopez said before the vote. 

As the clerk called roll, Lopez voted first, delivering the only “yes,” followed by Gerken’s “no” and then Sobecki’s “no.”

Just before the vote, Lopez clarified her stance.

“I support Commissioner Sobecki’s selection of the food things. I just believe the money needs to be larger and should be substantial.”

Item 3. was a permission to enter into agreements with community organizations for emergency food services, and Item 4. was an appropriations resolution to allocate $1 million to help fill the gap of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that have been affected by the federal government shutdown. 

Lopez presented these items together, and prefaced the vote by highlighting the need and gap left by the government shutdown, leaving people without SNAP benefits.

Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

SNAP shutdown 

On the 20th of October Sobecki led a coalition of different officials addressing the possibility of people in Lucas County losing SNAP benefits at the beginning of November. The full cost of funding Lucas County’s SNAP benefits was estimated at around $13 million for a month. 

The total value of SNAP benefits for the whole country is roughly $8 billion, and two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration has a duty to fund SNAP with an Agriculture Department contingency fund. $4.65 billion is in the fund, and so it was thought SNAP benefits will be funded at roughly 50 percent. 

The Trump administration warned of delays in processing SNAP funds to families, as Sunday and Monday families were unable to access benefits. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine designated $25 million towards the SNAP crisis, but only fulfills a portion of what Ohio uses monthly – $263 million. 

Lopez said she wanted the $1 million to cut through the bureaucracy to help families immediately, and warned that the federal government’s fulfillment of SNAP could take up to a month to fulfill. 

“So for me, the million dollars is enough to put in our budget so it’s readily available to get out as soon as possible,” she said.  

This $1 million contingency may have merit, because on Tuesday, the same day as the commissioners’ meeting, President Donald Trump spoke of defying the federal judges’ order. He said SNAP “will be given only when the radical left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”

Congressional Democrats have taken a stand against Republicans who have cut subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats refuse to pass the funding bill required to run the federal government without Republicans reinstating the ACA subsidies. 

Without these subsidies, it is estimated healthcare costs will roughly double for people who access healthcare through the ACA, and neither side has been willing to make a deal so far, leading to the longest government shutdown in United States history.

The longest government shutdown prior to this one was from 2018-2019, under Trump’s first term, and lasted 35 days. 

And before that shutdown, Bill Clinton’s administration saw a 21 day shutdown in 1995-1996. 

All three of the longest government shutdowns began with Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken, Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

What’s the plan? 

Regardless of whether partial SNAP benefits are restored or not, there is still a gap in funding that will affect Lucas County. 

Lopez’s rejected items were followed by an agreement giving $50,000 to Connecting Kids to Meals, Inc. and another $50,000 to the Islamic Food Bank to provide emergency food assistance. 

These funds were brought by Sobecki, and unanimously approved. 

Gerken explained the $100,000 brought by Sobecki had a clear plan, while Lopez’s funds did not. 

“I mean, they don’t have a plan for a million bucks,” he said. “Give us [$]100,000, work with what we established, we’ll get it where it needs, we’re gonna’ come back and get more if it’s necessary.”

After the meeting, the Toledo Free Press asked Lopez if she did have a plan for the million dollar allocation, and she said, “There was a plan. I think there is a plan. We know the United Way already identified the food pantries. We know that Toledo Public Schools have community hubs and community centers,” and she pointed out the Sofia Quintero Center as a community hub that could be involved in distributing food.  

All commissioners mentioned their commitment to help people within Lucas County weather the loss of SNAP benefits. Gerken and Sobecki highlighted conversations they’ve had with local organizers, and their approach focused on working with organizations to allocate funds as the government is told about their need. 

“There are people within our community that are working together, and we’re listening as commissioners on what is needed to be able to have out there,” Sobecki said.

Lopez called the $100,000 “a start,” but said the million dollars was necessary. 

“Having the million dollars ready to go is what we need. We need to be ready to go,” she said, and warned that it might be too late by the time the need is known. 

When asked about further withdrawals to meet the SNAP crisis, Sobecki said, “I’m going to look to those professionals that do this and understand that, and listen to them as they’re putting their plan together and how to be able to distribute [food/aid],” she said. 

Sobecki cited her time as a caseworker as proof of understanding the current SNAP crisis, and Lopez cited her time working with Lucas County Children Services giving her a similar insight.

Toledo City Council

During their meeting on Wednesday, Toledo City Council unanimously passed Ordinance 508-25, giving $100,000 from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the United Way of Greater Toledo’s 211 Services in 2026. Council Member At-Large Brittany Jones abstained from the vote, because she works for the United Way as a Survey & Evaluation Analyst.

The ordinance was brought by Council Members Nick Komives (At-Large), Cerssandra McPherson (At-Large) and Theresa Morris (District 6). 

In a similar vein, Council Women At-Large McPherson and Jones presented Resolution 509-25, which passed. 

The resolution urged the Ohio General Assembly and the United States Senate to Support Senate Bill 305 and House Bill 502 that strengthens access to SNAP, TANF, and WIC Programs, and Ensures food security for Ohio families.

Ohio Senate Bill 305 was brought by former Toledo Mayor, and current Ohio Senator, Paula Hicks-Hudson, and seeks to “appropriate funds for SNAP, TANF, WIC upon lapse in federal funds.” Ohio House Bill 502 has the same purpose and wording, but is being brought in the Ohio House by Latyna M. Humphrey, Ohio House Representative for Columbus, Ohio. 

Local connections

Before leaving the commissioners’ hearing room, Sobecki wanted people to know they can call 211 to get connected to the United Way of Greater Toledo for help with their specific challenges. 

Anyone can dial 211, or text their zip code to 898211 to reach the United Way of Greater Toledo, and get connected to a database of emergency food providers, food pantries or meal sites. The operator should be able to provide locations, hours of operation and eligibility requirements for each food site.

The United Way covers three counties in northwest Ohio: Lucas, Wood and Ottawa Counties. 

And as the United Way braces for the impact of lost SNAP benefits, Jill Bunge, the vice president of impact and outreach for the United Way of Greater Toledo, said she attended a Zoom meeting a couple days ago with the food banks, Connecting Kids to Meals, the Area Office on Aging, the Health Department, Jobs and Family Services, the Lucas County Commissioners and some City of Toledo representatives. 

“We are seeing a rise in calls,” Bunge said. 

In September, the United Way received 1,111 calls concerning the need for food, the next month 1,607 and just in the first four days of November, Bunge said the United Way has already received 316 calls concerning access to food.

“The takeaway for our community is it’s past November 1, and people don’t have money on their EBT card. And they can’t go to the grocery store and feed their kids, so that’s our primary thing,” Bunge said. 

In a similar vein, the President and CEO of Connecting Kids to Meals, Wendi Huntley, mentioned her organization had seen an 18-24 percent uptick in demand in October, when SNAP benefits were still working. 

Huntley said they had not received data for the beginning of November, but said, “We’re anticipating we’re gonna see anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 more kids.”

Connecting Kids to Meals is a nonprofit with 85 locations in the city of Toledo, and only feeds kids 18 years and younger. 

Regularly, the nonprofit spends between $250,000 and $280,000 a month on meals for kids at $6.20 a meal, roughly 40,000-45,000 meals within a month. 

Ceasing SNAP benefits is expected to impact 30,000 kids in Lucas County alone, and so Huntley has been preparing as best she can for the demand. 

“The funding that is being provided is going to help us to cover some of the gap costs for some of those meals,” she said of the commissioners’ contribution of $50,000. “But most importantly, we reached out to our city, our county, our corporate funders, [and] individuals, because we’re already seeing an increase [in need] from the time that the government shut down.”

This year was already trending more difficult to make ends meet, Huntley said, and added, “We continue to see modest but impactful inflationary costs on food, and tariff impacts on our non-food items.”

As the shutdown drags on, Huntley said, “I anticipate that we’re going to need to go back. We’re going to need to reach out, not just to the county commissioners, but again, to various corporations, to our city.”

Colloquially, Huntley shared that the children they serve generally leave some food items behind when they eat, but now she said “The kids are eating everything, and, you know, kids are picky eaters.”

“So that’s telling us they’re hungry.”

Huntley anticipates needing to hire more workers to keep pace with the organizational needs. For now they’re going to hire a few more servers, but Huntley said they’ll increase their workforce as needed. 

But still, she resolved, “We know the difference that we’re making in the lives of folks that just are struggling. You know, they’re just struggling. They’re just at a place where they need a little bit of help.”

If community members wish to help, ConnectingKidstoMeals.org has a signup to volunteer and various ways to donate. 

“We have a very strong charitable network here,” Bunge said. “The food banks get the food. They have a lot of purchasing power. The food pantries receive that food from the food banks, and then the food pantries are serving directly to people.” 

Volunteering time and donating food were the two top requests from the nonprofit leaders. 

UnitedWayToledo.org/food is the link for the local United Way food resources, and includes sign ups, ways to donate and as well as informational resources.  

Data center protestors pack Monclova meeting

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Colin Doolittle was among the Monclova Township residents protesting data centers prior to the November 3 Board of Trustees meeting, where discussion centered around annexation and actions that trustees and residents could take. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

MONCLOVA – After learning that land around the Shops at Fallen Timbers could be marketed for a data center, dozens of residents converged in front of the Monclova Township administration building on Nov. 3. Many of those protesting came from the 600-home Waterside development, which is just north of the mall.

“It’s important for everyone in the area to know about,” said Waterside resident Carol Fornia, who said after reading about the impacts of data centers, “I knew I had to do something. It affects our lives and our properties.”

For nearly an hour, trustees Chuck Hoecherl, Barbara Lang, Trudy Vicary and fiscal officer Gavin Pike fielded questions and comments from dozens of residents, including Ryan Bauman, Brian Cline, Lyn Cox, Lance Daggett, Christine Egan, John Hagan, Pattie Kaczala and Risa Sindel.

The overall theme that emerged: what can residents, and the township, do to fight off a data center or stop the annexation of land into Maumee – which would then have control over the project? Except for Karnik on Black and a few houses, all of the land east of Black Road is now annexed into Maumee.

“We fought it and lost,” Hoecherl said of the years-long creeping of Maumee city boundaries into the township.

Isaac Land Development owns the Maumee land around the mall, while across Black Road to the west, Monclova Properties LLC is the majority property owner with 160 acres of agriculturally-zoned land.

When trustees learned that data centers might be interested in building in the township, trustees voted earlier this year to allow data centers in agriculturally-zoned properties with a conditional use permit. This would give the Board of Zoning Appeals the power to set limitations on lighting, sound, buffering, building height and other aspects of a project, Hoecherl said. While Maumee may determine the fate of the land around the mall, this text amendment to the zoning code gives the township some control over the land to the west, he noted.

“Do you think you opened Pandora’s box by having that text agreement?” asked Kaczala.

Cline, Daggett and Hagan also questioned why including data centers as an option through a text amendment was even considered.

“By changing it, you opened the door,” Daggett said, suggesting that trustees should have waited until an application for rezoning was presented instead of changing the zoning code first. “You’re allowing it by changing the code.”

Pike said if trustees didn’t at least put some language in its zoning code, that Monclova property owners considering a data center would have a reason to immediately annex into Maumee – taking any power to regulate the project away from the township.

“The more restrictive the township tries to be, the more likely that the land will be annexed into Maumee,” Pike said.

For now, the township doesn’t have an application for a data center, but if one comes forward, the public would be informed and welcomed to share input, said Lang, adding that every email or comment made in a public meeting is also being kept as a record that would be considered when the Board of Zoning Appeals receives an application. 

“You won’t be invited to a groundbreaking without knowing there’s an application,” Lang said.

“That’s too late,” said Sindel, noting that action needs to be taken now before a big tech company comes in.

Sindel asked the trustees what level of research they’ve done on data centers, and if that included looking at the collateral damage to communities adjacent to such projects. While they’ve read up on data centers, Hoecherl said he’s also planning to join a tour of New Albany data centers later this month. Asked to state on the record whether they were for or against a data center, Lang said elected officials have to remain impartial and not take a stance on a project that may come before them for a vote.

“We can’t be activists,” she said.

“You should be – you’re our representatives,” Cline responded.

Several in the audience asked the trustees to give them advice on how to fight the data center and annexation by Maumee. Continue the online petition against data centers, and contact State Rep. Josh Williams about Maumee annexing properties because it’s a state legislation issue, Lang suggested.

“We’ve been trying all along to protect Monclova,” Lang said, noting that the zoning code and land use plan are designed to stave off annexation, but that townships don’t have much legal recourse.

Hagan pushed back on the idea that Monclova Township is powerless.

“We’re bigger than Maumee. We have more people than Maumee,” he said. “Have we ever thought about trying to become a city?”

While Lang said that the trustees could explore that idea, Vicary noted that it comes with some setbacks, including the ability of cities to administer an income tax – which townships cannot do. 

Sindel recommended that the township seek out a law firm that’s experienced in these type of challenges – an idea that Hoecherl said he would explore.

Other audience members offered out-of-the-box ideas. Baumen asked whether residents could pool together enough money to buy the proposed property, valued at $32 million, in order to control the land. That would equal over $2,100 per person. 

“We want a seat at the table. We’re trying to buy our freedom from annexation,” Bauman said.

Diane Stroshine suggested working with Maumee to find a project that’s mutually beneficial and draws visitors to the area, such as a sports complex with restaurants. That would bring in tax dollars to help a cash-strapped Maumee, she noted.

With several new members joining Maumee City Council after the election, Vicary expressed hope that they might be more willing to “be a better neighbor” and consider the impact of a project on the township residents.

Trustees urged residents to attend a Thursday, Nov. 20 public forum on data centers from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Anthony Wayne High School. It will also be live streamed on WGTE.

Anthony Wayne area election results: 2025

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Pexels photo by element5

Three Anthony Wayne area townships will see a change in leadership in 2026, as voters approved new trustees in Monclova, Swanton and Waterville townships. 

In Monclova Township, Debbie Stevens-Laux won a seat with 1,767 votes. Incumbent Barbara Lang retained her seat with 1,604 votes. Trudy Vicary was unable to secure a second term with 1,510 votes. Turnout in the township averaged 26 percent.

In Swanton Township, turnout averaged 32 percent for hotly-contested races for two open seats for trustee and one for fiscal officer. Newcomers Bill Anderson and Matt Beil nabbed 370 and 359 votes, respectively, over incumbents Jeff Michael and Kyle McPherson. Mindy Curry won 63.25 percent of the votes over current fiscal officer Sandy Speiker.

in Waterville Township, with an average turnout of 26 percent, voters approved, 218 to 197, a 3.5-mill levy to generate $398,800 a year for the General Fund. Incumbent Kyle Hertzfeld and Toby Miller ran unopposed.

In Providence Township, voter turnout in Lucas County was 21.3 percent, and incumbent Steve Kendall was the only candidate to run for two open trustee seats. 

Voter turnout in Waterville and Whitehouse was lower than the county’s 20 percent average. In Waterville, only Mary Duncan was on the ballot. In January, council will need to appoint two people to fill open positions, as not enough valid petitions were filed for the open seats. Voters also approved two measures to allow alcohol sales at the Meijer store that will begin construction by 2026. Voter turnout was 19 percent.

In Whitehouse, incumbents Louann Artiaga and Steve Fine, along with newcomer Joe Bublick, ran unopposed. Turnout was 16.8 percent. Voters also approved three charter amendments that allow term limits for the mayor and council, as well as changes to mayoral powers.  

Anthony Wayne Local Schools Board of Education members Kyle Miller and Mike Stamm ran unopposed for two four-year terms.

Anthony Wayne graduate debuts second album

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Amanda Reisner Worthington, a 2009 Anthony Wayne High School graduate who regularly sings in community theater and in church, will be accompanied by Community of Christ Lutheran Church music director for a Sunday, November 9 album release party for "Christmas With Amanda Worthington," now out on Spotify. (AWFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Amanda Worthington’s latest album comes out on Nov. 9

WHITEHOUSE – In the 30 years since she first took the stage to sing for others, Amanda Reisner Worthington has performed in church and school choirs, on the community theater stage and even for her second-grade students at Frank Elementary in Perrysburg. 

On Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m., the 2009 Anthony Wayne High School graduate will perform 11 of the 15 songs on her second album, Christmas with Amanda Worthington, during a release party at Community of Christ Lutheran Church in Whitehouse.

She will be accompanied by the church’s music director, Eric Dickey, who encouraged Worthington to record her first album, When Words Fail, in 2023 and has played the piano alongside her for both albums.

“Amanda has such an incredible voice and style, and I had just finished recording my own album at Stone Soup and thought it would be a great place for Amanda to record,” Dickey said of the Maumee recording studio. “They have a nine-foot Yamaha grand piano – which is very unusual – and it made me very happy to play for her.”

The performance will include a variety of holiday songs, including “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” which was completely improvised and done in one take. 

“I looked at Eric in the recording studio and said, ‘let’s try this.’ It’s a jazzy version in a lower range. He added so many cool flairs. It’s a traditional song that turned into such a unique sound,” Worthington said. “We know each other’s leads and styles and read off each other really well, so we can just dive in. And Eric is a master, and so cool. I’m so grateful for all these wonderful opportunities.”

When she was 3 years old, she ran up to the front of the church, where the Kids of the Kingdom choir was performing. Her mom told her that she had to be potty-trained in order to join, so she soon complied. By the time she was in first grade, Worthington was taking piano lessons. A 2009 Anthony Wayne High School graduate, Worthington played flute and then piccolo in the band from grades 5-12 and was a valued member of the choir, earning spots with the University of Toledo Honor Choir, district events and even representing the school for the All-State Choir her sophomore year.

“I was a social butterfly but not part of the cool kids,” she said of her high school experience. “I was definitely the goody-two-shoes – but would get called out on my report cards for socializing too much in class.”

In addition to performing in junior high and high school musicals, Worthington dove into community theater. Her first role was as a Marching Munchkin General – a soldier of Munchkinland – during the “Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead” song in the Waterville Playshop production of The Wizard of Oz – when she was 8. For every summer after, she enrolled in the Playshop’s two-week summer musical school, learning the ropes. Those skills helped her land, her sophomore year, the lead role of Polly Baker in Crazy For You at the high school.

“That expanded my range from small parts to having the lead,” she said.

When St. John’s Jesuit High School was looking for females in the production of Les Miserables, Worthington won the role of the innkeeper’s mean wife, Madame Thénardier.

“She’s an evil character with a dark sound. It was fun to manipulate my voice to make it sound more villainous, growly and fun,” she said. In 2019, she was a princess in Disenchanted, a Perrysburg Musical Theater production that she described as a modern, funny take on princesses. 

“I was Snow White.  It was a huge push for me vocally, belting out high notes. I loved it,” she said.

A 2014 Bowling Green State University graduate, Worthington was a member of the Women’s Chorus and Collegiate Chorale, but switched her major from music education to early childhood education during her sophomore year. Now she sings throughout the day while teaching second graders.

“Kids react so much better to anything musical. It’s a magical thing,” she said.

Recording an album was never a thought, especially considering the cost on a teacher’s salary, she said. But Dickey kept encouraging her to bring her voice to a wider audience, so she began setting money aside for When Words Fail, her 2023 album that includes 12 songs from musicals.

“Anytime I get these moments to go into my ‘musical land,’ I feel like I can connect to my brother – as we sang together,” she said of her brother, Aaron, who died unexpectedly in 2017. 

Creating that first album took a while, and releasing it through Spotify enabled anyone to listen. While it didn’t make her rich – “I made $1.61,” she jokes – Worthington said its more about getting the music to her people.

“I don’t want to get famous. I love teaching and I don’t want to leave Ohio. I want to do this for fun,” she said.

When she’s not singing, teaching or performing, Worthington enjoys reading, playing cards and hanging out with her husband, Brian, and their poodle, Prince, aka The Floof.

The Sunday, Nov. 9 concert begins at 3 p.m. at Community of Christ Lutheran Church, 6517 Finzel Rd., and lasts about an hour. A free-will offering will be taken for the church’s building fund and to benefit its mission partner, Salem Lutheran Church in North Toledo.

EPIC Toledo plans Annual Leadership Summit downtown

By
Sidney Robison
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Karen Eber, CEO Eber Leadership Group Author

TOLEDO – EPIC Toledo will gather emerging and established professionals on Nov. 7 at the Renaissance Hotel Downtown for a day of inspiration and insight at its annual Leadership Summit. 

EPIC Toledo is a young professional group that operates through the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The event brings upward of over 250 young professionals and it is held every year in November. 

“We have our leadership summit every November, the first Friday, and it is our biggest event of the year,” said Riley Runnells, manager of EPIC Toledo. 

The event brings upward of over 250 young professionals and it is held every year in November. “They [young professionals] are able to listen to a couple of keynote speakers, hear some panels on hot-button topics right now, and find opportunities for them to network with one another,” Runnells said. 

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers and panels. There will be two keynote speakers and three panels with four panelists on each. 

Karen Eber, CEO Eber Leadership Group Author, and Jameil Aossey, Grammy award winning music producer, will be the two keynote speakers. 

Jameil Aossey, Grammy award winning music producer.

The Mental Health panelists will be Dr. Phil Atkins, chief care coordination officer at Harbor, Rosie Best, artistic director at Issue Box Theatre, Marriah Kornowa, executive director at NAMI Greater Toledo, and Carissa Wott, clinical psychologist and co-owner of The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Toledo.  

The Downtown Development panelists will be Ambrea Mikolajczyk, owner of ARK Restoration and Construction, Stephanie Pilgrim, owner of The Mez, Scott Prephan, President of Prephan Enterprises and Meredith Soleau, President of 424 Degrees. 

“We work to serve all of the region’s young professionals through three goals: to introduce young professionals to job opportunities in the area, to introduce young professionals to one another so that they can have a better time making friends locally, and then to introduce young professionals to the community and what’s going on in Toledo,” Runnells said. 

She said there will be a time for people to ask questions to the speakers and panelists. 

“Our networking happy hour in the afternoon from 3 to 5 will have the option for young professionals to ask any questions they might not have gotten to ask during the program to our panelists and speakers that choose to stay,” Runnells said. 

Riley Runnells, manager of EPIC Toledo.

She expressed that it is important to provide different opportunities to young professionals and to make sure they gain valuable insight. 

“To have a program like EPIC Toledo where we’re providing our young professionals with these very unique and limited to other community opportunities where they can have face-to-face time with local leaders and leaders from out of our region,” Runnells said. 

She said people are able to gain a lot of insight through the professional development series and through all of the member benefits that they get.

“We at the Toledo Chamber and through Epic Toledo believe in investing in our young professionals,” Runnells said. 

Event Schedule:

9 a.m.: Leaders and Launchers Coffee Hour

10 a.m.: EPIC/Chamber Opening Remarks

10:15 a.m.: Karen Eber Keynote and Q&A

11:45 a.m.: Lunch 

12:15 p.m.: Mentor Panel 

1:15 p.m.: Breakout Sessions 

– Downtown Development Panel

– Mental Health Panel

2:15 p.m.: Jameil Aossey Keynote

3:00 p.m.: Closing Remarks with Andrew Smigelski 

3:05 p.m.: Nonprofit Board Fair/Happy Hour

Lucas County: Helen Bahlhorn honored for Child Support Services

By
Stephen Zenner
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Helen Bahlhorn, an investigator III for the division of Child Support Services, is honored as she enters retirement with the Lucas County Commissioners and her family during a Lucas County Commissioners’ meeting at 1 Government Center in Toledo on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

At the Lucas County Commissioners Oct. 21 meeting, an investigator for the division of Child Support was honored, funds were allocated to a senior housing project in Lima, and the director of Lucas County Job & Family Services presented items involving partnership agreements. These are just a few of the topics covered at the Commissioners meeting late last month.

Retirement

Item one honored Helen Bahlhorn, an investigator III for the division of Child Support Services, who the commissioners congratulated on sticking with the county for three decades. 

“You don’t often find people that have been in a place for thirty years,” said Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken. Gerken remarked that Bahlhorn had seen a lot of transitions from her time starting with the county in the 90s. 

After the investigator had her picture taken with the commissioners, someone in her crowd of friends and family yelled out, “Florida!” the state where her daughter lives. 

Lima Towers

$25 million was allocated to a 200 unit senior housing residential project in Lima called Lima Towers, built in 1977. 

The Port Authority of Allen County reached out to Lucas County for help financing renovations, which include: new flooring fixtures, energy efficient appliances, ADA accessibility, replacing roof elevators, refurbishing the commons area, and replacing hot water heaters. 

With these improvements, it is estimated that the life of Lima Towers will be extended for another 20 years. 

Craig Teamer, the director of finance and special projects at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, presented Lucas County’s role in the project as a conduit financier for the state of Ohio. 

“This is not out of our bond fund?” Gerken asked. “We’re conduit financing to Ohio?” 

Teamer confirmed that this was so, and all three commissioners approved. 

The hearing for this issue took place at the end of September. 

Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken, Lisa Sobecki and Anita Lopez. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Area Office on Aging

The extension of a .75 mill tax and an additional .25 mill tax levy for the Area Office on Aging was passed, for a total of 1 mill tax levy for the Area Office on Aging. 

Plat Approvals 

Bridgecreek Plat Six in Sylvania Township was approved pending improvements to be made to the plat by Sylvania Township. 

$15,500 was put into escrow for these improvements to be completed by Sylvania Cobblestone Developers, Inc., and will be inspected by the county engineer. In the contract, the improvements are described as roadway and drainage improvements. 

Next, Coventry Glen Plat Six in Waterville Township was approved. 

$36,067.50 was put into escrow for this plat for roadway and drainage improvements for this plat. J&J NW Development LLC was awarded the contract for these improvements. 

A separate contract was written up for separate improvements concerning “sediment and erosion control improvements,” and the escrow amount for J&J NW Development LLC was $76,753.00.

Eric Zatko, the director of Integrated Justice Systems, presents to commissioners for the 2026 budget hearing. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Budget Adjustment

The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office asked for an extension and budget adjustment concerning subgrant number 2023-JG-D01-3100. 

This subgrant funds the Domestic Violence High Risk Team, and the grant money went farther than expected. The request is to extend the program and its subgrant until March 31, 2026. 

Then the other part is to adjust the budget, moving $2500.00 from consultants/contracts to the personnel line. 

This was approved. 

This leftover money was due to an individual not using health insurance. 

Sarah Weglian, the director of grants, management and outreach, walks away from the speaker’s podium after addressing item 6 on the agenda, a budget amendment. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Sheriff

The Sheriff’s office asked for permission to receive the Operating a Vehicle while Impaired (OVI) Task Force Grant in the amount of $249,179.42 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Next on the agenda was permission to receive the Impaired Driving Enforcement Program (IDEP)/Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount of $64,034.54 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. 

Both were approved. 

Children’s Services 

Initially, Lucas County Children’s Services were hoping to get permission to purchase one (1) 2026 Chrysler Pacifica from Montrose Ford Through State Contract RDI011029, but instead tabled the issue for review at a later date. 

Facilities

Commissioners approved an amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan for work on the jail roof. According to Patrick Holland, the capital projects manager, “The original estimate was $100,000, but the contract was agreed upon for $107,000.”

When asked why they didn’t just initially write the additional $7,000 for the initial amount, Holland said he didn’t know what the sum total of the project would turn out to be. 

The plan amendment was approved. 

Job & Family Services 

Breda Osburn, the director of Lucas County Job & Family Services, presented items 11-20, which were all asking for permission to enter into agreements surrounding services and/or programs put on by Job & Family Services. 

11. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with Farm Labor Research Project, Inc. dba Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice (CMWJ) for the provision of the Employment Readiness & Youth Empowerment Program

12. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio for Career Path Program Services

13. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with YWCA of Northwest Ohio for the provision of Reducing The Risk & Teen Pregnancy Outreach Programs

14. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with Toledo Public Schools for Truancy Prevention Programming

15. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. for Legal and Outreach Services

16. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. for the Provision of Legal and Outreach services to TXX Eligible

17. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center for the Provision of Project Access Domestic Violence Prevention Services

18. Permission to Enter into an Agreement with The Health Council of Northwest Ohio for Pathways HUB Regional Care Coordination

19. Permission to Enter into a Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Agreement with The Potter Group LLC dba Black & White Transportation for the Provision of EMS-related Medical Transportation

20. Permission to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Pathway Inc., for the Purpose of Documenting Responsibilities as they Partner to Promote Responsible Fatherhood in Lucas County

All were approved. 

Support Services

Super blanket purchase orders were approved by the commissioners. 

“…super blanket purchase orders are used for the following purposes: accountant, architect, attorney at law, physician, professional engineer, construction project manager, consultant, surveyor, or appraiser by or on behalf of the subdivision or contracting authority; fuel oil, gasoline, food items, roadway materials, and utilities; and any purchases exempt from competitive bidding…”

There were three separate orders.

$10,000 to supplier AA Boos

$10,000 to Colgan-Davis

$25,000 to Warner Mechanical. 

All orders put for their reason “Recurring & reasonably predictable.” 

Item 22: Mary Kunckel, director of Support Services, then asked for permission to use the Cooperative Purchasing Master Agreement MA 758 250000416 with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) 

“There’s no financial cost towards Lucas County,” Knuckel said. The purchasing agreement offers industrial items at a discount and does not cost the county anything. 

In the briefing attached to this item, an explanation of the cooperative agreement is as follows: “This eMarketPlace is provided by NASPO at no additional cost to Lucas County. Its purpose is to facilitate the connection of public entities with Contractors who meet the requisite needs for a good, service, or solution by that entity through a NASPO ValuePoint Master Agreement.”

Sanitary Engineer

23. William and Brenda Dodson asked the county to connect their property to the water supply line no. 1596-A on Westminster Road, and to do so with money they will pay back through a ten-year, simple interest loan through the county. 

Section 1 of Resolution 2025-772 concerning this water line reads, “The Board authorizes two of its members to execute the simple interest loan agreement as to cost recovery for connection into Water Supply Line No. 1596-A at 5022 Westminster Road.”

Brittany Sedlar, director of personnel and finance at Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, presents two items concerning state grants. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

24. Michael and Jenifer Siegel asked for a similar loan to the one above, but concerning connecting their property to the sewer system. 

Their agreement with the county is described as “Simple Interest Loan for Pay-Cash-To-Tap on Sanitary Sewer No. 811” for “4525 Michaw Road, Parcel No. 78-02507.”

The Siegels have ten years on their loan as well. 

25. Accepted an easement and right-of-way with the City of Toledo for the Northwest Pump Station at 3945 N. Holland-Sylvania Road, Sylvania Township.

Nate Inkrott, the Lucas County Sanitary Engineer, explained the reason for this item succinctly.  In the next couple years the city plans on constructing a water tank/tower at the Northwest Pump Station. “We own that station, so we need to grant them an easement in order to construct this tower,” he said. 

Administration

26. Amended the Amount of the Clean Energy Tax Credit from the Internal Revenue Service previously approved by Resolution No. 2024-823.

Ben Pushka, the sustainability coordinator for Lucas County, presented this item, and explained that the clean energy tax credit was awarded to Lucas County initially as $6,231. Since the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) took almost a year to give that money to the county it has since accrued interest, and so the amount the county receives must be amended by an additional $604.86, for a total of $6,835.86. 

Employee Benefits

27. Commissioners agreed to enter a three year contract with Travis Software Inc. to remain in compliance with all Cobra laws, providing healthcare for employees in transition. 

Budget Impact: Year 1: $9,195; Year 2: $8,550; Year 3: $8,970

28. Commissioners renewed their agreement with Hylant Group for their benefits consulting services. 

Budget Impact: $148,000 – 6040.115002.610002

This contract is from November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026. 

Terra Bundy, the deputy director of Lucas County Canine Care & Control, presents the budget during a budget hearing in front of commissioners. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Budget Hearings: 

Each department presents their progress over the past year to the commissioners, and explains their needs as the county drafts up their budget for the next year.

29. Juvenile Court

30. Public Defender

31. Integrated Justice System

32. Canine Care & Control

Executive Session

33. Commissioners entered into an executive session. 

Appointments & Restructuring

34. Jerry Allen was appointed to fill the position of Yard Site Coordinator in the Solid Waste Department.

35. Christopher Korzec was appointed to fill the position of Assistant Facilities Coordinator in the Facilities Department.

36. Five positions were cut from Lucas County Job & Family Services:

One (1) vacant, full-time, regular/permanent, non-bargaining unit, classified

Network Administrator 1 position, JFS NBU Pay Grade 26

One (1) vacant, full-time, regular/permanent, non-bargaining unit, classified

Child Support Clerical Unit Supervisor position, CSEA NBU Pay Grade 25

Two (2) vacant full-time, regular/permanent, bargaining unit, classified Child

Support Clerk II positions, CSEA BU Pay Grade 16

One (1) vacant full-time, regular/permanent, bargaining unit, classified Benefits

Verification Specialist position, JFS BU Pay Grade 27

37. Two positions were added to Lucas County Job & Family Services

One (1) full-time, regular/permanent, bargaining unit, classified Adult Protective

Services Worker position, JFS BU Pay Grade 30

One (1) full-time, regular/permanent, bargaining unit, classified Investigations

Eligibility Specialist 3/Comp Worker position, JFS BU Pay Grade 29

Toledo Election 2025 results

By
WTOL11 News
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Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

The following results are sourced from WTOL11 coverage and are still not official until each county board of elections completes its official canvass in the days ahead. The projections below will be updated if anything changes.

Toledo Mayor

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz declares victory in the race against Roberto Torres and write-in candidate Harold Harris.

Toledo City Council

Eleven candidates ran for six at-large seats on Toledo City Council, including incumbents George Sarantou, Nick Komives, Brittany Jones, Cerssandra McPherson and Mac Driscoll.

The winners are projected to be:
Cerssandra McPherson
Brittany Jones
Nick Komives
George Sarantou
Erin Kramer
Mac Driscoll

Issues

Issue 1:  PASSED

(Renewal) A Lucas County Tax Levy for Lucas County Children Services for 1.8 mills which equals $39 per $100,000 of property. $14,069,600 is the estimated amount the levy will raise for LCCS. The Levy will be for the next five years. 

Jaffe family returns to jewelry business

By
David Yonke
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Michelle and Ivan Jaffe on the main floor of the old 1940s Post Office building at 117 East Second Street where they are in process of converting the building to a jewelry boutique in downtown Perrysburg. “We will host community events, design sessions, and educational workshops,” Ivan Jaffe said. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

New boutique set to open in historic Perrysburg building

PERRYSBURG – In January, Harold Jaffe Jewelers held a liquidation sale and closed its doors after nearly eight decades in business. But the family name that has long been associated with fine jewelry in the Toledo area is making a comeback.

I.M. Jaffe Jewelers is set to open in December in the former U.S. Post Office building on East Second Street in Perrysburg.

The owners, husband-and-wife team Ivan and Michelle Jaffe, are excited to revive the family business in the new location.

“We both grew up in Perrysburg and thought it was a really cool building,” Michelle Jaffe said. “It still has the original artwork in there on one wall, and the Smithsonian has the rights to it. We’re in the process of trying to get the building back to what it originally looked like.”

John Hart smooths over drywall with a putty knife at the new location of Jaffe Jewelers. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Ivan’s father, Harold Jaffe, opened his first jewelry store in 1946 on Cherry Street, across from what is now the St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

The business “bounced around” the area over the decades, Ivan Jaffe said, moving to Temperance and Petersburg, Mich., the Westgate area in Toledo, Country Charm Shopping Center in Perrysburg, and the Talmadge Road store across from the Franklin Park Mall.

When Ivan Jaffe’s brother, Jeff Jaffe, decided to retire at the end of 2023, the family posted on social media that “unfortunately this means Harold Jaffe Jewelers as you know it is going out of business.”

The Facebook post said Harold Jaffe Jewelers would sell off its $8 million in inventory at deep discounts and then close for good in January 2024.

“Laurie and I have retired and are living near our kids in the Atlanta area,” Jeff Jaffe said in an email. “We are pleased that Ivan and Michelle are continuing the legacy began by our Dad, Harold, in 1946. They are returning to their hometown roots!

“The new store in the historic Perrysburg post office promises to be a very cool venue and we wish them every success in their new venture,” he said.

Ivan Jaffe in the basement of their future space. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Ivan Jaffe joined the family business in 1976 and earned the elite status of being a certified gemologist. Michelle Jaffe, who has three undergraduate degrees, said she studied jewelry design at Rollins College in Florida and worked at a jewelry store while a student.

She was the director of admissions at Rollins College and added with a laugh that “I never thought I’d end up working the jewelry business.” 

The couple said they are “pouring ourselves into every detail of I.M. Jaffe” and will not only be selling and repairing fine jewelry and watches, but want to let clients get involved in every step of the process.

“Our clients are collaborators,” Michelle said. “We’re going to do a lot of hands-on experiences.”

She said that I.M. Jaffe will help customers who are capable and interested to take part in the creation of their own jewelry, including designing, carving the wax, stamping and hand-engraving.

“Everybody has a different comfort level,” she said. “We’re trying to figure out the mechanics right now, but the next generation really likes to have an experience.”

The couple said the new store will be environmentally minded, with “every diamond, gemstone, and precious metal selected with environmental and social responsibility in mind.” 

They added that they are committed to “doing good locally and globally.”

Ivan said he and Michelle are looking forward to being active in the community.

“We will host community events, design sessions, and educational workshops,” he said. “We want to be involved.”

The couple said they expect the restoration of the 1940 Perrysburg post office building at 117 East Second Street in Perrysburg to be a “multi-year” project for their jewelry boutique and as a community gathering space.

TFP photos by Stephen Zenner:

Gordon Fuller, a subcontractor, clears front steps at the site.
John Hart, a handyman and painter, throws items into dumpster at the future Jaffe Jewelers site.
Gordon Fuller, a subcontractor, speaks and coordinates with Ivan Jaffe on the main floor of the old 1940s Post Office building.
Michelle and Ivan Jaffe stand in front of their new storefront.

Anthony Wayne Free Press Voter’s Guide: 2025

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Candidates, Issues On AW-Area Ballots

ANTHONY WAYNE – When Anthony Wayne-area voters head to the polls, some will find plenty of choices – and others not enough. In Swanton Township, four candidates are vying for two trustee positions. In Waterville, just one candidate is certified to run for three open seats.

Below is a list of candidates and issues to expect on the ballot, and we will be adding to this content as we gather information throughout election season.


Anthony Wayne Local Schools

Two incumbents are running for re-election to their seats: Kyle Miller and Mike Stamm. Miller, who is currently board president, is seeking a second four-year term. Stamm, who was elected in 2023 to a two-year unexpired term, is seeking a four-year term.

Read more about them in our Anthony Wayne Free Press article here.

Mike Stamm
Kyle Miller

Waterville

Mary Duncan

Waterville city council will have three openings in January, but only Mary Duncan is certified to be on the ballot for her third term. Rob Allen submitted petitions, but those were ruled invalid by the Lucas County Board of Elections. Current council member Anthony Bruno is not seeking re-election, and council member John Rozic is term-limited. Council members Duncan, Todd Borowski, Rod Frey and Wayne Wagner will review applications, conduct interviews and name two new council members in January.

Some Waterville voters will also be asked to vote on two liquor sales issues related to the
planned Meijer store – which will begin construction late this year or in early 2026. Meijer is seeking a D-6 permit to allow the sale of wine and mixed beverages on Sundays both in the main store and in the out lot that will contain a gas station and convenience store.


Whitehouse


Three candidates are certified to run for three, four-year terms on Whitehouse Village Council.

Incumbents Louann Artiaga and Steve Fine are running for re-election while Joe Bublick is seeking his first term in office. Read more about the candidates here.

Also on the ballot are three proposed charter changes. Two ask voters whether they support imposing term limits on both the mayor and council. If approved, the mayor and council members would need to sit out after serving three consecutive four-year terms.

Another proposed charter amendment would change how the mayor can appoint, transfer, remove or suspend department heads or chiefs. A change would require a majority vote by council in order for the mayor to take action on any personnel changes.

Whitehouse Village Council members Louann Artiaga (left) and Steve Fine (right) are on the ballot, along with Joe Bublick (center) for three open seats. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

Townships


Three candidates are seeking two positions on the Monclova Township board of trustees.

Trudy Yoder Vicary
Debbie Stevens Laux
Barbara Lang

Incumbents Barbara Lang and Trudy Yoder Vicary are re-running, challenged by Debbie Stevens-Laux. Lang won a seat on the board in 2003 and again every term since 2009 – a total of 20 years. Vicary was first elected to office in 2021. Stevens-Laux is the co-owner of Stevens Gardens in Monclova Township and is seeking her first term.

Read more about these three candidates here.

Providence Township trustees Steve Kendall and Lee Bialecki were the only candidates to submit petitions to be re-elected to their positions, but Bialecki’s petitions were deemed
insufficient by the Lucas County Board of Elections last month. The board – which also includes trustee Jeremiah Floyd – will consider filling that third position during the first meeting in January.

In Swanton Township, incumbents Jeff Michael and Kyle McPherson are being challenged for the two open trustees’ positions by Bill Anderson and Matt Beil. Learn more about these four candidates here.

Matt Beil
Bill Anderson
Kyle McPherson
Jeff Michael
Sandy Speiker
Mindy Curry

Following the death of fiscal officer Peggy Michael in June, that position is now on the ballot as well. Trustees Michael, McPherson and Mike Nowicki appointed Sandy Speiker to fill the fiscal officer position. Mindy Curry and Speiker are seeking to fill that position.

Read more about about the candidates for Swanton Township fiscal officer role here.

In Waterville Township, Kim Anderson is not seeking re-election to the board of trustees. Toby Miller, who is currently chair of the board of zoning appeals, is on the ballot along with Kyle Hertzfeld, who has served on the board continuously since 2006.

Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the Lucas County Board of Elections, 3737 W. Sylvania Ave. in Toledo. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. For information on polling locations, early voting or absentee voting – as well as sample ballots visit lucascountyohiovotes.gov.

The Toledo Free Press will provide more detailed articles on AW-area races in the coming
weeks. If you are a candidate, contact [email protected] to join the coverage.

Kyle Hertzfeld
Toby Miller

Sisters of St. Francis launch solar-powered initiative

By
Steven Bieber
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Sustainability Coordinator Sara Grunberg standing by a sign in the parking lot explaining phase one. (TFP photo by Steven Bieber)

Panels added to Lourdes University parking lot

SYLVANIA – The Sisters of St. Francis announced in April that they will tackle the growing climate crisis by building solar panels in the parking lot of Lourdes University near the Russell J. Ebeid Hall. The announcement was made on April 22, 2025 – Earth Day. It also came one day after the passing of Pope Francis.

The project is currently in phase one, which involves building solar canopies. This first phase is expected to be finished by the end of the year. Once completed, the project will move forward to phases two and three.

A rendering of what the solar panel project will look like upon completion. (Photo courtesy of Sisters of St. Francis)

The overall project will cost $5 million. The money was raised through fundraising and government grants, as the Sisters are a nonprofit organization. Once completed, the solar project will reduce 328.2 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, save $63,000 in yearly energy costs, and provide the campus with clean, renewable energy for decades to come. The CO2 reduction is equivalent to offsetting 100 percent of the Franciscan Center’s energy use on campus.

To build the solar panels, the Sisters of St. Francis are working with Elevated Energy. This nonprofit organization installs rooftop solar systems, ground-mount solar systems, solar carports, and car charging stations. They have been in the solar industry for 17 years.

Elevated Energy offers guidance on where solar panels can be added and assists with development, construction, engineering and fundraising throughout the process. The Sisters also received help in identifying grants and optimizing the direct pay incentive.

Sara Grunberg, sustainability coordinator for the Sisters of St. Francis, encouraged other universities to invest in green energy.

“This is our response to that climate crisis,” she said. “However, if you do look at it from a financial standpoint, the savings are $63,000 annually, and it’s estimated to last 25 to 30 years. So $63,000 annually is what we’re expected to save.”

“That money can be reinvested into the sister’s mission industry elsewhere,” she added. “So from the lens of a university, it is a great investment, and it’s also a great education tool for students who might want to get involved in that type of work.”

She also noted that the solar power initiative responds to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ encyclical, which calls each of us to care for the earth and for the poor. Laudato Si’ translates from Latin to “Praise be to you, my Lord.”

Solar panels are not the Sisters’ only commitment to helping the environment. According to a press release from April, this initiative is part of the Sisters’ larger seven-year commitment to Laudato Si’ and to the Sylvania community that has been their home since 1916.

The announcement follows years of sustainability efforts on campus, including the launch of an advanced composting program, planting over 100 trees, a thriving beekeeping initiative, and donating over 500 lbs. of fresh produce from the Grateful Harvest Community Garden. Together, these efforts reflect a faith-based commitment to both ecological action and community care.

The solar panels will be in the parking lot of Russel J. Ebeid Hall. (TFP photo by Steven Bieber)

Grunberg added that funding and infrastructure are likely the leading factors preventing other universities from investing in similar green energy projects, especially with the current administration revoking tax credits.

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