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Anthony Wayne news: Waterville and Whitehouse win grants 

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Waterville Community Foundation members announced the award of $40,000 to the city of Waterville for the purchase of a drone that will be used by the police, fire and public works departments. Pictured are (from left) Steve Schult, Fire Chief Doug Meyer, Paul Croy, Diana Waugh, Randy Sikorski and Police Chief Joe Valvano. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

ANTHONY WAYNE – Two area communities won grants that will encourage residents to get out and walk, bike and take in the scenery.

Waterville received a $557,000 federal grant to cover 80 percent of the cost to create a scenic overlook of the Roche de Boeuf island – the “buffalo rock” in the Maumee River – with connecting trails to Farnsworth Metropark and River Road.

Administrator Jon Gochenour said a pedestrian bridge over River Road will be built along with connecting walkways on city-owned right-of-way. Two of the Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge’s piers – but not the arches – will be used to support the overlook. Those piers are on city property.

“You can get a better view of the river from that location,” he said, noting that the overlook will extend out over the river and include historic information about the bridge.

Waterville received a $557,000 grant to construct a pedestrian walkway over S. River Road and a scenic overlook utilizing two piers of the Roche de Boeuf Interurban Bridge. Construction is expected to being in 2028. (Rendering courtesy of Reveille Ltd.)

A grassroots organization is working to save the entire bridge from demolition, which the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had slated for this year but put on hold for now. ODOT has agreed to save the two piers for the overlook project.

“If ODOT is tearing down the bridge, at least we’ll save some of it. That’s not to say the city isn’t interested in saving the rest of the bridge,” Gochenour said.

The federal grant is only available every four years, so the city decided to take advantage of the application window before it closed instead of waiting to see the results of efforts to save the bridge. By the time design, engineering and bids are complete to federal standards, Gochenour estimates the construction could start around 2028.

Dave Weber, who is leading the grassroots effort to save the bridge, told council during its Sept. 24 meeting that he is concerned about the city “making deals with ODOT” regarding the bridge – which his group wants to save in its entirety.

Whitehouse was awarded a $1,447,872 Transportation Alternative Program grant to construct a 7,700-foot trail that will begin at Anthony Wayne High School and include a sidewalk along Grover Drive and a portion of Cemetery Road to Weckerly. An asphalt multi-purpose path will then extend on one side of Weckerly into downtown Whitehouse, hooking up with a sidewalk on Lenderson Avenue.

Public Works Director Mike Hill said the Grover Drive section is necessary because a multi-use path would not fit next to the cemetery at the corner of Cemetery Road and Weckerly. When finished, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to bike or walk to school without being on the road – and that’s a benefit for the student athletes who run through the community, he said.

Initially, the village just sought funds for one phase of the project, but instead, the Toledo Metropolitan Council of Governments (TMACOG) agreed to fund 80 percent of the entire $2 million project. The village has until 2030 to come up with matching funds and begin construction, which will require some purchase of right of way.

“This is a big deal,” said Mayor Rich Bingham. “One of the biggest things in our surveys is that residents like the trails and the connectivity.”

The village has until 2030 to construct the path, which gives administration time to come up with the $600,000 share of the project, plus engineering costs. 

Rezoning considered for Walden subdivision

Walden subdivision, a planned 105-home community that straddles parcels in both Monclova Township and Waterville, is one step closer to reality.

During its Sept. 8 meeting, Monclova Township approved rezoning a landlocked 20-acre parcel at 8350 Stitt Rd. rear from agricultural/residential to suburban residential. About 34 homes are planned for that section.

Waterville Township’s zoning commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., to consider rezoning 8346 Dutch Rd. from agricultural to residential/agricultural with a planned unit development for 71 homes. The 32-acre parcel is northwest of Fischer Drive and U.S.24 and east of Coventry Glen. The 20-acre Monclova Township property is north of the Waterville Township property, and both are owned by Jenny Rogers, successor trustee.

Toby Miller, a member of the Waterville Township board of zoning appeals, spoke briefly about the dual-township subdivision during the Sept. 8 Monclova Township meeting.

“I know there’s concern from Waterville Township that all access will be through Waterville Township and be destructive to our roads,” Miller said, referring to developer Mark Rich‘s plan to have all access into Walden go through Coventry Glen on Jewel Crest Lane – currently a stub street with a few homes.

Monclova Township trustee Chuck Hoecherl, after confirming that access to the subdivision would not be an issue for the road department, noted that Springfield Township has a similar situation – with public works, police and fire from accessing their properties in the Quarry and Brandywine through Monclova Township.

“This is a landlocked piece. I don’t know what else would go in there,” he said.

Waterville Community Foundation awards grants to city and Toledo Free Press initiative (Anthony Wayne Free Press)

The Waterville Community Foundation (WCF) announced two major grant awards during the Sept. 22 Waterville City Council meeting.

The city of Waterville is receiving $40,000 to fund a drone that will be used by the city’s fire, police and public works departments. A drone can be used to drop life preservers or lines during river rescues, find hot spots in structure fires, search for missing persons and identify infrastructure needs.

The Toledo Free Press will receive $30,000 this year and $10,000 for the next three years to support the new Anthony Wayne Free Press online news site – a free, nonpartisan news source covering the townships, schools, Waterville and Whitehouse areas.

In other Anthony Wayne-area news

– Monclova Township will host an open house for residents on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the administration building, 4335 Albon Road. Fire station tours, informational booths, games and food will be available.

-Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Road, will host a Maker’s Market on Saturday, Oct. 4 from noon to 4 p.m.

–Ryan Grant has been selected as the new Monclova Township fire safety inspector.

-Toledo Edison has been contacted about 62 locations in Monclova Township where street lights are burned out, damaged or missing.

-Whitehouse Fire Department will host a Fire Safety Week open house on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. with activities for children and adults, station tours and visits with Sparky the fire dog.

-Whitehouse, along with other area municipalities, is working with the school district at a multi-faceted approach for dealing with e-bike behavior on area trails.

-AW Heating and Cooling has begun site preparation for a new headquarters and commercial building on S.R. 64 east of Finzel.

-Waterville issued a proclamation honoring 100-year-old Janet Sorg, a resident of Browning Masonic Community.

-Waterville resident Scott Jahns is urging the city to enact legislation to prohibit downtown corridor buildings from being used as “warehouses” in the future. 

-Waterville approved the addition of data centers to its zoning book, allowing data centers on land zoned M-1 manufacturing.

-Waterville United Methodist Church is hosting a fall festival to honor first responders on Saturday, Oct. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. at 7115 Waterville-Monclova Road. The free festival will include a trunk or treat, inflatables, games and crafts, food trucks, fire station tours and other activities for all ages.

-The Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Boo to Do on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Waterville, with businesses setting up Halloween decorations and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

-Waterville held a first reading on plans for a Meijer store for the southwest corner of S. Pray Boulevard and S.R. 64 (Waterville-Swanton Road). A second reading will be held on Monday, Oct. 13 and a third and final reading and public hearing on Monday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

-Waterville Township trustees rescheduled the next two meetings to Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

-Communities are approving revised agreements with the Lucas County Health Department to include funds for a new health department headquarters in the former Catholic Diocese of Toledo building at the corner of Cherry Street and Spielbusch Avenue in downtown Toledo. 

Ohio Statehouse rally against HB1 and SB88

By
Allyson Ritchey
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Handmade signs against HB1 and SB88 lined the block outside of the statehouse. (TFP photo by Allyson Ritchey)

The two bills would restrict property acquisitions by “prohibited persons”

COLUMBUS – Hundreds of Ohioans gathered at the Statehouse on Saturday, Sept. 27, to protest House Bill 1 (HB1) and Senate Bill 88 (SB88), a pair of bills that would restrict certain individuals and entities from acquiring property in the state. At the rally, speakers argued that the legislation would discriminate against immigrants and harm both civil rights and Ohio’s economy. The protest came just days before the legislature resumes its session today (Wednesday, Oct. 1).

The bills’ sponsors, however, have previously maintained that the legislation is a necessary step to protect Ohio’s security and critical infrastructure.

The rally marched around the capitol complex, holding signs and waving to passersby. (TFP photo by Allyson Ritchey)

A Closer look at the bills

HB1 and SB88 share the same overall purpose: prohibiting a “prohibited person” from acquiring “protected property” in Ohio. While not word-for-word identical, they are considered parallel bills moving through the House and Senate with very similar language and intent.

A “prohibited person” is defined as a citizen of a foreign adversary, a government of a foreign adversary or a business owned or controlled by such entities. The current federal list of foreign adversary countries includes China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

The bills would automatically apply to any country added to that registry. This is a key point raised by opponents, who argue that the bills do not make an exception for legal U.S. residents who are citizens of these countries, including green card and visa holders.

​​“Protected property” includes agricultural land and any real estate within a 25-mile radius of a U.S. military base or a “critical infrastructure facility,” which could include electric power substations, natural gas pipelines, refineries, telecommunications hubs and railroad tracks. Opponents argue the bills’ broad definitions could encompass nearly the entire state.

The legislation would additionally require any prohibited owner to divest property within two years, even if they owned it before the bill’s passage. Failure to comply could result in a county prosecutor taking the case to court to have the property escheated to the state, with proceeds going to the county’s general fund after court costs.

Sidewalks streamed with purple as rally members marched in Columbus. (TFP photo by Allyson Ritchey)

Supporters cite security concerns

The bills’ sponsors have stated that the legislation is a necessary step to protect Ohio’s security and critical infrastructure. Supporters frame the issue in stark terms. In his sponsor testimony for SB88, Senator Terry Johnson (R-14) said that Ohio’s land should not be for sale to those who “seek to destroy the American way of life.” He cited the example of the Fufeng Group, a Chinese company that tried to buy land near a military base in North Dakota, as an example for the bills.

Representative Angela King (R-84), a primary sponsor of HB1, stated in her testimony that the bill is an “overdue” piece of legislation to protect against the “expanding footprint of foreign adversary real estate ownership in the U.S.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost offered his support in the bill’s second hearing in April, stating the bill is important for protecting the state’s electric grid and other critical infrastructure.

The Toledo Free Press reached out for comment from several sponsors of the bills, including Johnson, King, Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-82), Representative James Hoops (R-81) and Representative Elgin Rogers Jr. (D-42), but did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. However, in a statement provided by his office, Representative Haraz Ghanbari (R-75), a cosponsor of HB1, stated that the legislation “remains under active review, and a number of significant concerns have been raised as part of that process.” He added that he respects the right of citizens to come together and express their views.

Rogers represents a portion of the city Toledo itself, while Ghanbari represents nearby Perrysburg. Klopfenstein and Hoops represent districts in Northwest Ohio, to the west of Toledo.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life rallied against HB1 and SB88 at the Statehouse on Saturday.(TFP photo by Allyson Ritchey)

Opponents warn of discrimination and economic harm

While the rally focused on the personal impact of the bills, speakers also addressed the broader legal and economic concerns. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio has a foreign-born population of approximately 655,000 residents. In 2023, the foreign-born share of the population was 5.3 percent, up from 4.1 percent since 2013.

In an interview with the Toledo Free Press, one protestor named Hao said the bills are “so horrible,” and that she and others believe no one could give them a good reason for the legislation. Hong Qiu of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio told the Toledo Free Press that the bills are “totally against the laws” and a violation of the 14th Amendment.

Other rally speakers echoed these concerns. Carlen Zhang-D’Souza of the ACLU called the bills “profoundly unfair” and said they “reek of racial animus and bigotry.” Another protestor, Ying Wu, said the bills send a message that immigrant families “do not belong,” while Yanfen Yang, an 18-year Ohio resident, recalled past massacres of Chinese immigrants, warning that “history is watching, and so are we.” Supporters of the bills have rejected claims that the measures target individuals based on race or ethnicity, arguing instead that they are necessary for security.

Signs at the rally reinforce the messages opponents of the bills want to get across. (TFP photo by Allyson Ritchey)

Speakers also warned of economic consequences. According to the Global Business Alliance, over 322,900 workers in Ohio are employed as a result of global investment, with Japanese, German, and United Kingdom-owned companies supporting the largest number of jobs.

Louisa Ha, a university professor, stated that the bills are “the worst in the nation” and could accelerate “brain drain” by driving out international students and faculty. According to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, international students attending Ohio colleges contributed over $1.3 billion to the state’s economy during the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Testimonies from the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Moraine also warned the bills could force Fuyao Glass America—a Chinese-owned auto glass manufacturer—to sell its property, threatening thousands of local jobs.

Even organizations that support the bills’ intent have expressed concern. The Ohio REALTORS testified that the bills could face legal challenges and that they do not exempt legal permanent residents from their restrictions. Overall, critics argue the bills are unfair, discriminatory, and could prove to be economically counterproductive.

The bills remain stalled in committee, but with the legislature’s session resuming this week, the debate is set to intensify. Rally organizers closed by urging Ohioans to register to vote by October 6 and to support candidates in November who oppose the bills.

TFP photos by Allyson Ritchey

Donald Hayashi, president of Dayton Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League
Louisa Ha, university professor. 
Carlen Zhang-D’Souza, staff attorney with the ACLU of Ohio.
Xiang Zhang, medical school professor
 Mia Lewis, associate director of Common Cause Ohio.
A group of individuals from the greater Toledo area pose for a photo after the rally in Columbus. 
Ying Wu of Dublin, OH.
Woman sings the national anthem.

Organizers looking forward to hosting 2026 Toledo Classic

By
Fred Altvater
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(Photo courtesy of EPSON Tour and Legends Tour)

TOLEDO – Last year, for the very first time, the Toledo Classic Hosted By Stacy Lewis featured a combined event with the young women of the EPSON Tour joining the Legends of the LPGA Tour in a unique stroke play tournament at Highland Meadows Golf Club.

With the ladies from each tour competing for individual honors, the final day gave Toledo golf fans plenty of excitement. Angela Stanford and Laura Diaz finished in a tie for first place at 8-under par after regulation play in the Legends Tour portion of the tournament. Stanford was the eventual winner, defeating Diaz in a playoff. Finishing right behind them was a pair of very familiar names, Hall of Famers Karrie Webb and Julie Inkster. 

(Photo courtesy of EPSON Tour and Legends Tour)

Mia Hammond, a 17-year-old amateur from New Albany, won the EPSON Tournament segment with three rounds of 66-66-69, 12-under par, to edge a trio of players, Erika Hara, Yue Ren and Amanda Doherty, by one stroke.

For the first time ever, this format brought together the Legends and EPSON Tours and allowed the younger women to learn more about professional golf by watching and playing beside the more experienced Legend Tour professionals. 

Toledo Classic Tournament Director Judd Silverman told the Toledo Free Press, “We are extremely happy with the results from the Toledo Classic held this year. We continue to be committed to bring the best women golfers to Toledo and are working to once again have an LPGA event, or a combined EPSON/Legends Tour tournament for 2026.”

Highland Meadows always provides a quality golf course for the professionals. Area golf fans are lucky to have these women visit Toledo each year to demonstrate their golf skills and acumen.

Community profile: Justin Scott Slater recognized for saving woman

By
Stephen Zenner
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Wade Kapszukiewicz, the mayor of Toledo, stands next to Justin Scott Slater, a west Toledoan honored for his heroism, and Carrie Hartman, City Council Member At-Large and President of City Council, during a Toledo City Council meeting in downtown Toledo on Tuesday Sept. 9, 2025. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – West Toledoan Justin Scott Slater was publicly recognized for his extraordinary heroism during a recent Toledo City Council meeting. 

Outside of council chambers, after receiving awards and accolades for his above and beyond reaction to a woman drowning in the Maumee River, Slater spoke candidly with the press. 

Kapszukiewicz speaks with Slater. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

“I didn’t do what I did for this,” Slater said, motioning towards the resolution by city council, 390-25, and the Carnegie Medal presented by Secretary of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, Eric P. Zahren. 

“I did what I did because I felt it was right in my heart,” Slater said. 

Overwhelmed by the appreciation shown by council and the community, including a standing ovation, Slater was forced to admit that saving the woman from drowning, “It kind of is a big deal, and I never thought in a million years I would be here today.”

A number of years ago, Slater said, “ [I] broke my hip and femur, so I was told I may never walk correctly again.”

During the July 31 early morning fishing session with his father, he thought quickly on his feet, and that injury flashed through his mind. 

“That was my little hesitation point in doing all this, and jumping in the water.”

At 2 a.m. that day, Slater said he was about to call it a night after fishing with his father, but then the construction contractor heard a splash.

“The lady was screaming for help, and my dad called 911.”

A few moments later, the police arrived, but they informed him the water was the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. In that moment, Slater realized that in order for the police to do anything, they’d have to take off all their equipment, and that would take too long. Slater made a split second decision. 

“I was advised by three different police officers not to jump in the water, that she’d pull me under. I guess somebody died nine hours before that,” he said. “I knew she didn’t have the time for the coast guard and dive team specialist.”

And so Slater acted.

“Everybody turned around for a second, and I jumped in the water and swam there. I knew I was in the right direction, and I just kept swimming.” When he got to her, the woman had passed out.

Cerssandra McPherson, Toledo City Council Member At-Large, speaks to the bravery of Justin Scott Slater. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

“Once I got to her, she was not breathing. I got behind her, and I tried to squeeze her to see if I could get her to cough up water,” and then Slater backpedaled the woman to land where emergency crews intercepted the two of them.

“Any life is important. People don’t realize how important one life is,” Slater said, noting that he’d lost loved ones in his own life.

“The most important thing to me is that lady’s here with me. Yeah, that’s it. That’s the only outcome I was looking for.”

Toledo City Council Member John Hobbs III, District 1, and Carrie Hartman, the president of Council At-Large, sponsored the resolution to honor Slater. 

“For his courageous actions, Justin Scott Slater is getting honored,” read Julie Gibbons, the clerk of council, as she recounted the 195 feet Slater swam to rescue the woman who was drowning. 

Zahren walked to the podium in front of council with Slater. There Zahren explained the Carnegie Medal and Hero Commission existed “so that heroes and their actions and sacrifice are never forgotten,” and to propagate, “a more hopeful future, a future of quality care and humanity and an increased faith in each other.” 

“So thank you Justin for doing just that at a time that it’s desperately needed.”

For a second time, an account of Slater’s deeds was read, this time by Zahren. Then Zahren presented Slater with the Carnegie Medal and City Council gave Slater a standing ovation. 

Hobbs congratulated Slater: “Words cannot express what you’ve done.” 

Justin Scott Slater. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Roche de Boeuf Festival 2025

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Hit & Run, a band made up of Anthony Wayne High School students and graduates, will perform at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 as part of the Roche de Boeuf Festival. (Photo courtesy of Hit & Run)

Waterville ready to welcome thousands on Sept. 27

WATERVILLE – With the Anthony Wayne Marching Generals and more than 50 floats, the 52nd Annual Roche de Boeuf Festival parade is expected to draw thousands to downtown Waterville at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Sept. 27. 

“While the parade has become the most popular part of our festival, we have tons of activities available throughout downtown Waterville to entertain people throughout the day,” said Michelle Smith, executive director of the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beginning at 9 a.m., nearly 200 booths will be open with food vendors, crafters, nonprofit organizations and other groups selling wares and sharing information. In the Shawn’s Irish Tavern parking lot, a car show will be underway through 2 p.m., with DJ Cruisin’ Zeake providing music and plenty of prizes for vehicles on display.

New this year is an expanded kids area set up in Parker Square – the riverfront park along River Road. 

The Metroparks are hauling in this impressive rock climbing wall for all ages to enjoy in the expanded kids entertainment area in Parker Square.
(Photo courtesy of Metroparks Toledo)

“We’ll have bounce houses, Mario and Princess Peach, face painters, dance groups, a deejay and the Metroparks are setting up a large climbing wall,” Smith said, adding that Jackson Price, well known for his multiple costume changes while dancing to songs by Michael Jackson, is set to perform from 3 to 5 p.m.

Also new this year is a stage on N. Third Street near Mechanic Street. Dusty Syns, a Pennsylvania-based classic rock and blues band, will take the stage from noon to 3 p.m. Hit & Run, a band comprised of Anthony Wayne High School students and graduates, will perform a popular mix of alternative rock, blues and jazz from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

On N. Second Street, the Rue des Artistes will be set up, said Anthony Wayne Area Arts Commission (AWAAC) Vice President Lisa Exner.

“Amazing local artists will be showing their artwork – including metal critters by Mark Luebke, beautiful local photography by Jack Schultz, stunning jewelry by Sarah Voltz, Carruth sculptures and glasswork by Mary Burget to name a few,” Exner said. “In addition, both Bittersweet Farms and Sunshine Studios will be selling lots of fun handmade items to help support their art programs.”

The AWAAC will offer free craft activities for kids, and Copper Moon Studio will be set up with a booth where guests can create a piece of fused class for $22.

The Waterville Historical Society (WHS) will offer activities for all ages on its River Road campus, including horse-drawn trolley rides down River Road, docent-led tours of the Sargent House and Robbins House, a lace-making demonstrator and a team of military re-enactors, including Taylor Moyer. Kids can also make a tin punch craft to take home.

The Anthony Wayne Marching Generals will perform during the Saturday, Sept. 27 Roche de Boeuf Festival parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Farnsworth and Michigan.
(TFP Photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

At Wakeman Hall, 401 Farnsworth Rd., the Battle of Fallen Timbers display will be open with docents from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This museum-quality display, the only one of its kind ever assembled, will be taken down in October,” said Marcia Tarabini, a WHS board member. “A $5 donation is requested. This is the last opportunity to see it.”

Wakeman Hall will also be open for parking, for a $5 donation, and is near the start of the parade route. Entrants in the parade will line up on Farnsworth west of the Michigan Avenue split and will progress down the hill to River Road, then turn right and continue to Waterworks Park.

Kenny Blair, who worked for the city of Waterville for 50 years before retiring in 2024, will serve as the grand marshal of the Roche de Boeuf parade. He is pictured during the Sept. 13 unveiling of a sign naming the pond at Waterworks Park in his honor. (TFP Photo/Karen Gerhardinger)

This year’s grand marshal for the parade is Kenny Blair, who retired as public works director after a 50-year career with the city of Waterville. As a member of the Jaycees in the 1970s, Blair was one of four original founders of the Roche de Boeuf Festival. In recognition of his donations to the city, the pond at Waterworks Park was named Blair Pond during the Waterville Rotary and city-sponsored fishing derby on Sept. 13.

The festival is presented by the chamber with help from sponsors and the city of Waterville. It’s an opportunity to showcase all that Waterville has to offer, said Mayor Tim Pedro.

“This is like our Super Bowl. It brings people to the community and downtown Waterville,” he said of the festival, named for the French translation of the Native American term to describe a large, buffalo-shaped limestone outcropping where meetings were held between the two groups. The word means “buffalo rock” or “rock of beef.”

Guests to the Roche de Boeuf Festival can park and catch a free shuttle service provided by Browning Masonic Community at two locations: Something Special Learning Center, 8251 Waterville Swanton Rd., and BlueSky Restorations at 1300 Michigan Ave. The shuttle service will be interrupted from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for road closures during the parade.

For updates on the festival, visit the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or visit watervillechamber.com.

George Sarantou: Toledo City Council Member At-Large

By
Stephen Zenner
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In preparation for the November 2025 election, the Toledo Free Press is creating a voting guide, complete with video interviews like this one. Stephen Zenner speaks to Toledo City Council Member At-Large George Sarantou about his goals for improving the lives of Toledoans. Subscribe to our channel for the latest candidate interviews.

Harvest with a purpose at Johnston Fruit Farms  

By
Gaven Hafner
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(Left to right) Aaron Mora, Eli Mora, Martha Mora, Erica Ritt, and Fernando Mora gather at the apple-filled semi-truck. (courtesy photo)

Annual Apples for Everyone event 

SWANTON – Johnston Fruit Farms’ Apples for Everyone event returns this Saturday, Sept. 27, transforming the simple joy of apple picking into a chance for the community to give back to those in need.  

For 17 years now, Johnston Fruit Farms has held their annual event for picking apples to donate to the local food banks in the area. Each year, people from throughout the community come together to have fun and help pick apples to be loaded up and sent to places like the SeaGate Food Bank in Toledo.  

Last year, over 10,000 pounds of apples were picked to be donated.

“We try to pick a minimum of 10,000,” owner Martha Mora said. Farming manager Fernando Mora noted that all the fresh apples collected from the community that day get loaded up to be sent out to the food bank. 

Pete Martinez (left) admiring the apples with customers. (courtesy photo)

Cheri Dennis, director of community engagement at the SeaGate Food Bank, has been very thankful for the community and events like Apples for Everyone.  

“We are just very gracious for all of the support that we get from the community,” Dennis said. “They continue to allow us to keep our doors open. They allow us to put food on the tables of our neighbors in need. I don’t know how many families roundabout get the apples, but I know that there are thousands of families that are supported by the Apples for Everyone event. They are very well received, especially when it comes to our senior population.” 

Over the years, Apples for Everyone has grown into an anticipated event, Martha Mora said. “So the main focus of the event is to pick apples for the food bank, and the first three years, that’s all we did.” But now the event has become more than just apple picking.  

“Eventually, we thought it would be fun to have some musicians, local food and games for the kids,” she said. “And so we kind of turned it into a little more of an event.”  

Every year, hundreds of people come out to volunteer to help pick apples; however, picking apples isn’t the only area people can help with.  

“We have different areas that we need help with,” Mora said. Some of the areas in need of volunteers are helping with games, directing people to where to pick apples and informing others about how to pick the apples. Normally, the farm would like to have a minimum of 25 people to help in these specific areas. The farm asks interested volunteers to please call or stop by to sign up. They also welcome walk-in volunteers on the day of the event. 

Travis Ritt picking apples. (courtesy photo)

The team at Johnston Fruit Farms has been very grateful for the community’s help each year. Fernando Mora talked about how the event is a great learning experience for parents to teach their children the joys of giving. 

“Come over and just teach your kids how to give,” he said. “If you don’t have money to give, you can give your time by picking the apples for somebody in need.”  

Martha Morra added, “And that’s the fun thing; you don’t have to bring a can of food or anything. The only thing that we’re asking the community to donate is their time and just their help in picking the apples.”  

So, if you are looking for a fun family event this fall to help those in need, come out to Johnston Fruit Farms for this year’s Apples for Everyone event. The event will take place at the farm on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can even indulge in some fresh cider and donuts on the way out. 

Photos courtesy of Johnston Fruit Farms unless otherwise noted.

Erica Ritt
Delta High School Students with Jeff Wolford, Jenny Wolford, and Tammy Sprow after apple picking.
Alycia Martinez enjoying the fruits of her labor.
Cheri Dennis poses in front of the Hand-to-Hand Neighborhoods board at the SeaGate Food Bank. (TFP Photo by Gaven Hafner)

Toledo Top 64 showcases top talent in northwest Ohio

By
Mark Griffin
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Gibsonburg’s Junior Point Guard Elly Evarts rushes down the court at the Toledo Top 64 event held at Toledo Scott High School on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

TOLEDO – Getting noticed is paramount for any high school player looking to get recruited to play a sport at the collegiate level.

College scouts, assistant coaches and head coaches have to see prep athletes in action to get a feel for whether or not they can play at the next level.

The Toledo Top 64 event, held Sept. 20-21 at Scott High School, was a free, invitation-only basketball showcase for college basketball prospects in northwest Ohio to play against some of the best competition in the area.

Toledo Top 64 was the brain child of Toledo natives and brothers Anthony and Shane Garcia a few years ago.

“Anthony originally created the concept in 2019,” said Shane Garcia, a scout for Prep Hoops Ohio and a St. John’s Jesuit graduate. “He felt Toledo-area kids don’t get the same kind of recognition of other areas of the state like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus. This is by invitation only. We wanted it in Toledo because a lot of times you do have to go to Columbus and Cleveland to get recognized.”

Lima High School guard Noah Simpson shoots the ball
at the Toledo Top 64 event held at Toledo Scott High School. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

The first few events were held at Lourdes University in Sylvania, where Bowsher High School graduate Dennis Hopson was the head men’s basketball coach. Hopson, the all-time leading men’s scorer at Ohio State (2,096 points) and now the athletic director at Bowsher, also helped organize the Toledo Top 64 event.

“Anthony wanted to get some notoriety and wanted to do it at Lourdes,” Shane Garcia said. “Dennis allowed us to run it at Lourdes, then we moved it to Scott. He knows everybody and everybody knows him. This year he was able to double up the budget and got a grant through the city. We were able to run two events without us having to break our pockets.”

This was the first year that girls were invited to participate in the Toledo Top 64 event. This was the fifth year for the boys events.

More than 90 boys and 80 girls participated at Scott last weekend. Each team played three games.

The event was free for all of the players, who played in front of more than 40 representatives from colleges at the Division II level and below, like Lourdes, Owens Community College, Trine University in Angola, Ind., the University of Findlay, and Ohio Northern.

“We do hope and think this is an opportunity to just get a kid on the [college’s] radar,” Shane Garcia said. “Knowing this is a small stepping stone, that’s huge for us.”

Patrick Henry Guard Cary’s Crossland takes the ball up at the Toledo Top 64 event. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

Tom Litman, a third-year assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Northwestern Ohio, a private university in Lima, was at the Toledo Top 64 event on Saturday to scout for the Racers.

“They’ve been doing this for a few years, and our men’s coach has come to this in the past,” Litman said. “I started looking into all of the [players] who wanted to come here and be a part of this. There’s a lot of talent here and I wanted to watch them compete.

“We’re looking at mostly seniors, but if any underclassmen catch our eye, this is a good chance to start a conversation. I’m excited to be at this event.”

Boys and girls competitors mostly came from schools in the greater Toledo area, but they also came from Norwalk, Van Wert, Liberty-Benton, Ottoville, Leipsic, Lima, Arlington and Ayersville, to name a few. Many of the players knew each other from AAU ball and high school.

Shane Garcia was responsible for inviting the players in his role as a scout for Prep Hoops Ohio.

“I go to AAU events in the summer and high school games in the winter,” he said. “That’s my role, as I am going there to get kids recruited. I always have kids in the back of my mind for this event. I make a list, and once it’s made, I send it to Mike Roth, who is also from Prep Hoops. He covers more of all of Ohio. He’s more of a basketball encyclopedia. I give my list to him and he sends back a final draft and we just start sending out invites.”

Serenity Bolden, a 5-foot-6 senior guard at Central Catholic High School and a three-year starter, plays for the Rice Basketball Academy AAU team in the summer. She said she got a text from Shane Garcia inviting her to this year’s event.

“I had heard about others who got invited,” Bolden said. “I was coming back from a tournament in Florida, and when I got off the plane I got a text from Shane to come and play in the Toledo Top 64. I’m not as well known, but I think people know me from other coaches and word of mouth.

“This is exciting, and I’m glad they did it for the girls (this year), to get more recognition for Toledo.”

Bolden, who has a 4.1 GPA and plans to major in social work in college, said she is being recruited by four or five schools and wants to make a decision on where to go after her senior season.

“I want to know by March or April,” she said, “but I’m going to play my game regardless.”

Toledo Start Forward Jade Latson passes the ball up court. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

Jade Latson, a 5-9 senior forward at Start High School and last year’s City League Player of the Year for the league champion Spartans, played her first two years at Scott and transferred to Start prior to her junior year.

Latson, who plays for the Michigan Storm Elite AAU team, said she is being recruited by five or six schools after averaging 15.6 points and eight rebounds a game as a junior.

“I got a text from Shane to come play for Top 64,” Latson said. “They’ve had this for boys and I was excited to get invited because it’s something I love.”

Latson said her Red Team started out strong in the first of three games on Saturday before losing.

“I thought I did pretty well,” she said. “I was pretty nervous at first because I didn’t know my teammates. I was impressed with the competition. We missed a lot of shots and we lost, but it was good competition.”

Tre Chenault, a 6-7 junior at St. Francis de Sales, plays AAU ball for Nova Village and also competed in the Top 64 boys event a year ago.

“We have better competition this year,” he said. “There are a lot of kids from other areas, like Lima.”

Chenault said he was “confident” in how he would play in his team’s three games on Sunday.

“I’m confident in the work I put in,” he said. “I try to play at least four days a week. At St. Francis we lift for an hour, do cone drills up and down the court … I’m doing what I love to do.”

Chenault, who said he grew three inches after his sophomore year, said “a decent amount” of colleges are recruiting him.

“I’m taking small steps (with recruiting) each day,” he said.

St. Francis Post Alan Horton (2) and Genoa High School Post Ryan Plantz (3) battle at the Toledo Top 64. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

Walter Plantz, a 6-8 senior at Genoa, played in the Top 64 event as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Last season he was named the Northern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year after averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks per game for the Comets.

Plantz, who said he has always been the tallest person in his class, said he played “all right” in his Dark Blue Team’s opener Sunday morning.

“I could have played better,” he said. “Al Horton [6-9 senior at St. Francis de Sales who is headed to Miami of Ohio University] blocked a couple of my shots, but I did all right. I like how the community comes out for this event. I like seeing friends and other guys I play against in AAU.”

Alas, Plantz didn’t have to worry about impressing college scouts on Sunday. He said he will play at Ashland University next fall.

“I committed in August, and I just got back from my official visit yesterday [Sept. 20],” Plantz said. “I played in an open gym [session] and hung out with my team. Ashland has been with me from the start. Everyone is bonded there, and I like the coaches.”

St. Francis Forward Tre Chenault scans the court for a teammate. (TFP photo by Logan Migliori)

Chief Prosecutor Rebecca Facey: Breaking the Cycle of Violence

By
Jaden Jefferson
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The City of Toledo and the Prosecutor’s Office is hosting a summit called “Breaking the Cycle of Violence” on Oct. 1. Jaden sits down with Chief Prosecutor Rebecca Facey to discuss the domestic violence data, red flags in relationships, dating violence, human trafficking and many other issues. The summit will bring together professionals and youth to explore these important and timely topics.

*Video and audio edited by Stephen Zenner.

Inside Lucas County Commissioners Meeting: Sept. 16

By
Stephen Zenner
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Toledo Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Daniel Brown-Martinez is recognized for his contributions to government during Hispanic Heritage Month during a Lucas County Commissioners’ regular meeting at 1 Government Center in downtown Toledo on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – Staffers were forced to stand during the commissioners’ regular meeting due to the large turnout of people celebrating Hispanic Heritage month. 

All three commissioners and City Council Members Theresa Morris and Brittany Jones recognized Hispanic Heritage month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

Hispanic food was available to all attendees of the meeting, and Hispanic members of the Lucas County community were recognized for their work in creating a strong place to live and work. 

Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez addressed the packed room about the proceedings.

“We have a proclamation that we’re going to officially present,” she said. “[It] recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural contributions, history and diverse heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities, regardless of what country we come from.”

The proclamation was presented to Morris and Greg Guzman from the Ohio Governor’s Commission on Latino Affairs.

Guzman then awarded Taylor Balderas-Burciaga, one of Toledo’s 20 under 40, the distinguished Hispanic Ohioan award. Guzman said they would present Balderas-Burciaga with the award this coming April on Legislative Day in Columbus, Ohio. 

When the podium was handed over to Morris, she said, “I know this isn’t our chamber [city council chamber], but do you guys always have tamales?” referring to the festive food available. 

Daniel Brown-Martinez, the deputy chief for Toledo Fire & Rescue, embraces Jose Rosales, an administrator for Toledo Public Schools; both men were recognized for their contributions to Lucas County. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

On a more serious note Morris said, “Immigrants make this country great. Yes, we all are Americans, but we all came from someplace else,” she said.

Morris and Jones then presented their proclamation concerning Hispanic Heritage to the three commissioners. 

“This is what makes Toledo very, very diverse, very unique,” Jones said. “And I’m very glad to be part of this city as we celebrate our differences, especially in the world that we’re in now.” 

Commissioner Gerken added his words of appreciation. “What a great meeting to have through joy and food.” 

Both Sobecki and Gerken talked of the strengths and beauty of diversity before honoring four individuals for their contributions to Lucas County and as part of the Hispanic/Latino community. 

Daniel Brown-Martinez, a deputy chief for Toledo Fire & Rescue, Jose Rosales, an administrator for Toledo Public Schools (TPS), Nichole Beltran, the facilities engineering manager at UPS, and Nalix Otero, an emergency assistance representative at Toledo Pathway, were all recognized for their contributions to different occupational sectors of Toledo, and highlighted as a part of celebrating Hispanic Heritage. 

Stefanie Reed, the HCM functional talent manager for Lucas County, celebrates her retirement. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Then Stefanie Reed, the HCM functional talent manager for Lucas County, was recognized and celebrated as she retires from the county. 

Before any of the festivities, the commissioners approved a petition to allow the City of Sylvania to annex a portion of Sylvania Township, Parcel No. 78-06791, through Annexation Petition No. 2025-2.

After all the celebrations, Michael Hart presented item 9, which was approved: the Lucas County Responsible Contractor Policy. Hart said this policy allows “entities wishing to do construction-related work with the county to apply to be pre-qualified. They’ll then have a certificate and be on a list where they can do work with the county at any point in time.” 

Part of the criteria the county is gauging with the policy is how “responsible” contractors are, and Hart said this measure of responsibility could be used to determine bid packages in the future. 

Jessica Ford, the county administrator, jumped ahead on the agenda to item 14, dedicated to amending the price-per-meal for the county jail. 

For this item, Gerken presented a sample jail meal for each commissioner. 

Holding the cafeteria tray next to his head, Commissioner Gerken showed those in attendance the gray array of food, and invited those around him to try some of the food if they wanted.  

“Look, I know we’re not at a point where we can build a new jail right now,” Gerken said. “That does not mean we cannot do things better, and to the highest point of quality that we can for the people that are currently there.”

Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken showed a cafeteria plate from the jail featuring a customary meal. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

The price-per-meal is currently at $2.78 per meal, and Gerken said he would talk with Sheriff Michael Navarre to see if they could get better meals during negotiations starting next year. 

County Engineer Mike Pnieski backtracked to items 10 and 11. Item 10 he explained as a trade of land between the county and Metroparks Toledo, so that Lucas County could finish its roundabout at the intersection of Monclova and Wilkins Roads. 

Lucas County Canine Care & Control received approval to waive impound feeds for dogs between October 4-8, 2025. 

County facilities was given approval to enter into a contract to look into moisture intrusion remediation at the jail. 

The county administration led into executive session by asking and receiving to advertise the application for domestic violence shelter providers. 

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