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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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 – 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.
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 VicaryDebbie Stevens LauxBarbara 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.
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 BeilBill AndersonKyle McPhersonJeff MichaelSandy SpeikerMindy 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.
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.
In partnership with Jaden Jefferson Reports,La Prensa, The Sojourner’s Truth, and WTOL11
TOLEDO – November is not so far off, and with it comes a general election with the potential of mixing up much of Lucas County’s elected officials.
98 officials will be elected in Lucas County during the Tuesday, Nov. 4 General Election. Trustees, mayors and city council members may all see some changes as people cast their votes.
Six At-Large City Council positions and the city’s main executive one, the mayor, will all be up for grabs this year in Toledo.
As we continue to cover these candidates, we will add to the guide up until the November election.
Mayoral Candidates
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz sat down with Toledo Free Press reporter Stephen Zenner in early October to unpack his experience in politics, how faith led him to serve, economic development and other relevant local topics.
Political Experience:
Mayor of Toledo 2018-present Chairman of the Lucas County Landbank from 2010-2019 Lucas County Treasurer 2005-2018 Toledo City Council Member from 1999-2003
Education:
Undergraduate: Bachelor’s in journalism and political science from Marquette University in 1994 Valedictorian of the College of Communication, Journalism, and Performing Arts.
Graduate: Master’s in public policy from the University of Michigan
Professional experience:
Worked for New Ohio Institute, a public policy research organization that studied issues affecting Ohio’s urban areas Taught at both Lourdes University and Owens Community College as an adjunct professor during his time on City Council.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz is seeking a third term in office. He joined Jaden Jefferson on Community Focus in April 2025 to make his case for another four years, provide a view of where the city is headed, and respond to ongoing challenges.
Roberto Torres
Stephen Zenner sits down with Independent mayoral candidate Roberto Torres to talk about his experiences working in Cleveland and Detroit, in addition to his work in Toledo. The two of them discuss the candidate’s philosophy on economic development, local political differences, and how his experience growing up in a northwest Ohio migrant camp shaped him.
Political Experience:
Director/Advisor of the Mayor’s Office Immigrant Affairs and Economic Inclusion for Detroit, Michigan 2018-2025 Executive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan 2015-2017 Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Chamber of Commerce 2013-2015 Director of Economic Development Canton, Ohio 2008-2012 Manager of Economic Development Specialist Toledo, Ohio 2006-2008 Director of the Office Latino Affairs Toledo, Ohio 2003-2006 Director of the Toledo Youth Commission Toledo, Ohio 1998-2003
Education:
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University, 1985
Professional Experience:
Consultant with Catholic Youth and School Services in Toledo United States Marine Corps
Roberto Torres is an independent who’s seeking the office of mayor in Toledo. He spoke with Jaden Jefferson in the April 2025 episode of Community Focus about his previous experience, economic plans, on thoughts on the city’s future.
Harold Harris
*Harris is a write-in candidate
Harold Harris is an independent seeking the office of mayor in Toledo as a write-in candidate. He lost the primary election to Kapszukiewicz and Torres, but continues to campaign. Jaden Jefferson spoke to Harris ahead of the primary election in the Spring, where he shared his main goal for Toledo, reducing crime, specifically gun violence.
Political Experience:
Harris believes his grass roots organizing over the past six years is good preparation for his run for Mayor.
Professional experience: Harris achieved the E-6 rank of Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He served in the Air Force for 20 years from the Vietnam War into the Gulf War era from 1974 to 1994
September 23, 2025 edition of Jaden Jefferson’s Community Focus: Toledo business owner and city council candidate Ed Beczynski answers the question of if he’ll still be involved in his businesses, if elected; discusses neighborhood redevelopment; and offers his take on other matters.
Emily Desmond
*Desmond is a write-in candidate who just announced her run in early October.
October 13, 2025 edition of Jaden Jefferson’s TFP The Weekend where he sits down with Toledo City Council At-Large write-in candidate, Emily Desmond. Desmond shares her hope for the future of Toledo, its neighborhoods and salient issues she wishes to advocate for.
Political Experience:
Volunteered for Nick Komives’s Toledo City Council campaign; supported State Representative Michele Grim and Ohio Senate candidate Reem Subei.
Supported the grassroots coalition Toledo Persists.
A founding member of Toledo Area Progressives.
Toledo SOUP, committee member, 2012-2015
Uptown Board, board member, 2025-2017
Toledo Area Progressives, founding member, 2017
Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful 2021-2024
Urban Wholistics, fundraising and events volunteer, 2024-present
Toledo Rotary, member, August 2025-present
Professional Experience:
Communications Specialist for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) 2021-Present
Editor-in-Chief Swell Magazine 2021-Present
Marketing Specialist for Balance Pan-Asian Grille 2018-2020
Public Relations Specialist for the Toledo Museum of Art 2017-2018
Content Specialist for ProMedica 2013-2016
Social Media Director/Content Editor at Thrive Media 2011-2013
Founder/President of Social B. Creative 2011-Present
Writer and Media Assistant for Propel Media 2010-2011
Writer & Arts and Entertainment Editor for the Toledo City Paper 2007-2010
Education:
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Print Journalism from Bowling Green State University, 2008 with minors in Early Childhood Education and Popular Culture
In December 2024, Jaden Jefferson spoke with Toledo City Council At-Large Member Mac Driscoll on Community Focus. Driscoll discussed the mayor’s proposed budget for 2025 — and discusses what he’s heard from residents.
Blair M. Johnson
Professional Experience:
BMJ Enterprises, General Contractor and Handyman BMJ Auto & Logistics LLC Owner Breaking the Glass Founder Project Toledo 419
Education:
High School: Start High School
Associate: Owens Community College, Criminal Justice and Corrections
Blair Johnson is a local contractor who, for the first time, is taking the dip in the world of local politics. In Jaden Jefferson’s September 15 edition of Community Focus, Johnson discusses his run for an at-large seat on Toledo City Council.
Brittany D. Jones
Political Experience:
City Council Member At-Large since February 2024
Professional Experience:
Survey & Evaluation Analyst for the United Way of Greater Toledo 2022 to present Growing Back To Your Roots, Founder/CEO (2015 – Present) Central State University, Lucas County Agent | Family & Consumer Sciences (2017 – 2018) Children’s Hunger Alliance, School & Summer Nutrition Manager (2015 – 2016) United North Corporation, Housing Program Coordinator (2014 – 2015)
Education:
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts Public Affairs, Journalism The Ohio State University 2009
Graduate: Master of Arts in City/Urban community and regional planning from Wayne State University 2015
PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in spatial integrated social science from the University of Toledo 2021
Nick Komives, Toledo City Council Member At-Large, addresses the press concerning $28.5 million in federal funding that may be cut from development on the east side in the parking lot of the Huntington Bank off 75 Main Street in east Toledo, Ohio on Thursday June 12, 2025. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)
Political Experience:
Toledo City Council Member At-Large since 2018
Professional Experience:
Executive Director of Equality Toledo since 2015 Development Officer at the United Way of Greater Toledo since 2015
Education:
Undergraduate: The University of Toledo Bachelor of Arts in Law and Social Thought, 2012
Associates: Owens Community College Associates in Arts in English, 2010
For more information on Nick Komives, take a look at this WTOL11 interview with him from September. WTOL11 is a media partner of the Toledo Free Press.
Erin Kramer
Professional Experience:
Owens Community College Director of Admissions, Adjunct Instructor, Admissions Representative, 2017-present University of Toledo Success Coach, Adjunct Instructor, 2007-2019
Education:
Undergraduate: University of Toledo Bachelor of Arts in Communication 1996
Graduate: University of Toledo Master of Arts in English Literature 2005
Erin Kramer is a Democrat seeking an at-large seat on Toledo City Council. In this Community Focus interview with Jaden Jefferson, she discusses economic development, housing, youth programming and more.
Cerssandra McPherson
In preparation for the November 2025 election, the Toledo Free Press has created a Voter’s Guide, complete with video interviews like this one. Stephen Zenner speaks to Toledo City Council Member At-Large Cerssandra McPherson about her goals for improving the lives of Toledoans.
Political Experience:
Toledo City Council Member At-Large since 2020
Professional Experience:
Special education paraprofessional for 32 years in Toledo Public Schools
Tom Names, a candidate for an at-large seat on council, talks about his plans on Jaden Jefferson’s Community Focus.
Rob Pasker
Professional Experience:
Won 20 under 40 Toledo award 2024 Certified Branch Office Manager with NID Housing Broker/owner of Pasker Real Estate President of Pasker & Associates LTD Co-Found of Go Matcha, Go Substitute teacher for Toledo Public Schools
Education:
Associates: Columbus State Community College Associate of Arts
Bachelors: Franklin University Bachelors of Business Administration
On Jaden Jefferson’s Community Focus on Sept. 21, Northwest Ohio realtor Rob Pasker III discusses his bid for an at-large seat on Toledo City Council and the issues he’d like to address, from economic development opportunities to youth programming.
George Sarantou
In September, Stephen Zenner interviewed George Sarantou about his experience as a Toledo City Council Member At-Large, as well as his plans for improving the lives of Toledoans.
Political Experience:
Toledo City Council Member since 2021 Finance Director for the City of Toledo Probate Court Administrator
Professional Experience:
Financial Advisor for three decades Reading mentor with TPS
Served as a Toledo City Council Member for District 5 from 2007 to 2020 Ran for Lucas County Commissioner 2024, and lost to Pete Gerken 2017 ran for mayor of Toledo, but lost the primary to current mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
Professional experience:
Worked as an investigative reporter before moving into politics Started Access Toledo Served as chairman of the United Way Board Retired as development director of Catholic Charities
Graduate degree: Bowling Green State University, 1998
A former member of Toledo City Council, Republican Tom Waniewski is now running to unseat Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken. He joins me on this week’s Community Focus, to discuss how he’d lead in the position, if elected.
Issues on the ballot
Issue 1:
(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.
Issue 14:
Ballot 13I: Will Liquor, Wine & Spirits be sold on Sunday at Batroon3, LLC (Top Shelf Liquor) 3303 Dorr Street
