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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. 

ABLE votes to unionize

By
Stephen Zenner
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Alex Navarro and child, Taylor Ford, Elisa Fuentes, and Brandy Keesee celebrating after the vote count, in Dayton. (Courtesy photo)

TOLEDO – After almost a year of planning, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), a nonprofit law firm supporting low-income people, voted on Aug. 22 to unionize. 

“Since we had a one mail-in ballot, we did have to wait to get our results,” said Kara Ford, a senior attorney with ABLE. The union election votes were counted on Sept. 10.

“Our vote count was on [last] Wednesday at the Toledo office, and we did win our election in favor of unionizing, so we’re super excited,” she said. 

According to Ford and the Northeast/Midwest servicing representative from the United Auto Workers (UAW), Ben Dormus, the vote was 28 votes in favor and 19 against. 

“The workers won with 60 percent support for the Union,” Dormus said. If management at ABLE has no objections to the election the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will certify the results of the election, something Dormus expects will happen by the end of the week. Pending the certification, ABLE will then become the newest bargaining unit in UAW Local 2320 the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW). 

Ben Dormus (NOLSW), Gwen Short (ABLE), Pam Smith (NOLSW), Kara Ford, Lance Rhines (NOLSW), Jennifer Moog (ABLE), and Jennifer Behnfeldt (ABLE) immediately following the official vote count at the Toledo office on the Sept. 10. (Courtesy photo)

In the past, ABLE employees alleged four unfair labor practices: 

  • 8(a)(1) Coercive Actions (Surveillance, etc)
  • 8(a)(1) Interrogation (including Polling)
  • 8(a)(1) Coercive Statements (Threats, Promises of Benefits, etc.)
  • 8(a)(1) Coercive Rules

Dormus said those four charges are still in process with the NLRB, but also said, “We’ve been given no indication from them [ABLE management] that they intend to object to the election.”

“The executive director sent out an email following the election acknowledging the democratic will of the workers and indicating that they are prepared for this process,” he said.

As soon as the election to unionize is certified, ABLE employees will run elections for their executive committee and then the bargaining committee. Altogether, the new union hopes to begin bargaining with management within roughly a month, deciding more quickly on non-economic articles, and then expects to take about a year to write up a full contract with economic articles. 

“The promise is that we get to bargain over things,” Ford said, as ABLE employees prepare to step into a new chapter at ABLE. 

With these new responsibilities, Ford said the union hopes first and foremost to bargain for better pay for their lower paid staff, then a better healthcare plan, increased sick leave and then move onto formalizing a better workplace culture. 

Ford hopes these changes will increase retention for employees at ABLE and said, “I really think it will have a meaningful impact on turnover.” Continuity between ABLE and the people they are helping, she said was important “to be able to serve our clients well.”

Five ABLE employee roles are currently disputed as to whether they should be included in the bargaining unit. Dormus mentioned the dispute can be resolved informally, directly with ABLE management, or through a hearing process with the NLRB. 

The official statement from ABLE’s management on all aspects of the ABLE staff unionizing was: “Leadership does not plan to make an affirmative media statement at this time.”

Anthony Wayne Area Senior Connection to launch Sept. 20

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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Whitehouse Chief Operating Officer Josh Hartbarger, Hope United Methodist Church Discipleship Director Steve Winters and Whitehouse Mayor Richard Bingham stand in front of the church at 10610 Waterville Street in Whitehouse - where a weekly Anthony Wayne Area Senior Connection program is set to launch on Saturday, Sept. 20. (TPF photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

WHITEHOUSE – Anthony Wayne-area seniors now have a reason to rise a little earlier on Saturday mornings, as a new program beginning Saturday, Sept. 20 offers a free breakfast, informational programming and plenty of time for socializing with peers.

The Anthony Wayne Area Senior Connection program, hosted by the Village of Whitehouse and Hope United Methodist Church, will debut this weekend and run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the church, 10610 Waterville Street in Whitehouse.

“This is a chance for people to get out and get together with friends and meet new people,” said Steve Winters, Hope’s director of discipleship.

The morning begins with a continental breakfast, such as bagels, pastries, yogurt and fruit, and time to socialize. At 10 a.m., the program begins, with guest speakers, games and hands-on activities.

“We’re still developing the calendar, but so far we have a lot of positive feedback,” said Village Chief Operating Officer Josh Hartbarger, who is working with the Area Office on Aging and local businesses and organizations for programming. He expects to share the rest of the 2025 calendar of speakers at whitehouseoh.gov in the coming days.

Mayor Rich Bingham is the first speaker, discussing “What’s New In Whitehouse.” Among the new projects he’ll discuss will be plans for a new Whitehouse Library, which Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is planning to build at Blue Creek Metropark along Waterville Street within the next two years.

“We’ve asked the Library to consider including space for a senior center in that new building,” Bingham said.

When he was first on Village Council eight years ago, Bingham said he teamed up with council member Louann Artiaga to explore ways to bring a senior center to the village, as it’s one of the top requests on village surveys. 

While Anthony Wayne-area residents have access to the Maumee Senior Center and its programming, often people prefer to stay closer to home, with an opportunity to socialize with people they know, he said.

“This is a connection to your community, with people that you trust,” Bingham said. “Seniors need something to do, especially those who are widowed and single.”

Hope is also familiar with the need for a senior gathering, as the church previously hosted well-attended Wednesday luncheons for many years before the pandemic, Winters said. He saw how seniors flocked to those lunches not just for the food but for an opportunity to visit with others. While those labor-intensive lunches are no longer held, Winters said members of his discipleship group were recently brainstorming ideas for a way to serve the community and all arrive at the same idea: programming for seniors.  

“The partnership between local government and the nonprofit church is the perfect fit, and will give us a way to bring back that connection we lost during Covid,” Hartbarger said.

By hosting the Anthony Wayne Area Senior Connection on Saturday, guests will also have access to the Hope Chest, the church’s resale shop that is stocked with reasonably priced clothing, housewares, toys, books and games. This is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon as well. In addition to built-in time for socializing, programming and shopping, volunteers with medical backgrounds will offer simple health checks as well, Winters said. 

For information on programming, contact the village at 419-877-5383 or visit whitehouseoh.gov. 

AW Board Member Resigns, Disagrees With Censure

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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The Anthony Wayne Board of Education held a special meeting on Sept. 18 to consider disciplinary action against board member Shellie McKnight. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

ANTHONY WAYNE – Anthony Wayne Board of Education member Shellie McKnight will resign effective Dec. 31, Board President Kyle Miller announced during a special meeting on Sept. 18.

The board also voted to censure McKnight, following criticism of a laughing emoji she used in response to an article on activist Charlie Kirk’s shooting, posted on her personal Facebook page on Sept. 11. McKnight stated during a Sept. 15 meeting that the emoji choice was an accident – a result of not using prescription glasses while perusing Facebook out in the sun.

Shellie McKnight, a retired educator, has served on the board since Jan. 1, 2024. She will resign on Dec. 31, 2025. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

The board members, including Miller, Jeff Baden, Lindsay Hoipkemier and Mike Stamm, voted in favor of the censure, while McKnight voted against it. A school board censure is a resolution that officially reprimands a member for policy violation, misconduct or unprofessional behavior, according to a release from district Superintendent Kevin Herman.

“It’s a public display of ‘we don’t approve of what she’s done on her social media,’” Miller said.

The censure, McKnight said, was inappropriate.

“What they are accusing me of had nothing to do with my actual work while I was on the board, doing board work…and that work has been exemplary,” she said. 

The board asked her to step down from the policy board committee, and she agreed, but McKnight will remain on the curriculum committee until Dec. 31. Hoipkemier is also on the curriculum committee, and said it’s given her a chance to connect with McKnight over the past year and a half.

“I have no ill feelings toward Shellie about the situation. It’s not a personal matter,” Hoipkemier said during the meeting. “I just truly feel that the resignation…should be effective today. I would prefer it would be effective immediately.”

After the meeting, McKnight said she was the one to call for the executive session to explain her reasons why she’s resigning.

“It had nothing to do with the Charlie Kirk fiasco,” said McKnight, explaining that she was already planning to speak with Herman about resigning in October, because of “personal and private health and family issues.” 

She pushed to remain on through the end of the year to tie up loose ends, including work on the curriculum committee – where she has utilized her experience as retired educator. On the board, and on the committee, McKnight said she plans to continue to promote the school, the teachers, the students and to work to maintain the district’s reputation as being in the top 5 percent in Ohio.

The Anthony Wayne Board of Education met on Sept. 18 and voted to censure Shellie McKnight (at right). McKnight also announced plans to resign effective Dec. 31. Pictured are (from left) Assistant Superintendent Kevin Pfefferle, Treasurer Kerri Johnson, Superintendent Kevin Herman, Board President Kyle Miller, and board members Jeff Baden, Lindsay Hoipkemier, Mike Stamm and McKnight. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

“I am extremely sorry that any of this has happened to affect the Anthony Wayne school district, its excellent, fantastic teachers and the great kids,” she said.

With McKnight’s resignation, the board will take applications and go through an interview process to fill her position, similar to one used when Andy Prine resigned in June 2022 to move out of the district for work. 

“We would as a board decide on a fitting candidate to fill the rest of her term,” Miller said.

McKnight took office on Jan. 1, 2024 and her term ends Dec. 31, 2027.

“We’ll look for somebody that’s not so active on social media,” Miller said, adding that he expects the board to review its policy on social media use.

McKnight advised that any new school board member should learn about how a board functions by reading and going to classes in Columbus, staying focused on school issues and keeping in touch with community members.

She Kills Monsters premieres at UToledo Planetarium

By
Quinn Cooper
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TOLEDO – An Issue Box Theater production, She Kills Monsters, a drama comedy based around the cult classic tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons, premieres at the University of Toledo this weekend.

The play, written by Qui Nguyen, weaves together fantasy action alongside a heartfelt coming-of-age storyline as Agnes Evans (played by Mikayla Trimpey) tries to reconnect with her deceased sister, Tilly Evans (played by Marian Marlatt).

Agnes embarks on an exploration of a D&D storyline that her sister made before her passing; however, as Agnes progresses in her storyline, it becomes clear that there was much more to her sister than she previously knew.

Held at the University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium, the story will utilize a state-of-the-art projector roof and surround sound to bring an immersive experience to the audience as the actors surround them.

“We venture into the center aisle a lot, which is fun,” Trimpey said. “It’ll be interesting in that it’s not a traditional proscenium style.”

(Rehearsal photos courtesy of Riley Runnells)


She Kills Monsters is also the directorial debut for Riley Runnells. She has been in the field mostly as a choreographer in the production teams before, but this story puts her at the helm.

“I’m very excited about this show; it’s very special in the sense that our audience will leave with such a poignant message” Runnells said. “It deals with grief, love, loss and many other heavy themes, but it’s told through a lens that is easily relatable and digestible for most ages and audiences to enjoy.”

The play will premiere at University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium on Sept. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and on September 21 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for the event, visit the Issue Box Theatre website.

TFP photos by Quinn Cooper

Director Riley Runnells
Marian Marlatt (as Tilly Evans)
Mikayla Trimpey (as Agnes Evans)
University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium
The show we be held in the Planetarium, creating a uniquely immersive experience.

Toledo grows bigger with completed island restoration

By
Gaven Hafner
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The island reconstruction team celebrates a job well done after cutting the ribbon (TFP photo by Gaven Hafner).

Photos and video by Gaven Hafner

TOLEDO- Since June 2023 of finalizing planning for the restoration of the Delaware/Horseshoe and Clark Islands, many hands have helped to make the project a reality. After much work the islands have been built up and restored.  

On Monday, Sept. 15, a ribbon cutting was held to mark the momentous occasion. Many people that helped in the project came out to celebrate and speak on the accomplishment of the restoration.  

(From left) Director of the Department of Natural Resources Mary Mertz, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Thomas Winston, and Vice President of Business Development for the Port Authority Joe Cappel cut the ceremonial ribbon at Walbridge Park on Sept. 15, 2025 (TFP photo by Gaven Hafner).

Joe Cappel, the vice president of business development for the Port Authority, said “the project is wrapping up. They’re doing a little bit of dredging out there and doing some invasive species control treatment over the next year or so, but other than that, it’s built and doing what it’s supposed to be doing by all accounts.” 

The completion of the island restoration provides a habitat for animals like birds, fish and even microorganisms that live on the bottom of the river. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, one of the speakers at the event, told the audience,  “This is the largest known habitat restoration in the history of the Maumee River, and as long as the Maumee River has been around, there’s never been the amount of money spent restoring any part of the habitat, anywhere along this river.” 

However, the project wasn’t just about benefiting the area’s habitat. The goal is also to help improve the water quality of the Maumee River. Cappel explained that the islands were designed to capture and filter the water flowing down the river.  

Mary Mertz, the director of the Department of Natural Resources,  said, “What we’ll see is restored acres of habitat, restored acres of wetland, and a restored complex that will trap water, hold it for a while; hopefully, the sediment and the phosphorus will either be absorbed into the soil or into the plants that are out there, slow the flow of water and promote cleaner water.” 

With the reconstruction efforts, many native plants and trees were also added back to the islands. Along with adding native plants, many invasive species on the islands were removed. Laurel Blackwell, senior national resources manager at GEI Consultants, explained, “We did around 1400 trees, all natives. 200,000 plugs of native plants. We also put down 16,000 pounds of shoreline seed, Aqua black shoreline seed, 300 pounds of emergent wetland seed.”  

Blackwell also talked about the team’s experience with the invasive species originally overtaking the islands.  

“When we first got here, there were 29 acres of phragmites, which is the really tall invasive grass that you see growing in a lot of wetlands. So, we treated all of that before we started planting and we’re still working on knocking it back.”  

With the reconstruction now complete, the GEI team plans to continue maintenance of the islands for a few more years, along with the continued removal of the phragmites and other invasive species on the islands. 

People gather outside to prepare for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Councilwoman Cerssandra McPherson.
GEI Construction team in conversation at the event.
(From left) Laurel Blackwell, Matt Spoor, Zach Brooks, Morgan Sundberg, Alyssa Amos, Lizzie Friday, and Carly Kerkstra pose in front of the Maumee River and islands.

AW Board of Education: comments on member’s Charlie Kirk emoji

By
Karen Gerhardinger
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The Anthony Wayne Board of Education moved its meeting to the high school auditorium on September 15, as dozens of residents weighed in on board member Shellie McKnight's use of a laughing emoji on article about Charlie Kirk's death. Pictured are, from left, McKnight and board members Mike Stamm, Lindsay Hoipkemier, Jeff Baden and Kyle Miller. (TFP photo by Karen Gerhardinger)

ANTHONY WAYNE AREA – Shellie McKnight doesn’t dispute that, while reading an online Daily Mail post about a shot being fired at political activist Charlie Kirk last week, she reacted with a laughing emoji.

McKnight, a member of the Anthony Wayne Board of Education, said she was sitting outside in the bright sun, without her prescription reading glasses, and accidentally hit the laughing emoji rather than one that shows compassion. Alerted by friends the next morning, she immediately changed her post, issued an apology and notified fellow board members of her mistake.

“It was never my intention to make light of or condone the murder of this man…I would not do this. That level of violence is never acceptable,” she told an audience gathered during the Sept. 15 board meeting. “I admit my mistake. I corrected it. I apologized. I trust that we can put this unfortunate incident behind us.”

Instead of putting the incident to rest, dozens of district residents yelled out for McKnight to resign, or called her a liar. Others called for the board to remove or censure McKnight.

“By law, our powers are limited. We cannot remove a sitting board member unless certain legal requirements are met,” board president Kyle Miller told the crowd. “You hold the power.”

In Ohio, the public can ask to have board members removed for gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness or other misconduct in office. The process includes submitting valid signatures to the court of common pleas – something that a group of citizens is currently undertaking. The school board could pass a resolution of censure or disapproval, which is symbolic and doesn’t affect the position.

“I’m disappointed this issue has been a distraction for the school,” said board member Jeff Baden, noting that McKnight’s emoji was overshadowing the news that the district placed in the top 5 percent of all Ohio schools on its most recent report card from the state. “We will follow the procedure and the law and will address them. None of us wants to see this community divided. Open discussion is the best option.”

During the public comment portion of the meeting, 13 residents spoke – some urging to turn down the temperature, others supporting McKnight’s assertion that it was a mistake, and several stating that McKnight doesn’t reflect the community.

“Shellie made an honest mistake,” said Bill Tucholski. “I believe Christ has something to say about our enemies…about casting stones…He said something about forgiveness.”

David Blythe, who said he’s known McKnight for years, said she would never purposely post anything that would make light of someone’s death.

“It’s pretty simple: an old lady didn’t have her glasses on while posting something on social media and hit the wrong emoji button. She was sick at heart about it and has been apologizing about it continuously since it happened,” Blythe said. “Give her the benefit of the doubt.”

Jim Schlievert said he doesn’t buy it.

“You have a history of lying and fabrication. One time is a mistake. You’re a pattern,” he told McKnight.

Sara Smith agreed and told McKnight that she should resign, ‘save face’ and move to a more liberal area. Jamie Hanifan, Cody Griffith, Colin Thornton and Karen Schneider weighed in with similar sentiments, telling McKnight she doesn’t represent all of those who live in the district, including conservative Christians. 

Steve Timms said McKnight should recuse herself when voting on whether to allow a charter for Turning Point USA’s high school group, Club America, in the district. Kirk was founder of Turning Point USA, and a local representative, Mia McDougal, was in the audience during the board meeting. Board member Mike Stamm encouraged those interested in learning more about Club America to speak with her.

“What do you think Charlie would do?” asked Bryan Knepper, urging the audience to actively have a discussion with those who have different opinions – not attack and try to get someone fired.

“Let he who is without sin be the first to come up and stone this woman for her perceived transgression,” Knepper said, paraphrasing the Bible. He noted that Satan focuses on stoking division through conflict, and that can lead to never-ending retribution. 

He also quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”

Other parents noted the impact of gun violence on America. Roy Collaco paraphrased a recent social media post he made about how if “you’re only against gun violence when it affects you or someone you identify with, then you’re not against gun violence.” He noted that Kirk’s death is a heinous act and a tragedy not just for Kirk’s family but for America, and it is representative of the decades-long issue of gun violence.

Tiffany Eckert asked how children are being helped to make sense of Kirk’s death. 

“Some have seen the footage, often without warning and context and the emotional tools to process it. That’s where our focus should be,” Eckert said. 

While she endorsed McKnight for the school board two years ago, Eckert said she now walks back that support, because “there is never a time to celebrate someone’s murder.”

“When adults in a position of authority respond to violence with mockery or indifference, it sends a message, and our children are watching,” she said. “There is no place for personal agendas and no place for hatred. Our children deserve better.”

After nearly two hours, the board exited into executive session to consider the investigation of charges or complaints against a public official. Board president Kyle Miller said he didn’t expect any decision to be made for at least a few weeks.

During the meeting, the board also:

-Congratulated the students, teachers, staff and families for the work that resulted in achieving a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on the state report card, placing the district in the top 5 percent in the state.  Superintendent Kevin Herman urged residents to look at the website for the latest Quality Profile report that outlines other achievements beyond the report card.

-Heard that the district will receive $2.3 million in back pay and $3.1 million annually from a Nexus pipeline property valuation settlement. 

-Learned that the AW Athletic Boosters donated $6,410.50 for the purchase of championship rings for the baseball team; and that Zion United Methodist Church and food pantry donated $1,297.45 for unpaid lunch balances.

-Approved an early graduation for Madison Dorsey, Class of 2026.

-Approved the retirements of Jim Huddleston, who has been with the district for 32 years, and Mike Tolles, who has been with the district for 20 years.

-Agreed to hiring Brian Benefield, food service worker; Sarah Marx, cafeteria/playground aide; and custodians Cyerah Sielski and Thomas Clayton.

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Appeals decision: Rocky Ridge notice of non-compliance upheld

By
Stephen Zenner
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Chris Parker, an attorney for Rocky Ridge Development, speaks during a meeting of the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals in City Council Chambers of 1 Government Center in downtown Toledo on Monday Sept. 15, 2025. (TFP Photo by Stephen Zenner)

TOLEDO – On Monday, Sept. 15, the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals voted to uphold a notice of non-compliance against Rocky Ridge Development (RRD) for mining in a residential area near Angola Road and South Byrne Avenue. 

Ed Moore, the managing director of RRD, was the main voice on behalf of the company, who said the notice of non-compliance had many inaccuracies that needed to be corrected. 

According to Moore, the city issued a “blanket notice of non-compliance that does not reflect the actual conditions on the site.” Issued back in July, the non-compliance order forced RRD to cease activity on four properties, two that RRD did not own and one which Moore said had not been excavated. 

“Those three parcels were part of a planned expansion of the activity at 4004 Angola Road,” said Moore, adding that the “plan has since passed.”

Since Toledo City Council voted against changing the zoning to general industrial to accommodate mining near residential housing in the parcels near Byrne and Angola, Moore said the company had moved on with their plans. 

“We want to close the site, and get out of the neighborhood,” Moore said. “The fastest way to do that is just to prepare it for agriculture.”

Eric Craig, Julie Randles, and Rob Pasker, all board members of the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals, hear an instance during a meeting of the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

Moore said that RRD would like to backfill the excavation on the land with drinking water treatment material (DWTM), and cease its activity on the property. 

Moore estimated this would take RRD 18-24 months to complete, and Moore offered to cover the top two feet of the land with topsoil. After this, Moore assured the board that the land could be used immediately for agriculture. 

Since bringing materials onsite to fill the excavation would not violate the zoning, RRD hoped the city would listen to their appeal. 

Unfortunately, Joshua Lewandowski, zoning compliance manager with the city’s planning department, said they issued the wetland permit that allowed RRD to fill the wetland with spent lime in error.

Because the spent lime came from the water treatment plant, Lewandowski said the area could not be classified as a wetland. “It should have been classified as a public utility and required a special use permit,” he said. 

“We would be asking that no additional spent lime be added to the property, and that the site be brought back to where it was originally.” This request would involve RRD starting a new civil process. 

Backfilling with spent lime “is allowed in residential; they [RRD] just need the special-use permits. They don’t need a zone change. But it gives the city some additional time to evaluate it and make sure that residents are fully aware of everything that’s happening,” Lewandowski said. 

Acquiring a special-use permit starts in the planning commission and then goes to city council for a vote. 

“We would have to regroup and think about that,” Moore said, and urged the board to rescind the order of non-compliance based on what he said was unspecific language. 

Joshua Lewandowski, zoning compliance manager with the city’s planning department, speaks to Ed Moore, the managing director of Rocky Ridge Development, during a meeting of the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

At this point, the Board opened the appeal hearing up to comment, where a small group of individuals sat waiting to bring their complaints against RRD. 

“This mining, whatever this idea was, is an absolute nightmare,” said Cynthia McCadney-Lee, who lives on Springburn Avenue. “I’ve been there 23 years. I’ve never had a flood; all of a sudden…it’s flooded. It’s absolutely horrible. I’m not going to ever agree with this.”

McCadney-Lee said her whole house shook from “whatever it is they’re doing in my backyard.”

After this, Toni Thomas, a retired engineering technician with the City of Toledo, made claims that RRD had damaged the land they had excavated by not backfilling it with 50 percent spent lime and 50 percent clay. Thomas also claimed RRD had buried something on the land, to which Charles Stansley, the owner of RRD, laughed with those representing him.  

Quickly, after Thomas’ comments, Moore answered the accusation by assuring the board that the site at 4004 Angola Road is inspected regularly by the City of Toledo, the Ohio Environmental Protections Agency (OEPA) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Lynn Adkins, of Fries Avenue, then advised the board not to trust RRD. “They’re wanting to stay and continue with their work, which destroys our neighborhood,” she said. 

George Yakumithis is sworn in during a meeting of the Administrative Board of Zoning Appeals. (TFP photo by Stephen Zenner)

After another barrage of negativities spoken against RRD from south Toledoans, Chris Parker, an attorney for RRD, emphatically urged the board to strictly enforce the code and rescind the non-compliance order. 

“We want to be out of the neighborhood,” Parker said, and shared that the company had stopped mining. “We want the site reclaimed so that we’re in compliance with the State of Ohio consistent with the permit that was issued.” 

To this aggressive push, Lewandowski spoke of why RRD was still not in compliance even though RRD was not actively mining. 

“There was no authorization for a mine to happen at all,” Lewandowski said. “So any material that has moved from the site, even if there’s no activity currently, is still in violation. Because materials have left the site, it meets the definition of mining. We never authorized that.”

Furthermore, Lewandowski said any permits acquired with the State of Ohio were done so under the incorrect pretense that RRD was in compliance with the local municipality, and then circled back to his first point. 

“Material left the property, so until that is corrected, they [RRD] are still in violation of mining,” he said. 

Stansley and his crew looked confused. After the ruling against them, Stansley said he didn’t know what the next step was to rectifying the stop work order. 

At the end of Lewandowski’s time before the board he said, “I just want to let the applicant know that the city’s interpretation of any additional spent lime is going to require additional approvals from the city.”

A back and forth persisted for a few speakers between RRD representatives and members of the community, and eventually was halted for the vote in favor of upholding the non-compliance order. 

Moore initially gave no comment after the rejection of the appeal, but Stansley said he didn’t know what the company’s next moves were. “All we’re trying to do is close out,” he said. 

RELATED STORY: “Inside Toledo City Council: Sept. 9”

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