Important dates for Toledo primary, general elections
The Toledo Free Press is dedicated to informing voters about upcoming elections in northwest Ohio.
In the weeks leading up to the City of Toledo’s primary election on May 6, the Toledo Free Press will provide profiles on the stances and platforms of the three Toledo mayoral candidates who have turned in their approved petitions: Incumbent Wade Kapszukiewicz, Roberto Torres and Harold Harris.
The ballot for the May 6th Primary Election for the City of Toledo proceeds as follows:
For Mayor choose one of the three candidates: Wade Kapszukiewicz, Roberto Torres or Harold Harris.
Vote yes or no on Issue 2, a proposed constitutional amendment to the state of Ohio’s constitution. The amendment is “To fund public infrastructure capital improvements by permitting the issuance of general obligation bonds.”
Vote yes or no on Issue 8, a proposed tax levy (replacement). The levy is for the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo area.
After the primary election, there will only be two choices for mayor in the general election in November. The coverage of the three mayoral candidates will include a Q&A and a track record of applicable experience for the positions.
To vote in the City of Toledo primary election on May 6, voters must register before 9 p.m. on Monday, April 7. The primary election will determine the candidates for the general election for the City of Toledo, held Nov. 4.
The general election will determine Toledo’s mayor, six members of Toledo city council, municipal court clerk and two municipal court judge positions. We will provide continuing election coverage leading up to the general election.
Key election dates:
- March 21 was the first day for military and overseas absentee voting to begin for the primary election.
- Absentee voting by mail for the primary election begins on April 8, and the absentee ballot must be postmarked by May 5 to be considered for the primary election.
- April 8 marks the beginning of early in-person voting for the primary election. Early voting takes place at the Lucas County Board of Elections, located at 3737 W. Sylvania Ave.
Early voting takes place on the following days and times:
- April 8-11: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- April 14-18: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- April 21-25: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- April 28: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- April 29: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- April 30 – May 2: 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- May 3: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 4: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- May 6: Primary/Special Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 7: General election
Absentee ballots may be returned by mail or personally delivered to your county board of elections by May 6: If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by the Lucas County Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m.
Guide to local restaurants
NORTHWEST OHIO- Here is a beginning list of local restaurants in the Toledo area. Do you know of a restaurant we don’t know about or think it should be included? Let us know on our Story Tip Line.
Earth to Oven Bakery & Cafe $
Opened in 2019, Earth to Oven is known for its sandwiches, like their BLT and prescott, which has homemade chicken salad served on Zingerman’s bread. It also has breakfast options, like the breakfast burrito and quiche.
It’s a small bakery with few seating options inside and a nice outdoor area. Along with sandwiches and breakfast burritos, there are also salads and soups, and there is always a soup of the day.
5758 Main St. Sylvania | (419) 824-0683
Open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Brim House $$
Brim House is an upscale restaurant located in the Renaissance Downtown Toledo Hotel with views of the Maumee River. Brim House offers many different options, including building your own omelet, avocado toast, steak and eggs. Among the brunch options is the vegan breakfast taco, steak and eggs, and plenty of options on the side, like fresh fruit and turkey sausage, considered healthier than normal sausage.
444 N Summit St., Toledo | (419) 243 - 7664
Open Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Monday - Friday from 6:30 - 11 a.m.
Chicago Post Cafe $
The Chicago Post Cafe is a family owned restaurant with plenty of cheap healthy options for customers. A veggie egg muffin, avocado toast, yogurt, and plenty of egg options are just some of the many breakfast choices on the menu at the Chicago Post Cafe. The lunch menu offers a vegan burger along with soups and sandwiches.
5658 Central Ave., Toledo | (419) 537-2299
Open everyday from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Zingos $$
Zingos is a Mediterranean restaurant with two locations. Zingos offers plenty of healthy options, like salads and sandwiches, and also offers specials for groups. The Junk salad, chicken gyro and feta chicken are some of the most popular healthy dishes. While the Junk salad sounds intimidating, it is loaded with healthy food, like tomatoes, cucumbers, grilled chicken, olives and peppers.
3154 Markway Rd, Toledo | (419) 407-5586
Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
106 Louisiana Ave, Perrysburg | (419) 872-5800
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed Sundays
Balance Pan – Asian Grille
Balance Pan – Asian Grille offers a variety of options. Every bowl can be a vegan bowl. On the website it lists the nutrition facts about each order. The wiseman bowl offers a Szechwan sauce with broccoli, carrots, seasonal sprouts, corn and kale. The Thai guy bowl and Bang Bang tacos are among their most popular dishes.
Menu | Balance Pan-Asian Grille
215 N Summit St, Toledo | (419) 243-2222
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Friday
Organic Bliss
Organic Bliss is a gluten free deli and bakery located in Toledo. Everything is made from scratch using family recipes with an extensive menu with plenty of options: Salads, soups, and over 20 sandwiches, including the Reuben Tuesday, homemade chicken salad and the Alaskan Sandwich Burger with grilled salmon, romaine, tomato and poppyseed dressing.
3723 King Rd # 200, Toledo | (419) 517 - 7799
Open 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays
City Egg $$
City Egg, located at Promenade Park, is an inexpensive option, and its open every day for breakfast and lunch. With an avocado omelette, city egg quinoa and a spinach and portabella omelette, the City Egg offers a plethora of options for those wanting a healthy breakfast. The lunch menu features a downtown turkey and avocado sandwich and a chicken club sandwich. There are two other locations in Bowling Green and Columbus.
202 N. Summit St., suite 101, Toledo | (419) 214 - 0174
Open 6:30 - 3 p.m. every day
Salad Galley $
Salad Galley in Oregon offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere with healthy food at a good price. With plenty of options of salads, sandwiches and soups, Salad Galley also offers a catering service and delivers. Fruit salad, Tana pasta salad and Sante Fe Chicken highlight the salad menu. Each soup is homemade and the options change daily.
3023 Navarre Ave, Oregon | (419) 691 - 4888
Open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday
The Standard Restaurant $$$$
The Standard Restaurant is a high end American Bistro off of Monroe. The Standard Restaurant’s most expensive but also most popular dish is the Filet. Salmon, Sea bass are some of the other most popular items on the menu. Mussels highlight the appetizer menu along with the carpaccio.
5333 Monroe St Suite 22/23, Toledo | (419) 318 - 3303
Open 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday | 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori $$$$
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori offers an omakase dining experience at a five person bar. Omakase is offered in 2 windows. One window at 6p.m. and the other at 8p.m. Reservations are only accepted for omakase. Kengo offers vegan options as well as ribeye, chicken crab, and an assortment of sushi options.
38 S St Clair St, Toledo | (419) 214 - 0574
Open 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday
Konjac plant made stinky bloom
BOWLING GREEN – If you meandered into the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Greenhouse & Herbarium early last month, you may have smelled an abhorrent scent and wondered what in the world caused it.
“It smells like a dead rat in an old barn,” described greenhouse manager Evili Martins.
The konjac plant bloomed in early February, filling the air with an unpleasant gas. Konjac plants bloom only once a year, giving off a scent that attracts certain pollinating insects while repelling others.
Martins said the plant’s stench was strong enough to fill the whole greenhouse, though it only lingered for a day or two before dissipating.
According to graduate biology student Nancy Ransom, the plant gives off its scent because of warm cells, which heat the plant’s stamen, thus producing the scent.
The konjac has uses beyond making you wonder who broke wind, however.
Some Asian countries, such as China and Japan, have been eating the starchy bulb root of the plant, called corm, for hundreds of years. It can be made into noodles or simply eaten chopped and cooked.
The konjac is known by multiple names, including the voodoo lily, snake palm and elephant yam.
Originally native to Eastern Asia, the konjac was given to BGSU by a greenhouse at Ohio State University about 10 years ago. Martins said the plant is able to survive so far away from its country of origin because Eastern Asia and Bowling Green are both located in Zone 6, a reference to the Farmer’s Almanac, a book that details regional characteristics like soil type and temperature conditions. It details what makes particular places ideal for growing certain crops or plants.
Because the konjac’s home is so far away, having the plant at BGSU provides a unique opportunity for students to see it.
“It’s really special that we have this plant here at BG,” said Ransom. “People will drop everything to go see this flower bloom, and so it’s really cool that students have access to this anomaly of a flower.”
But students are not the only ones who benefit from the plant.
“We are trying to improve our collection and have things that students and the community can come and see and be like, wow, you don’t see these very often,” Martins said.
Ransom said Martins has been pushing to make the greenhouse and its plants more accessible to students and the public.
“The [previous] manager didn’t really allow guests into the greenhouse. But ever since Evili started her position, she’s been trying to integrate the students more into visiting the greenhouse and being a part of the greenhouse,” Ransom noted. “It was great to have the greenhouse open to visitors that wanted to see the konjac plant.”
Ransom said she likes the plant because of its uniqueness.
“It has a very interesting life cycle that I don’t think many flowers have,” she said. “It’s one of those instances where you have a very specialized pollinator for a flower. And I think that is super cool.”
Visitation by the general public is welcome. The greenhouse is also open for K-12 school tours. Hours can change each semester. Call 419-372-2375 for information or to arrange visiting times.
Bye MAC tourney, hello spring
On The Flyby Sports Podcast, co-hosts and school rivals Chas McNeil and Max Alfonso dive into Falcons and Rockets athletics, including stats, scores and predictions. On every episode, they recap the past week’s sports news, update you on the play schedule for the upcoming week, select their athletes of the week, and more.
For this episode, McNeil and Alfonso talk all things MAC Tournament, held March 12-15 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. All four University of Toledo and Bowling Green men’s and women’s basketball teams made it to the quarterfinals, but only one advanced to the championship game – the UT Lady Rockets, who fell to Ball State 58-65.
The co-hosts also talk portal transfers and coaching changes; an historic run for BGSU baseball and a playoff departure for Falcon hockey; get into the past week’s game recap for all sports; select their athletes of the week; bid goodbye to winter sports; and welcome baseball and softball season.
New episodes of the The Flyby Sports Podcast drop every Saturday.
The Flyby Sports Podcast is a production of the Toledo Free Press.
Junction Family Pharmacy fills gap to support community needs
TOLEDO – Standing with his family in front of their Junction Family Pharmacy, Anthony Pattin sliced through the blue ribbon with oversized scissors to cheers and applause – the Junction Family Pharmacy is now official.
The ribbon cutting on Friday was only symbolic, of course, because the only black-owned pharmacy in Toledo has been open for business since December.
Among those joining Pattin behind the ribbon was Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and Toledo city council members at-large Brittany Jones and Cerssandra McPherson.
It was a momentous moment for Pattin because as corporate pharmacies close, leaving community members without care, Junction Family Pharmacy is stepping up to fill the need.
When Pattin learned about the closures of two Rite Aid locations in the area, he figured it was the perfect time to move his family back to his old neighborhood and start a pharmacy practice of his own in the Junction neighborhood.
Pattin had been working as a clinical associate professor at the Buffalo Pharmacy of Pharmaceutical Sciences in New York, but decided he was ready for a career change after working in academia for 15 years.
“I wanted to serve patients more directly,” Pattin said. “With the Rite Aid departures, it just seemed like a great opportunity and a big need in the community that I could fill.”
Unlike chains, Pattin said local pharmacies have more opportunities because they aren’t restricted by corporate processes and structures.
“As an independent [pharmacy], you can serve patients; you can have more connection with them; get to know them; and, as an owner, you can do things to fit your patients,” Pattin said.
Even in the wake of mail-order prescriptions, he said in-person pharmacies are important to patients.
“They want somebody they know handling their medications, or a place that’s close they can call and is accessible,” Pattin said.
Community leader Cedric Brock, pastor of Mount Nebo Baptist Church, said he thinks Junction Family Pharmacy could encourage entrepreneurship in Toledo, especially for the younger generation.
“[Pattin] sets the right example for people to see they can do it too,” Brock said.
Brock, who knows Pattin from the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, called Pattin a “bridge builder,” referencing his impact on providing resources for Toledo residents.
Additionally, Brock said the location of Junction Family Pharmacy makes medicine accessibility easier for senior citizens.
“We used to say that every American lives within five miles of a pharmacy, and maybe that’s not quite so true anymore because there’s been a lot of closures, but we know that accessibility really helps health outcomes,” Pattin said.
Research from the University of Southern California on the relationship between pharmacy access and health equity supports Pattin’s claim stating, “Lack of easy access to prescription medications and other pharmacy-based services may contribute to health disparities.”
As Pattin has been working to establish himself in the community, he said business has grown and he has gained more patients.
“Since December, I’ve had some patients that I’ve seen repeatedly, so I know the medications they’re on or know some of the issues they’re dealing with, so you can have a better conversation when different things or when something new arises,” Pattin said.
Junction Family Pharmacy is not only helping community members who are patients, but is also providing opportunities for pharmacy students at the University of Toledo to complete their advanced pharmacy practice experiences, a requirement for pharmacy students to graduate.
Pattin has ties to UT as an alumnus and former associate professor. Despite no longer teaching, he said he is looking forward to working with students in a new capacity.
Millions of birds killed to fight bird flu
OHIO – According to the Centers for Disease Control, Ohio currently has the highest number of avian flu cases in the U.S.
As one of the top three egg-producing states, along with Iowa and Indiana, the outbreak has had a detrimental impact on Ohio’s poultry industry. Since December, nearly 15 million birds across Ohio have been killed to stop the spread of the disease.
When I was a 12-year-old living on a small farm, one of my jobs was to kill one of our chickens for Sunday dinner. They had the run of the place, so catching them was challenging. It wasn’t pleasant, but it was a regular part of life for a country boy. Humans kill animals for food.
To me, chickens were very interesting. I remember them being smart with individual personalities – some were quiet and laid back, while others were outgoing and feisty. Most people think of them as just being dumb birds to turn in to McNuggets and wings. I know better.
Chickens are a mainstay of American life, but the way we raise them now is a far cry from how my family (and many other families) did when I was young. Raising them on factory farms may be increasing susceptibility to diseases, such as bird flu.
Today’s mega factory farm, which is common in the industry, often raises more than 500,000 chickens per year. These farms usually have multiple broiler houses. A broiler is a chicken raised for meat, and most of them are killed when they are 5-7 weeks old.
Each house holds between 20,000 and 40,000 chickens, each occupying approximately .8 to 1.0 square feet of space.
According to the Ohio Poultry Association, Ohio is the No. 2 egg farming state in the U.S. and produces 10 billion eggs each year; Ohio chicken farms produce 554+ million pounds of chicken annually; and Ohio ranks 9th in the nation for turkey farming.
Avian flu outbreak
In February, Ohio confirmed its first human case of bird flu. The individual, who worked at a farm in Mercer County and had contact with infected birds, tested positive for the virus.
According to the CDC, cases of bird flu in humans in the United States caused by the Avian Influenza A(H5) virus have mostly been mild. Infections mainly occur in people who work closely with sick or infected animals. Symptoms are variable, but often include eye redness, fever and respiratory issues. Serious illness caused by this virus is possible, so continued prevention and monitoring are needed.
In an interview on News 5 Cleveland, Dr. Erika Sobolewski, Summit County’s public health medical director, stated that “sure, the bird flu news is always concerning, but really, it’s a low risk to the average Ohioan. At this point in time, the people who should really be cautious are any of those people who work with poultry, particularly anyone who has sick or dead poultry or even wild birds. Those are the people who should really be taking precautions.”
Speaking for herself and not for the University of Toledo, Dr. Joan Duggan, a UToledo professor of medicine specializing in infectious diseases, said the current state of avian flu “is something we’ve been worried about since the late 1990s, when we first started to see this specific strain start to move through the avian population. We have been getting ready for it over the last 20 years, with some vaccines, with some strategies, and considering different medications.”
So, the current state of play with avian influenza is that we’re seeing outbreaks, not unheard of before, but we’re seeing outbreaks with both migratory birds and domesticated birds, that spill over into the mammal world – cows specifically – and that’s what gets everybody very nervous, because, as we have everybody in close contact together, cows, chickens, humans, everybody’s mixing viruses back and forth.
Dr. Joan Duggan
One worry is that the bird flu viruses will continue evolving so that they will be able to infect many more animals beyond their natural reservoir in wild birds. The bird flu has already moved from wild birds into domestic poultry, pigs, cats and dogs, and wild mammals, including seals and humans. At present, while humans can be infected, the bird flu does not appear to be transmitted between humans.
Bird flu has also killed house cats, raccoons, skunks, seals, leopards, and several other mammals. In the United States, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu since 2022, with the first death reported in January 2025. The risk to the general public presently remains low due to the lack of person-to-person transmission.
There is a controversy about the possibility that housing 20,000 to 40,000 birds in close quarters might make it easier for the avian flu virus to mutate, potentially becoming more problematic for humans.
Some of the proponents of the present system say that since the birds are housed inside, the risk of them catching the avian flu is minimal. Those on the other side of the debate say that the conditions in factory farms can, in fact, potentially lead to concerning viral mutations. They also say that while birds are housed inside, workers can bring the avian virus inside on clothing, footwear, machinery and contaminated feed.
As stated earlier, to date, the disease is not presently transferable from human to human, and only one death has been reported in the United States.
If you find a dead bird you suspect might have avian flu, Mike Reynolds, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, offered some advice.
“The public needs to know that we really need you to stay away from sick or dying wildlife. Call the experts. Call the Ohio Division of Wildlife. We’ll tell you what to do,” he said.
“And if you have kids or pets, and you really need to get the dead animals out of the area, we’re going to have you wear personal protective equipment, like rubber gloves and an N95 mask or goggles, or a face shield, and put those birds in a double bag and dispose of them properly.”
For information on backyard flocks, go here.
The Division of Wildlife asks people to call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) and report sightings of dead birds in groups of more than six.
Announcement Briefs
(Announcements are compiled from press releases and in order received)
NEWS SHORTS BRIEFS ARE UPDATED DAILY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UToledo, Cenovus Energy celebrates new partnership
TOLEDO – The University of Toledo and Cenovus Energy celebrated a new partnership to support students during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 17.
The integrated energy company recently committed $1 million to UToledo, supporting student organizations and scholarship programs in the College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In recognition of this support, the College of Engineering is renaming its High Bay Atrium, a shared programming and event space in the North Engineering Building, the Cenovus Energy Hub.
Cenovus’ gift will directly fund the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Scholarship Program, supporting high-performing students and ensuring they are able to complete their programs and enter the workforce without being limited by financial barriers, and the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Organization Grant Program, supporting student organizations at both the engineering and natural science and mathematics colleges with access to funds for programming, service and research projects, and conference attendance.
Cenovus Energy has also agreed to help bolster programming and networking opportunities with support for speaker fees, space enhancements, equipment, software and other needs that will enhance the student experience. Programming will include hands-on learning and discussions focused on experimenting, designing, prototyping and idea sharing through workshops, experienced guidance and engagement with Cenovus Energy’s industry experts.
Additionally, Cenovus is supporting the Cenovus Energy Professional Headshot Booth, helping Rockets prepare for their future careers by providing access to consistent, high-quality professional headshots at no cost. (04/20)
National Work Zone Awareness kicks off on April 21–25
National Work Zone Awareness Week will be observed this coming week, carrying the theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home.”
National Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones.
Note: Earth Day will be observed during the week as well on April 22. ODOT crews will be cleaning up litter along the highways. (04/20)
Toledo Opera announces annual fundraising event: Opera Gala
TOLEDO – Toledo Opera will host their annual fundraising Gala at the Toledo Club. This year’s event will be a progressive Gala – celebrating three opera-loving cultures while featuring dynamic performances by the Toledo Opera Resident Artists.
The gala will begin at 6 p.m. in the Red Room, where Italian-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. During this time, guests will enjoy performances of Italian opera arias. Following cocktail hour, guests will move to the Dining Room for a plated French dinner of Beef Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, or Wild Mushroom en Croûte. Throughout dinner, the room will be serenaded by melodies of French composers that have shaped opera and classical music for centuries.
A paddle raise during dinner will support the education programs of Toledo Opera. Finally, dessert will be served in the Centennial Room. As guests enjoy American desserts, beloved American classics will be performed.
Throughout the event Toledo Opera Artistic Director, Kevin Bylsma, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. He will be joined by the 2024-2025 Resident Artists: Sarah Rachel Bacani (soprano); Emily Cotton (mezzo-soprano); Brady DelVecchio (tenor); Robbie Raso (baritone); and Alessandro “Alex” Rotundo (piano).
Tickets are now available. Full tables for eight are available, as well as event sponsorships. Sponsorships range from $1,000 (Bellini Sponsor) to $10,000 (Bizet Sponsor) and include a variety of benefits and recognition at the event and on the Toledo Opera website.
Tickets can be purchased at 419-255-SING (7464) or at toledoopera.org. All proceeds from this event will support Toledo Opera in its mission to bring world-class opera to the greater Toledo region. (04/20)
Toledo Opera’s fundraising gala will take place at the Toledo Club on Friday, May 9 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
> To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Leah Whitaker at lwhitaker@toledoopera.org.
> To to purchase tickets visit: toledoopera.org.
BGSU partners with Toledo on $2M grant to combat gun violence
BOWLING GREEN – Bowling Green State University researchers are partnering with the City of Toledo to strengthen community-based violence prevention programs as part of a $2 million federal grant to combat gun violence.
During the three-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, BGSU researchers will evaluate existing program initiatives to better align efforts with evidence-based violence intervention and prevention services.
Dr. Nichole Fifer, director of the BGSU Center for Regional Development (CRD), will lead the project for the University, which is supported by a $250,000 subaward from the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) site-based grant.
Docherty shared recent findings as part of the study on April 16 at the main branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Presented by the BGSU Institute for the Study of Culture and Society, the presentation offered insight on community sentiment around gun violence, explore prevention strategies and highlight support systems for survivors and victims’ families.
UToledo, Cenovus Energy celebrates new partnership
The University of Toledo and Cenovus Energy will celebrate a new partnership to support students during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 17.
The integrated energy company recently committed $1 million to UToledo, supporting student organizations and scholarship programs in the College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In recognition of this support, the College of Engineering is renaming its High Bay Atrium, a shared programming and event space in the North Engineering Building, the Cenovus Energy Hub.
Cenovus’ gift will directly fund the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Scholarship Program, supporting high-performing students and ensuring they are able to complete their programs and enter the workforce without being limited by financial barriers, and the Cenovus Energy STEM Student Organization Grant Program, supporting student organizations at both the engineering and natural science and mathematics colleges with access to funds for programming, service and research projects, and conference attendance.
Cenovus Energy is headquartered in Canada and operates the Cenovus Toledo Refinery in Oregon, Ohio. The company also operates a refinery in Lima. (04/17)
ECHL Hockey Operations is Department of Year of the Award
(Toledo, OH) – The ECHL on Wednesday, April 16, announced that the Toledo Walleye are the 2024-25 recipient of the League’s Hockey Operations Department of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to the team judged to have the best hockey operations department in the league and is determined by a vote of ECHL coaches.
The Jacksonville Icemen finished second in the voting, followed by the South Carolina Stingrays, Florida Everblades and Kansas City Mavericks.
Toledo finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 44-17-11 for 99 points, and captured the Central Division regular-season title for the second consecutive season and the seventh time in the last 10 seasons. Walleye head coach Pat Mikesch was selected as the Western Conference coach on the ECHL Midseason All-Star Team. (04/17)
Walleye announce 2025 Kelly Cup playoffs roster
TOLEDO – The 11th overall and 9th consecutive Toledo Walleye “Run for the Kelly Cup” hockey gets underway at the Huntington Center on Thursday, April 17, as the Indy Fuel return to the Huntington Center to begin the Central Division Semifinals.
Fourteen total forwards make the Kelly Cup playoff roster: Will Hillman, Sam Craggs, Cole Gallant, Billy Moskal, Brandon Hawkins, Tyler Spezia, Trenton Bliss, Conlan Keenan, Nolan Moyle, Brandon Kruse, Darian Pilon, Mitchell Lewandowski, and Colby Ambrosio, along with Carson Bantle, who currently with Grand Rapids.
Eight total defensemen make the roster: Jalen Smereck, Nick Andrews, Matt Anderson, Brendan Michaelian, Bobby Russell, Colin Swoyer, Jed Pietila, and Dylan Moulton.
The goaltenders are Jan Bednar, assigned from Grand Rapids, and Carter Gylander, assigned from Grand Rapids by Detroit.
The active roster will consist of Hillman, Craggs, Gallant, Moskal, Bliss, Keenan, Moyle, Kruse, Pilon, Lewandowski, Ambrosio, Smereck, Andrews, Anderson, Michaelian, Swoyer, Pietila, Moulton, Bednar, and Gylander.
Hawkins, Spezia, and Russell will begin the playoffs on reserve, while Bantle is on the playoff eligible list. (04/15)
BGSU remains a top choice for graduate education in 2025
BOWLING GREEN – Reflecting continued momentum at Bowling Green State University, several of the University’s graduate degree programs have once again been nationally recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate School rankings.
BGSU remains a top choice for graduate education, supporting students’ career advancement and leadership development, while positioning them for success in ever-evolving industries.
Topped-ranked programs include sociology, speech-language pathology, applied stats, RING Center for Experiential Learning in Art and Design, clinical psychology and public administration. (04/15)
Toledo ranks 3rd in most affordable U.S. city to buy happiness
TOLEDO – A new report by Vegas Aces has revealed the top U.S. cities where money makes Americans the happiest, including the most affordable cities where money can buy happiness. Vegas Aces determined the ranking by analyzing the average household incomes, life expectancies, quality of life scores, and depression rates of the 150 most populous U.S. cities.
Toldeo ranks as the #3 most affordable city where money can buy the most happiness. With an average household income of $62,023 among its more than 265k residents, locals benefit from a lower cost of living while still enjoying the comforts of a fulfilling lifestyle.
The city has a livability score of 66 and life expectancy of 73.8 years, suggesting that even on a modest income, substantial quality of life remains within reach. While the depression rates stand out at 22.8 percent, Toledo’s access to plenty local attractions and a strong sense of community reinforce the idea that happiness isn’t just about wealth.
For the full study, please visit here. (04/15)
Arts Commission launches free digital public art guide
TOLEDO – The Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program, which
manages the City of Toledo’s public art collection via the One Percent for Art
Program, is launching a new digital public art guide as a free resource via the
Bloomberg Connects platform.
The guide is available as both a mobile app and web browser, with a wide array of
features to equip all visitors to explore Toledo’s Public Art collection, including
on-site tours, a live map showing user location for wayfinding within the
collection, audio descriptions for selected works, and a slate of accessible
features including translation and screen reader capabilities, transcripts, subtitles,
alt-text, and more. Select works also include individual on-site accessibility notes
highlighting transit, parking, seating, and other site conditions.
This guide is the result of an ongoing accessibility initiative for the Art in Public
Places collection, informed by an accessibility audit completed in 2024 in
partnership with The Ability Center, and supported by an Ohio Arts Council
ArtsNEXT grant.
The guide contains over 50 major sculptures throughout the city, and The Arts
Commission aims to expand access to include other works in the Art in Public
Places collection including murals, benches, bike racks, and signal box wraps.
The Digital Public Art Guide can be found here. (04/11)
Kat Cole, CEO at AG1, announced as keynote speaker for the
2025 Women’s Leadership Summit presented by Owens Corning
TOLEDO – The 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit announces this year’s event theme, “Driving Excellence Through Mentorship” and will feature Kat Cole, CEO of AG1 – a global health company focused on foundational nutrition – as the keynote speaker.
The 2025 event will be held on Thursday, July 10, at the Glass City Center. In its ninth year, the Summit will continue to empower women, develop individuals and give back to the community. This year’s event launches a new format that will provide networking and mentorship opportunities throughout the year.
Cole is CEO at AG1, a global health company focused on foundational nutrition. In her role, she is responsible for leading AG1’s next phase of growth, global expansion, and innovation. Cole is a seasoned business leader and sought-after advisor with more than 20 years of operational, brand, and executive leadership experience. She has been a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a member of the United Nations Global Entrepreneurs Council, and named to Fortune’s annual 40 Under 40 list.
Funds raised will benefit local northwest Ohio children’s charities.
Sponsorship opportunities are available including Full Tables for $5,000 (10 seats), Half Tables for $2,500 (5 seats) and Individual tickets for $500, which include the luncheon and full day of programming. Individual tickets for the program only are available for $50.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call Savannah Wagener at 419-531-3277 or email at swagener@toledoclassic.com. (04/11)
Olga’s Kitchen opens new host kitchen in Toledo
TOLEDO – Olga’s Kitchen, owned and operated by Michigan-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR), has announced that the Mediterranean restaurant launched a new host kitchen in Toledo in partnership with Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant Group.
The new host kitchen, which offers a variety of fan-favorite menu items — from Olgas (gyros) to snackers — is now open for delivery and pickup orders out of Zia’s Restaurant. Carryout orders can be picked up at 20 Main Street. Delivery orders can be placed on olgas.com or through Uber Eats and DoorDash.
“We know that fans in Toledo have a deep love for our unique Mediterranean menu, and Olga’s is forging a new partnership to meet that demand,” said Ryan Jones, vice president of operations at Olga’s Kitchen. “Working with a trusted partner like Mainstreet Ventures Restaurant Group allows us to offer fan-favorite menu items to Toledo with the same fresh ingredients used in our other locations.” (04/07)
Brent Courson, executive chef at the group, agrees. “We’re proud to bring Olga’s original recipes to the Toledo community.”
For more information about Olga’s Kitchen, visit olgas.com.
Commissioners seek people to serve on boards, commissions
TOLEDO – The Board of Lucas County Commissioners is inviting residents to take an active role in shaping the future of their community by applying to serve on various boards, commissions and advisory committees.
These appointments provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute their expertise, insight and passion to local government, ensuring that Lucas County remains a thriving, well-managed community.
“Public participation is essential to good governance,” the Lucas County Commissioners said in a joint statement. “By lending their talents to serve on a board, residents will have the chance to weigh in on key decisions, advocate for important issues, and help guide policies that impact the lives of their fellow residents.”
Residents from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Whether you have experience in business, public service, law, or another field, there are numerous opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Lucas County is currently accepting applications for the following boards:
- Toledo Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees
- Lucas Metropolitan Housing Board of Commissioners
- Lucas County Children Services Board of Trustees
- Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful Board of Directors
- Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County Board of Directors (04/07)
Individuals interested in applying can find more information and submit an application by visiting the Boards and Commissions page on the Lucas County website.
For questions or assistance, contact the Lucas County Commissioners office at (419) 213-4821.
BGSU alumni support student success through scholarships
BOWLING GREEN – Three distinguished Bowling Green State University alumni inspired by the remarkable stories of students in the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program have collaborated to establish a scholarship to support the educational journeys of 20 students over the next three years.
Brad Seaman ‘82, his brother, Spence Seaman ’79 and Eric Nowlin ‘82, together with their wives, Lindsay Waite, Sue Seaman ‘76 and Jackie Nowlin, established the Pathway to Excellence Scholarship to support Thompson Achiever Scholars.
Thompson Achievers demonstrate academic success and financial need during their first year at BGSU and are awarded a scholarship in their second year. The scholarship is renewable for up to four additional semesters based on continued academic success. BGSU awarded a combined $6.6 million in scholarships to the most recent cohort of Thompson Achiever Scholars at the end of March.
The Thompson Working Families Scholarship expands access to higher education by removing obstacles that could inhibit success while empowering students to focus on academic excellence, leadership development and public service. (04/07)
To learn more about how to support the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program, visit here.
Arts Commission awardees for Intersection Glass Program
TOLEDO – The 2025 Intersection awardees have recently been selected from
four finalists. The Arts Commission is pleased to announce that three
internationally recognized artists will be creating new work for exhibition this fall
as part of the Intersection Program. The awardees are Anjali Srinivasan, Justin Ginsberg, and Kagen Dunn.
Intersection is a program that connects artists, designers, and industry
professionals at Pilkington Glass North American (Nippon Sheet Glass, Co., Ltd.)
for collaboration and development of new, innovative artworks. Inspired by the
studio glass movement, The Arts Commission seeks to provide opportunities
which connect applicants of glass as an artistic medium with the glass
manufacturing processes.
The exhibition is scheduled for Sept. 11 – Oct. 18. The opening reception is to be held on Sept. 11. Both the exhibition and opening reception will be free and open to the public and will be held at the River House Arts gallery in the Secor Building. (04/06)
Walleye Shuttle connects fans to playoffs
The Toledo Walleye are in the ECHL playoffs for the eighth full season in a row, and the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)’s Walleye Shuttle will be there to make it easy for fans to catch every home game this postseason.
The Walleye Shuttle offers a $3 round-trip ride to the Huntington Center from five area park-and-ride locations during the playoffs, which begin the week of April 14. Regular riders of this service will notice slight differences from the regular season Walleye Shuttle rides.These include a new park-and-ride location for Sylvania, and an adjusted timetable for the Sylvania and Waterville locations.
Regular riders of this service – which allows fans to see the Walleye go after the Kelly
Cup while avoiding paying for parking downtown – will notice slight differences from
the regular season Walleye Shuttle rides. These include a new park-and-ride location
for Sylvania, and an adjusted timetable for the Sylvania and Waterville locations.The Walleye Shuttle will pick up customers at:
Sylvania, Lourdes University Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., pick-up
one hour and 15 minutes before puck drop
Waterville, Kroger, 8730 Waterville Swanton Road, pick-up one hour and 15
minutes before puck drop
Miracle Mile Shopping Center, 1727 West Laskey Road, pick-up one hour
before puck drop
Maumee, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key Street, pick-up one hour
before puck drop
Oregon, Starr Elementary School, 3230 Starr Avenue, pick-up one hour
before puck drop
Each shuttle will head back to park-and-ride locations 20 minutes after the conclusion
of the game. (04/03)
