Writers

Ann Weber

A 2009 National Fathering Survey found that 89 percent of fathers are satisfied with themselves in that role.

Father’s Day data
Statistical breakdowns for the day that celebrates dear old dad.

Instructor Nadia Packard demonstrates techniques for, from back to front, Heidi Jurski, Joslyn Jurski, and Ally Vossen.

Toledo Magazine: Clay date
Family Pottery Class means creativity and togetherness

Ashley Sepanski

Carrie Underwood and members of her band perform tonight at Huntington Center in Toledo.

Underwood a hit in downtown Toledo
Oklahoma native belts out around 20 songs for concertgoers. Photo Gallery

Teammate Dioni Gomez recovers from a 10,000 volt shock that sent him down into the mud.

Grueling races test athletes
"Adventure runs" test your all-around mettle.

Ashley Streichert

Students paint spirited messages
Rocks grab attention at Southview, Northview.

Sister Julie Myers, left, and Sister Madonna Marchiniak described Lent in three words for a video presentation created by the Sister of St. Francis in Sylvania and posted on YouTube.

Nuns in YouTube video describe Lent
Sisters of St. Francis members explain their segments. Video

Barbara Hendel

Co-presidents Gayle Beier Nicholas Malone

Lots of innocent fun at Gridiron
Order of the Heel Award presented at Toledo Junior bar Association event. Document or link

Kelsey Stickley with and her mother, Janel Zbierajewski Spychala, and father, Heath Stickley.

Mom's House celebrates 20 years
Mom's House of Toledo celebrated its 20th anniversary May 10 with the Mom's Nite Out Annual Gala and Auction at the Pinnacle. The nonprofit organization supports the…

Ben Konop

Republicans’ summit lacked a real-world connection
At Victory Park in this gritty mill town, hours before a recent high-profile Republican presidential event, no one was basking in victory.

A Vietnamese student shows his checked ticket before entering the one-night-only show at RMIT University in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dylan debuts in Vietnam at peace
Concert brings unique experience to 5,000 fans.

Blade Editorial Board

Off Target
Congress should not get distracted by dangerous NRA proposals.

Opinions matter at The Blade
Your opinion means a lot in shaping what kind of community and world you live in. We hope you think ours does, too.

Bob Cunningham

Vinyl's sound bigger than digital
Better analog sound quality relates to how songs are pressed.

Monroe library hosts crime writer
C.J. Box presentation part of 'Writers on the River 2012.'

Brian Dugger

Hunter Hayes performs at the 2012 CMA Music Festival on in Nashville, Tenn.

Hunter Hayes fulfilling his dream
Artist to open for Carrie Underwood at Huntington Center.

‘X-Factor’ winner enjoying wild year
Life is a whirlwind for the former Mo. street department employee.

Carl Ryan

Bedford Twp. fire chief post filled
TEMPERANCE — Bedford Township has an interim fire chief after two months of delayed action by the board.

TV writer to speak at Bedford event
Mark Rothman left his native New York in his early 20s for Los Angeles and in rapid succession wrote for the Odd Couple and Happy Days television series, then co-created…

Claudia Boyd-Barrett

Hoffman Road Landfill is just northwest of Point Place. City officials say the area has other sites that could be causing the smell.

Point Place residents cry foul odor
Neighbors blame landfill; city says look elsewhere.

Council moves to collect on prizes
The city of Toledo wants to make sure it gets a piece of the action when someone hits the jackpot at the Hollywood Casino.

Dale Emch

Worker not on hook for company breach
Dear Dale: When I was a salesman for a business, my boss had me review a print advertisement and then told me to sign the contract to place the ad if I thought the proof…

Clearing record of minor legal offense
Dear Dale: My brother's school conducted a background check on him because he's in their pharmacy program. The check turned up a public nuisance charge from 15 years ago…

Dan Neman

Pie champ does it again
When last we caught up with Phyllis Szymanek of Holland, she had just won the best-in-show award and several other awards at the 2011 American Pie…

Chef Tim Childers places a 10-ounce filet mignon onto a plate a plate next to a 14-ounce New York strip at Rockwell's.

Steak: It's all about the sear
Seared exterior leads as gateway on your palate to the juicy, beefy interior.

Dan Simpson

New year brings no basket of cheer for U.S. diplomacy
THE crafters of American foreign policy will have to wrestle with a host of issues in 2011, not least of which will be leadership changes in the House of Representatives.

The Civil War was all about slavery
GOV. Bob McDonnell of Virginia named April Confederate History Month without mentioning slavery. Then, under pressure, he added slavery, in the process raising a very…

Dave Hackenberg

OHSAA vote leaves lots of questions
Musings for a Monday morning, with some instant e-mail feedback on Sunday’s column regarding the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the defeat of its…

Vote sets up bad scenario for OHSAA
There’s no such thing as perfection. But it was close, and so was the vote.

Dave Murray

New site has roots in 1977
Today, The Blade launches OurTownPerrysburg.com, a Web site devoted to covering the news of Perrysburg and Perrysburg Township. The site will focus on community news and…

Get back to basics with paleo
Caveman diet leads to healthier lifestyle.

David Kushma

Still a place on campus for affirmative action
The court needs to maintain the sensible precedent it has set.

Gov. John Kasich wants to use the federal Affordable Care Act to expand Ohio’s Medicaid program for low-income and disabled people.

Drop the teacup, lawmakers, and expand Medicaid
Republicans are denying health insurance to hundreds of thousands of working-poor Ohioans.

David Patch

Road Warrior: 5-20
Click here to read David Patch's Road Warrior blog.

To reduce congestion, the Ohio Department of Transportation plans a median down Central Avenue at I-475/U.S. 23.

I-475 plan divides Central Ave.
State wants radical intersection, median.

David Shribman

Administration scandals cross sacred lines
Any presidential administration should know better than to mess with the press.

The power of a president is limited
The hoariest piece of folklore in the capital involves presidential strength and the fear it inspires.

David Yonke

Rabbi Edward Garsek plans to retire at the end of the month from Congregation Etz Chayim, an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, and move to Chicago.

'Rabbinic giant' to step down
Rabbi Edward Garsek, 66, is retiring at the end of the month.

The Rev. Jim Bacik celebrates Mass at Corpus Christi University Parish. The 75-year-old priest is to say his final Masses there June 24.

Longtime priest looks back
Rev. Jim Bacik approaches his July 1 retirement.

Dennis Bova

Socially speaking, the symphony delivers a crescendo
Usually children learn from their parents. Sometimes, though, it’s the other way around.

The war that defines Canadians befuddles us
I lied to a Canadian border guard this month. It was a lie of omission.

Donald Emmons

Dionte Carey of Start defeats DeMarkus Darrington of Woodward in the City League track meet on Friday night. Carey’s big night led the Spartans to the team title.

Start boys, Rogers girls win City
Start hurdler Dionte Carey already had solidified himself as a two-time City League event champion before stepping on the track a final time Friday evening at Rogers… Photo Gallery

AW's Austin Kottenbrock gets caught in a pickle between Findlay pitcher Nolan Atwood(4) and SS Austin Powell (2) during the first inning of a D-I sectional game on Thursday in Bowling Green.

Perrysburg upends Fremont
Findlay then routes Anthony Wayne in second game at Carter Park. Photo Gallery

Dr. Gary Thompson

Canine influenza vaccine not recommended for all dogs
What is your view on the canine influenza vaccination? Is it the same in all parts of the country? I'm planning to move back to Idaho soon and would like to have the…

Spring allergies can make pets miserable, too
The much anticipated arrival of spring with the accompanying warm weather brings many blooming and growing things. This means that springtime allergies for pets are…

Erica Blake

Rock Hall a must-see
Author declares Cleveland museum one of best sights in Ohio.

Libbey Latin teacher donates to UM
Donation to Michigan comes 47 years after her death.

Federico Martinez

Sean Gossman, of Adrian, was arrested by Lenawee County authorities in connection with child pornography.

Adrian man arrested for child porn
Sean Gossman, 23, accused of possessing child pictures on computer.

American Heroes
Sgt. Sierra fights for freedom. His parents risked theirs for his

Gabrielle Russon

Ida Burks of Perrysburg will be 100 on Sept. 28. Her caregivers hope for a presidential letter and recognition from the 'Today Show.'

Ex-nurse looks back on century
Perrysburg woman to turn 100 on September 28. Photo Gallery

Kyle Cannon,18, listens in class while his health aid, Dan Dorner, center in baseball cap, takes notes for him at Bowling Green State University. Canon was a Clay freshman when he was paralyzed during a hockey game in 2008.

'Just a normal kid in a wheelchair'
Paralyzed Clay hockey player studying computer science at BGSU.

Gary Pakulski

Ignazio Messina

Denise Fox of Aurora House, left, and Renee Palacios of Family House speak with Toledo City Council member George Sarantou at Thursday’s meeting on funding.

Council restores money to shelters
Plan reverses Mayor Bell's recommended funding cuts to programs. Video

Bell skips council on grant spending
Toledo mayor submits to HUD how he will allocate $7.4 million in grants.

Jack Lessenberry

Minority party controls Michigan’s legislature
Some lawmakers seem to be trying openly to thwart the will of the people.

Son of Cleveland suspect is part of bizarre story
Did The Blade cross the line? Your ombudsman doesn’t think so.

Jane Schmucker

Janet Romaker

The Wolcott House Museum in Maumee was spruced up for President Obama's visit and will welcome him today with red, white, and blue bunting and cascades of purple petunias, accented with American flags.

Wolcott House prepped for Obama
President joins proud tradition of famous visitors at Maumee museum.

Michelle Self watches her son Alex Bentley play with Hamden, his therapy dog. Ms. Self is a member of the board of trustees of the Williams Syndrome Association.

Walk for rare syndrome slated for Saturday
Alex Bentley is a friendly 12-year-old who sees the good in people.

Jeff Gerritt

Leslie Hayes, center, wipes her eyes as she talks about her late daughter, Wendabi Triplett, who allegedly was shot on Christmas Eve by her estranged husband, Robert F. Carter. She died early Christmas morning. Cosma Miller, a friend of Ms. Triplett, cries at left, while Walter J. Boykin III, Ms. Triplett’s son, sits on the floor.

Toledo's dirty little secret
Domestic violence caused more than a third of homicides last year.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor has met with the activists about the issue of locking up people who are too poor to pay court costs.

Ohio courts shouldn’t bring back debtors’ prisons
When defendants can’t pay court costs , some judges jail them; these practices are inhumane, discriminatory, and a waste of tax money

Jennifer Feehan

Terri Camp Kruse leaves Ottawa County Common Pleas Court on Friday with her attorney, William Hayes, left, after being granted limited driving privileges by Judge Bruce Winters.

Lifetime driving ban lifted for woman
Kruse, who killed boy in 1993 drunken-driving crash, granted limited driving privileges.

Keshawn Jennings, Antwaine Jones, and James Moore, enter Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Judge: 1 trial in tot's slaying
Three Toledo men charged in the Aug. 9 shootings of two toddlers in the Moody Manor apartment complex will stand trial together.

Jim Provance

Voting change lacks support
Provision added by Republicans to state budget to be stripped from Senate version.

Native American pipe is Ohio's official state artifact
COLUMBUS — The Adena Pipe, carved in stone in the shape of a man more than 2,000 years ago, was discovered in 1901 in the left hand of a man buried in an excavated…

Jim Sielicki

Advocate aided divorce-affected kids
Gretchen Watson, who advocated on behalf of children of divorced or separated parents with the Children’s Rights Council of Northwest Ohio, died Monday in her…

'Uncle Ben’ taught a generation
Retired police officer Charles C. Beck, who held a high-profile job as the Toledo Police Department’s Safe-T-City officer for 18 years and was recognized for…

John Wagner

Follow John Wagner on Twitter

Lennerton sparks Mud Hens to win
Patience at plate shows in victory against Syracuse.

Toledo's Ramon Garcia pitches during the top of the second inning against the Syracuse Chiefs.

Chiefs down Mud Hens
Nevin: 5-0 deficit was 'too big of a hole early.' Photo Gallery

Jon Chavez

Construction at Kroger Marketplace store in Lambertville, Mich.

Kroger seeks bigger Marketplace slice
Grocery chain fights back as Wal-Mart supercenters muscle into turf.

Jobless benefits being reduced
37,000 Ohio could see about $50 less per week.

Julie McKinnon

Cindy Bramson, librarian at Maumee High School, is losing her job after 33 years because of budget-balancing moves.

Local districts cut librarians
Effect on students' skills questioned.

Toledo Humane Society will accept specially marked applications from 11 a.m. May 11 to 7 p.m. May 16 to adopt 'Suitcase Six.'

Suitcase 6 to go up for adoption
Applications to be taken May 11-16 for pups, mom.

Julie Njaim

Roxanne Cangealose, standing, plays Truvy and Morgan Lemanski plays Shelby in the Monroe Community Players' production of 'Steel Magnolias.'

Monroe theater group ready take stage
‘Steel Magnolias’ is three years in the making ,director says.

Marissa Rex as Floral, left, and Barbara Barkan as her mother, Kandall, rehearse a scene for the Village Players' production of 'Impossible Marriage.'

Humor, sadness mingle in show
'Impossible Marriage' to close Village Players' 2012-2013 season.

Kate Giammarise

Wendy Easler, right, helps Deborah Foreman of Toledo with her taxes Friday at the Financial Opportunity Center in North Toledo.

Agencies offer cash-flow coaching
Goal is to help more families achieve 'financial stability.'

The developer who turned the Standart Lofts into upscale living space envisions apartments and retail space at the vacant Berdan Building, seen here.

Developer to revive Berdan Building
Lucas County leaders support apartments.

Keith Burris

Abandonment, hope, and a man who hangs in
Ford shows off city’s housing blight.

edt STREET BEFORE unknown source unknown photographer Unknown street in unknown city before trees are cut. Date unknown. blade

Toledo, spare those trees
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell and his top administrative staff are arborcidal.

Kelly Heidbreder

Rhubarb is a perennial favorite
It's easy to grow and has huge foliage that can fill up a corner of your garden.

Spring fever is finally here
I’m hearing many Rototillers humming and mowers buzzing.

Kelly McLendon

Navy veteran Terry Keller of Toledo receives dental care from Karen Knowles during the fourth annual Stars, Stripes and Smiles event at Hires Dental Care in Toledo.

Dentist's office gives back to vets
'Stars, Stripes and Smiles' event in its 4th year.

Plans for diabetic center unveiled
Woman honors late sister with donation to ProMedica facility.

Kendall Downs

Morsi’s on-the-job education may be Egypt’s best bet
Mr. Morsi’s government is opposed by democratic forces to its left, tugged at by conservatives to its right, and kept in the shadow of Egypt’s powerful…

Kuwait experiencing growing pains as democracy develops
KUWAIT CITY — Thousands of people gathered here last week to protest changes in voting laws in advance of next month’s…

Kirk Baird

Follow Kirk Baird on Twitter

Zachary Quinto, left, as Spock and Chris Pine as Kirk star in the movie, 'Star Trek Into Darkness.'

Darkness and Light in new 'Star Trek'
With latest film, Abrams goes where no ‘Trek’ movie has gone before.

Harryhausen had a ‘special effect’ on film
Despite industry acclaim, Ray Harryhausen is unknown to most moviegoers.

Kris Turner

Willy's Salsa, one of the products from the Center for Innovative Food Technology, in the refrigerator at Kroger.

Center helps area businesses
CIFT gives local start-ups knowledge for success.

Co-owners Joe Skaff, left, and Moussa Salloukh, who have been friends for more than 20 years, say they are ready for today’s opening of their new Burger Bar 419 Monroe St.

Burger Bar 419 adds west location
New Monroe Street location opens today.

Larry Vellequette

The 2011 'Call of Duty: Black Ops' Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was modified by a Texas company. Among the accouterments are a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and machine-gun mounts on the roof and sides.

Jeep outfitted for 'Black Ops'
Raffle of 'Call of Duty' Wrangler to benefit Special Forces veterans.

Kurt Rankin, an assistant vice president and economist for The PNC Financial Services Group, speaks to invited guests at the PNC Bank's annual luncheon at the Pinnacle in Maumee.

Region's revival may be rough
PNC economist says U.S. economy is financial fuel waiting for a spark.

Marilou Johanek

Ariel Castro appears in Cleveland Municipal Court.

Emotional and physical abuse brought into the light in Cleveland
The decade-long brutality endured by three Cleveland women behind boarded-up doors and windows is a secret no more.

Dems struggle making laws in Rep Ohio
Trying to make laws in a red Ohio leaves Democrat feeling blue.

Mark Monroe

Follow Mark Monroe on Twitter

Eastwood’s Devin Snowden beats teammate Joey Salinas in a 300-meter hurdles heat. Snowden won the final and also captured the long jump and ran on two winning relay teams at the Northern Buckeye Conference meet.

Eagles win NBC, again
Eastwood boys and girls squads repeat track dominance. Photo Gallery

Ose Omofoma of Anthony Wayne leads Adam Downing, left, of Northview and Andre Johnson of Maumee on his way to winning the 300-meter hurdles at the NLL meet.

Southview boys win NLL track
Perrysburg claims girls crown. Photo Gallery

Mark Reiter

Michael Fay, 17, right, in a Twitter photo, was charged Friday with the double murder of Blake Romes, 17, top left, and Blaine Romes, 14. The three teenagers lived together in Ottawa, Ohio.

Putnam Co. teen charged in homicides
Prosecutor's office wants Fay tried as an adult. Document or link

Victoria L. Fay, left, and Shellie Grothause are the mothers of the three boys who were the subject of an Amber Alert May 9, 2013.

Frantic call from Putnam Co. released
Grothause frantic after finding her sons missing, gun, blood in her home. Sound Clip

Mark Zaborney

Fisherman fought regulators, FirstEnergy
Frank L. “Baldy” Reynolds, Jr., owner for 50 years of a Lake Erie commercial fishing business, one of the last in the state, who remained on guard against…

Zander Epps of San Diego jumps as he crosses the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies during Lourdes University’s commencement ceremony.

456 receive degrees from Lourdes
University holds 55th commencement in downtown Toledo. Photo Gallery

Mary Alice Powell

Spring social calendar was packed with events
When obligations on my calendar overflow, I simply pack a suitcase, kiss the cats goodbye, and head for room 107 at the Red Roof Inn. It’s my home away from home,…

One never stops needing mom
Mother's Day is a day of love, remembrances, gifts, and tears.

Matt Markey

Antoine Delaforterie holds a morel mushroom that he found in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Morels tasty target for spring hunters
They are a highly-prized delicacy.

Anglers get caught up in so many fishing options
Mid-May brings the real anglers’ dilemma — where to go?

Matt Thompson

Actor Sam Jaeger will answer questions during his Way Library appearance.

Way hosts TV actor Sam Jaeger
Library has free, public event for Perrysburg native.

Phylicia Cattladge of South Toledo, center, waits with her fellow graduates backstage before the start of the commencement ceremony for students in the Adult Basic and Literacy Education program today at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at Owens Community College in Perrysburg Township.

Proud grads 'pumped' at Owens
More than 50 residents earn GED in special program. Photo Gallery

Mike Sigov

Follow Mike Sigov on Twitter

Harriet Loar, left, gets a guided tour of the new Harriet Loar Early Literacy Center from Children’s Librarian Martie Yunker at the Evergreen Community Library in Metamora, Ohio. The educational center will be open during library hours, except for the story-time hour on Wednesdays.

Library opens early literacy center
METAMORA, Ohio — Area preschool-age children who are learning to read and write just got a boost — an educational center at the local library. Photo Gallery

State and local authorities investigate a fatal shooting and home invasion on South River Road in Waterville Township.

Carryout owner shot dead in home
Man killed in home invasion as girlfriend hid, called 911. Document or link

Nanciann Cherry

K.C. Kenney, left, as Cosmo Brown adn Joe Dennehy as Don Lockwood in the Croswell production of 'Singin' in the Rain.'

'Singin' in the Rain' in Adrian
Croswell Opera House features classic musical with 2-weekend run.

Theater gets new artistic director
Two productions and a change of leadership highlight this week's theater news.

Natalie Trusso Cafarello

Olander Park System conservation team members, including Becky Kanitz, help put in the ground more than 3,000 native plants for Sylvan Prairie Park’s Smith Ditch project.

Smith Ditch restoration almost done
With help of volunteers, beautification likely to be done by end of June.

Lourdes student Amanda Borton helped with the cleanup of streets near a Toledo family emergency shelter, and she is with Toledo resident Calvina Giles, 5.

Lourdes students help Toledo neighborhood
Students' families work with La Posada to clean up streets near family shelter.

Nolan Rosenkrans

Donovan Vaughn, 15, interacts with students at the Creative Village Child Devel-opment Center in Toledo as part of the Student African American Brotherhood.

Group focuses on developing leaders
Student African American Brotherhood continues to evolve, grow.

TPS likely to seek levy in Nov.
Renewal millage needed to keep district operations intact. Document or link

Rachel Lenzi

Ken Schrader, center, celebrates in Victory Lane after claiming the Menards 200 on Sunday afternoon at Toledo Speedway. It was the first ARCA start of the season for the longtime driver.

Schrader wins ARCA Menards 200
57-year-old led for 163 of 200 laps at Toledo Speedway.

Benjamin has long day at ARCA event
15-year-old starts from pole, drops to 23rd.

Roberta Redfern

Carla Glover of Toledo carries food to her car after members of the New Light Shiningstar Food Pantry and the Circle of Friends minority health program handed out boxes of food to those in need Wednesday. The two agencies are drawing awareness to the services their organizations provide.

Outreach groups aid food pantries
When family practice physician Anita Lewis-Sewell was told by her doctor to get a mammogram in 2009, she put it off because of a busy schedule.

Preschool teacher Lori Brown, left, poses a question to Kyra Conrad, 4, who was using FaceTime to interact with her classmates Wednesday afternoon at Danbury Elementary in Marblehead. For two hours each day, Kyra uses an iPad to FaceTime with her class.

Technology connects preschool class
FaceTime connects homebound girl with classmates.

Rod Lockwood

Terry Van Bibber, Toledo, casts his line out into the Maumee River as fog envelops the area.

Northwest Ohio summer fun
Water water everywhere: Lake Erie, the Maumee River, and Oak Openings.

Eric Hillenbrand and Condessa Croninger stand in their art gallery 20 North Gallery on South St. Clair on May 13, 2013. The gallery is closing after 20 years of operation.

20 North Gallery closes Friday
'Little glowing oasis' in downtown Toledo to go dark.

RoNeisha Mullen

Josh Harris, owner of Smoke Revolt , right, sells flavored e-liquid nicotine to customer Michelle Mikesell, at his shop.

Advocates: E-cigarettes beat habit
Health officials aren’t so sure that's reason for switch.

Area family assesses school safety
Group focuses on proactive emergency response training for educators.

Rose Russell

Tammy McKittrick, center, is flanked by son Shawn Tompkins, Jr., 21, and daughter Shanice McKittrick, 23. All three are graduating from area colleges this month. ‘I had my children understand that we are going to college, we are going to get a degree,’ she said.

Family stays the course to degrees
Proud Toledo mom's family all went to classes, studied, and worked.

Claire’s Day encourages joy of books
12th annual free family book festival celebrated Saturday in Maumee.

Ryan Autullo

Follow Ryan Autullo on Twitter

Gibsonburg boys win TAAC
Golden Bears win it in just second year in league.

Toledo head coach Tod Kowalczyk said that he has watched junior forward Rian Pearson mature over the last five years the two have been connected through basketball.

Kowalczyk mixes novices, mentors
Varying levels of experience balance the young assistants, veteran coach.

S. Amjad Hussain

An honored friend in Arkansas
Artful Toledo connection provides good reason to stop, visit.

James Naismith's original rules of 'Basket Ball' is displayed at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo.

An eye-opener of Ozlike proportions
Inspiration can be found at Nelson-Atkins museum in Kansas City.

Sheena Harrison

The Tony Packo's litigation led to the sale of the company's assets to collect on more than $2.6 million it owes to Fifth Third Bank.

Judge reviews Packo's bids
Judge expected to decide Thursday which of 3 bids will be accepted.

Packo's ripe for expansion
Franchising experts say restaurant could open more locations.

Steve Junga

Findlay's Tyler Brown runs in the 400-meter race at the TRAC meet. Brown won the 200, 400, high jump, and long jump.

Whitmer, ND defend TRAC titles
Findlay's Brown wins 4 events. Photo Gallery

Vicars to coach Delta football
After seven years away, football coach Mike Vicars will return to the school where he made one of his biggest impacts.

Steve Pollick

Pollick leaves legacy of adventure
Outdoorsman Steve Pollick says farewell after 30 years, 35 countries.

Blade Outdoors Editor Steve Pollick discusses a passage from his book Starwalking with Sarah during an Authors! Authors! event.

Retirement: You just know when it's time
So, it is time. Yes, I am retiring after nearly 30 years as outdoors editor of The Blade.

Tahree Lane

American Gallery will host reception
A meet-the-artists event will be 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the American Gallery, 6600 Sylvania Ave. A new show of work by 15 artists includes acrylics, oils, watercolors,…

Jim Stark walks across the labyrinth in the garden of his late wife, Norma Stark, in Perrysburg The garden was built for meditation, in memory of Norma's parents, Norman and Anna Belle Swaisgood. Norma died in 2011. The garden is maintained by the Norma Stark Memory Garden and Labyrinth Foundation. Jim lives at the home.

Garden lives on in friend's memory
Stark's backyard becomes tribute to late wife. Video

Tanya Irwin

‘I've gotten a second chance at life,’ Mike Severino says. ‘The blood clots could have killed me.’ Mr. Severino, who has diabetes, had a leg amputated in January. Fellow volunteers are serving a spaghetti dinner benefit today.

Animal rescuers aid 1 of their own
The goal of the fund-raiser today is $5,000. Video

Staff behaviorist Aja Lebarr works with dogs in the dog play group at the Toledo Area Humane Society.

Dogs rebound from hoarding situation
The first five of the 12 dogs the Toledo Area Humane Society helped rescue in April from a hoarding situation in southern Ohio have gone up for adoption.