http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:10:58 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/owens-community-college-receives-state-funds-demolition/stories/20260702116 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/owens-community-college-receives-state-funds-demolition/stories/20260702116#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:36:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/owens-community-college-receives-state-funds-demolition/stories/20260702116 Owens Community College has received an Ohio Department of Higher Education loan totaling nearly $1 million to support the demolition of the Health Technologies building and Bicentennial Hall, officials said Thursday. The northern gateway area of the campus of Owens Community College, with the Health Technologies building in the foreground and Bicentennial Hall behind it. Bicentennial Hall is located on the campus of Owens Community College. The Health Technologies building is located on the campus of Owens Community College. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/toledoans-share-sentiments-on-nation-s-anniversary/stories/20260702004 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/toledoans-share-sentiments-on-nation-s-anniversary/stories/20260702004#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:51:03 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/toledoans-share-sentiments-on-nation-s-anniversary/stories/20260702004 Oregon residents Henrietta Gaylas, left, and Sharon Rudess are proud to be U.S. citizens. Descended from German and Italian, Rudess calls herself American Sicilian, with an emphasis on American first. Daniel Contreras takes a break during a shift at the coffee house Grindhrs on June 19. While Contreras will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country, he believes the nation needs a new direction. ONE Village Council president Alfonso Narvaez works on putting up a community garden sign at an empty lot on the corner of Stickney Avenue and Michigan Street in Toledo on June 19. ONE Village Council president Alfonso Narvaez works on putting up a community garden sign at an empty lot on the corner of Stickney Avenue and Michigan Street in Toledo on June 19. ONE Village Council president Alfonso Narvaez works on putting up a community garden sign at an empty lot on the corner of Stickney Avenue and Michigan Street in Toledo on June 19. ONE Village Council president Alfonso Narvaez works on putting up a community garden sign at an empty lot on the corner of Stickney Avenue and Michigan Street in Toledo on June 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/fbi-investigating-bank-robbery/stories/20260702113 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/fbi-investigating-bank-robbery/stories/20260702113#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:05:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/fbi-investigating-bank-robbery/stories/20260702113 The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a Thursday morning West Toledo bank robbery. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/fort-meigs-ymca-swim-coach-cancer-survivor-inspires-people-around-her/stories/20260702129 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/fort-meigs-ymca-swim-coach-cancer-survivor-inspires-people-around-her/stories/20260702129#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:11:21 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/fort-meigs-ymca-swim-coach-cancer-survivor-inspires-people-around-her/stories/20260702129 Mary-Chris Kay of Perrysburg was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in August, 2020. Mary-Chris Kay, left, hugs Sally Goligoski during a ceremony honoring Mary-Chris Kay who donated to the Fort Meigs YMCA in Perrysburg. Family of Mary-Chris Kay clap during a ceremony honoring Mary-Chris Kay who donated to the Fort Meigs YMCA in Perrysburg. Mary-Chris Kay listens to speakers during a ceremony honoring Mary-Chris Kay who donated to the Fort Meigs YMCA in Perrysburg. Mary-Chris Kay sings as people perform songs during a ceremony honoring Mary-Chris Kay who donated to the Fort Meigs YMCA in Perrysburg. Mary-Chris Kay gets a standing ovation during a ceremony honoring Mary-Chris Kay who donated to the Fort Meigs YMCA in Perrysburg. Perrysburg Mayor Mark Weber gifts a pin and a golden pickle ball to Mary-Chris Kay. Mary-Chris Kay gets emotional as she speaks. Mary-Chris Kay laughs as she speaks. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/toledo-city-council-to-consider-temporary-income-tax-increase/stories/20260703028 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/toledo-city-council-to-consider-temporary-income-tax-increase/stories/20260703028#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:23:42 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/toledo-city-council-to-consider-temporary-income-tax-increase/stories/20260703028 Toledo City Council will consider placing a proposed temporary 0.25 percent municipal income tax before voters at its July 14 meeting. Toledo police investigates a shooting that left 12 people injured at the Old West End Festival at the Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum in Toledo on June 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/body-found-water-intake-distress-call/stories/20260702112 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/body-found-water-intake-distress-call/stories/20260702112#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:09:56 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/body-found-water-intake-distress-call/stories/20260702112 A man is dead and an 11-year-old Toledo girl is missing after what authorities believe is a series of related incidents involving a boat on Lake Erie on Thursday. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/michigan-woodworking-institute-carves-path-historic-preservation-training/stories/20260618064 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/michigan-woodworking-institute-carves-path-historic-preservation-training/stories/20260618064#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:57:58 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/michigan-woodworking-institute-carves-path-historic-preservation-training/stories/20260618064 ADRIAN — In Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery, a dark mahogany spiral curls from a black pedestal, suspending a small cabinet and a single rose in a delicate feat of balance. Zack Fealk, lead instructor of the nine-month furniture design program, watches as Joel Cannon shows him a carving technique during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. Zack Fealk, lead instructor of the nine-month furniture design program, demonstrates a sanding technique during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. Susan Stroebe carves a piece of wood during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. Zack Fealk, lead instructor of the nine-month furniture design program, teaches a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. Susan Stroebe carves a piece of wood during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. Zack Fealk, department head and lead instructor of the nine-month furniture design program, teaches a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. “Purgatory,” crafted by Elise Castelli, is displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. The piece is inspired by jumping spiders. “Aditya Hridayam,” crafted by Shane Mooney, is displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery in Adrian on June 5. Kevin Curran, Nick D’Angelo, and Susan Stroebe listen as Zack Fealk, lead instructor of the nine-month furniture design program, teaches during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. “Lost Together,” a cabinet crafted made using wood burning design techniques by Ruth Latham, is displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. “Darwin’s Law,” crafted by Elise Castelli, showcases stick-like drawer handles, displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. Woodwork of graduating students and select Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute faculty and alumni is displayed as part of SBWI’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. A drawer on “Adita Hridayam,” a bookshelf crafted by Shane Mooney, is displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. Peter Densmore, Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute chief of staff, closes a drawer on “Izcalia: Case on Stand,” crafted by Armando Covarrubias Jr., SBWI vice president of academics, displayed as part of SWBI’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. “The Bardo Boy,” crafted by Zack Fealk, Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute department head, is displayed as part of SBWI’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. Participants carve wood at their stations to create a wooden tool basket during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. “Tripod Tea Table,” made by Adam Davies, “Pedestal Table," made by Armando Covarrubias Jr., and “On The Edge,” made by Jaime Marvin, are displayed as part of Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s 2026 Michigan Contemporary Craft Exhibition in the Hickman Gallery at Adrian College in Adrian on June 5. The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is located in Adrian on June 5. Various wood carving tools sit on a table during a hand tool joinery class at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian on June 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/battle-of-lake-erie-important-moment-u-s-history-not-game-changer/stories/20260701003 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/battle-of-lake-erie-important-moment-u-s-history-not-game-changer/stories/20260701003#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:27:25 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/02/battle-of-lake-erie-important-moment-u-s-history-not-game-changer/stories/20260701003 Thirty-seven years after America was formed, it scored a stunning victory over the British navy during the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie. John Thompson, manager of historic programming, visits Fort Meigs Historic Site in Perrysburg on June 11. The Niagara fires its cannon during a 200th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie off Put-in-Bay in 2013. Rob Whitman is featured in a June, 2025 photo. The Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial's column is located on Put-in-Bay. The Doric Column, one of America's tallest structures, reaches skyward in this file photo from June of 2025. The flags of Canada, Great Britain, and America are permanent fixtures at the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial to represent lasting peace between those three nations since the War of 1812 ended. John Thompson, manager of historic programming, visits Fort Meigs Historic Site in Perrysburg on June 11. John Thompson, manager of historic programming, visits Fort Meigs Historic Site in Perrysburg on June 11. Fort Meigs Historic Site is located in Perrysburg on June 11. Fort Meigs Historic Site is open on June 11 in Perrysburg. Fort Meigs Historic Site is open on June 11 in Perrysburg. Fort Meigs Historic Site is open on June 11 in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/oshp-reports-serious-crasgh-on/stories/20260702109 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/oshp-reports-serious-crasgh-on/stories/20260702109#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:57:18 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/oshp-reports-serious-crasgh-on/stories/20260702109 The Toledo Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious vehicle crash on State Rt. 2 just west of Albon Road in Springfield Township. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/police-west-homicide-airbnb-lepkowski/stories/20260701137 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/police-west-homicide-airbnb-lepkowski/stories/20260701137#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:01:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/police-west-homicide-airbnb-lepkowski/stories/20260701137 Toledo police are renewing their plea for information on the slaying of 26-year-old in West Toledo in 2025. Andrew Price, Cole Lepkowski’s fiancé, embraces a vigil attendee outside of their home in Toledo on June 30. Cole Lepkowski, 26, was the victim of a homicide in 2025 in the 2900 block of West Lincolnshire Boulevard. Family and friends of Cole Lepkowski stand in his front yard to mourn during a vigil held by his neighbors the day after his death in Toledo in 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/monroe-resident-dies-fatal-crash-monroe-township/stories/20260702106 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/monroe-resident-dies-fatal-crash-monroe-township/stories/20260702106#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:52:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/monroe-resident-dies-fatal-crash-monroe-township/stories/20260702106 MONROE — A person died in a two-vehicle crash on South Dixie Highway in Monroe Township on Wednesday, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/community-group-works-to-find-new-use-for-harvard-elementary/stories/20260701117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/community-group-works-to-find-new-use-for-harvard-elementary/stories/20260701117#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:45:38 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/city/2026/07/02/community-group-works-to-find-new-use-for-harvard-elementary/stories/20260701117 The halls of Harvard Elementary may be silent, but a group of South Toledoans is rallying to ensure the 99-year-old building continues to live on. John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, left, and Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, hold a rendering of potential uses of the building outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. The now-closed Harvard Elementary School in South Toledo on July 1. Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, left, and John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, walk up the hill outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. Ornate details, as well as a fallout shelter sign, seen on the now-closed Harvard Elementary School in South Toledo on July 1. John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, left, and Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, hold a rendering of potential uses of the building outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, left, and Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, stand outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, left, and Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, partially out of frame, hold a rendering of potential uses of the building outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. A rendering of what Harvard Elementary could look like as a mixed use development. The now-closed Harvard Elementary School is located in South Toledo on July 1. The now-closed Harvard Elementary School is located in South Toledo on July 1. Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, left, and John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, talk about the Harvard School at Wixey Bakery in South Toledo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, left, and John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, talk about the Harvard School at Wixey Bakery in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. John Irish, who lives next to the now-closed Harvard Elementary School, left, and Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, hold a rendering of potential uses of the building outside the Harvard School in South Toledo on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. The now-closed Harvard Elementary School is located in South Toledo on July 1. Carty Finkbeiner, a former Toledo mayor and South Toledo resident, shows renderings of potential uses for the now-closed Harvard Elementary School at Wixey Bakery in South Toledo on July 1. He and John Irish, behind him, are two people of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. Renderings of potential uses of the now-closed Harvard Elementary School shown by Carty Finkbeiner and John Irish seen at Wixey Bakery in South Toledo on July 1. The two are part of a group pushing to saving the historic building and find a new use for it. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/man-dies-one-car-crash-oak-openings-preserve/stories/20260702103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/man-dies-one-car-crash-oak-openings-preserve/stories/20260702103#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:55:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/police-fire/2026/07/02/man-dies-one-car-crash-oak-openings-preserve/stories/20260702103 A 66-year-old man died after his SUV went off the side of the road and hit a tree in Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/02/husted-announces-19-5m-project/stories/20260702102 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/02/husted-announces-19-5m-project/stories/20260702102#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:25:57 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/politics/2026/07/02/husted-announces-19-5m-project/stories/20260702102 A city of Toledo project to improve safety and walkability along Front and Main streets will receive federal funding after all, according to U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R., Ohio). U.S. Senator Jon Husted meets with the Hancock County Republicans to discuss his campaign on Dec. 19 in Findlay. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/02/toledo-crime-log-7-2-25/stories/20260630117 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/02/toledo-crime-log-7-2-25/stories/20260630117#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/daily-log/2026/07/02/toledo-crime-log-7-2-25/stories/20260630117 Click on icons in the map to find details of reported crimes. For a full list of all reported crimes in Toledo this week, consult the table below. Toledo police light bar. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/penta-aspire-classes-72-year-old-achieve-goals/stories/20260701110 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/penta-aspire-classes-72-year-old-achieve-goals/stories/20260701110#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:01:36 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/education/2026/07/02/penta-aspire-classes-72-year-old-achieve-goals/stories/20260701110 Larry Boyd’s decision to leave Scott High School after his freshman year shaped the next five decades of his life. Larry Boyd, 72 years old, is working on his GED for himself and to show grandchildren it is important on June 30 at Penta Career Center in Holland. Larry Boyd, 72 years old, is working on his GED for himself and to show grandchildren it is important on June 30 at Penta Career Center in Holland. Penta Career Center instructor Drew Cleaver is helping Larry Boyd, 72 years old, work on his GED on June 30 at Penta Career Center in Holland. Larry Boyd, 72 years old, is working on his GED for himself and to show grandchildren it is important on June 30 at Penta Career Center in Holland. Larry Boyd, 72 years old, is working on his GED for himself and to show grandchildren it is important on June 30 at Penta Career Center in Holland. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/01/toledo-police-lieutenant-pleads-guilty-in-off-duty-ovi/stories/20260701149 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/01/toledo-police-lieutenant-pleads-guilty-in-off-duty-ovi/stories/20260701149#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:13:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/courts/2026/07/01/toledo-police-lieutenant-pleads-guilty-in-off-duty-ovi/stories/20260701149 A Toledo police lieutenant has pleaded guilty to vehicular assault and operating a vehicle under the influence stemming from an off-duty crash in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/01/navarre-avenue-safety-improvements-tackle-increased-traffic-oregon/stories/20260625103 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/01/navarre-avenue-safety-improvements-tackle-increased-traffic-oregon/stories/20260625103#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:04:45 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/transportation/2026/07/01/navarre-avenue-safety-improvements-tackle-increased-traffic-oregon/stories/20260625103 The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement project construction continues along Navarre Avenue in Oregon on June 25. The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement project construction continues along Navarre Avenue in Oregon on June 25. The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement project construction continues along Navarre Avenue in Oregon on June 25. The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement project construction continues along Navarre Avenue in Oregon on June 25. The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement project construction continues along Navarre Avenue in Oregon on June 25. https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/toledo-library-celebrating-america250-through-public-reading/stories/20260630089 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/toledo-library-celebrating-america250-through-public-reading/stories/20260630089#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:17:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/toledo-library-celebrating-america250-through-public-reading/stories/20260630089 The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will celebrate America250 with a Declaration of Independence community reading at the Main Library on July 8. The Toledo-Lucas County Main Library https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/new-micro-exhibit-explores-network-monitors-great-lakes/stories/20260701132 https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/new-micro-exhibit-explores-network-monitors-great-lakes/stories/20260701132#comments Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:01:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/local/community-events/2026/07/01/new-micro-exhibit-explores-network-monitors-great-lakes/stories/20260701132 From Buoys to Boaters and Beachgoers, a new micro-exhibit at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, explores the observation and information network that monitors the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. People take a tour on the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship at the National Museum of the Great Lakes in East Toledo on Nov. 9.