This Week in Toledo, Toledo, OH (2026)

06/13/2026

• Last Saturday (June 6), a dispute between youths at the Old West End Festival led to a shooting that injured twelve people; all are currently in stable condition. Victims can be compensated for expenses stemming from the shooting by emailing [email protected].

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council voted unanimously to contract with Pohlkat instead of Rocky Ridge Development to remove spent lime from the city's water treatment facility; unanimously to allow free entry to municipal pools on days that reach at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit; 8-2 to grant a special use permit for a proposed solar field in South Toledo, with Gadus and Jones opposed; 7-3 to authorize a one-year contract with Flock Group for drone surveillance, with Gadus, Komives, and Kramer opposed; and 6-4 to authorize a two-year contract with Flock Group for license plate cameras, with Gadus, Jones, Komives, and Kramer opposed and the measure failing as it was an emergency vote and did not receive the minimum seven votes required for such a vote to pass. Martinez and Sarantou were not present.

• Also on Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to amend capital improvement plans to allocate an additional $5.2 million toward the restoration of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court building and an additional $1 million in funding to the cost of demolishing the former Child Study Institute building, citing unforeseen requirements from the Toledo Plan Commission to preserve historic parts of the building.

• On Wednesday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Westgate Village North, site of the former Sears building near Secor and Central. Tenants of the development will include Dick's House of Spot, Golf Galaxy, Mission BBQ, Nordstrom Rack, Sierra Trading, Smoothie King, and Trader Joe's.

• Also on Wednesday, area businessman Walt Churchill passed away at age 97. An heir to the Churchill grocery store chain founded by his grandfather in 1917, Walt Churchill converted the remaining locations to employee-owned businesses in 2019.

• In further Wednesday news, the Toledo Yacht Club narrowly avoided going to sheriff's sale after procuring sufficient funds to preserve the club through a new ownership group.

• On Thursday, Maumee-based auto parts supplier Dana Inc. announced that it would combine with Eaton Mobility, a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, to become one of the largest powertrain suppliers in the world valued at approximately $10 billion.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo Plan Commission recommended approving a proposed Islamic cemetery near Bancroft and Cherry. The cemetery would employ burial techniques that do not use embalming fluids, coffins, or caskets; instead, bodies are washed, covered in white cloth, prayed over, and buried within 1-2 days of passing.

• On Friday, Mayor Kapszukiewicz proposed creating a "special event safety zone" to create rules and regulations for large events. Under the proposed law, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is 25 years of age or older during "peak safety hours" or face a fourth degree misdemeanor and a $250 fine.

• Also on Friday, U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is allocating $9,205,000 to dredge approximately 760,000 cubic yards from seven miles of the Maumee River and eighteen miles of Maumee Bay.

• The Toledo Children's Memorial, located at the intersection of Jackman and Eleanor Roads, is planning to expand in size and add benches. Created in 1999, the site includes a monument and angel bricks with the names of young people who have passed away inscribed on them. To learn more, visit https://toledochildrensmemorial.com/

• Metroparks Toledo is seeking public input about improvements to Howard Marsh. To complete the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F5VGPRC

• This Saturday (June 13) from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., a homeownership fair with resources for first-time home buyers will take place at Scott High School (2400 Collingwood Blvd.). One attendee will win a $10,000 down payment. The event is free to attend, though one can register at https://www.surveyhero.com/c/j3tidyhy

• Also this Saturday (June 13) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence of Northwest Ohio is hosting an unwanted fi****ms disposal event at Monroe Street United Methodist Church (3613 Monroe St.). Those who bring unwanted fi****ms will receive a $50-$200 gift certificate.

• Also this Saturday (June 13) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Martin Luther King, Jr. bridge will be shutdown for an outdoor expo as part of Metroparks Toledo's "Watershed Weekend" celebrating the halfway mark of the Glass City Riverwalk project. For more information, visit https://metroparkstoledo.com/watershed

• This Sunday (June 14) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Old Orchard neighborhood will host its annual garden tour event, with self-guided tours of six neighborhood gardens with owners on hand to answer questions. Nearly 700 people attended the tour last year. For more information, visit https://www.oldorchardgardens.org/

• Next Wednesday (June 17) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Harvard Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will host a farewell celebration at the school (1949 Glendale Ave.), which is closing due to budget problems in the district. Community members can visit the school between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through June 22.

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

06/10/2026

HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-240-26 Amending the existing agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for the Toledo Police Department's Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) for a two-year continuation of services for portable Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) (6/9/26)

• Summary & Background: "The Toledo Police Department currently utilizes portable ALPRs through Flock Group Inc. This authorizes the annual expenditure not to exceed $14,000 for 2-years. Flock Group Inc. is the vendor for the current ALPRs. This is a continuation of services for the portable ALPRs we currently have in service."

• Full text of proposed ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/na8d938d

• YES Votes: Driscoll, Hobbs, Melden, Morris, McPherson, Williams ( 6 )

• NO Votes: Gadus, Jones, Komives, Kramer ( 4 )

• ABSENT: Martinez, Sarantou ( 2 )

• OUTCOME: Failed (6 - 4)

• 13ABC: Toledo defends license plate cameras amid Ohio privacy debate - 6/2/26 (https://tinyurl.com/5ds6kc2m)

Quote: "Toledo is defending its use of surveillance cameras as other Ohio cities move to phase them out.

The city has 107 Flock cameras operating across town. Chief Michael Troendle said they are not going anywhere.

Dayton suspended its Flock camera program after an investigation found the automatic license plate readers were being used to scan information for immigration purposes, a direct violation of city policy. The cameras in Dayton were then covered up."

• The Blade: Toledo City Council looks to bolster public safety, calls on state for help - 6/9/26 (https://tinyurl.com/t6hxvvz4)

Quote: "Ms. Morris called the license plate readers 'a tool.'

'Not voting for a law enforcement tool when you’ve just had a mass shooting, I don’t get it,' she said.

Ms. Kramer said she voted against the license plate readers after doing more research into Flock Group. While she said she trusts the Toledo Police Department, she was unsure of how the company uses the information it gathers.

'I did some research into Flock, and I also listened to our residents,' she said. 'We got a lot of emails from residents against Flock and against the Flock cameras, so whenever we get emails like that, it always makes me pause and look into stuff a little more.'"

• E-mails of council members:
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06/06/2026

• On Tuesday, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to begin accepting proposals for renovation work on the Lucas County Jail, which is expected to total $63 million. Lucas County Sheriff Mike Navarre proposed additional renovations estimated between $80 and $87.5 million; however, the commissioners have not accepted that proposal. Lucas County has spent $18.75 million since 2015 on efforts to build a new jail at five different sites.

• Also on Tuesday, Lucas County Commissioner Anita Lopez voted against providing a $15,000 economic development grant to community nonprofit Nuestra Gente citing concerns about lax board oversight and missing financial reports. The grant was approved 2-1 with Gerken and Sobecki voting in favor.

• In further Tuesday news, the Lucas County Commissioners voted to hire Jamie Beier Grant as the new economic development director and James Hayes as the new director of the office of management and budget for Lucas County. Each position comes with a salary of $165,000.

• On Wednesday, a rededication ceremony was held in honor of the completed restoration of the John E. Gunckel memorial at Woodlawn Cemetery. The memorial, a 26-foot tall pyramid, honors the founder of the Toledo Newsboys Association. Approximately 130 people attended.

• On Thursday, Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle stated that the substation replacing the former D. Michael Collins Northwest Substation in West Toledo would be in a strip mall off Sylvania Avenue near the Five Points intersection with Jackman and Tremainsville.

• On Friday, the 53rd annual Old West End Festival kicked off. The weekend-long event features house tours, a parade, yard sales, food trucks, live music, an art fair, children's activities, and much more. For more details, visit https://www.toledooldwestend.com/festival

• Toledo City Councilman Mac Driscoll is proposing an ordinance that would require municipal pools to be free of cost on days when the temperature reaches at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Driscoll, there were seven such days in 2025, nine in 2024, six in 2023, and five in 2022.

• A WTOL investigation found that of 64 complaints filed against the City of Toledo for damage to private property during nearby housing demolitions, only 27 were elevated to the city's legal department. In most cases, no compensation is provided with the city citing immunity from civil liability.

• Toledo Police Chief Mike Troendle stated that he has taken an officer off of special assignment after a video circulated online recently of the officer berating and insulting teenagers on Sylvan Avenue. The officers on duty in the video were Zachary Cairl and Chase Baney.

• Toledo Firefighter DeAndre Ware, Jr. is facing felony charges for theft and telecommunications fraud for allegedly using his fire station's house fund to make personal purchases totaling approximately $1,000 over six months.

• Former Toledo City Councilman Bob McCloskey passed away on May 29 at 80 years of age. In 2006, McCloskey resigned from council and was later sentenced to 27 months in prison on three felony bribery charges.

• Metroparks Toledo has hired Billy Mann, an executive with the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, to replace Ally Effler as the organization's chief philanthropy officer.

• The Arts Commission is accepting applications through July 1 for artists who want to design images that will appear on two new water towers being built by the City of Toledo. For more information, visit https://theartscommission.org/projects/toledo-water-tower

• The Farmers’ Market Association of Toledo is considering moving the Westgate Farmer's Market to the Franklin Park Mall parking lot, citing more car traffic, a bigger parking lot, and more room to expand. The market has been operated there temporarily while Westgate Village undergoes construction of new buildings.

• Community nonprofit Connecting Kids to Meals is providing free weekday lunches to children under 18 at several library locations every weekday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. through August 21. No library card is needed and there are no income restrictions. For more information, visit https://toledolibrary.org/food

• On Saturday (June 6) at 6 p.m., Ottawa Park will launch its free summer concert series with a performance by Distant Cousinz at the Ottawa Park Amphitheater (2205 Kenwood Blvd.). To see the list of bands performing this season, visit https://ottawapark.org/

• Next Tuesday (June 9) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a panel discussion about the U.S. immigration system at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.). The event will discuss pathways to permanent residency in the U.S. and how to navigate common legal challenges as an immigrant.

• Next Thursday (June 11), Metroparks Toledo will launch "Watershed Weekend" to celebrate the halfway mark of completion for the Glass City Riverwalk. Events include a shutdown of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 13 for an outdoor expo. For details, visit https://metroparkstoledo.com/watershed

• Also next Thursday (June 11) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library will host a free concert by HuDost in the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) atrium as part of its "Live at the Library" summer concert series. For more information, visit https://toledolibrary.org/music.

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

06/04/2026

HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-197-26 Outsourcing management of the Toledo Police Impound Lot for five years with an option to renew for an additional five at a cost not to exceed $2,471,617.35 from the Municipal Tow Lot Fund as well as waiving competitive bidding provisions. (5/26/26)

• Summary & Background: "This Ordinance authorizes the Mayor to enter into a 5-year agreement with Vehicle Management Solutions, LLC. for the management services for the Toledo Police Impound Lot. Vehicle Management Solutions (VMS) provides impound operation services including receiving towed vehicles, storage at secured facilities, processing release to vehicle owners and disposal of unclaimed vehicles."

• Full text of proposed ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/3xa4c8wc

• YES Votes: Hobbs, Komives, Williams ( 3 )

• NO Votes: Driscoll, Gadus, Jones, Kramer, Martinez, McPherson, Morris, Sarantou ( 8 )

• ABSENT: Melden ( 1 )

• OUTCOME: Failed (3-8)

• The Blade: Toledo police look to outsource management of impound lot - 5/13/26 (https://tinyurl.com/yf7m84fy)

Quote: "Toledo’s impound lot is currently managed by seven TPD officers and one sergeant, according to Assistant Police Chief Kevin Braun. By outsourcing operations, those officers can be deployed to other areas of the department.

'Our hope is that if and when this happens, that we can work with the patrol officers’ union to kind of find a better use for those officers, which we hope will translate into seven more officers out on the street taking calls for service,' Chief Braun told council members last week."

• The Blade: Local contractors oppose outsourcing police tow lot - 5/22/26 (https://tinyurl.com/vemw59rj)

Quote: "'We work with the officers at the impound day-in and day-out, and if there was a problem or it wasn’t working, we’re not aware of it,' Patrick McKinney told members of Toledo City Council Thursday night.

Mr. McKinney, who spoke at the council’s public safety committee meeting, is the chief operating officer of U Pull R Parts III Co., which is currently contracted to salvage vehicles from the impound lot."

• The Blade: Toledo council approves trash contract, rejects outsourcing police tow lot - 5/26/26 (https://tinyurl.com/y9dvsnfn)

Quote: "'I voted no because it is a lousy deal for the city of Toledo,' Mr. Sarantou said. 'I do not believe that an outside vendor is going to bring in more money for automobile auctions. I do not believe it is prudent to have civilian control of that lot.'"

• E-mails of council members:
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06/03/2026

HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-183-26 Increasing monthly municipal solid waste fees from $11.50 to $18.50, then to $20.00 in 2027 and $21.50 in 2028. For Homestead-exempt properties, fees will increase from $6.50 to $10.50 then to $11.25 in 2027 and $12.00 in 2028. (5/26/26)

• Summary & Background: "This Ordinance authorizes an increase in the monthly municipal solid waste fee proposed to cover landfill costs and curbside refuse and recycling collection costs. Fees were last increased in 2016."

• Full text of proposed ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/4vr2w2xw

• YES Votes: Driscoll, Hobbs, Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Morris, McPherson, Williams, Sarantou ( 10 )

• NO Votes: Gadus ( 1 )

• ABSENT: Melden ( 1 )

• OUTCOME: Passed (10 - 1)

• The Blade: City of Toledo to propose new waste contract and fees - 4/30/26 (https://tinyurl.com/hvdkeyu9)

• The Blade: Toledo weighs higher trash fees, new Republic deal - 5/6/26 (https://tinyurl.com/yncex3us)

• The Blade: Toledo council approves trash contract, rejects outsourcing police tow lot - 5/26/26 (https://tinyurl.com/y9dvsnfn)

Quote: "Along with the contract, council members also approved new monthly solid waste fees in a vote of 10-1. Councilman Theresa Gadus voted against increasing the fees."

• E-mails of council members:
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06/02/2026

HOW DID THEY VOTE: O-193-26 Increase the annual motor vehicle license fee by $5 (from $25 to $30) with all revenues going to the Street Construction, Maintenance, and Repair Fund. (5/26/26)

• Summary & Background: "This Council recognizes the importance of maintaining city roads and infrastructure. The road maintenance costs have continued to increase, and the backlog of necessary road improvements continues to grow. With limited funding available, additional revenue is needed. Under the Permissive Motor Vehicle License Tax (O.R.C. 4504.173), municipalities may add a $5.00 license fee to all license plate fees. This fee would be specifically used to pay for the costs associated with roadway and highway projects and maintenance within the City of Toledo. To take effect beginning in 2027, this ordinance must be approved by May 26, 2026, to allow the required 30-day waiting period before the July 1, 2026 deadline."

• Full text of proposed ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/47wmjjur

• YES Votes: Driscoll, Hobbs, Jones, Komives, Kramer, Martinez, Williams, Sarantou ( 8 )

• NO Votes: Gadus, Morris, McPherson ( 3 )

• ABSENT: Melden ( 1 )

• OUTCOME: Passed (8-3)

• The Blade: Toledo pitches additional $5 license plate fee - 5/7/26 (https://tinyurl.com/yx6aa82c)

Quotes: "'I think the takeaway is, it’s pretty undeniable that there is not a place nearby to move away from a fee like this,' Councilman Sam Melden said, referring to the other Lucas County municipalities who impose this fee." ... "'I don’t love it, but I think that’s the environment that we’re in,' he said."

"'I have a car, my tag is $5. I have a motorcycle, my tag is another $5. I have a trailer that carries my motorcycle, that’s another $5, so I’m charged an additional $15,' Ms. McPherson said. 'Where some may see that as not a lot, it can be costly, especially when our tags are costly.'

'As citizens we are being taxed, and taxed, and taxed,' she added. 'Gas is up, food is up, and here we go again, and we’re taxing again. I have a problem with putting more on the citizens of Toledo.'"

• The Blade: Toledoans offer mixed opinions on proposed license plate fee increase - 5/17/26 (https://tinyurl.com/rb52fpt)

• The Blade: City officials urge approval of increased license plate fees to avoid deficit - 5/21/26 (https://tinyurl.com/4z6ud87h)

Quotes: "Councilman Theresa Gadus said she has heard from residents who are having a difficult time stretching dollars, but Councilman George Sarantou said the money collected now can be used to prevent larger maintenance projects down the road that could be more costly.

'I just want to be clear that there are absolute, very strong restrictions on this money,' Mr. Sarantou said. 'And it is not money that can be used for other things.'"

• The Blade: Toledo council approves trash contract, rejects outsourcing police tow lot - 5/26/26 (https://tinyurl.com/y9dvsnfn)

Quote: "The council approved the Permissive Motor Vehicle License Tax, an extra $5 expense on all license plate fees. The ordinance passed in a vote of 8-3, with all of the council members present on Tuesday supporting it except Ms. McPherson, Ms. Morris, and Ms. Gadus."

• E-mails of council members:
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05/30/2026

• On Tuesday, Toledo City Council voted unanimously to approve a five-year contract with Republic Services for curbside waste collection; voted unanimously to dedicate Wilmot Street to Kei'mani Latigue; voted 10-1 to increase monthly solid waste collection fees, with Gadus opposing; voted 8-3 to increase the license plate fee by $5, with Gadus, McPherson, and Morris opposing; voted 8-3 to reject a proposal allowing Toledo Police to outsource management of their tow lot, with Hobbs, Komives, and Williams approving; and voted 6-5 for a special use permit allowing construction of a water tower at 1910 Northover Road near Silver Creek Elementary, which failed as seven votes were needed for passage. Councilman Melden was absent.

• On Thursday, local elected officials held a grand opening ceremony for the new 75-unit Collingwood Green apartment complex at 400 Nebraska Avenue. Operated by Lucas Metropolitan Housing, the complex cost $29 million to construct and provides affordable one-bedroom housing for seniors.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority approved two bond-inducement resolutions that would finance bonds of up to $25 million each for the Ashland Manor and Covenant House apartment complexes. The port authority plans to become owner of the buildings, then lease them to New York-based Essence Development, owner of Alpha Towers, who will handle debt service on the bonds as well as handle renovations on the properties.

• On Friday, the Victory I cruise ship made its first visit to the Toledo port this year, with another planned for June 22. Another ship, the Patriot, has seven planned stops in Toledo this year starting June 14. Prior to 2025, cruise ships had not stopped in Toledo since the late 1990's.

• Also on Friday, Party in the Park kicked off at Promenade Park in downtown Toledo with a free concert from the Skittle Bots. For a calendar of future performances in the concert series, visit https://visittoledo.org/events/major-events-festivals/partyinthepark

• In further Friday news, state officials announced recipients of this years Welcome Home Ohio housing program, which included $800,000 to Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity for rehab or construction of eight homes; $600,000 to the City of Toledo for rehab or construction of six homes; $481,500 to the Lucas County Land Bank for rehab or construction of five homes; $174,000 to the Lucas County Land Bank for acquiring properties; and $100,000 to Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity for acquiring properties.

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted searches Friday on two properties owned by Stansley Mining, parent company of Rocky Ridge Development, which has experienced zoning controversies around its disposal of spent lime from the city's water treatment plant in neighborhoods.

• Lucas County is seeking to renegotiate healthcare payments with the unions it has contracts with, citing rising healthcare costs. A fund for catastrophic claims which had $25 million in 2022 now has less than $3 million, while finance experts recommend that it hold at least $8 million.

• Toledo Public Schools (TPS) is ending school library service in schools as part of its "Transformation 2.0" plan to cut $68 million from their budget over the next two years.

• The Neighborhood Health Association (NHA) is opening Doc Martin’s Remedy Shoppe and Apothecary at 12 N. St. Clair St. soon. The location is designed to look like an old-fashioned "soda fountain" pharmacy and includes a medical clinic, pharmacy, dental clinic, and ice cream parlor.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued several grants in our area, including $2,281,173 to the Neighborhood Health Association for its Health Center Program; $732,380 to the Lucas County Healthy Start Initiative; $433,334 to the University of Toledo's Ryan White program; $418,822 to the University of Toledo Health Science Campus for cancer treatment research; $308,498 to the University of Toledo for biomedical research and training; $83,977 to Toledo Public Schools Head Start; and $30,447 to the Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission for head start.

• The Lake Erie West Regional Council is seeking public comment on its 2026-2030 active transportation plan, which includes walking, biking, and mobility assistance devices through the region. To view the plan and how to make comments, visit https://tmacog.org/active-transportation-plan.

• This Saturday (May 30) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hoffman Road Landfill (3962 Hoffman Rd.) will allow Lucas County residents (verified by state ID) to drop off solid waste, including trash, furniture, carpeting, mattresses, wood, and scrap metal, for free. Tires will also be accepted for a fee.

• Also on Saturday (May 30) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Toledo Repair Café will host a free repair clinic at the West Toledo Branch Library (1320 W. Sylvania Ave.). Anyone can bring in items for repair at no cost, including appliances, bicycles, clothing, computers, jewelry, and lamps.

• Also on Saturday (May 30) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye will host a takeover event at the Main Branch Library (325 N. Michigan St.) featuring meeting room baseball, an atrium hockey rink, NFL drills on the rooftop, and a visit from NFL defensive end Chris Wormley.

• Next Tuesday (June 2) at 1:55 p.m., Toledo City Council will meet to discuss permitting construction of a water tower at 1910 Northover Road. Residents have opposed the project, which officials say is necessary to increase water pressure and provide reserve support in case of an emergency.

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo's 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

05/23/2026

• On Monday, the City of Toledo announced that it had received a $571,342 grant from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program to remove asbestos and demolish the property at 635 N. Erie St., which currently houses the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. The Health Department will be relocated to 1933 Spielbusch, former site of the Diocese of Toledo's Pastoral Center, later this year.

• Also on Monday, city officials closed off Jefferson Avenue between 11th and 12th streets downtown due to bricks falling from the long vacant former Lorraine Hotel. That afternoon, officials with the Lucas County prosecutors office began tax foreclosure against the property owner, New Jersey-based Zoeva Properties, for holding $79,414.91 in unpaid taxes across 14 parcels in Lucas County. Zoeva bought the Lorraine Hotel for $1.1 million in 2023.

• In further Monday news, the "Conserve Ohio" group circulating petitions for a state-wide ban on data centers stated that it has received more signatures (3,310) in Lucas County than any other county in Ohio so far. Wood County also has the third highest number of signatures (1,826). The group has collected 27,053 signatures to date, and needs to collect 413,487 by July 1 to be on the November general election ballot.

• On Tuesday, the Toledo Public Schools (TPS) board voted to hire Ryan Lockwood as the new district treasurer at a salary of $190,000. Lockwood, who replaces outgoing treasure Ryan Stechschulte, previously worked as treasurer for Springfield schools.

• Also on Tuesday, EatWell Cafe, a nonprofit pay-what-you-can restaurant located in the Main Branch Library downtown, announced that it had received an $18,000 operating grant from the Oswald Supporting Organization through the Greater Toledo Community Foundation.

• On Wednesday, city officials held a press event announcing over 70 summer youth programs that will operate this year, most of which are free of cost. To view the programs, visit https://toledo.oh.gov/summer

• Also on Wednesday, the Toledo Plan Commission recommended at Toledo City Council's zoning and planning committee meeting that Toledo City Council adopt a plan for a proposed 1.5-megawatt solar array at 627 Lotus Avenue. The measure is expected to go before all of council for approval on June 9.

• In further Wednesday news, the Metroparks Toledo board approved purchasing 20 acres of land in the globally unique Oak Openings region for $300,000, using a $273,600 grant from the Clean Ohio Fund to cover much of the cost.

• On Thursday, several contractors who work with Toledo Police testified at a Toledo City Council public safety committee meeting in opposition to a proposed outsourcing of management of the police impound lot on Dura Avenue, citing happiness with the way the lot is currently run by officers.

• Also on Thursday, the Toledo Zoo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its newly renovated Reptile House, which took nearly a year and a half to complete at a cost of $15 million. Major improvements include a new event space, the Lanterman Family Atrium, and a larger space for Baru, the 17-foot saltwater crocodile.

• On Friday, the Lucas County Investment Advisory Committee passed a resolution affirming that the body will make investments using economic factors allowed by Ohio law. Several testified at the meeting urging the body not to renew $5 million in Israeli bonds that come to maturity in December.

• Also on Friday, the Arts Commission announced that it had extended the deadline for applications through June 1 for the Swayne Field Public Art Project, which centers on a permanent sculpture installation. For more information, visit https://theartscommission.org/projects/swayne-field

• In further Friday news, The Heights bar and restaurant re-opened for the season after abruptly closing in February. The downtown Toledo establishment is open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

• A study recently published by Construction Coverage found that median home prices in Toledo rose from $59,292 in 2016 to $129,627 in 2026, a 118% increase. The same study found that between 2014 and 2024, median household income in Toledo rose only 48.5% to $49,724/year. To view the study, visit https://constructioncoverage.com/research/cities-with-the-largest-home-price-growth-last-decade

• The Ohio Department of Development has issued a $92,298 tax credit through its Motion Picture Tax Credit program to a Toledo-based feature film production, a psychological horror called Method. The film is being created with a budget of $307,660 by University of Toledo professor Matt Foss and Tony-nominated actress Cora Vander Broek.

• The Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport has received a $1.425 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for a new HVAC system in the airport's control tower.

• The Arts Commission is accepting applications for Lucas County Poet Laureate through June 19. The position receives a $5,000 honorarium each year of its two-year term, with the expectation of one large initiative during that tenure. To apply, visit https://artscommission.grantplatform.com/

• The Stranahan Theater is selling its old seats in sets of 4 for $200 through June 10 as it prepares for a new upgrade in July. To reserve seats for purchase, contact the box office at 419-381-8851.

• The Westgate Farmers Market will take place at the Franklin Park Mall this season while the Westgate Village Shopping Center undergoes major construction. The market is open Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Toledo Farmers Market in downtown Toledo will continue at 525 Market St.

• Local community radio station WAKT 106.1FM is seeking donations to continue operations through 2026. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/wakt-2026

• This Saturday (May 23) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the recently opened Mind and Soul Gallery and Studio will hold an open house at its location inside the Gardner Building downtown (500 Madison Ave.)

• Also this Saturday (May 23), the Imagination Station (1 Discovery Way) will open a new Star Wars exhibit, "Unofficial Galaxies", that will feature over 100 pieces of memorabilia from the franchise. For more information, visit https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/

• We want to hear from you! Please take This Week in Toledo's 2026 Reader Survey here: https://forms.gle/2KvHkPTQNfiXe3u26

• You can receive This Week in Toledo via e-mail by subscribing at https://toledo.substack.com/subscribe. You can also receive updates on Facebook by liking the official page at https://www.facebook.com/thisweekintoledo.

News sources: The Blade, 13ABC, WTOL

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