Good morning, Toledo.
Happy Star Wars Day, “May the fourth be with you”. While not as well known, May 4th is actually International Firefighters Day, big shoutout to the firefighters across all of the Toledo Metro. Last thing, today is also a big day for Toledo Dispatch, we just passed 10,000 readers! Wether you have been with us since the beginning or this is your first edition, we are truly honored to be a great source of local news and events for you ❤️
In today's edition:
-GM commits $40 million to Toledo's transmission plant
-The Toledo Zoo responds to a security incident
-A Toledoan prepares to celebrate 100 years
Let's get to it.
P.S. If you or someone you know owns or works for a local business in Toledo Metro and want to get in front of our audience of 10k+ readers, click below!
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News
GM Invests in Toledo Plant
General Motors is putting $40 million into the Toledo Propulsion Systems plant to boost production of 10-speed transmissions for light-duty trucks. The investment adds to another $40 million announced in March, supporting the facility's 1,650 employees and the city's manufacturing base.
The move is part of GM's broader $830 million commitment across three Midwest sites as the company prepares to launch its next generation of full-size trucks and SUVs.
Zoo Cleared After Threat
The Toledo Zoo was evacuated Friday morning following a bomb threat. Visitors and staff were moved out as a precaution while authorities assessed the situation. Operations resumed later in the day after the all-clear was given.
It's the kind of disruption no one wants, but the response was handled smoothly and safely.
Community Spotlight
A Century of Strength
Letha McCoy is turning 100 this May, and she's still doing what she's always done: cooking, baking, and taking care of the people she loves. Born in Arkansas in 1926, she came to Toledo in 1946, raised eight boys through a 67-year marriage, and worked decades in healthcare.
Her family says she's still the one they call for advice, cakes, and wisdom about staying focused on what matters. At 100 years strong, she's proof that showing up for your people never goes out of style.
City Updates
YMCA May Run City Pool
Perrysburg city council is set to vote on a contract that would hand over management of the municipal pool to the Fort Meigs YMCA for the next three summer seasons. It's a practical move that could bring some fresh energy to a community fixture while keeping operations steady through 2028.
In Partnership with NAMI Toledo
Someone You Know Needs This. Walk with Us.
Every step makes a difference. Join NAMIWalks Greater Toledo on May 16 at Glass City Metropark and help support no-cost mental health programs serving thousands in our community. Someone you know is struggling, even if they haven’t said it out loud. Your presence helps ensure they’re not alone and that support is there when they’re ready. This is how we show up for each other.Register, donate, or start a team today.
Events This Week
Tue, May 5, 12 PM — Cinco de Mayo at Hollywood!, 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH. Cinco de Mayo celebration at Hollywood Casino. Learn more.
Tue, May 5 – Wed, May 6 — Cinco de Mayo Parking Lot Party, 713 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH. Outdoor party with DJs, beer truck, taco eating contest, cornhole, and no cover charge. Learn more.
Tue, May 5, 7 PM — Authors! with Nicola Harrison, Main Library – Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo, OH. Author event featuring Nicola Harrison; tickets from $27.45. Learn more.
Thu, May 7, 7 PM — Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour, Huntington Center, Toledo, OH. Concert performance by Ella Langley on her Dandelion Tour. Learn more.
Fri, May 8, 6 PM — Tequila and Tapas, The Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH. Evening event featuring tequila tastings and tapas at the zoo. Learn more.
Toledo Choice Sponsors
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Fri, May 8 – Sat, May 9 — Night Market In The Garden, Toledo Botanical Garden, Toledo, OH. Night market hosted by Toledo Night Market; Friday 4–9 PM and Saturday 3–9 PM. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 10 AM — Breakfast For M'Lady, The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH. Breakfast event presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated; tickets from $81.88. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 10 AM — EcoFest, Glass City Metropark, Toledo, OH. Outdoor environmental festival celebrating sustainability and nature. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 11 AM — MAKER'S MART: Spring 2026, Handmade Toledo, Toledo, OH. Spring handmade goods market featuring local makers and artisans. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 11 AM — Make Your Own Glass Flower, 23 N Huron St, Toledo, OH. Hands-on glassblowing workshop to create your own glass flower. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 7 PM — Michigan's #1 Tribute to Shania Twain, American Legion Post 514, Ida, MI (Temperance area). Shania Twain tribute show with singing, dancing, and entertainment; tickets from $20. Learn more.
Sat, May 9, 8 PM — Beastie Boys Tribute – Imposters In Effect, 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH. Live tribute concert performing Beastie Boys hits. Learn more.
Sun, May 10, 1 PM — Mother's Day Class, 3726 S. Detroit Avenue Unit B, Toledo, OH. Mother's Day-themed creative class. Learn more.
Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!