Good morning, Toledo.

It's a week of progress and preparation—from new infrastructure in the works to research happening on the lake. Spring events are picking up, and there are a few updates worth knowing as the city moves through mid-April.

In today's edition:

-UToledo launches a Lake Erie toxin study and Perrysburg welcomes a major employer
-Toledo begins work on four new water towers across the city
-Spring events including the Zoo's orchid show, a 419 Day 5K, and downtown's Best Bites tour

Let's get to it.

P.S. We made a slight change to the format, in the middle of our events section we have our classified ads which you can purchase on a self serve basis, so make sure to read to the bottom to see all the events for the week!

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UToledo researchers set up a mobile clinic in Point Place this week as part of a long-term study exploring whether harmful algae toxins from Lake Erie can enter the body through breathing. It's a question that matters locally, especially during bloom season when the lake's water quality shifts.

The study aims to better understand airborne exposure risks for people living and working near the shoreline.

Read more →

Perrysburg is getting a $60 million boost as Whirlpool moves into the old Willard & Kelsey site on Route 25. Mayor Mark Weber says it's exactly what the city has been waiting for after three years of vacancy, and school officials are already thinking about what new families and tax revenue might mean for the district.

It's a solid win for manufacturing in the area, and the kind of long-term investment that tends to ripple outward in good ways.

Read more →

Spring in Maumee means walleye season, and this year there's a new festival celebrating the tradition. With a fishing tournament, family-friendly activities, and a 5K race, it's bringing the community together around something locals have loved for generations.

It's the kind of event that honors what makes this area special while giving everyone a reason to get outside and enjoy it.

Learn more →

Toledo is breaking ground next week on an $85 million project that will add four new water towers across the city, from Schneider Park in south Toledo to Northover Road in the west. The towers will help stabilize water pressure and store millions of gallons for when the system needs it most.

Construction runs through 2029, with some neighbors voicing concerns about property values and visual impact. The Schneider Park site will eventually include a new turf field, while the Northover location will feature a wetlands and boardwalk built with Washington Local Schools.

Read more →

🌸 Toledo Zoo Orchid Show Returns Daily

April 13 – May 3, 2026 · Daily Hours

ProMedica Museum of Natural History, Toledo Zoo

Immerse yourself in over 2,000 exotic orchids with stunning displays, photo opportunities, and special events throughout the show—now open daily instead of weekends only. Get details →

CREATED 2026

Wednesday, April 16, 2026

Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Dr., Toledo, OH 43615

An empowering evening of faith, inspiration, and community featuring keynote speaker Lisa Bevere. Get details →

Toledo's Got Talent Competition

Wednesday, April 16, 2026

Hollywood Casino Toledo, 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605

Showcase your talent for a chance to win $10,000 in this live competition featuring singing, dance, comedy, magic, and more—submit your 30-second audition video by March 31st to compete among 12 finalists.

Get details →

Bailey Zimmerman Live in Concert

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Huntington Center - Toledo, OH

Catch rising country star Bailey Zimmerman for an unforgettable night of music and energy. Get details →

Professional Negotiation Skills Workshop

Friday, April 17, 2026

Toledo, OH 43537

Sharpen your negotiation techniques and learn to close deals with confidence in this intensive one-day training session.

Get details →

AI & Automation Workshop: Hands-On Business Applications

Thursday, April 17, 2026

Toledo, OH (venue details available upon registration)

Learn practical AI and automation strategies for real-world business use in this beginner-to-intermediate workshop.

Get details →

Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!