Good morning, Toledo.
This week brings recognition for local courage, opportunities to get outside, and a few things to plan around as the marathon returns. The Dispatch is here to keep you connected to what's happening in your city and how it shapes the days ahead.
In today's edition:
-A Perrysburg teen honored for heroism and the spring hiking challenge underway
-Community events from vintage toys to local history nights
-Marathon weekend road closures you'll want to know about
Let's get to it.
Brought to you by United Way of Toledo
Give A Day to Your Community!
United Way of Greater Toledo is hosting Day of Caring, one of the area's largest single-day volunteer events — and it's happening May 8, 2026.
Hundreds of volunteers come together to serve nonprofits and community organizations across Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties. Whether you're joining solo or bringing your whole team, there's an opportunity waiting for you.
No experience needed. Just show up and make a difference.
Sign up today and be part of this special day!
News
Perrysburg Teen Honored for Heroism
Fourteen-year-old Isabelle Fleig from Perrysburg received the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Smoke Detector on Guard Award for her quick thinking and bravery during a house fire. Her actions helped save her family when it mattered most.
It's the kind of story that reminds everyone how much difference one person can make in a crisis, especially when that person is still in high school.
Spring Hiking Challenge Begins
Wood County Park District is running two passport challenges through May 31st that reward you for exploring local trails. The Hiking Challenge lets you visit parks at your own pace, while the All Parks Challenge involves scanning QR codes at all 21 locations. Prizes are available while supplies last.
Pick up a passport at district headquarters in Bowling Green or any interpretive center. Most trails are under a mile, making them accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Community Spotlight
Night at the Depot
Wolcott Heritage Center in Maumee brought Ohio's railroad history to life this week as part of the America 250 celebration. Visitors explored a historic train station, schoolhouse, and restored caboose while volunteers demonstrated how communication worked before the digital age.
It's one of the few places in Northwest Ohio where you can walk through a historic village right in town, and events like this remind us how the region's transportation roots shaped where we are today.
New Toledo Toy Show Returns
Source: Wtol
Slot cars, trains, lunch boxes, comic books, Hot Wheels, dolls, and action figures filled over 200 tables at this weekend's toy show. It's the kind of event that brings collectors and families together over shared memories and the thrill of finding that one piece you've been searching for.
Whether you're hunting for vintage treasures or just soaking in the nostalgia, it's a reminder of what makes our community tick.
City Updates
Marathon Weekend Road Closures
The Glass City Marathon is rolling through town this weekend, and with it comes a familiar shuffle of street closures starting Saturday morning. Bancroft will be the main artery affected, with rolling closures through Sunday as runners make their way across campus, Ottawa Hills, and Sylvania. Most roads reopen as the last participant passes.
Plan your Saturday errands and Sunday morning coffee runs accordingly—this is one of those weekends where a little route flexibility goes a long way.
Events This Week
CAPM Certification: 4-Day Intensive Classroom Training
Monday, April 21, 2026 · 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Regus Business Center, Toledo, OH 43460
Master project management fundamentals with this comprehensive four-day certification program designed to prepare you for the CAPM exam.
Alice Cooper: Alice's Attic
Monday, April 21, 2026 · 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM
The Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614
Rock legend Alice Cooper brings his nightmarish stage show to Toledo with presale starting January 28th using code NIGHTMARE. Get details →
TUTANKHAMUN: "Wonderful Things" — Treasures from the Pharaoh's Tomb (Final Day) Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Imagination Station / Toledo, OH Last chance to see this traveling exhibit of replicas and artifacts inspired by King Tut's tomb before it closes. https://visittoledo.org/events
"Ever Evolving" Exhibit Opening Wednesday, April 22, 2026 National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St, Toledo, OH A new temporary exhibit exploring the evolving relationship between people and the Great Lakes freshwater ecosystem, opening on Earth Day. https://nmgl.org
Downtown Dill-ite (Pickle Fest) — Day 1 Friday, April 24, 2026 Warehouse District, Downtown Toledo, OH Toledo's first-ever pickle festival takes over the Warehouse District with pickle vendors, food trucks, pickle juice, and pickle-themed everything. https://www.downtowntoledo.org/toledo-events
Michael Jr.'s "Funny How Marriage Works…and Dating Too" Tour Friday, April 24, 2026 The Polish Ostrich, Toledo, OH Comedian Michael Jr. brings his comedy tour about the ups and downs of marriage and dating to Toledo. https://www.eventbrite.com/d/oh--toledo/events/
Ladies Night — Free Entry, Food, Vendors, Celebrity Performance Saturday, April 25, 2026 Toledo School for the Arts, 333 14th St, Toledo, OH A free ladies night event featuring local vendors, food, and a celebrity performance. https://www.eventbrite.com/d/oh--toledo/events/
Glass City Marathon Sunday, April 26, 2026 University of Toledo, 2801 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH Main race day for the Glass City Marathon, featuring the full marathon and half marathon drawing thousands of runners through Toledo. https://glasscitymarathon.org
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