Good morning, Toledo 👋
Sometimes the difference between “almost” and “made it” is smaller than we think. This week’s stories are all about that final inch — whether it’s businesses finding the right connections, a teen stepping up to help local families, or a decades-long search finally paying off beneath the waters of Lake Michigan.
There’s also a 99th birthday that proves kindness never goes out of style — plus a full week of jazz, rodeo, theater, and Mardi Gras-inspired fun around town.
Here’s what’s inside:
🤝 Why Local Businesses Are Closer to Winning Than They Think
🎁 A Teen’s Big Idea Helping Families in Perrysburg
🚢 A 150-Year-Old Great Lakes Mystery Finally Solved
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News
Inches From Business Success
A recent Leading Edge episode explored what really holds Toledo businesses back, and it's not always what you'd expect. Ben Klaiber, a local workflow consultant, says many companies are closer to success than they realize—they just need better connections and support to close the gap.
Meanwhile, Rossford bar owners are proving collaboration works. Instead of competing, they help each other out, share resources, and send customers down the street when needed. It's a small-town approach that's building something bigger.
Teen Starts Present Pantry
A Perrysburg High School freshman is helping families at Mercy College of Ohio through a new present pantry initiative. The project brings support to local families who could use a little extra help during gift-giving seasons.
It's the kind of community effort that reminds people what Northwest Ohio does well—neighbors stepping up for neighbors, one thoughtful gesture at a time.
Community Spotlight
Lake Michigan Wreck Found
Paul Ehorn, an Illinois shipwreck hunter, spent nearly 60 years searching for the Lac La Belle before finally locating it off the Wisconsin coast in 2022. The luxury steamer sank in an 1872 gale with 53 people aboard, and eight lives were lost.
His discovery connects our Great Lakes community to a piece of maritime history that's been hidden beneath the waves for over 150 years. It's a reminder of the stories still waiting to be uncovered in these waters.
Betty Haar Turns 99
Betty Haar just celebrated her 99th birthday with a surprise party in Elmore, surrounded by family and friends. A lifelong resident, she's an author who wrote three books about her hometown and still lives independently, cooking her own meals.
Her advice? "Be good to people and they'll be good to you." It's the kind of simple wisdom that's shaped a life well-lived and a community that showed up to celebrate her.
Coming Up This Week
Events
Distiller's Dinner: Fat Tuesday Celebration
Monday, February 17, 2026
Bellwether at Toledo Spirits, 1301 North Summit Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Savor iconic regional dishes paired with classic and reimagined New Orleans–style cocktails for an unforgettable Mardi Gras experience. Get details →
Ariel Kasler Quartet Live
Friday, February 20, 2026
Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604
Experience original jazz compositions blending Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Israeli musical traditions. Get details →
Championship Bull Riding & Barrel Racing Showdown
Friday, February 20, 2026
Huntington Center, Toledo, OH
Experience the thrill of professional rodeo competition featuring elite bull riders and barrel racers in an unforgettable evening of Western sports entertainment.
🎷 The Quick Trio Live at Lucille's
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604
Jason Quick returns to one of Toledo's premier jazz venues for a late-night performance you won't want to miss.
Lost in Yonkers at Toledo Rep
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St, Toledo, OH 43604
Neil Simon's memory play follows two boys navigating life with their stern grandmother and eccentric family in 1942 Yonkers. Get details →
Tiffany Gridiron: From My Heart to Yours
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 North Summit Street #Suite C, Toledo, OH 43604
Experience an unforgettable evening with world-class vocalist Tiffany Gridiron in an intimate jazz setting. Get details →
Country Legends Night: Willie & Patsy Tribute Saturday, February 22, 2026 American Legion Post 514, 11601 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI 48182 Experience an unforgettable evening of classic country music celebrating two icons of the genre. Get details →
Miss Work of Art Competition
Monday, February 23, 2026 ·
The Hideout Above Hamburger Mary's, 329 North Huron Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Witness incredible creativity and talent as artists compete in this showcase of artistic excellence. Get details →
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