Good morning, Toledo.
This week brings a story of sacrifice and generosity, a familiar face stepping away from a local landmark, and a handful of ways to connect with your city. The Dispatch is here to keep you grounded in what's happening close to home.
In today's edition:
• A Rossford officer's life-saving donation and downtown protests worth noting
• Greg Huntermark retires after 53 years at House of Meats, plus Perrysburg's tree care recognition
• Easter celebrations, art shows, and volunteer opportunities around town this week
Let's get to it.
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News
Officer Saves Officer
A Rossford police officer donated a kidney to an Ohio State Highway Patrol commander from Bowling Green after he went into kidney failure last November. Fourteen local first responders volunteered to be tested, and Michael Shaffer turned out to be a near-perfect match for Matt Geer. Both are now recovering and looking forward to getting back to work.
Protests Fill Downtown Streets
Downtown Toledo saw a large turnout Saturday as part of the "No Kings" rallies held across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Protesters gathered to voice concerns about immigration policy and civic engagement, with organizers planning more events in the coming months focused on voter outreach and community support.
Community Spotlight
53 Years of Service
Greg Huntermark started at House of Meats on Starr Avenue when he was just 13 years old in 1973. After more than five decades behind the counter, he's retiring from the Oregon shop that's been part of so many family dinners and weekend cookouts.
It's the kind of steady presence that reminds you what neighborhood businesses are really about.
City Updates
Perrysburg Recognized for Tree Care
Perrysburg just earned its 2025 Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation, a nod to the city's ongoing work planting and maintaining trees across the community. The recognition also came with a growth award for stepping up tree care efforts and getting residents more involved.
It's a quiet win for a suburb that's been investing in green infrastructure, and the kind of thing that shapes how a place feels over time.
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Events This Week
🚢 Join the Volunteer Crew at the Maritime Museum
Tuesday, April 1, 2026
National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605
Drop in on the first of every month to support the museum through gallery docent work, administrative tasks, landscaping, research, or special events—opportunities for all ages and interests. Get details →
Creative Expressions Art Gala
Wednesday, April 2, 2026
River Gallery Studio, 500 Madison Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604
Dive into a vibrant night celebrating local artists and their amazing creative expressions. Get details →
Authors! with Nick Petrie
Wednesday, April 2, 2026
Main Library - Toledo Lucas County Public Library, 325 North Michigan Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Join bestselling thriller author Nick Petrie for an engaging discussion of his latest page-turner, The Dark Time. Get details →
THIRD DAY 30th Anniversary Reunion Tour Wednesday, April 2, 2026
Huntington Center, Toledo, OH The legendary Christian rock band reunites with original members for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of three decades of chart-topping hits, featuring special guest Zach Williams. Get details →
Best of Toledo Awards Celebration
Thursday, April 3, 2026
Erie Street Market, 201 South Erie Street, Toledo, OH 43604
The annual awards party returns to celebrate Toledo's finest with a night of recognition and celebration. Get details →
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Perrysburg, 6165 Levis Commons Boulevard, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with the whole family and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! Get details →
Easter Buffet Celebration
Sunday, April 5, 2026
27 Broadway Street, Toledo, OH 43604
Hop in for a tasty Easter buffet filled with yummy bites and good vibes. Get details →
Toledo Choice Sponsors
Elias Geha Photography captures clean, authentic moments from striking cityscapes to mountain views. Now offering professional photography and drone services for hire via his Instagram handle @elias__geha. Explore prints at eliasgphotography.picfair.com/ and follow @elias__geha on Instagram for his latest work and content.
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Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch. Talk soon!