Good morning, Toledo!
It’s shaping up to be another busy weekend across northwest Ohio, with plenty happening both in and around Toledo. Today, we’re catching you up on some of the biggest local stories, including new ownership at One SeaGate, another push for Issue 16, a new restaurant opening in Maumee and nighttime training flights from the 180th Fighter Wing. We’re also taking a look at where northwest Ohio ranks when it comes to unclaimed money, including one local ZIP code that sits at the very top of the state.
The weekend calendar is just as packed. The Greek American Festival returns to downtown Toledo, the Black Swamp Arts Festival takes over Bowling Green, and the Toledo Sister Cities International Festival brings food and culture from around the world to Erie Street Market. The Rockets are back at the Glass Bowl against Central Connecticut State, OCTIV.FEST brings live music downtown with the Toledo Dispatch proudly serving as a sponsor, and comedian John Crist takes the stage at the Stranahan Theater. Whether you’re looking for football, festivals, food or live entertainment, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the weekend.
The Toledo Dispatch is teaming up with The Midnight Blue and Gold Launchpad podcast for a tailgate ahead of Toledo’s matchup against Central Connecticut State. We’ll be set up in Lot 10 starting at noon, so if you’re heading to the Glass Bowl, come by, hang out and say hello. We’d love to meet some of our readers before cheering on the Rockets!
Also, don’t forget we are giving away four tickets to six of our subscribers to a Toledo football home game this season! Winner will be announced November 6th!
To participate, send your friends our subscription link and the referral form below. After they subscribe, they simply enter your email address in the referral form so we can give you credit.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @toledodispatch
OCTIV.FEST - an all day outdoor music fest is coming to Toledo Saturday September 12th! Live from the backyard stage of the Bronze Boar right in the heart of downtown Toledo. OCTIV.FEST is a free outdoor concert event featuring a killer line-up of local bands, stubborn brother food truck, and a free open mic jam session. If you’re a local musician who wants to jam in front of a live crowd, a live music fan, or just love Stubborn Brother Pizza, be sure to come to the Bronze Boar Saturday September 12th, from 4-11 PM.
OCTIV-FEST is brought to you by octiv.live, an all in one booking tool for artists and venues and a better way to book live music.
News
Findlay ZIP Code Tops Ohio for Unclaimed Money
Northwest Ohio residents could have some unexpected money waiting for them, as several area ZIP codes rank among the highest in the state for unclaimed funds. Findlay’s 45840 ZIP code tops the list, according to data highlighted by WTOL 11. Unclaimed funds can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, utility deposits and other money that businesses or financial institutions have been unable to return to its rightful owner.
The money is eventually turned over to the Ohio Department of Commerce, where it remains available for residents to claim. Anyone who believes they may have unclaimed funds can search the state’s online database for free using their name and other identifying information. With northwest Ohio accounting for several of the state’s highest-ranking ZIP codes, local residents may want to take a few minutes to check whether any money is waiting for them.
Toledo Mayor Makes Case for Issue 16 Tax Increase Ahead of November Vote
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz is making his case to voters for Issue 16, a proposed tax increase that will appear on the ballot this fall. During a community meeting Wednesday, the mayor outlined why he believes the additional revenue is necessary and answered questions from residents about how the money would be used. The proposal is part of the city’s effort to generate additional funding for municipal services and future investments.
With Election Day approaching, city leaders are expected to continue holding meetings and speaking with residents about the measure. Ultimately, Toledo voters will decide whether to approve the increase, making Issue 16 one of the more closely watched local questions on the November ballot. The debate is expected to center on whether the city’s need for additional revenue outweighs the added tax burden on residents.
Community Spotlight
Maumee Shines in WTOL’s Hometown Spotlight
Maumee is getting the spotlight as WTOL highlights the city’s mix of history, local businesses and continued development. The Lucas County community has long been known for its location along the Maumee River and its historic downtown, but recent investments and improvements have also helped give the city a refreshed identity while maintaining the character that has made it a popular place to live and visit.
The feature also points to the businesses, restaurants and community spaces that continue to draw people to Maumee. With a walkable downtown, access to parks and the river, and a growing collection of locally owned destinations, the city continues to position itself as one of northwest Ohio’s most recognizable suburbs and a destination worth exploring beyond downtown Toledo.
Mi Casa Agave Celebrates Grand Opening in Maumee
A new Mexican restaurant is celebrating its arrival in Maumee. Mi Casa Agave Cocina Mexicana has opened at 551 W. Dussel Drive, taking over the former Don Juan restaurant location. The restaurant is under new ownership and offers a mix of traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex favorites, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and familiar comfort food.
Mi Casa Agave will officially mark its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 15, from 4 to 5 p.m. The restaurant joins Maumee’s growing collection of dining options and is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner.
City Updates
One SeaGate Gets New Owners as Tech Company Moves Headquarters Downtown
One of downtown Toledo’s most recognizable buildings is entering a new chapter. One SeaGate has been purchased by local investors, including Bing Li, president of Estone Technology, which plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to the 32-story tower. The building, which contains more than 653,000 square feet of office space along the Maumee River, previously served as the headquarters of Owens-Illinois and remains a major part of Toledo’s skyline.
Estone Technology says the move is part of a larger investment in its Toledo-area operations and the future of the downtown building. Plans include introducing smart-building technology, upgraded security and access systems, improved digital communications, robotic cleaning solutions and other modernization efforts. The new ownership group also hopes to attract additional businesses to One SeaGate and eventually position the property as a regional hub for technology and innovation.
180th Fighter Wing to Conduct Nighttime Training Flights Thursday
Residents across northwest Ohio may hear fighter jets later than usual Thursday as the 180th Fighter Wing conducts nighttime training flights from its base near Toledo Express Airport in Swanton. The unit operates F-16 Fighting Falcons and regularly schedules evening training to ensure pilots and crews remain prepared for missions that may take place after dark.
The flights are part of routine military training, and residents in the Toledo area and portions of southeast Michigan may notice increased aircraft noise during the exercises. The 180th Fighter Wing maintains around-the-clock readiness as part of its homeland defense mission, making night operations an important part of keeping pilots and support teams prepared.
Events This Week
54th Annual Greek American Festival Returns to Downtown Toledo
The 54th Annual Greek American Festival returns to downtown Toledo from September 11–13 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, near Summit and Cherry streets. The three-day celebration will feature authentic Greek food and pastries, traditional dancing, entertainment and family-friendly activities, giving visitors a chance to experience Greek culture while enjoying one of Toledo’s long-running annual festivals.
Black Swamp Arts Festival Returns to Downtown Bowling Green
The Black Swamp Arts Festival returns to downtown Bowling Green from September 11–13, bringing three days of free live music, fine art and family-friendly activities to the city. The award-winning event is billed as the largest free live music festival in Ohio and features concerts and art shows throughout historic downtown Bowling Green.
Toledo Sister Cities International Festival Celebrates Cultures From Around the World
The 15th Annual Toledo Sister Cities International Festival will take place Saturday, September 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Erie Street Market. The free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, a pop-up market and international food vendors serving dishes inspired by Toledo’s sister cities and cultures from around the world. Admission and parking are free.
Toledo Rockets Host Central Connecticut State at the Glass Bowl
The Toledo Rockets return home Saturday, September 12, to take on Central Connecticut State at the Glass Bowl, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The matchup is part of Toledo’s seven-game home slate and marks another early test in the program’s first season under head coach Mike Jacobs.
Saturday’s game is being promoted as the “Biggest Party in Toledo,” giving fans another chance to pack the Glass Bowl for an afternoon of college football. Toledo’s remaining home schedule includes matchups against Temple, San Diego State, Buffalo, Western Michigan, UMass and rival Bowling Green later this season.
OCTIV.FEST Brings a Full Day of Live Music to Downtown Toledo
The inaugural OCTIV.FEST takes over the backyard of the Bronze Boar in downtown Toledo on Saturday, September 12, from 4–11 p.m., bringing together a full lineup of local live music. The festival kicks off with Jack Surtman at 4 p.m., followed by a free open jam session and performances from Wavelane, Silicon Death Ray and Willow Run. Food from The Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar will also be available throughout the event.
The Toledo Dispatch is proud to be a sponsor of OCTIV.FEST, helping support a new event built around Toledo’s growing live music scene. With an evening of performances, food and a distinctly local atmosphere, the first-year festival is aiming to create another signature gathering for music fans in downtown Toledo.
Comedian John Crist Brings Live Show to Toledo
Comedian John Crist will take the stage at the Stranahan Theater on Saturday, September 12, from 7–9 p.m. Known for his observational humor, viral sketches and takes on everyday life, relationships and modern culture, Crist has built a massive online following with more than one billion video views and over 8 million followers. His Toledo stop promises a high-energy night of stand-up and fresh material for fans of his signature offbeat style.
Toledo Choice Sponsors
Kora James & CO Is your clean, fragrance-free baby skincare and lifestyle brand based in Sylvania, Ohio. Ingredient transparency is at the core of the brands identity, giving parents products they can trust for their little ones. Kora James & Co, is projected to launch Spring of 2027. www.korajamesco.com
Jack and Irene’s WISH House You don’t have to choose between living alone and a nursing home. That’s why we created Jack & Irene’s WISH House, a welcoming, inviting, safe haven where adults who need a little extra support can continue living with dignity, independence, purpose, and a true sense of belonging in a place they can call home. Schedule a personal tour today. jackirenewish.com
JLS Cosmetics is a Toledo-area automotive detailing and pressure washing business offering both mobile and stationary services. They specialize in interior and exterior vehicle care including ceramic coating. High standards with private product help customer clients keep their vehicles looking clean and refreshed. With the convenience of mobile detailing. JLS Cosmetics can bring professional vehicle care right to you! Check out their Facebook in the link below or reach out to 567-395-2676. JLS Cosmetics
Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Sincerely, Eli