Good morning, Toledo!
It’s a busy weekend across Toledo, with plenty happening both on and off the field. Toledo Public Schools is facing new scrutiny after receiving a 2-star rating on the latest Ohio report card, families are speaking out about the end of a Toledo Zoo program for teens with disabilities, and Toledo City Council is debating the city’s use of Flock license plate-reading cameras. Rising transportation and fuel costs are also creating new concerns for local schools, businesses and families, while Perrysburg firefighters are adding new pet oxygen masks to help animals during emergencies.
There’s also no shortage of things to do this weekend. The Rockets host Temple at the Glass Bowl, Toledo volleyball welcomes Missouri and Dayton, and the Mud Hens close out their season against Louisville at Fifth Third Field. Around town, the Garmin Marathon Series comes to Toledo, Party in the Park heads to Maumee Bay Brewing Co., and the Muddy Maumee Book and Art Festival brings local authors, artists and creators together for another packed weekend in the Glass City.
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.
Toledo Dispatch Football Ticket Giveaway
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @toledodispatch
Support the Rockets This Weekend!
Rockets Weekend Challenge!
Attend BOTH the Toledo Women’s Volleyball game vs. Missouri on Friday at 7 PM and the Rockets Football game vs. Temple on Saturday at 3 PM for your chance to win!
Just snap a photo at each game and email both to [email protected]. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win 2 FREE tickets to the Toledo Walleye game on November 21!
News
Higher Fuel Prices Could Hit Toledo Wallets Beyond the Pump
Rising gasoline and diesel prices could put additional pressure on household budgets across the Toledo area, with higher transportation costs potentially showing up in the price of groceries, deliveries and other everyday goods. A University of Toledo professor says local businesses that face higher shipping and fuel expenses may eventually pass some of those added costs on to customers.
For Toledo-area residents, that means the impact of higher fuel prices may extend well beyond filling up the car, especially as local retailers, restaurants and other businesses absorb increased transportation and supply-chain expenses.
Toledo Public Schools Receives 2-Star Rating on Ohio Report Card
New Ohio school report cards show Toledo Public Schools received an overall rating of 2 stars for the 2025–26 school year, placing TPS among six districts statewide classified as needing support to meet state standards. In total, 38 of Ohio’s school districts received ratings of either 2 or 2.5 stars.
The results come as statewide academic measures improved, with both English language arts and math proficiency reaching five-year highs. Ohio’s four-year graduation rate also increased slightly to 88.8%, while chronic absenteeism continued to decline.
What This Means for TPS: The 2-star rating signals that Toledo Public Schools remains below state expectations in key academic measures and could face increased pressure to improve student achievement. For local families, the report card provides a snapshot of where the district is making progress and where additional support, resources and intervention may be needed.
Community Spotlight
Toledo Zoo Ending Program for Teens with Disabilities
Families are raising concerns after the Toledo Zoo announced it will end its ADaPT ZOOTeen program at the end of September. The program pairs teen volunteers with teens who have disabilities and need additional support, giving participants opportunities to build communication, social and workplace skills while volunteering at the zoo.
The zoo says staffing, operational and financial limitations led to the decision. Of the program’s 63 participants, 24 are expected to continue volunteering independently, while families and former staff members are urging zoo leadership to reconsider ending a program they say has provided important opportunities for Toledo-area teens with disabilities.
Perrysburg Fire Department Adds Life-Saving Oxygen Masks for Pets
The Perrysburg Fire Department is now equipped with specialized oxygen mask kits designed to help pets suffering from smoke inhalation during fires and other emergencies. The masks are shaped to fit animals more effectively than standard human oxygen masks, giving firefighters another tool to assist pets rescued from dangerous situations.
The new equipment expands the department’s emergency-response capabilities and could make a critical difference for dogs, cats and other household pets affected by smoke or lack of oxygen.
City Updates
Rising Transportation Costs Put Pressure on Local School Districts
School districts across northwest Ohio are feeling the strain of rising transportation costs, driven by higher prices for buses, parts, maintenance and other operating expenses. District leaders say transportation is becoming an increasingly significant budget challenge, forcing schools to look for ways to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide reliable service for students.
Toledo City Council Debates Use of Flock Cameras
Toledo City Council is taking a closer look at the city’s use of Flock Safety license plate-reading cameras as debate grows over privacy, oversight and how the technology is used by law enforcement. The cameras automatically scan license plates and can help police identify vehicles connected to investigations, but critics have raised concerns about how the information is stored, shared and accessed.
Council members are considering potential policy changes that could place additional limits or safeguards around the technology while still allowing police to use it as an investigative tool. The discussion reflects a broader debate in communities across the country over balancing public safety benefits with residents’ privacy.
Events This Week
Pack the Glass Bowl: Rockets Host Temple Saturday
Game day is back at the Glass Bowl! The Toledo Rockets take on Temple Saturday at 3 p.m., and The Toledo Dispatch will be there for all the action! Come out, get loud and help pack the Glass Bowl!
Rockets Volleyball Hosts Missouri and Dayton
It’s a big weekend at home for Toledo volleyball! The Rockets host Missouri Friday night at 7 p.m. before turning around to face Dayton Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Two chances to get out and support Toledo!
Mud Hens Wrap Up the Season at Home Against Louisville
The Mud Hens wrap up their home schedule this weekend against the Louisville Bats, with Tigers Affiliate Night Friday at 7:05 p.m. and Walleye Night Saturday at 5:05 p.m. Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. finale features a Cheer Bow Gate Giveaway and marks the final game of the season.
Garmin Marathon Series Takes Over Toledo This Sunday
The inaugural Garmin Marathon Series hits Toledo this Sunday, with full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races starting and finishing downtown. Runners will make their way past some of Toledo’s most recognizable landmarks, including Hensville, the Toledo Museum of Art, Glass City Metropark and the Toledo Zoo.
Party in the Park Takes Over Maumee Bay Brewing Co.
Party in the Park takes the show on the road Friday from 6–9 p.m. at Maumee Bay Brewing Co. Pops Garage opens the night before Chris Shutters’ Fleetwood Gold takes the stage for a free evening of live music, food and drinks.
Muddy Maumee Festival Celebrates Local Books, Art and Creativity
The Muddy Maumee Book and Art Festival brings together local authors, artists and creators for a celebration of books, art and community. Stop by to browse unique work, meet local talent and support Toledo-area creatives.
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