Good morning, Toledo!
October is officially here, and Northwest Ohio is wasting no time getting into the fall spirit. This weekend brings everything from apple butter and pumpkins to craft cider, cocktails and plenty of Rockets action, giving you more than a few reasons to get out of the house.
We’re also catching you up on the biggest local stories of the week, including potential cuts at Lake Local Schools, concerns over a sinkhole in central Toledo, a new public art installation coming to Englewood and a community rallying around a local firefighter battling cancer. Plus, we’ve got your guide to trick-or-treat times across the area and a full lineup of weekend events, including ZOOtoberfest, the Glass City Fall Festival, CIDERFEST419, MacQueen’s Apple Butter Festival and a pair of Toledo Volleyball matches against Ball State.
News
Central Toledo Residents Raise Concerns Over Growing Sinkhole
Residents along West Delaware Avenue in central Toledo are raising safety concerns about a deep sinkhole near the sidewalk that has become surrounded by overgrown grass and litter. Neighbors say the hole is difficult to see and worry that someone walking through the area, particularly a child, could fall into it and be seriously injured.
Residents are calling for the issue to be addressed before the situation becomes more dangerous. The sinkhole has also added to broader concerns about the condition and upkeep of the surrounding area.
Ohio Lawmakers Approve Temporary Gas Tax Holiday
Ohio lawmakers have approved legislation that would temporarily suspend the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, a move aimed at providing relief for drivers at the pump. The measure would pause Ohio’s 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax for a limited period.
Supporters argue the temporary suspension could provide immediate savings for Ohio motorists, while critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on transportation funding, which relies heavily on fuel-tax revenue. The measure still must complete the remaining steps in the legislative process before the tax holiday can take effect.
Community Spotlight
Trick-or-Treat Times Set Across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan
Halloween is right around the corner, and communities across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan are preparing for trick-or-treat festivities. Cities and townships throughout the region have begun announcing their designated dates and times, giving families plenty of opportunities to plan their Halloween night.
Schedules vary by community, with many holding traditional trick-or-treat hours on Halloween while others have selected different dates or times. Families should check their local community’s schedule before heading out, as additional municipalities may continue to announce or update their plans as October progresses.
Lake Local Schools Could Cut 132 Positions if November Levy Fails
Lake Local Schools is warning of significant staffing cuts if voters reject a 1% earned income tax levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. The district has identified 132 positions that could potentially be eliminated, including 20 teaching positions, with the cuts projected to save approximately $3.2 million, about 15% of the district’s annual budget.
District officials point to declining enrollment, rising costs and reduced state funding as factors behind the financial strain. Based on Lake Township’s average household income of $72,800, the proposed earned income tax would amount to roughly $728 per year for a household earning that amount.
City Updates
New Public Art Installation Coming to Toledo’s Englewood Neighborhood
A new permanent public art installation is coming to the Swayne Field Shopping Center in Toledo’s Englewood neighborhood after Blissfield artist Ken Thompson’s proposal was selected for the project. The design will feature two sculptural canopy structures with engraved aluminum roofs inspired by quilting, incorporating stories and photographs from Englewood residents.
The project is part of the ongoing redevelopment of Swayne Field, which includes improvements aimed at creating a more walkable community space and attracting new businesses. Residents will also have an opportunity to contribute their own photographs to the sculptures, helping the finished installation reflect the history and identity of the Englewood neighborhood.
Glass City Metropark Debuts New Fall Festival This Weekend
Metroparks Toledo is launching the new Glass City Fall Festival this Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. at International Cove at Glass City Metropark. The free, family-friendly celebration will feature canoeing, campfire s’mores, a kids zone, fall trolley tours and a community pumpkin patch where the first 200 children can receive a pumpkin to carve or paint.
One of the highlights will be the Witches Paddle from 1–3 p.m., inviting participants to dress as witches, warlocks and other magical characters while taking to the water on stand-up paddleboards. The main festival does not require registration, although registration is required for participants using Metroparks equipment during the Witches Paddle.
Events This Week
Rockets Volleyball Hosts Ball State for Weekend Series
The Toledo Rockets are back home for a pair of MAC matchups against Ball State this weekend. Come out and support the Rockets as they look to pick up two wins on their home court.
Toledo vs. Ball State
Friday at 6 PM & Saturday at 4 PM
ZOOtoberfest Takes Over the Toledo Zoo
Raise a glass to fall at ZOOtoberfest, featuring craft brews from more than a dozen local and regional breweries, live music and an exclusive animal encounter. Tickets include 15 samples, light snacks and a custom glass, with food trucks and additional samples available for purchase.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
Friday, October 2 | 7–10 PM
MacQueen’s Apple Butter Festival Returns This Weekend
Celebrate fall with one of Northwest Ohio’s longtime traditions, featuring apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and plenty of activities for kids. The festival has been a local favorite since 1982 and offers a full weekend of classic fall fun.
MacQueen Orchards — Holland, Ohio
Saturday & Sunday, October 3–4 | 10 AM–6 PM
Celebrate Fall at Glass City Metropark
Celebrate the season with a free afternoon of fall fun featuring a community pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, canoeing, trolley tours, campfire s’mores and a Kids Zone. Don’t miss the Witches Paddle at 1 PM, when costumed paddlers take over the International Cove for a Halloween-themed trip on the water.
Glass City Metropark
Saturday, October 3 | 12–4 PM
Sip Local at CIDERFEST419
CIDERFEST419 brings local and regional hard cider, wine, mead and craft beer to the riverfront at Glass City Metropark. The 21+ festival will also feature live music, games, prizes, giveaways and food available for purchase.
The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark
Saturday, October 3 | 4–7 PM
Mix Up Some History at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
Learn to craft two cocktails inspired by drinks once served aboard luxury Great Lakes cruises during this hands-on History Happy Hour. Guests will learn professional techniques using fresh ingredients and take home recipe cards to recreate both cocktails.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Friday, October 2 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Toledo Choice Sponsors
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Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Sincerely, Eli