Good morning, Toledo! Welcome to Jeep Fest Weekend!
From long-awaited infrastructure fixes to a downtown grocery revolution, Toledo is buzzing with change this week. Whether you're curious about the heated animal shelter debate, ready to celebrate 95 years of sister city connections, or looking for the perfect weekend event from Mud Hens baseball to the ultimate Jeep gathering, we've got the stories that matter most to our community.
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We want to hear from you!
On Wednesday, the Toledo Walleye announced that they are upgrading their uniforms for the upcoming season. We had a few fans reach out to us on their thoughts on the uniforms, and we have attached a poll at the bottom of the newsletter so you can share your thoughts as well!
Some lifelong Walleye fans have already reached out to us on both sides of the hot topic.
“The new white and navy’s are solid, with a very cool concept and design, but I think the logo on the white jersey does not fit quite right. The gold uniform stripes look very bulky as well. This seems to be a major downgrade in regards to the alternate uniforms.” - Kyler Ayers
“I love the new uniforms, especially the new light blue’s! The new alternate logo is perfect and I can’t wait to get a new jersey on opening night!” - Kimberly M.
Walleye New Uniforms for the Upcoming Season
News
Roundabout Delays Finally Get Attention
Toledo Edison is making changes after Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski filed a state complaint about utility delays that held up all five roundabout projects this year. The company has now assigned a public works coordinator to handle relocations with local governments, and early signs suggest the new process is working better than before.
Animal Shelter Expansion Stirs Debate
Toledo Animal Rescue on Wyman Street wants to expand after nearly a century in the neighborhood, but residents are pushing back on a zoning change from neighborhood commercial to regional commercial. The concern isn't about the shelter itself, but what could happen if the property ever changes hands down the road.
City Council will decide the matter later in August. The shelter says it's investing millions and has no plans to leave.
Community Spotlight
95 Years of Sister Cities
Toledo's connection with Toledo, Spain, isn't just a fun fact, it's the world's oldest sister city partnership, dating back to 1931. This week, Spanish delegates visited the Glass City to tour local sites and strengthen ties that span manufacturing, culture, and education.
It's a reminder that our city's roots and relationships reach far beyond Ohio, connecting us to communities across the globe in ways that still matter today.
Galway Comes to Ostrich Towne
Molly McHugh turned a mobile pub and generations of family tradition into Molly's Irish Pub, where Toledo meets the Emerald Isle. With Guinness poured the proper way, Irish coffee made with local beans, and her father's radio playlists on the walls, it's become a gathering place that honors heritage while building community.
Learn more → https://mollysirishpubtoledo.com/
City Updates
Downtown Gets a Grocery Store
Toledo's downtown core is getting Okun Market, a full-service grocery store opening late 2026 at 33 N. Huron St. inside the historic 1896 Okun Produce building at Huron Yards. The location sits across from Fifth Third Field, bringing fresh food access back to the heart of the city in a space with deep local roots.
West Toledo's New Middle School
Washington Local's $80 million Whitmer Middle School is ready to welcome 1,500 students this fall. The building features grade-level floors, updated STEM labs, and a gymnasium that rivals high schools across the state. Principal Alexa Kehres says the design prioritizes belonging and community for middle schoolers.
Classes start with a half day on August 19.
Events This Week
Mud Hens Take on Storm Chasers in Weekend Series
Toledo Mud Hens vs. Omaha Storm Chasers
Friday & Saturday, 7:05 PM · Sunday, 4:05 PM
Fifth Third Field, Toledo
Catch three exciting games as the Mud Hens host the Storm Chasers for a weekend homestand.
Rev Your Engines: Toledo's Ultimate Jeep Weekend
Toledo Jeep Fest
All weekend
Downtown Toledo
Join thousands of Jeep enthusiasts for an action-packed weekend featuring an all-Jeep parade, car show, historic vehicles, camping, competitions, live music, food vendors, beer gardens, and a dedicated Kid's Zone.
Light Up Your Friday Night in Downtown Toledo
Friday Night Lights in Ostrich Alley
Friday · 9:00 - 10:30 PM
Ostrich Towne, Downtown Toledo
Kick off your weekend with live music, glowing lights, and drinks in one of Toledo's most vibrant Friday night destinations.
Create Your Own Glass Art This Season
Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM
Toledo Glass Studio
Learn to cut, layer, and fuse glass while creating unique projects from seasonal designs to miniature bookcases, with all materials and expert guidance included.
Beer, BBQ, and Brews: Northwest Ohio's Summer Celebration
Northwest Ohio Brew-B-Que
Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
4KD Crick Brewery, Defiance, OH
Sample craft beers from regional breweries, enjoy slow-smoked BBQ by Chef Aaron of Sweetwater Chophouse, and soak up live music in a laid-back outdoor atmosphere.
Vinyl Lovers Unite: Glass City Record Show Returns for 46th Year
Glass City Record Show
Sunday, August 9, 2026 · 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Stranahan Theater, Toledo
Dig through 80 tables of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and vintage audio gear from 35+ vendors spanning five states—plus door prizes and free tote bags for early birds.
Toledo Choice Sponsors
Dave Crumbley Comedy Looking for live comedy in Toledo? Crumbley comedy features ticketed shows, free open mics, showcases, and special events throughout the area. Find upcoming dates, buy tickets, or sign up to perform at crumbleycomedy.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
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
Local Musician Ess Nixon began her musical journey playing piano for local schools and theater companies before finding her voice as a songwriter. Her music has been shaped by personal growth and life experiences, and she has now released a reimagined version of her album I Made This Album on Antipsychotics, offering listeners a fresh and more reflective take on an important chapter of her journey. Listen on Apple Music
Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy Jeep Fest!
Sincerely, Eli