Good morning, Toledo! Fall is officially making itself felt across Northwest Ohio, with patchy frost possible Tuesday morning as temperatures take a dip. This week, we’re also covering the upcoming closure of Fremont’s longtime paper mill, new details surrounding the deadly Brent Industries explosion, the latest push to expand passenger rail service through Toledo, and a local pup who has been patiently waiting months for her forever home.
There’s plenty happening around the Glass City this week, too. The Toledo Zoo is celebrating the season with Harvest Fest, the Rockets volleyball team hosts Kent State at Savage Arena Thursday night, and spooky season is ramping up with Haunted Waterville Tours and the Downtown Sylvania Haunted Brew Tour. Plus, there’s live music, community events and even a Nightmare Before Blitzen, so let’s get into everything you need to know this week around Toledo.
Pack the Glass Bowl for Homecoming
There’s no better time to get out and support the Rockets. Toledo hosts Buffalo at 3:30 p.m. Saturday for Homecoming, and the Rockets enter the game 4-1 while riding a nine-game home winning streak.
Since 2023, Toledo is an incredible 19-2 at the Glass Bowl, winning those games by an average margin of 34.2 points. This team has given Toledo plenty to cheer about and now it’s time for the city to return the favor.
Let’s pack the Glass Bowl on Saturday. Bring your family, bring your friends, wear Midnight Blue and Gold and give the Rockets the Homecoming atmosphere they deserve.
Local Business Spotlight: BB Travel & Tours
For Toledo-area travelers looking for an easy, welcoming way to get out and explore, BB Travel & Tours offers something refreshingly personal. Founded by Bryce Buderer, a professional motor coach operator with more than eight years of experience, the company was built around a simple idea: make travel comfortable, affordable, and memorable. Whether it’s a local outing or a trip across the country, BB handles the details so guests can relax and enjoy the adventure. Past travelers consistently praise the clean buses, organized trips, and friendly experience.
News
Patchy Frost Possible Tuesday Morning Across Northwest Ohio
Northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan could wake up to the first signs of frost Tuesday morning as temperatures dip into the upper 30s. Clear skies and light winds may allow surface temperatures to fall enough for patchy frost to develop, particularly in rural and low-lying areas. Residents may want to protect sensitive plants and be prepared for a frosty windshield during the morning commute.
Records Reveal Prior Fires and Violations at Brent Industries
Newly reviewed records are raising questions about conditions at Brent Industries following the deadly August explosion at its South Toledo facility. Firefighters responded to multiple fires at the property in the years leading up to the explosion, while a 2025 inspection identified five violations, including a sprinkler-system deficiency. Records also show nearly $20,000 in delinquent property taxes and more than $861,000 owed on the property’s city utility account. The cause of the Aug. 18 explosion remains under investigation.
Community Spotlight
Meet Patricia: A Smart, Snuggly Dog Looking for a Home
Patricia, a two-year-old dog at Lucas County Canine Care & Control, has been waiting for her forever home since May. She already knows commands like sit and shake, is working on “lay down,” and is described as smart and affectionate. Even better for anyone looking to add a new member to the family, Patricia’s adoption fee is currently completely waived.
Padua Center Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting Toledo Families
The Padua Center celebrated its 20th anniversary Sunday with its “Peaces” of Art celebration, recognizing two decades of supporting children and families in the Toledo community. Founded by Sister Virginia “Ginny” Welsh, the center has focused heavily on education and tutoring, helping young people overcome academic challenges and build brighter futures. Former students returned for the celebration, including one of the program’s earliest participants, who credited the center with helping her eventually graduate from college and pursue a master’s degree. The organization plans to continue its mission of providing education, mentorship and support to local youth.
City Updates
Fremont Paper Mill to Close After Product Sale
A longtime paper mill in Fremont is set to shut down after its parent company sold the primary product manufactured at the facility. The closure of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions mill will bring an end to operations at the Fremont site, impacting local employees and the surrounding community. The facility has been a longstanding part of Fremont’s manufacturing sector, making the shutdown a significant loss for the local economy.
Advocates Push for Expanded Passenger Rail Service in Toledo
Passenger rail advocates are renewing efforts to expand service through Toledo, including a potential route connecting the city with Detroit and Cleveland. Supporters say the goal would be to offer multiple daytime trains, making same-day trips between major cities more practical than Toledo’s current overnight-heavy schedule. Funding and state and local support remain major hurdles, especially after the 2021 federal infrastructure bill expired Sept. 30 and awaits reauthorization. Under a best-case scenario, advocates say expanded service could arrive sometime in the mid-2030s.
Events This Week
Country Garden Club of Perrysburg’s 39th Annual Trunk Show
The Country Garden Club of Perrysburg hosts its 39th Annual Trunk Show, featuring more than 20 specialty vendors offering clothing, accessories, home décor, gourmet foods and unique gifts. Admission is $10 and includes both days of shopping, with Tuesday also featuring a Girls Night with live music, food and cocktails.
Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, Perrysburg
October 6–7, 2026
Toledo Zoo Harvest Fest
Celebrate fall at the Toledo Zoo with giant pumpkin displays, seasonal treats, live music and autumn-inspired activities for all ages. Harvest Fest also features fall animal demonstrations, character meet-and-greets and pumpkin carving demonstrations, and is included with regular Zoo admission.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo
October 6, 2026 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Community Builder Nights
Community Builder Nights bring Toledoans together for an evening centered on connection, collaboration and strengthening the local community. Attendees can meet new people, exchange ideas and learn more about ways to get involved and make an impact across the Toledo area.
The Loft 419
October 7, 2026 6-8 PM
Levitt Bloc Toledo Music Series – The Antivillains
Enjoy a free evening of live music at Promenade Park as the Levitt Bloc Toledo Music Series welcomes Toledo-based The Antivillains, bringing their dreamy Americana sound with an indie-pop influence. Dan Greunke will open the show, with food available for purchase from Wanna Make ’Er Loaded and Koral Hamburg food trucks.
Promenade Park, 400 Water St., Toledo
October 8, 2026 | 6–8 p.m.
Toledo Rockets Volleyball vs. Kent State
The Toledo Rockets welcome Kent State to Savage Arena for a Mid-American Conference matchup Thursday night. Toledo enters the week 12-2 overall and a perfect 4-0 in MAC play, sitting atop the conference standings after sweeping Ball State last weekend.
Savage Arena, Toledo
Thursday, October 8 | 6 p.m.
The Nightmare Before Blitzen
Maumee Bay Brewing Co. is putting a spooky twist on its annual Blitzen Release Party, celebrating the return of the seasonal beer alongside theatrical monsters from Distracted Haunted House. Guests can enjoy beer and holiday cheer while costumed monsters roam the brewery, pose for photos and bring a little Halloween fear to the Christmas-themed celebration.
Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St., Toledo
October 8, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Downtown Sylvania Haunted Brew Tour
Explore the darker side of Sylvania’s history during a guided walking tour through downtown, uncovering true historical stories and mysterious tales from the community’s past. The $40 experience includes two adult DORA beverages from Upside Brewing, with a portion benefiting Heritage Sylvania.
Upside Brewing, 5692 Main St., Sylvania
October 8, 2026 | 7–9 p.m.
Haunted Waterville Tours
Discover Waterville’s haunted history with a paranormal experience beginning with a 45-minute presentation from a professional investigator at the historic Robbins House Museum. Guests will then board a horse-drawn trolley for a guided ride through the historic district, stopping at locations tied to reported hauntings and local ghost stories.
Robbins House Museum, 114 S. River Rd., Waterville
October 8, 2026 | Tours from 5:15–8:15 p.m.
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 week!
Sincerely, Eli