Good morning, Toledo!

It’s shaping up to be another busy week across Northwest Ohio, with stories ranging from inspiring displays of community support to new businesses and plenty of things to do around town. Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong is recovering after suffering significant injuries in a crash in Colorado, hundreds came together in Gibsonburg to support injured Officer Maria Kisha, and Central Catholic honored a former student who lost his life serving in Vietnam with a long-overdue diploma. We’re also following the indictment of two people accused of operating a $1.7 million Ponzi scheme involving elderly investors, while on the lighter side, Toledo businesses are preparing for Dolly Fest to support local literacy and a new ceramics studio is giving people another reason to make the trip to Findlay.

There’s also no shortage of ways to get out of the house this week. Catch free live music at the Levitt BLOC Toledo Music Series, get creative at a Pumpkin Patch Fused Glass Workshop, shop local at the Uptown Maumee and Downtown Perrysburg farmers’ markets, or spend your Thursday lunch break at Lunch at Levis or cruising the Maumee River aboard the Sandpiper. And if you’re looking for something to do earlier in the week, start Monday with free comedy at The Pale Horse before heading to Lucille’s Tuesday night for live jazz. Here’s everything you need to know heading into another week around Toledo and Northwest Ohio!

The Rockets have a HUGE one at the Glass Bowl this Saturday and The Toledo Dispatch is giving two lucky readers FOUR FREE TICKETS!

Toledo welcomes San Diego State to the Glass Bowl for one of the biggest home games of the season, and thanks to the University of Toledo, we’re sending two Dispatch reader’s and two guests to the game for FREE.

HOW TO ENTER:
Simply reply to this email with “GO ROCKETS!” and you’ll be entered to win two tickets.

We’ll randomly select one winner and contact them before Saturday’s game.

Toledo vs. San Diego State
Glass Bowl
4 tickets — 2 winners

Let’s pack the Glass Bowl. GO ROCKETS!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @toledodispatch

September heat can put your AC system to the test. For just $75, the team at Commodore Heating & Cooling will inspect your indoor and outdoor units to make sure your system is running efficiently and keeping your home comfortable.

Don’t wait for a breakdown during the hottest part of summer. Schedule your $75 AC inspection with Commodore Heating & Cooling today and make sure your system is ready to finish the season strong.

Toledo Fire & Rescue Chief Allison Armstrong is facing a difficult recovery after suffering significant injuries in a hit-and-run crash Friday night in Colorado.

Armstrong was traveling to Colorado Springs for the 40th Annual IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial when another vehicle struck the rear-left side of her SUV at a high rate of speed, sending her vehicle into a concrete barrier. The other driver fled the scene but was later arrested by police.

Armstrong said she suffered a fractured sternum, fractured back, whiplash, multiple contusions, swelling and significant pain from the crash. Despite the severity of her injuries, she expressed gratitude that the crash wasn't worse and that no one else was injured. She also credited her seatbelt and airbags with helping protect her.

Armstrong thanked Aurora Fire Rescue, Aurora Police and the many people who have reached out following the crash. She said she expects the recovery process to be difficult and could last several weeks or months.

The Toledo Dispatch wishes Chief Armstrong a safe and speedy recovery.

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A Toledo man and Michigan woman have been indicted in Lucas County after authorities accused them of operating a $1.7 million Ponzi scheme involving elderly investors.

George Flanner, 70, of Toledo, and Kristin Holcomb, 69, of Chelsea, Michigan, face dozens of felony charges, including securities fraud, aggravated theft, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and theft from a person in a protected class. Authorities allege that Flanner used his position as an investment adviser to solicit clients for the Made in the Trade Investment Club, a Michigan company operated by Holcomb.

According to investigators, at least 19 people from Ohio and Michigan invested more than $1.7 million between May 2022 and November 2023. Authorities allege the money was deposited into Holcomb’s personal brokerage account and used for day trading, personal expenses and Ponzi-style payments to earlier investors. Investigators also allege Holcomb paid Flanner more than $211,000 over a 13-month period, despite Flanner telling clients he was not being compensated for soliciting their investments.

Flanner was reportedly fired from his investment firm in 2023 after failing to disclose the investments but allegedly continued advising investors without a license. The Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Hundreds of community members packed downtown Gibsonburg on Saturday for “Kickin’ It for Kisha,” a fundraiser benefiting Gibsonburg Police Officer Maria Kisha as she continues recovering from serious injuries.

The event brought the community together to raise money and show support for Kisha and her family during her recovery. The large turnout was a powerful display of support, with residents, local organizations and first responders coming together for one of their own.

For a small community like Gibsonburg, Saturday’s turnout sent a big message: Officer Kisha and her family aren’t going through this recovery alone.

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Nearly six decades after leaving Central Catholic High School, a Toledo veteran who lost his life serving in Vietnam has finally received his diploma.

Thomas Simpson left Central Catholic before graduating and later served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, where he was killed. On Saturday, 59 years after he left school, Central Catholic presented Simpson’s family with his diploma posthumously, giving his loved ones a moment they had waited decades to see.

For Simpson’s family, the ceremony was about much more than receiving a piece of paper. His sister, Terri Simpson, described the recognition as a “moment of closure,” allowing the family and Central Catholic community to honor both the student he once was and the sacrifice he ultimately made for his country.

Nearly 60 years later, Simpson’s name can finally be counted among Central Catholic’s graduates, a long-overdue tribute to a Toledoan who never had the opportunity to walk across the stage himself.

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Toledo is getting a little more rhinestone-covered next weekend as two local businesses team up for Dolly Fest, a celebration inspired by Dolly Parton that will raise money for children’s literacy in Lucas County.

The event will take place Friday, September 25 at 5 Pints Bar & Grill and Funky Turtle, with both locations hosting Dolly-themed festivities throughout the evening. Guests can expect live music, karaoke, raffles, including a chance to win tickets to Dollywood, and a Best Dolly Look-Alike Contest at each location.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Library Legacy Foundation and Friends of the Library, continuing Parton’s longtime commitment to getting books into the hands of children. Her Imagination Library program provides eligible Lucas County children under age five with a free book mailed to their home every month.

Dolly Fest will be family-friendly, giving Toledoans a chance to celebrate with music, big hair and plenty of rhinestones, all while supporting literacy programs right here in the community.

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A new creative destination in downtown Findlay is giving people of all ages the chance to turn a blank piece of ceramic into something completely their own.

A and L All Fired Up Ceramics, located on Main Street, is owned by mother-daughter duo Liz Serin and Amanda Fredritz. The studio offers thousands of ceramic pieces to choose from, ranging from seasonal decorations and animals to mugs, plates and vintage designs. Visitors can choose a piece, then decorate it using acrylic paint or glaze, and no previous experience is necessary.

The studio has around 6,000 molds, including vintage molds that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Beyond walk-in painting, A and L All Fired Up offers classes, workshops and private parties, with options designed for children, adults and seniors alike.

For the owners, the studio has also become a place for community. Regular customers who initially came in as strangers have formed friendships while spending hours painting and creating together. The shop is open Thursday through Sunday, and customers can either walk in or sign up for a class or workshop.

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The Levitt BLOC Toledo Music Series continues Thursday, September 24, with a free outdoor concert from 6–8 PM at Junction Park, featuring Detroit’s Gabriel Brass Band and its New Orleans-inspired sound. Local jazz singer Ramona Collins will open the evening, with food available for purchase from It’s Soul Soul Delicious and Fat Boyz food trucks, just bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show!

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Get into the fall spirit Thursday, September 24, with a Pumpkin Patch Fused Glass Workshop at Copper Moon Studio in Holland from 6–8:30 PM. The beginner-friendly workshop lets guests create their own colorful fused-glass pumpkin to display as a wall hanging, tabletop decoration or garden stake, with all materials and instruction included in the $85 registration.

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Spend Wednesday evening in Uptown Maumee at the Uptown Maumee Farmers’ Market, featuring seasonal produce, handmade goods and locally sourced products from area farmers, artisans and small businesses. The market runs September 23 from 4–8 PM at 122 E. John Street, offering a great midweek opportunity to shop local and support vendors from around the Toledo region.

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Take your lunch break outside Thursday, September 24, as Lunch at Levis returns to Levis Square in Downtown Toledo from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, featuring live music from The KB. Grab lunch from a lineup of local food trucks and downtown restaurants, enjoy lawn games and soak up the atmosphere at an event that regularly draws more than 2,500 people downtown.

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Head to Downtown Perrysburg Thursday, September 24, for the Downtown Perrysburg Farmers’ Market, running from 4–8 PM and featuring 66 vendors with fresh seasonal produce, handmade goods and plenty of local favorites. Come hungry too, the weekly market features 21 rotating food trucks, making it a great spot to shop local, grab dinner and enjoy an evening downtown.

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Take your lunch break to the water Thursday, September 24, with a two-hour Lunch Cruise aboard the Sandpiper from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, departing from the J&M Boat Launch in Downtown Toledo. Enjoy views of the Maumee River and Toledo riverfront while having lunch catered by Dave’s Cosmic Subs, with soft drinks and water included and guests welcome to bring their own beverages.

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Kick off the week with some laughs as Monday Night Comedy returns to The Pale Horse in Downtown Toledo on September 21, featuring a mix of professional comedians, local favorites and up-and-coming performers. The 21+ show is completely free, with seating beginning at 7:30 PM and comedy running from 8–10 PM, plus a full food and drink menu available throughout the night.

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Spend Tuesday night enjoying live jazz at Lucille's Jazz Lounge as SESSIONS returns September 22 from 7–9:30 PM, hosted by longtime Toledo musician Gene Parker and drummer Damen Cook. The weekly event features live jazz, made-from-scratch Taco Tuesday specials and a relaxed night of music, with a $5 music fee per person and a two-drink minimum.

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Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.

Hope you have a great week!

Sincerely, Eli