Good morning, Toledo!
This week, our community shows what it means to come together, from local musicians rallying to support shooting victims to neighbors lending a hand through vital city programs. Plus, summer is heating up with everything from glass art workshops and watercolor sessions to comedy shows and river floats, so get ready to fill your calendar with the best of what Northwest Ohio has to offer!
Local Business Spotlight: Justin Spann, Key Realty
Thinking about Selling? Find out what your home is worth
Thinking about selling your home? Justin Spann of Key Realty helps homeowners price strategically, attract strong offers, and sell with confidence. As a Top 10 agent in the region with over 600 homes sold, Justin helps homeowners price strategically, market with high exposure, and negotiate for the strongest possible outcome. Whether you’re selling, buying, or investing, his focus is simple: clear communication, smart guidance, and helping you walk away confident. Start with a home value conversation and see what your property could be worth. Click to Get your home value today or call/text directly.
Phone: 419-279-8723
Website: JustinSpann.com
News
Benefit concert raises money for victims of Old West End Festival Shooting
The event featured 10 local bands and organizers pledging that every dollar raised would go directly to victims and their families.
New Ohio law changes what passengers provide during traffic stop
Passengers will now be required to provide name, address and date of birth. Supporters are happy about officer safety, while critics argue civil rights conce.
Community Spotlight
Lifelong Otsego Knight retires from teaching
After 33 years, Robin Digby has put down her dry erase markers and retired as an elementary school teacher for the Otsego School District.
A Hand Up for Neighbors
Toledo Water & Sewer's PromisePay program is helping residents get back on solid ground. If you're carrying a balance, they'll match what you can pay, up to half your debt and set up a plan that actually fits your life.
It's not flashy, but it's the kind of quiet support that keeps households stable and neighbors connected to essential services.
City Updates
Transit Hub Shifts Routes Downtown
TARTA is moving several bus lineups around the Transit Hub starting mid-July while sidewalk improvements wrap up in November. Routes 15, 16, 18, 22, 26, 33, and 34 will stage on Superior Street instead of their usual Huron spot. Most other routes stay put, so double-check your lineup if you ride regularly.
Artist Adds Color Downtown
Dean Davis just wrapped his eighth mural of the year, this one honoring veterans beneath the Glass City Skyway. Over five years, he's created more than 40 public art pieces across Lucas County, each one designed to be uplifting and positive. His work has become part of the city's daily rhythm, catching eyes during commutes and walks downtown.
Events This Week
Northwest Ohio's Favorite Summer Tradition Returns for Seven Days of Fair Fun
Lucas County Fair
July 13-19, 2026
Lucas County Fairgrounds
A week-long celebration featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, live concerts from New Frontier and Brock Middleton and The Outlaws, a Summer Night Market, and the special Brew-Off showcasing eight local breweries' American Pale Ales in honor of America's 250th Anniversary.
Create Glass Art Ice Cream Suncatchers This Summer
Ice Cream in Lil' Chips at Copper Moon Studio
Daily through August · Walk-ins Welcome
Copper Moon Studio, Holland
Design your own colorful ice cream suncatcher using vibrant fused glass pieces and precut cone shapes—perfect for ages 4 and up at $45 per project including all materials and kiln firing.
Paint Your Own Bouquet at This Outdoor Watercolor Workshop
The Zinnia Experience: Pick & Paint at GardenView Flowers
Tuesday 8 AM - 5 PM
GardenView Flowers, Perrysburg
Create Perrysburg invites artists to pick their own fresh flower bouquet and use it as inspiration for a series of small watercolor paintings in this hands-on outdoor workshop. Get details →
Weekly Jazz Sessions Light Up Lucille's Lounge
Sessions: Tuesday Night Live Jazz at Lucille's Every Tuesday Lucille's Lounge Experience the musical mastery of Gene Parker and Damen Cook in an intimate weekly performance blending jazz, R&B, and rock influences. Get details →
Float Down the Maumee River to Live Music This Summer
Paddle & Groove Concert Series
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Maumee River, Toledo
Kayak or canoe alongside a pontoon boat carrying live musicians down the scenic Maumee River for a unique floating concert experience featuring bilingual blues and folk artist Dustin Dale Gaspard.
Free Summer Concert Series Returns to Olander Park
Sunset Serenades Concert Series
Wednesday, July 15 · 7:00 PM
Nederhouser Community Hall, Olander Park, Sylvania
Enjoy live music under the stars with performances ranging from rock and swing to orchestral favorites—this week featuring Swingmania. Get details →
Craft Your Night: Free Monthly Maker Meetup Returns to Toledo
DIY After Dark at Handmade Toledo
Monthly event · Evening hours
Handmade Toledo shop
Join local makers for a relaxed BYOB craft night featuring creativity, community, and casual connection in Toledo's vibrant arts scene.
Comedy Legend Jim Gaffigan Brings Summer Laughs to Toledo Zoo
Jim Gaffigan Live Thursday, July 16 Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre Grammy-nominated comedian delivers his signature clean comedy on food, family, and everyday life at one of Toledo's premier outdoor venues. Get details →
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 https://linktr.ee/toledocomedy
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. https://www.jackirenewish.com/
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Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.
Hope you have a great week!
Sincerely, Eli