Happy Tuesday, Toledo.
It’s a cold stretch ahead, and the city is settling into one of those weeks where small changes matter more than big headlines. A few updates worth knowing, and plenty happening if you’re looking for reasons to get out of the house.
For those new to the Dispatch, here is how it is structured....
Now, in today’s edition:
A cold-weather update worth knowing
A few practical city changes
Events happening around Toledo this week
News
Overnight warming centers opening as temperatures drop
As colder weather arrives this week, the City of Toledo and partner organizations are opening overnight warming centers to provide a safe place to stay warm during overnight hours.
What to know:
When: Friday night through the weekend
Purpose: Shelter during extreme cold
Who it’s for: Anyone needing a warm place overnight
If you want additional details on locations and hours, click here to learn more
Toledo Public Schools plans staffing reductions
Toledo Public Schools approved a plan to eliminate roughly 100 staff positions as part of a broader restructuring effort. District leaders say the move is intended to address budget and operational challenges.
Key points:
Changes affect multiple departments
Reductions follow a board vote
Implementation is expected soon
This is one of the larger staffing shifts the district has made this year.
City Updates
Downtown water main repairs continue
City crews are continuing repair work following a water main break in the Erie–Lafayette area downtown. Most water service has been restored, though some street impacts may linger.
A few things to keep in mind:
Short-term traffic or lane restrictions may remain
Work zones could shift as repairs wrap up
Normal service has largely returned
Lights Before Christmas continues through the end of the year
The Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas is still running and remains one of the easiest holiday outings in the city — especially if you’ve got visitors in town.
Good to know:
Displays are best after dark
Weekend evenings tend to be busiest
Runs through December 31
If you’re planning a visit, details are available here
Coming up this week
🎄 Sleigh Bellwether | Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up — Thursday | 4:00–10:00 PM
Location: Toledo Spirits Company
A festive downtown pop-up with seasonal cocktails and décor.
😂 Thursday Night Comedy — Thursday | 7:30 PM
Location: Toledo Spirits Company
Weekly stand-up show featuring regional comics.
🏒 Toledo Walleye vs. Iowa Heartlanders — Friday | 7:15 PM
Location: Huntington Center
A Friday night home game downtown.
🎨 DIY After Dark — Thursday | 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Handmade Toledo
Free crafting night — materials provided.
🍎 Toledo Farmers’ Market — Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Toledo Farmers’ Market
Local vendors, produce, and seasonal goods.
🎷 A Charlie Brown Christmas (Jazz) — Saturday | 8:00 PM
Location: Toledo Museum of Art
Holiday jazz performance by the Toledo Jazz Orchestra.
Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch — let’s chat again next Tuesday.