Message from Mayor Kapszukiewicz
I was thrilled this week to get a sneak peek of the main Toledo-Lucas County Public Library downtown, which reopens to the public tomorrow. I was also thrilled and honored to help dedicate the street in front of the library at 325 North Michigan St. in honor of the late Clyde Scoles, the longtime library director who was a distinguished leader and well-known throughout the area.

Our library system is another world-class institution that puts Toledo on par with other much larger cities. In addition to a beautiful atrium, you will find an inviting gift shop, a cafe, and a gallery with rotating art exhibits. The newly renovated library is also a learning playground that children will enjoy immensely.

Also this week, I spoke during the 30th Anniversary Diamante Awards -- an annual awards and scholarship event. September 15 through October 15 is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month and I was honored to take part in this event to help celebrate the profound and lasting influence that Latinos have made on Toledo and American history, values, and culture. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for being such valued members of our community.

Finally this week, I want to thank the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority for its vote to rename Toledo Express Airport in honor of Toledo native Eugene Kranz, the NASA flight director for the Apollo 11 mission that put the first man on the moon. He also directed the successful rescue mission of the Apollo 13 crew.

Mr. Kranz, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, is a true American hero and a living legend. We will be planning an event in the spring to mark this well-deserved honor.
Toledo Fire & Rescue
Toledo Fire Chief Brian Byrd promoted four battalion chiefs and one lieutenant during a ceremony in City Council Chambers today, Friday, Sept. 27.

Promoted to the rank of battalion chief was:

  • Captain Thomas Phillips, who was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on March 22, 1996.
  • Captain Luke Harman, who was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on July 21, 2000.
  • Captain Allison Armstrong, who was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on July 21, 2000.
  • Captain Daniel Brown-Martinez, who was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on July 20, 2001.

Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant was:
  • Private James Trevino, who was appointed to the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department on December 15, 2006.
Neighborhoods
Young Artists at Work Program
The Young Artists at Work Program (YAAW) sponsored by the Arts Commission just celebrated its 25th season.

Since 1994, the YAAW has employed 14-18 year olds to work full-time for six weeks in the summer to make public art. Each summer YAAW creates new artwork for the city, but the real measure of success are the young leaders that YAAW nurtures.
Youth from all over the city, that wouldn't otherwise meet, come together to collaborate on ideas and learn professionalism. Not only does YAAW build self esteem, but the economic impact is significant for each household. These apprentices learn that art is work and that they have the power to change the landscape of their city.

In 2019, YAAW created a mural at the Savage Park basketball courts, Lucas County Canine, Care & Control, and 1301 Adams St. Thanks to the Community Development Block Grant Program through the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development, Young Artists at Work will pilot its first ever after school program at the Frederick Douglass Center.
The city of Toledo recognizes that a vital part of eliminating blight and improving the quality of life in our community comes from the residents and community organizations.

Please visit this link to request an event such as neighborhood cleanup, a recycling day, or a block party.

Call Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020 for more details.
Police
The 2019 application and testing period for those interested in a career as a police officer with the Toledo Police Department is coming to a close. Prospective candidates must submit their application and national testing network exam score to the City of Toledo Human Resources Department by Sept. 30. After the open application period ends, an eligibility list will be certified by the Civil Service Commission. Candidates on the eligibility list will then be selected to advance in the hiring process.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz committed to hiring one police class of 40 cadets each year to bring the number of officers closer to Toledo Police Chief George Kral’s desired strength of 700 officers. The last two academy classes have been the most diverse in decades. The next Toledo Police Academy class is scheduled for May 2020.

Those interested in applying and testing should go to TPDhire.com.
Harvard Circle Fountain
City officials and the Arts Commission of Toledo this week celebrated the re-lighting of the Harvard Circle Fountain, designed by Hans Van de Bovenkamp.

Walbridge Park and the Harvard Circle Fountain are an integral part of the fabric of south Toledo. The City worked in conjunction with the Arts Commission to repair damage from multiple incidents, to improve the structure, and to restore the fountain and overlook.

Photo courtesy of THE BLADE, taken by JEREMY WADSWORTH
Mark Your Calendars
Coffee with Cops
Come join Toledo Police officers for coffee and conversation, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2 , at McDonald’s, 5057 Monroe St.. This event has no agenda and no speakers, just conversation about issues that concern you. Come anytime and stay as long as you like. This event is free of charge. Call Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020 for more details.
Wednesdays with Wade
The next “Wednesdays with Wade,” will be 4:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to ask questions on any topic, meet neighbors, and learn about city projects. The meetings are held at different library branches throughout the city on the first Wednesday of the month.

The city of Toledo supports the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Joan Easler, ADA coordinator, at 419-245-1059.
By The Numbers
(year to date)
148,784 potholes filled
206 water main breaks repaired
1,363,666  feet of sanitary sewers cleaned
44,309  feet of storm sewers cleaned
2,561,940 lbs pounds of debris cleared from streets with street sweepers
5,334,376  pounds of debris cleared from alleys
2,069 illegal signs removed
1,004 trees trimmed
7,354 building inspections
1,988 contractor licences
1,070 fire runs
39,824 EMS runs
Community Give Back Day -  Toledo  Food Bank
This month for our Community Give Back Day, City of Toledo employees assisted the Toledo Food Bank, 24 East Woodruff St.
The Toledo Food Bank is always in need of donations. More information at ToledoFoodBank.org .
Be Counted Toledo
The census can shape many different aspects of our community. Each year, the results help determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities. Census data helps allocate federal funding for services and infrastructure, including health care, jobs, schools, roads, and businesses.
 
Toledo urges everyone to complete the 2020 Census!
El Censo puede ayudar a transformar nuestra comunidad en muchos aspectos. Cada año, los resultados del Censo ayudan a determinar cómo se distribuyen más de $675 mil millones en fondos federales a los estados y las comunidades.
 
Los datos del Censo ayudan a asignar fondos federales para servicios e infraestructura, incluyendo atención médica, trabajos, escuelas, carreteras y negocios.

¡La ciudad de #Toledo urge a todos a completar el Censo 2020!
Toledo In The News
How Inverness secured the 2021 Solheim Cup PERTHSHIRE, Scotland — Roars cascaded across Gleneagles, marking a triumphant putt, an 8-iron hit to within two feet, and a miraculous bunker shot. In two years, the same thunderclap, a cacophony of patriotism and enthusiasm, will surge across Inverness in Toledo.

Port authority board approves adding Kranz name to Toledo Express Airport By an 11-0 vote, with two members absent, the port board joined Toledo City Council in approving the name change to Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, with several board members lauding the idea.

Maumee OKs water contract with Toledo Count Maumee in on those entities wishing to continue receiving water from Toledo. City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to enter into a 40-year agreement with the city. Mayor Richard Carr said council worked diligently evaluating all options, but the right choice was made.

Get ready! Construction is about to begin on new Glass City Metropark Drive along Main Street in East Toledo where the old Toledo Sports Arena used to stand and you can see the construction happening now on Marina District land that had frustrated Toledoans for remaining vacant so long. That’s the $45 million, 360-unit cluster of apartments and townhouses Columbus developer Frank Kass is building near the Maumee River waterfront — and it’s only the beginning.
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