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2024 Dana Open: These 5 names could produce a surprise
Underdog stories are among the most compelling in sports, drawing in outside observers for the cinematic quality. The Dana Open has not been averse to underdogs, with several winners coming out of nowhere to capture their maiden LPGA Tour victory. It wouldn’t shock anyone if 2024 followed a similar script. Olympic years create constricted, circuitous schedules. And 2024 is no different, as the Paris Games loom. Thus, a less-accomplished field is in town this week, increasing the likelihood of an unexpected or first-time winner. Here are the candidates.
City to fund new mini-pitch soccer fields in Schneider Park
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz believes soccer is a sport for everyone. His belief in the need for accessibility within the sport is the motivation behind a new ordinance being presented to city council on Wednesday. The ordinance will authorize the mayor to enter into a grant agreement with the Toledo Celtics Inc. so the city can contribute $70,000 toward the acquisition of two new mini-pitch soccer fields at Schneider Park. The fields are similar to a hockey rink, but you play soccer inside of them, according to Joe Fausnaugh, the director of Parks and Youth Services. They have boards surrounding them and are much smaller than a normal soccer field, enabling individuals with mobility issues or visual impairments to enjoy the game.
Nonprofit teaching life lessons with skateboarding
Friction between polyurethane wheels and concrete reported the locations of skaters as they whizzed around the Frederick Douglass Community Association during a recent practice session of the On Deck Alliance. Intermittent clacking of skateboard trucks told of the success or failure of each individual outfitted with helmets and kneepads. During these sessions, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 5:30 to 8 p.m., kids and coaches gather on the first floor of the community center, 1001 Indiana Ave. in central Toledo, and give their best attempt at balancing on top of a board in motion. “They’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” Jessica Lothery, 37, of South Toledo, said of her three children wanting to skateboard at a community event with On Deck Alliance. “It’s always good to experience positive things in the neighborhood. Sometimes I get excited and try to do a few tricks myself.”
Pop-up book creator elicits laughs at Mazza Museum conference
FINDLAY — How does one make a pop-up book? They throw a bunch of paper into a machine, and voila, Matthew Reinhart joked. “Done! Easy! Give me money,” Mr. Reinhart shouted as the audience broke into fits of laughter. Mr. Reinhart — a paper engineer and the creator of best-selling blockbuster pop-up guides for Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Transformers, Frozen, and more — presented at the Mazza Museum’s 30th annual Summer Conference on Tuesday. His presentation was a fascinating trapeze act that swung between humor and earnest passion as he walked the audience through how he produces pop-up books. The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of original picture book art, uses its annual summer conference as a means to unite educators and book lovers to learn the behind-the-scenes of authors and illustrators.
Pizza Palooza preview pleases palates
The showroom at Grogan’s Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram featured some unusual models Tuesday. Instead of being packed with Pacificas, jammed with Rams, chock-full of Challengers, or crammed with Compasses, it was filled with tasty pizzas from a dozen local eateries, all of which will be competing in the upcoming 12th annual Pizza Palooza for the coveted Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. The event will be held on Friday and Saturday at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania. Doors open at 5 p.m. “This is a great week for Sylvania,” Mayor Craig Stough declared. “We have the Dana Open at Highland Meadows and Pizza Palooza going on at the same time. It’s events like these that draw people to town and make Sylvania a great place to live.” The formidable list of culinary competitors this year includes Bambino’s, Half Time, Romeo’s, Mama Mary’s, Viking Pizzeria, Jet’s Pizza, J-Cups, Dandino’s, Bombay Kitchen, Hindsight Pizza, the V.I., and Mike’s Pizza.
BGSU's Archer selected in 12th round by Chicago White Sox in MLB draft
BOWLING GREEN — Bowling Green State University baseball player Nathan Archer was selected in the 12th round by the Chicago White Sox in the 2024 MLB draft on Tuesday. Archer was the 349th pick overall. He became the first Falcon player drafted since Trey Keegan and Brian Bien were chosen in 2015, as well as the program’s earliest draft pick since 2005 when BGSU hall of famer Nolan Reimold was taken in the second round by Baltimore. The deadline for 2024 MLB draftees to sign with their teams is 5 p.m. Aug. 1. Archer, who couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday, could return to BGSU, as well; he has one season of college eligibility remaining. Archer, a 6-foot, 175-pound center fielder, had a historic three-years at BGSU, which included being named the 2024 Mid-American Conference player of the year. The left-hander helped the Falcons (33-20, 24-6 MAC) win their first regular-season league title since 2009.
2024 Dana Open: These 5 names could take home the trophy
The Dana Open’s 40th birthday party officially tees off Thursday morning at Highland Meadows Golf Club with the first shot of the four-day, 72-hole tournament. The best women’s golfers in the world will convene for their annual stop in northwest Ohio. The 144-person field features major champions, rising stars, and LPGA Tour stalwarts. Each wants to be added to the glowing list of winners the Dana Open has produced. With an ideal weather forecast, birdies, as usual, should be plentiful. Whoever finds a hot putter and avoids mistakes should be at or near the top of the leaderboard. Here are five favorites to hoist the Dana Open crystal and cash the winning $262,500 check.
Toledo man who robbed letter carrier facing 25 years in prison
A Toledo man is facing 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to mail theft, stealing mail collection box keys, and robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States, authorities said. Michael Bush Jr., 22, pled guilty to the July 20, 2023, robbery of a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, the U.S. Department of Justice said Monday. According to court documents, Bush approached a driver in a parked USPS truck in the 5600 block of Ryewyck Drive and robbed the letter carrier at gunpoint. After the robbery, the Toledo Police found surveillance video linking a vehicle involved in the robbery back to Bush, which they later found at a residence where Bush’s aunt lives.
2024 high school football: 4 Toledo-area sleeper teams to watch
Sometimes, a true sleeper team just comes out of nowhere to surprise everyone. A middle-of-the-road team from a year ago, perhaps benefitting from a weak strength of schedule or the return of some standout players, can just go on a run and turn some heads in a quest for a league title or a quality playoff berth. Where will that team come from this year? What will be the 4-6, 5-5, or 6-4 team from a year ago that will make its mark known in northwest Ohio high school football circles? Here’s a look at four candidates — three of which are playing for the same league title in a race where plenty of talent from a year ago is coming back.
UT to receive $3.85 million for hypertension research
The University of Toledo Health Science Campus is slated to receive a $3.85 million grant to research hypertension. The grant, from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, was announced Monday by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo). It will support research on the potential of conjugated bile acids as nutritionally re-programmable antihypertensive metabolites. This research aims to address the critical issue of hypertension, a condition affecting millions of Americans. The project will be led by Dr. Bina Joe, who will explore innovative ways to manage and treat high blood pressure through dietary interventions targeting bile acid pathways. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and hypertension is a significant contributor,” Ms. Kaptur said. “I am thrilled that this substantial award will enable Dr. Joe and her team to pursue cutting-edge research that has the potential to transform how we approach hypertension treatment.”
Perrysburg native Dickinson rebounds from broken leg in productive first pro hockey season
After suffering a potential career-ending injury, Perrysburg’s Tanner Dickinson doubled down his dedication to becoming an elite hockey player. In January of 2022, Dickinson broke his femur — the largest bone in the body — while playing in a game for the Soo Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League. The Perrysburg native worked his way back to the ice and completed his first season of pro hockey last winter. Dickinson split the 2023-24 season between Orlando of the ECHL and Springfield of the American Hockey League. Here are highlights from both stops:
Toledo announces 3 city commissions accepting applications
The city of Toledo is now accepting applications for seats on three city commissions. The mayor will appoint individuals to serve on the Toledo Civilian Police Review Board, Charter Review Commission, and the Toledo Sister Cities International Board of Trustees. The Toledo Civilian Police Review Board's purpose is to provide residents with a fair and impartial appeal process for complaints of police misconduct or dissatisfaction with the findings of police internal investigations and to advise the chief of police on various issues, such as policies and procedures. The Charter Review Commission reviews the city charter in detail and recommends appropriate changes.
Firefly Nights takes over downtown Bowling Green Friday
BOWLING GREEN — The second Firefly Nights festival of the summer will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday downtown. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, and family activities. On-street parking will be prohibited on Main Street, from Court to Washington streets, and on East Clough Street beginning at 2 p.m. Main, from Court to Washington, will close to traffic at 4 p.m. While Main is closed, no through traffic will be permitted on Clough. Wooster Street will remain open for east and westbound traffic. During the Main Street closure, detour routes for local and truck traffic will be posted. All streets will reopen, and parking will be reinstated on Friday following the event.
Vance pick pumps up Ohio delegates at Republican convention
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — During the second Ohio delegation breakfast in Lake Geneva on Tuesday, the Republican Party was ready to support its vice presidential candidate with white hats supplied by the J.D. Vance camp. Delegates plan to wear them Wednesday night in solidarity when the Hillbilly Elegy author and second-year U.S. senator from Ohio addresses the convention. Former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken had been ready on the Republican National Convention floor, lipstick in hand, on Monday to etch the name Vance on a Trump placard shortly after the former president named his running mate. “For a long time we were a swing state,” current party Chairman Alex Triantafilou told the delegation. “They tell me we're not anymore. That's good, but it’s also scary.”
New York man dies in single-vehicle crash on turnpike
ARCHBOLD, Ohio — The Swanton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle crash that killed a New York man. Around 6 p.m. Monday, Daniel P. Kirst, 65, of Akron, N.Y., was westbound on the Ohio Turnpike near near State Rt. 66 when he changed lanes and lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to overturn. Mr. Kirst was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene.
Leyland greatest moments countdown No. 5: Perrysburg baseball field dedication
Leading up to Sunday’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Perrysburg native Jim Leyland, we’re counting down our five favorite Leyland moments. No. 5: Perrysburg baseball field dedication As much as Perrysburg loves Leyland, the feeling has always been mutual. The 1962 Perrysburg grad never forgot his roots.
Editorial: Don’t inflame tensions at this critical time
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump must not turn critical opposition to Mr. Trump into a taboo topic. Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, the newly announced vice presidential selection on the Trump ticket, immediately tried to make it so, on Saturday, blaming the rhetoric of President Biden for the attack. Read more Blade editorials “Today is not just some isolated incident. The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs. That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination,” Mr. Vance posted on social media.
To the editor: Editorial about birth death simplistic
Your recent editorial, (“Family Size Matters,” July 11), suggests that addressing Ohio’s population decline is as simple as encouraging women to have more children. I find this perspective not only overly simplistic but also woefully out of touch with the realities faced by women and families today. Submit a letter to the editor The notion that it is easy to get pregnant and have a child ignores the multitude of challenges that women encounter. This is not just a matter of personal choice or moral duty, but of existing in a society that makes raising a family in-credibly difficult. Let’s talk about economic pressures, the lack of adequate healthcare, the soaring costs of childcare, and the systemic barriers that make family planning a complex and often overwhelming decision.
Trump makes rare first-day RNC appearance
MILWAUKEE — Former president and current presidential candidate Donald J. Trump stepped onto the floor of the Republican National Convention on Monday to strains of Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA.” Just hours earlier, he'd been officially nominated as the GOP's presidential candidate for the third time in eight years. He hopes to become just the second former president — and the first Republican — to come back from defeat after losing re-election four years ago. His freshly picked running mate, Ohio's U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, stood at his side as the crowd chanted “USA USA!” and then “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Both then sat in the VIP section to listen to the final speakers of Day One of his convention.
Hundreds pack Maumee meeting, furious about sewer inspection ordinance
When she put a house on West John Street up for sale recently, Patti Savage-McNamara got an expensive surprise thanks to Maumee’s new sewer-inspection requirement. The newly mandated inspection, she said, resulted in an order to do $46,500 worth of work to comply with city regulations: $20,000 to replace a clay pipe in the house’s sewer feed, and $26,500 to put a sump pump in its unfinished basement. “I literally started crying in the driveway. How did I get in this mess?” Ms. Savage-McNamara told The Blade before a community meeting she organized Monday evening to dig into Maumee’s new inspection rules and brainstorm ways they might be changed. Six hundred people — many with “Trapped in Maumee” signs — packed the Elks Lodge on Wayne Street, while hundreds more were turned away and told they could watch a livestream.
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