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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.
Lima's Mulcahy, former Kentucky All-American Castle qualify for Dana Open
Mary Kelly Mulcahy’s year has reached a level of implausibility that she didn’t foresee. The Lima native writes down her goals before each golf season, crossing them off when completed. “National player of the year was one of them. Palmer Cup was one of them. This wasn’t one of them, but I guess it’s probably the best one of all,” Mulcahy said just before sunset Monday at Highland Meadows after qualifying for the Dana Open in a playoff. It’s the continuation of a golf dream that includes being named the Division II player of the year at the University of Findlay and going 4-0 in the Palmer Cup while leading the Americans to victory in Ireland.
How does Bowling Green stack up in 'EA Sports College Football 25'?
BOWLING GREEN — The Bowling Green State University football team ranks in the top four in the Mid-American Conference in three key metrics in EA Sports College Football 25. The video game was released to pre-order customers Monday. It becomes widely available for purchase Friday. The Falcons’ offense was rated at 79, good for a tie for third in the MAC. The defense was also tied for third at 75, while the overall score of 72 ranks fourth. Tight end/fullback Harold Fannin, Jr., has the top player score on the team at 90. Cornerback Jordan Oladokun and halfback Terion Stewart both ranked at 86. Quarterback Connor Bazelak was assigned an 80 score, while safety Darius McClendon has a 78 rating.
How does the University of Toledo stack up in 'EA Sports College Football 25'?
The University of Toledo has four players rated at 85 or higher in the EA Sports College Football 25 video game that will be released this week. The game, which returns to platforms this week following an 11-year hiatus, was released to pre-order customers Monday and will be available for direct purchase Friday. Actual player names and likenesses will be used for the first time, with players receiving name, image, and likeness compensation that the NCAA now permits. Toledo has a 74 overall rating, good for a tie for second in the Mid-American Conference. The offense, at 79, is tied for third in the MAC, while the defense, at 76, ranks second. Safety Maxen Hook has the Rockets’ highest player rating at 88. Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton is rated at 87, as is safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Halfback Jacquez Stuart is rated at 85, while wide receiver Junior Vandeross III comes in at 84.
Oak Harbor basketball standout Stokes transfers to Arizona prep school
With a nod toward connecting with his father for his final year of high school, former Oak Harbor standout two-sport athlete Ethan Stokes has transferred to Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Stokes, a 6-foot-5 guard-forward for the Rockets’ basketball team and a wide receiver on Oak Harbor's 12-1 football squad last fall, will begin at his new school on Aug. 7, residing with his father, Stone Stokes. Ethan Stokes was named first team All-Northern Buckeye Conference in basketball last season, when he averaged 19.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Rockets. He was chosen to the Division III all-district second team, and received special-mention All-Ohio recognition. In football, Stokes was Oak Harbor's second leading receiver behind first team Division V All-Ohio senior receiver Jaqui Hayward, totaling 28 catches for 509 yards and six touchdowns for the fourth-ranked, NBC-champion Rockets.
Mercy college names new VP of Academic Affairs
A long-time Mercy Health employee has been named vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty at Mercy College of Ohio. Kimberly Watson will oversee the college’s academic programs, providing strategic direction and leadership to ensure continued growth and success, Mercy said in a statement. She will retain her rank as professor of health sciences. Ms. Watson has served the Mercy Health ministry for more than 35 years in various administrative and faculty roles, most recently as the dean of the Division of Health Sciences and director of the Master of Health Administration program. Ms. Watson holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies with a cognate in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. She obtained a Master of Business Administration from Tiffin University and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Records Administration from BGSU. She also is a registered health information administrator.
Man charged with deaths of couple hit by SUV after Sylvania concert
Bond was set at $310,000 during arraignment Monday of a Fulton County man charged for the deaths of a Swanton couple who were struck by an SUV as they left a concert at Centennial Terrace on Saturday night. Donald Christian, 54, of Lyons, Ohio is charged in Sylvania Municipal Court with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and one count of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the crash reported at 10:56 p.m. on Centennial Road just south of Erie Street in Sylvania. His next court date was scheduled for July 24 following the video arraignment before Magistrate Christy Cole. Donald J. Fern, 78, and Therese Fern, 66, both died after being taken to ProMedica Toledo Hospital following the crash. Mr. Christian was arrested at the scene and booked into the Lucas County jail. Sylvania Police Chief Danilynn Miller said Monday that the Ferns and Mr. Christian all had attended the concert Saturday evening at Centennial Terrace. The pedestrian deaths were Sylvania’s first since 2013, the chief said.
What are some Mud Hens' storylines to follow the rest of the season?
The second half of the International League season has already begun, but the All-Star break offers a natural pause and allows for some time to look ahead to what might happen the rest of the way. The Toledo Mud Hens have struggled to a 7-11 record so far in the second half and are just 3-7 in their past 10 games. The rest of the season post-All-Star break still offers plenty of compelling stories for the Mud Hens. Here are a few to monitor: How will the MLB trade deadline affect the Mud Hens?
Toledo takes 1st step in plan to redo Savage Park splash pad
After a monthslong saga over the Savage Park splash pad, the city of Toledo has taken the first step of its official plan to redo the splash pad entirely. Councilman Vanice Williams will present an ordinance at Wednesday’s Toledo City Council meeting authorizing Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz to enter into a contract for the design of a new Savage Park splash pad. The ordinance will permit the expenditure of up to $150,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund. “It is an excellent proposal,” Councilman Cerssandra McPherson said. “I don’t know how much it will cost to redesign and redevelop the splash pad, but it’s needed and necessary.”
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