🌱 City Council Declares Gun Violence Emergency + TBA Clothing Drive

Welcome back, Toledo! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll read about these stories and more:

• Toledo City Council has declared gun violence to be a public health crisis in an unanimous vote Tuesday.
• The Toledo Bar Association is collecting hats, scarves, mittens and gloves at its office at 311 N. Superior St. through the end of the year.
• The Toledo Humane Society is preparing for dropping temperatures and a rise in cruelty calls for animals in trouble.

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But first, today's weather:

A bit of snow and rain. High: 38 Low: -1.

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Here are the top five stories today in Toledo:

1. Toledo City Council has declared gun violence to be a public health crisis in an unanimous vote Tuesday. The move will allow Toledo to receive more grants and state and federal funding to address mental health and environmental factors that lead to gun violence. (WTOL)
2. The Toledo Bar Association is collecting hats, scarves, mittens and gloves at its office at 311 N. Superior St. through the end of the year. Infant and toddler items are most needed and the donations will be given to Friends of Lucas County Children Services. (WNWO NBC 24)
3. The Toledo Humane Society is preparing for dropping temperatures and a rise in cruelty calls for animals in trouble. As low temperatures can threaten the lives of animals who ordinarily live outside, the Humane Society is urging owners to let their pets inside until it warms up. (La Prensa)
4. Volunteers with Helping Hands of St. Louis served hundreds of people Christmas Dinner Tuesday and passed out over 100 food baskets Monday. The food pantry is stocked all year and families in need of assistance can reach out online or via phone.(WNWO NBC 24)
5. The Ottawa Park Ice Rink is open for the season after Mayor Kapszukiewicz celebrated the new partnership with Tam-O-Shanter. The site is the "only open-air ice rink in NE Ohio and SE Michigan." (La Prensa)

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Today in Toledo:

• Movie and a Craft: Lightyear (rated PG, 105 minutes) - South Branch Library (2:00 PM)
• Board Games and Books - Reynolds Corners Branch Library (3:30 PM)
• Teen Writer's Workshop - Point Place Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Holiday Party - Mott Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Party - Maumee Bay Brewing Co. (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• A travel ban on "high-profile" vehicles is in effect for the Ohio Turnpike from Friday at 6 AM through Sunday at 8 AM. A full list of prohibited vehicles can be viewed online. (WTOL)
• The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for holiday deliveries in the face of an impending winter storm. Companies like UPS, FedEx and Amazon are also preparing for last-minute holiday deliveries while monitoring the weather. (WTOL)
• St. Paul's Community Center is expanding its beds while temperatures are expected to drop below 25 degrees. Ordinarily a 35-bed facility, St. Paul's will double that capacity thanks to grants through the United Way, Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, and the City of Toledo. (WTOL)
• The home of Todd Kerschner on Dutch Road in Waterville is decorated with more than 40,000 lights in a tradition that goes back generations. (WTOL)
• The YWCA of Northwest Ohio is offering 'Baby Talk,' a program designed to help parents monitor their children's developmental milestones. (WTOL)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Brad King

About me: I have been a lifelong Northwest Ohio native and University of Toledo grad (Go Rockets!). I'm old enough to remember when the Mud Hens were still playing in Maumee. The Glass City has seen some amazing revitalization and I am so excited to share every update with you!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Toledo Daily? Contact me at toledo@patch.com