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Community Corner

🌱 Maumee Police Sgt. Oath Keeper Revelation + TSA Expands Enrollment

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Toledo.

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Brad King, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello again, everybody! It's Friday in Toledo and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

  • Maumee Police Sergeant Greg Westrick was identified on membership rolls for far-right anitgovernment group the Oath Keepers and the matter is under investigation.
  • Defiance transgender man Rob Shaffer was arrested by Defiance Police and strapped to a chair to perform a urinalysis though the negative results were withheld for four months, causing Mr. Shaffer to lose his employment.
  • The City of Toledo broke ground at a new industrial park at the site of the old North Towne Sqaure Mall.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warm. High: 83 Low: 64.

Here are the top five stories in Toledo today:

  1. Maumee Police Sergeant Greg Westrick appeared on a membership roll for the Oath Keepers, which has been identified as an "anti-government extremist group" by the Anti-Defamation League and "one of the largest far-right antigovernment groups" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Sgt. Westrick touted his gunsmith skills in his application and the matter is under investigation. (WTVG)
  2. Toledo basketball mainstay Melvin Thomas, 27, has died in a shooting at Hudson and Elm that resulted in two others receiving injuries. Thomas was a 2013 graduate of Toledo Christian, who put out a statement from TCS Superintendent Scott Gibson. (WTVG)
  3. With phase one of its construction project complete, Toledo School for the Arts plans to expand its enrollment capacity. TSA Interim Director Rob Koenig expects a 20% increase, from 700 to 840 students. (WNWO NBC 24)
  4. The city of Toledo broke ground on the $70 million 'Toledo Trade Center' development at the site of the old North Towne Square Mall. NorthPoint Development and Toledo Mayor Kapszukiewicz expect the industrial park to create many new jobs in the automotive industry. (WNWO NBC 24)
  5. Rob Shaffer, a transgender man from Defiance, was targeted for a DUI while Door Dashing by Defiance police officers who reportedly made derogatory remarks about his gender. Shaffer was strapped to a chair to undergo a urinalysis, which cleared him of any alcohol or drug use when the results were released four months later. In the meantime, he lost his Door Dash job as well as a position as a Paulding school bus driver. (WTOL)

Today in Toledo:

  • Maumee Senior Center's Health & Wellness Fair (9:30 a.m.)
  • Greek-American Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 740 Superior St. (11 a.m.)
  • Black Swamp Arts Festival inDowntown Bowling Green (5 p.m.)
  • Nature Exploration Walk at Washington Branch Library (4 p.m.)
  • Cardboard Loom Weaving at Point Place Branch Library (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Looking to adopt a pet? Patch and Petfinder bring you Royce, Indie, Nugget, Sandy, Griffey and more who are looking for a home to call their own. (Toledo Patch)
  • Backpacks for Humans and 419 Cares volunteer Karen Peterson is this month's WTOL Leader in Action. (WTOL)
  • Recognizing the impact of the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis, the city of Toledo shared its plans to ensure the city's water supply is safe. Millions have already been invested over the last eight years, with future with plans for a $500 million water treatment plant upgrade, regional water commission and filtering and ozone treatment systems. (WTOL)
  • Gary McGowan, 79, has been missing since 11 p.m. Wednesday. He was last seen driving a tan 2004 Buick with the license plate FJD3103. The Lucas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating McGowan. (WTOL)
  • The Toledo Rockets will induct Chuck Ealy, Mel Long and Coach Gary Pinkel into the College Football Hall of Fame before Saturday's game against the UMass Minutemen. (WNWO NBC 24)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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

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