🌱 Toledo Pastor Charged With Assault + Suspicious Dale St. House Fire

Hello, everybody. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Toledo Daily, full of everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Here we go.

• Dajuan Smith has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for shooting and injuring his girlfriend Shalena Martinez-Featchurs in March 2022
• Toledo Pastor Reverend Charles Ross of the New Prospect Baptist Church has been charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence for reportedly threatening his wife with a firearm
• Metroparks Toledo is asking the Toledo City Council for $1 million toward a community enrichment center next to the Glass City Metropark in East Toledo

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 78 Low: 56.

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Here are the top five stories today in Toledo:

1. Dajuan Smith has been sentenced to 11-15 years for shooting his girlfriend Shalena Martinez-Featchurs in the back of the head, causing extensive injuries. The shooting occurred in March and the victim's mother Pauline Featchurs made a victim impact statement during the sentencing. (WTVG)
2. Toledo pastor Reverend Charles Ross of the New Prospect Baptist Church has been charged with aggravated menacing and domestic violence after threatening his wife with a firearm. Reverend Ross has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court later this month. (WTVG)
3. Devin Ferguson was arrested Tuesday for the December 2021 shooting death of 24-year-old Everett White. Ferguson is the second of three suspects arrested with Taiwan Griffin having been arrested earlier this year and while Titus Crittendon is still wanted by authorities. (WTOL)
4. Metroparks Toledo is asking for a $1 million contribution from the Toledo City Council for an enrichment center at the Glass City Metropark in East Toledo. The Lucas County Commissioners have already pledged $1.5 million to the project, which will be located at 815 Front Street. (WTOL)
5. Toledo Public Schools will offer a course allowing students to earn their commercial driver's license (CDL) upon graduation. The program is scheduled to begin in the 2023-24 school year and will allow students to train for lucrative post-high school jobs. (WNWO NBC 24)

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Today in Toledo:

• The 45,000 Quilt Exhibit at Mott Branch Library (All day)
• The Apple Truck is Coming to Town! at Franklin Park Mall (9 a.m.)
• Jazz in the Garden at Toledo Botanical Garden (6:30 p.m.)
• Walk with Ease at Wildwood Preserve (10 a.m.)
• History and Hops: Tour and Tasting at Woodlawn Cemetery (6 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The Toledo School for the Arts' phase one construction project is complete, featuring an updated cafeteria and expanded main staircase. (WNWO NBC 24)
• Lourdes University president Mary Ann Gawelek will retire on September 30 after six years of service. (WNWO NBC 24)
• The Apple Truck will make three Toledo stops today at Franklin Park Mall, Black Diamond Garden Center in Perrysburg and the Woodland Mall in Bowling Green. (WTOL)
• The mobile mammography van is offering free screenings. Walk-in appointments can be made via telephone by calling (833) MAMM-VAN (833-626-6826). (WTOL)
• Toledo Fire and Rescue is investigating a suspicious house fire that occurred on Dale Street around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. (WTVG)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll see you soon.

— 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