Healthy Habits

Sports Report - April 28, 2022

Senior Send Off

UToledo Main Campus Robbery

Residence Hall Renovation

Across America

The Price You Pay - Auto Market

Talking Pot

Waite HS Easter Breakfast

Balancing Mental Health and Life

Across America

UT:10 News - Behind the Scenes

Severe Weather Preparation

Fake Job Scams

The Price You Pay - Truck Driver Shortage

Sports Report - April 21, 2022

Sexual Assault Awareness

Across America

Sports Report - April 14, 2022

Businesses Hurt By Changing Economy

April 7, 2022
by Tiara Medley

Donate a Life Month

April 7, 2022
by Trent Croci

UToledo Phishing Scams

April 7, 2022
​by Tiara Medley

Sports Report - April 7, 2022

April 7, 2022
​by Caleb Gill
TOLEDO, Ohio – ​The Rockets baseball team took on the Ball State Cardinals this past weekend in a series that saw Toledo mostly struggle.

The first game of the series might have been on April Fools, but the Cardinals proved to be no joke.

The game was tight early on with both teams each getting a run in the third inning and then Ball State getting another run in the fifth inning. However, the Cardinals Matthew Rivera broke the game open hitting a single that allowed Nick Powell and Trenton Quartermaine to score in the sixth inning.

Ball State scored a total of six runs in the final four innings and Toledo had no answer, leading to the Cardinals to take the first game of the series winning 8-1.

Day two of the weekend series featured a double-header, and the second day was very similar to first day.

Ball State got out to an early lead after Adam Christianson hit a lead-off home run in the second inning. Before you knew it the Cardinals had a 3 to nothing lead on the Rockets before they got on the board with a run of their own.

Rockets would try to rally back and would come within one of the Cardinals, bringing the score now to 4-3 in the fourth inning.

However, a three-run homer from Ryan Peltier extended the Cardinals lead in the final inning p roving to be the final nail in the coffin with Ball State winning 7-3, and Toledo losing the first two games in the weekend series.

In the second game of the Saturday double-header, Ball State continued to dominate against Toledo.

Similar to the game from earlier, Zach Cole blasted a lead-off homer in the second inning to open up the scoring in the game.

The Cardinals scored another run in the third inning, but it was the fifth that proved to be too much for the Rockets when the away team scored four runs in the inning.

Toledo was able to score two runs in the seventh, but Ball State continued to have their way with the Rockets scoring four more runs in the final two innings and get out of Saturday with a score of 10-2.

Not wanting to get swept in the series, the Rockets came out swinging on Sunday getting out to an early lead after Darryn Davis hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first, which would also give the Rockets their first lead of the entire weekend.

The rest of the scoring in the game came in the third inning, when Ball State got their only run of the game and Toledo getting three more runs at the bottom of the inning, helping to give Toledo their only victory of the weekend series avoiding the sweep with a score of 5-1.

This game is more of what head coach, Rob Reinstetle, expects out of his team saying, “They came out today and they had a different mindset which is more typical the way we've played all year. So you know, I really think the last couple days have been uh atypical to what we are and today's more more like what I expect out of us you know as a whole unit.”

The Rockets will be on the road to Athens this weekend to take on the Ohio Bobcats.

​Urban Gardens

March 31, 2022
​by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – Cozzetta Mcvay started her personal garden four years ago. She grows her own herbs, fruits and vegetables because

"The cost of food is so much and it's healthier," said Mcvay.

She donates much of what she grows to local organizations. She also gives some to her neighbors.

"I have elderly neighbors so I take them food and I share with my family," said Mcvay.

She even offers one on one gardening classes to teach people how to grow their own food.

Grace Community Center has partnered up with Central State University to teach people how to garden as well. They started their community garden because of the prevalence of food deserts.

Food deserts are areas that don't have grocery stores or markets to provide fresh and healthy food.

You'll see many corner stores providing people with most of their food. You'll also see a great deal of fast food restaurants that offer little to no healthy options."

"We're dealing with a high poverty rate,” said Preston Ingram, the garden coordinator of Grace Community center. “About 40% of the residents in the zip codes we serve have extreme poverty rates."

The pandemic has largely impacted poverty rates. Grace Community Center went from serving 250 households to over 2,500 households.

They also expanded the areas they serve. They went from serving four zip codes to 17 as a result of the pandemic.

Elaine Page, the executive director of Grace Community Center, not only wants to help improve the health of communities, but also rejuvenate them.

"This acts as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and couple that with health. Couple that with the ability to learn a skill set," said Page.

Both Page and Mcvay stress the importance of growing your own food. They say it's cheaper and of course free of pesticides.

Gardening classes start April 4th at Grace Community Center.

Kidney Awareness Month

March 31, 2022
by Samanntha Rojas

Spring 2022 COVID Outlook

March 24, 2022
​by Trent Croci
TOLEDO, Ohio – Spring is here again, and it has now been over two years since the pandemic began. Currently, Lucas County is at low risk for COVID-19, according to the Lucas County Health Department’s website. However, as people are getting out more, taking more trips, and newer variants come about—how will this impact levels?

Chief of Infectious Diseases in Pediatrics, Dr. Deepa Mukundan, said that while the newer variants can be concerning, she is much more hopeful now than in March of 2020.

“The reason for that is we have several tools that allow us to understand the virus a little better than what we knew two years ago, and we have also evolved in treatments as well as prevention,” she said.

With time and a full understanding of the diseases, she said that we have more knowledge now about who can get the disease, who can get severe disease, and how vaccines protect.

Dr. Mukundan also said that to continue to protect ourselves, we should be aware of our own risk factors, research virus levels within the community, update ourselves on current interventions available, as well as get immunized. Then, if you have been exposed, continue to follow safety protocols such as distancing, wearing a mask, and getting tested.

According to her, we are making great progress in the battle against COVID-19.

“Overall, we are doing very well, thanks to public health, deeper technology, and science, and all of us who have taken it upon ourselves to immunize ourselves as well as protect our friends and family,” she said.

To check on local virus levels in the community, you can head to the Lucas County Health Department website and to check for national levels you can visit the CDC website.

Helpful Resource for Students in Need

March 24, 2022
​by Tiara Medley

Health Campus Art Exhibit

March 24, 2022
​by Tiara Medley

Rising Energy Costs

March 17, 2022
​by Sammantha Rojas

Across America

March 17, 2022
​by Trent Croci

Sports Report

March 17, 2022
by Caleb Gill
Toledo Women’s MAC Tournament
​TOLEDO, Ohio – ​​Both Men’s and Women's Rockets basketball teams went into Cleveland last week with hopes of cutting down the nets at the MAC tournament, with the women taking the floor first on Wednesday March 9th.

The Rockets Women’s basketball team went into the tournament as the number one seed, but that did not guarantee them success

The Ohio Bobcats proved to be a tough first opponent for the Rockets early, with Erica Johnson hitting a two from beyond the arc for Ohio. This helped to put the Bobcats up on the Rockets.

However, a strong finish to the first quarter put the Rockets above the Bobcats on the scoreboard heading into the second.

Throughout most of the second quarter, both teams would seemingly match each other bucket-for-bucket. A jump shot from Jayda Jansen helped to give Toledo a 34-32 lead heading into the half.

Toledo started the second half going on a 16-7 run, which helped to give them a nine-point lead over Ohio. That would be before the Bobcats would begin to come back thanks in part to a Gabby Burris three with 10 seconds left in the third.

A three-point play from the MACs all-time leading scorer, Cierra Hooks, helped to cut the Rockets lead to just four points.

Ohio then went scoreless for four straight minutes, and that combined with a big fourth quarter from Quinesha Lockett, who scored 10 points in the quarter, was enough for the Rockets to break away from the Bobcats and advance to the second round, winning by a final score of 80-67.

Ohio might have been the eight seed heading into the matchup, but Toledo coach, Tricia Cullop knew it would be a battle till the end, saying, “I was really proud if our players. I thought going into this game they are probably the best eight seed in the country. So, we knew this battle in the first round would be one of the toughest that we’ll face.”

Round two for the Rockets would have them playing Ball State on March 11th in what would be another tough matchup.

The Cardinals started the game off strong, making five of their first seven shots.

The Rockets weren’t able to get their first lead of the game until the second quarter, when Quinesha Lockett made a layup putting the Rockets up 21-20. However, Ball State would finish the quarter with the advantage and go into halftime with a 39-25 lead over Toledo.

The third quarter would continue to favor the Cardinals, but a three-pointer from Khera Goss helped Toledo cut into Ball State’s lead at the end of the quarter, with the Cardinals now only leading 51-46.

Sophia Wiard was able to splash down a three with a little over a minute left in the game, bringing Toledo closer with a score now 63-61 still in Ball State’s favor.

But a few free throws from the Cardinals helped to seal their victory with a score of 71 to 66, knocking the Rockets out of the tournament.

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Toledo Men’s MAC Tournament
TOLEDO, OH--It wasn't just the women's team who struggled in Cleveland, with the men's team for the Rockets having trouble as well.

Central Michigan was a tough matchup for Toledo the last time they played, and it was no different in the first round of the tournament with the game being played on March 10th.

There was hardly any separation between the two teams throughout the contest, and almost any time one time would start to get going the other would then start to get going as well.

A three from Seth Millner gave the Rockets a 20-17 lead about midway through the first half, before CMU answered with a 9-2 run. Rockets would put down a couple more shots, but they got cold towards the end of the half missing seven straight shots going into the break which helped to give the Chippewas go into halftime with a two-point lead.

Both teams would seemingly trade baskets to start the second half, but Toledo was able to separate a little bit with a 64-57 lead at five minutes left in the game.

But Central Michigan would begin to come back, and a slam dunk from Harrison Henderson helped CMU regain the lead with 20 seconds left. Ray-J Dennis then drove to the basket -making it with 1 point game 10 point 1 seconds remaining.

A turnover on the inbound gave the ball back to Toledo, but that still wouldn’t be the end with Ryan Rollins missing the first free throw on a one and one, allowing Henderson to rebound it.

Central Michigan had enough time to go to the other end of the court for one last shot. However, as time ran out Dennis grabbed the rebound and sent the Rockets to the next round of the tournament after Toledo won 72-71.

“Just a a proud of our guys. Proud of our win. Um you know clearly a team that didn’t panic,” says Toledo Men’s Head Basketball coach, Tod Kowalczyk.

The following night, March 11th, would prove to be another tough matchup for the Rockets against the Akron Zips.

Akron started the game off making 5 of their first 9 shots, and allowed them to get out to an early 12-7 lead.

Toledo would then go on to score nine straight points bringing them closer to the Zips, with Akron now only up 17-14 with 12 minutes left in the first half.

A 13 to 4 run by the Zips though gave them a 30 to 18 lead over the Rockets with five minutes still left before halftime. Akron would continue to build on their lead, but Ryan Rollins hit a pair of jumpers- which helped to bring the Rockets within 10 at the half with Akron leading 38-28 at the intermission.

Toledo came out of halftime hot, scoring the first six points of the half, and a JT Shumate triple was enough to bring UT within one. Xavior Castaneda then hit back-to-back threes, continuing to extend the Zips lead.

Toledo would continue to try coming back, but down the stretch Akron just kept draining shots and Toledo failed to score in the final minute and a half, leading the Akron Zips to take down the top seeded Toledo Rockets with a final score of 70-62.

The Akron Zips would then go onto win the MAC Championship title over Kent State.

​Ukraine Forum

March 3, 2022
​by Trent Croci
TOLEDO, Ohio – ​Wednesday, February 2, two University of Toledo faculty members hosted a public forum discussing the conflicts happening in Ukraine and Eastern Europe at the Downtown Toledo Lucas County Main Public Library.
 
Associate Professor of History, Dr. Barry Jackisch, and Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Joel Voss, decided to put on the event in light of the recent tragedies happening for the community to discuss.
 
“Anytime you can try to make better sense of these things, I think it helps everyone,” Dr. Jackisch said.
 
Both professors started the forum by discussing their analysis on the events from the misinformation being spread, possible outcomes, the sanctions, impacts on the global economy, and other in-depth information.
 
The event turned over to a Q&A discussion for the audience which included UToledo students, Ukrainians, Russians, and other members of all ages who were in attendance
 
Questions regarding nuclear weapons, the younger generation, NATO, Putin, WW3, whether to plan international trips, and other concerns were brought up.
 
In response to the turnout, Dr. Jackisch said, “It was very gratifying to see when we put this together on short notice that we got a lot of turnout and I think maybe that might be an indication that there’s some public awareness.”
 
Dr. Jackisch also said when obtaining information about what is going on, one should keep an open mind, not just believing what one source tells you and reading from a variety of them.
 
Campus administrators have realized this is a tough time for many. For mental health help, the Employee Assistance Program is there for faculty, staff, and family along with the University Counseling Center for students. More information on those is located on our website.

Across America

​March 3, 2022
by Trent Croci

Young Local Celebrity Reporter

​March 3, 2022
​by Trent Croci
OLEDO, Ohio – Fourteen-year-old, multimedia journalist, Jaden Jefferson has not only made a name for himself in Toledo but all over due to his talent and passion in the field.

Jefferson regularly posts content on his YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages that cover daily events and news stories in the community and nationally.

“I think the unpredictability of it, is one of the things that keeps me in this. But on top of that, I enjoy the writing, the editing, and the shooting of video because I’ve been doing that forever, so it just seemed like a natural career fit for me,” he said.

The Mercy Health nurse strike in 2019 was a major event that made Jefferson spark his true passion for journalism. His in-depth reports on the strike happened to catch the eye of the public. Jefferson realized that and all else happening in the world were something he wanted to be following even more.

Since then, Jefferson has appeared on The Ellen Show twice and has interviewed other prominent politicians, celebrities, athletes, and more. Some of which include Oprah, Naomi Osaka, Brad Pitt, and Elizabeth Warren.

Also, an 8th-grade student at Maumee Valley Country Day School, he has long days but finds any time to research events when he gets the chance.

While he does much of the work on his own, his family has shown continued support and excitement as well.

For what’s next, Jefferson said, “I definitely want to get that local experience, so there are many markets that I want to work in and do this work because news, wherever you are it, can vary.”

To see more of Jefferson, visit his YouTube page.

 Random Acts of Kindness Day

​February 24, 2022
​by Trent Croci
February 17 was Random Acts of Kindness Day. The University of Toledo’s dining program, Rocket Dining, partnered up with 300 other colleges and universities across the nation under the event called ‘Delight-ful.’

UToledo and Bowling Green State University were able to donate 4,000 kits containing coloring books, cookies, and positive messages written by students to the local Cherry Street Mission Ministries through the event.

Rocket Dining also donated a hundred meals to the student food pantry, Rocket Fuel, which helps students fight food insecurities.

“It was awesome for the individuals just to receive that little gift, that somebody, somewhere was thinking of them,” Savannah Rayford, Vice President of Programs and Services for Cherry Street Missions Ministries said.

Right now is especially important to help members in vulnerable communities since Rayford said that over the summer they have seen over a 900% increase in those reporting homelessness for the first time. Rayford said the wintertime consistently brings in more people as well.

The mission is currently celebrating its 75th year. To find out more on the current need in the community is, visit their website at www.cherrystreetmission.org.

Across America

February 24, 2022
by Trent Croci

Baby Formula Shortage

February 17, 2022
by Samanntha Rojas

In-Store vs. Online Shopping

February 17, 2022
​by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – Gerald Riley is the founder of Mud Made, a clothing line operated out of Toledo. He first started the line in 2012.

"Mainly, it was just pop-ups and selling a few t-shirts out the trunk of a car,” said Riley.
 
However, the clothing line soon grew to what it is today. It has a strong internet presence and Riley is looking to go even further. He will be opening a store on 10th Street this spring.

"I just wanted to bring a store to the city where it's more of the fashion I like to buy. I can make that fashion available to the locals here,” said Riley.
 
In recent years, many big retail chains have shut down their physical stores. That may have you thinking we’re headed toward a completely online future for retail, but that’s not the case.
 
Dr. Ainsworth Bailey is an Associate Professor in the College of Business and Innovation at the University of Toledo. He believes brick and mortar stores can succeed, if handled properly.
 
“The traditional retail format in terms of brick and mortar and the new kind of e-commerce format can complement each other rather than being seen as distinct,” said Bailey.
 
They can complement each other because, these days, showrooming and webrooming are extremely popular. Showrooming is browsing inside a store then ordering the product online. Webrooming is the reverse. You research the product online then buy the product in store. 

“I think that's one way they can encourage consumers to come back. They can encourage them to research the product online, then have it in the store for them. Consumers get to have it same-day as opposed to having to wait,” said Bailey.
 
According to Bailey, when business owners allow their online and in-store businesses to compliment each other, they provide consumers with different options in terms of how they can access the product. Giving their customers options makes their business perform better.

National Blood Shortage

February 17, 2022
​by Trent Croci
TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo hosted several blood drives in response to what is now is being called a national blood crisis.
 
Regional Communications Director of The American Red Cross of Northern Ohio, Jim McIntyre said, “The American Red Cross is facing, what we’re calling for the first time ever, a national blood crisis. It is the worst blood shortage in over a decade.”
 
The crisis was declared on January 11 and while McIntyre said that The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, there are times as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.
 
“Type O blood, both positive and negative, and platelets are in particular demand. There’s been less than a one-day supply. We ideally try to keep a five-day supply,” McIntyre said.
 
This is because Type O negative blood is the universal blood type and Type O positive blood is the most transfused type of blood.
 
"The blood drive on January 25 at the Student Union exceeded The Red Cross’s goal for blood units collected and the blood drive on February 9 at The University of Toledo Medical Center had a full sign-up as well," said University of Toledo spokesperson, Tyrel Linkhorn.
 
Future blood drives will be held on March 30 at the Student Union and April 6 at UTMC.
 
For more information regarding making an appointment, hosting a blood drive, and other details you can visit their website at www.redcrossblood.org, download The American Red Cross app, or call 1-800-RedCross.
 
The Red Cross does ask that you follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask— they will provide one for you if not. 

News from Across America

​February 17, 2022
​by Trent Croci

Home Buying Hurdles

April 7, 2022
​by Samanntha Rojas

Across America

April 7, 2022
by Trent Croci

Waite HS Teacher Talent Show

April 7, 2022
by Tiara Medley

UToledo Helps Ukraine

March 31, 2022
​by Trent Croci
TOLEDO, Ohio – Since 2015, The University of Toledo’s, Klar Leadership Academy, has organized annual food packing events to assist families around the world under the “Feed My Starving Children Campaign.” As the tragic events continue to happen throughout Ukraine and Eastern Europe, the event this year is especially important.

“We’re doing this, it’s going to feed about 450 children for a year. We’re going to have 800 volunteers coming into campus. We have five packing sessions” said co-director of Klar, Dr. Robert Yonker.

Before the event even began, sign-ups for volunteering exceeded expectations as all five sessions packing sessions on April 1 and 2 in UToledo’s Health Education Building were full.

During the packing sessions, volunteers will split into groups to assemble nutritious rice meals with vegetable blends, vitamins, proteins and minerals. According to the ‘Feed my Starving Children’ program, the meals are scientifically formulated for the undernourished children and funded by the donations.

This year, UToledo set a donation goal of $40,000, which they surpassed from the outpouring support.

“The community, not only campus community, but the Toledo community has come out and really showed up, and we appreciate them and we thank them,” said Dr. Yonker.

If you are unable to volunteer at UToledo, Bowling Green State University has their mobilepack events Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3. For more information on how to help, visit the Feed My Starving Children’s website.

Across America

March 31, 2022
by Trent Croci

Sports Report - March 31, 2022

March 31, 2022
​by Caleb Gill

Local Choir Soaring to New Heights

March 24, 2022
by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – The choir at Rogers High School competed in district competition and for the first time ever made it through to state competition.

"I was scared we weren't going to state but then Ms. Waldorf told me we got straight ones," said Rogers High School choir student, Leonard Gamble.

To those who don't know, “straight ones” means this choir didn't just skate by. They passed with flying colors.

Students say that's because their choir director truly believes that each individual is like a single note working together to create a masterpiece.

"If we had any other teacher, we probably wouldn't have went to state," said Gamble.

Going to state is a fun experience but for some of these kids it means so much more because singing isn't just a hobby.

Maure'ona Adams is a choir student at Rogers HIgh School who dedicates much of her time to singing.

"When I get older this is what I want to do,” said Adams.

Dr. Joan Waldorf is the choir director at Rogers High School and hopes this experience will help shine a light on her students.

"I'm hoping the community starts coming to our concerts and I'm hoping they support the music programs in our school," said Waldorf.

Since Rogers qualified for state, the choir program has already began to grow.

"We've already got 64 kids signed up for one choir next year," said Waldorf.

Students say it will be very competitive at state competition but they’re confident.

"We are going to win. I know we are," said Gamble.

State competition will be on April 29 in Van Buren, Ohio. No recordings are allowed so it won't be broadcast. If you want to see it you'll have to hit the road.

Across America

March 24, 2022
by Trent Croci

Sports Report - March 24, 2022

March 24, 2022
by Caleb Gill
Toledo Rockets WNIT Tournament
TOLEDO, Ohio – The first round of the WNIT for Toledo, on Friday March 18th, had the home team coming out the gates hot against the Houston Baptist Huskies.

Rockets would open the game scoring 9 of the first 11 points, putting the pressure on the Huskies fast with the Rockets leading HBU 26-11 at the end of the first.

Houston Baptist controlled most of the second after scoring the first eight points in the quarter however, Sophia Wiard hitting a three right before the half helped the Rockets take a lead into the intermission.

Neither team was really able to get it going to start the second half, but the Huskies went into the fourth on an 8-2 run, helping to put them within striking distance of the Rockets.

An 11-2 run from Toledo though ended any hopes of a late game comeback from HBU in the fourth, and four points to end the night from Nan Garcia was enough for the Rockets to move onto to round two of the WNIT, beating Houston Baptist with a final score of 61 to 51.

The second game of the WNIT was played on Monday March 21st, and UT faced a familiar foe in Kent State.

The Golden Flashes scored the first five points of the match giving them a lead over the Rockets for about half of the opening quarter.

But a big first quarter from Center Hannah Noveroske, scoring 8 points in the quarter alone, along with Sophia Wiard nailing one in from beyond the arc with under five left gave the Rockets a 14-11 lead that the home team would not let go of.

Toledo went into the half leading Kent State 42-27 after outscoring the Golden Flashes 20-9 in the second quarter. Kent State was actually able to outscore Toledo in the third 20-15, but the closest they would come within the Rockets though would only be 10 points.

Quinesha Lockett was able to get going in the fourth and that would help Toledo continue building on their lead late in the game, allowing the Rockets to beat the Golden Flashes 79-59.

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​
Toledo Rockets Pro Day
TOLEDO, Ohio – The NFL Draft season is here, meaning there are pro days taking place. For players hoping to hear their names called in April, this is one last opportunity to showcase their talents in front of NFL evaluators.

Fifteen Rocket football players took the field for the pro day on Monday, March 21st with all of them sharing the same goal. To be playing on Sundays.

Pro days are a combination of workouts for players to test different skills sets in front of N-F-L scouts. There are a variety of workouts from different positional drills, to the vertical jump, the shuttle drill, the three-cone, and the headliner of course, the forty-yard dash.

Of those players hoping to be drafted, Safety Tycen Anderson has been one that many scouts have had their eyes on.

Anderson was the only Rocket football player invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis back in February. He was able to improve his draft stock while there, running a 4.36 forty time which was the second fastest forty-yard dash at the combine for safeties.

"They love my versatility. They love my special teams play. They love my length and my speed. That's for sure," says Tycen Anderson.

Other players like, Running Back Bryant Koback and Cornerback Sam Womack, were not invited to Indy, but they still feel that they have the skills to compete at the next level, with Womack saying that talent evaluators like his knack for the ball and that he is always around the ball. Womack also mentioned his record for PBU’s and is hopeful that in the NFL those PBU’s can turn into interceptions.

Womack was definitely impressive in front of the scouts with his 4.39 forty time, but Koback impressed as well running a 4.47 and a vertical jump of 40.5”. Koback’s jump was higher than all the running backs that were invited to the NFL Combine.

The NFL Draft starts with the first round on April 28th and lasts until April 30th. Players that do not hear their names during the draft could still sign on with one of the 32 teams as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the draft.

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Toledo Leprechauns Soccer League
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Celtics Soccer Club has opened its doors for parents who are looking for an extracurricular activity for their children.

This year, the Toledo Leprechauns Soccer League has cut back the COVID-19 protocols, allowing children from the ages of three to eight to have fun while learning the rudiments of soccer in a safe environment.

A director of Toledo Celtics Soccer Club, Yousef Aliakbar, said that soccer is a great way for kids to learn while also having fun.
"We think soccer is an incredible sport, we think it is a great way to keep kids out there and to keep kids outdoor which is something we really, really, need through this pandemic,” says Yousef Aliakbar.

Foster Parent Shortage

March 17, 2022
by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – ​​​According to the Foster Care and Adoption Recruitment Supervisor of Lucas County Children Services, Sherry Dunn, there has been a significant lack of foster homes for about five years.

In Lucas County, there are approximately 800 children in foster care and only about 215 homes. Many factors have contributed to this issue but the pandemic has played a large part.

"A lot of our foster parents, because kids weren't going to school, didn't have daycare. They were like, hey, this is hard for us. So we have lost a lot of foster parents because of the pandemic," said Dunn.

Lucas County Children Services isn’t seeing many new foster parents and that’s an issue that has persisted since long before the pandemic.

"I've been at the agency for almost 32 years and I'm still working with some of the foster parents I worked with when I first came. Because of age, a lot of them are saying you know what, I'm just going to retire at this point. The other thing is, we've been getting a lot of younger foster parents. They come in and if the kids don't return home, they end up adopting them and then they end up closing, " said Dunn.

Dunn believes the first step to solving this issue is getting the word out. While Lucas County Children Services is unable to hold in person events, they have been holding online events.

"We need to get the information out and let people know this is doable. For our agency, we got to get back out there,'' said Dunn.

Sheila Mobus is a foster parent who has several adopted children. She said the hardest part isn't what you would think.

"The initial getting started because you worry about things is the biggest hurdle in my opinion. Giving up the kids if they're going home or going somewhere else really isn’t as hard as what it sounds like it would be," said Mobus.

If homes aren't found for kids, agencies outside Lucas County must be utilized. Children are sometimes placed counties over and in some cases even out of state.

According to Dunn, In order to solve this problem funding needs to be looked at in terms of how much foster parents are paid. She believes Lucas County Children Services also needs more support from resources like schools and mental health organizations.

Salt Pollution

March 3, 2022
​by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – ​With the recent bad weather, you may have found yourself using more deicing salt than usual. 
 
Dr. Bill Hintz is an assistant professor in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Toledo. He says we need to watch how much we use because salt concentrations in our freshwater ecosystems are increasing.
 
When salt concentrations increase, you see a decline in zooplankton.
 
“When you lose the zooplankton, you can get higher algal concentrations in the water,” said Hintz.
 
Joyce Sanders is an avid park goer who doesn’t like the direction we’re headed in when it comes to salt pollution.
 
“I just feel like it’s dangerous for all the wildlife that’s out there. It’s dangerous for the ducks and also not good for the fish and the people that like to eat fish,” said Sanders.
 
“When we lose those zooplankton we lose the resource that a lot of fish like to eat,” said Hintz.
 
A reduction in zooplankton equals a reduction in fish. To help solve the problem of salt pollution
 
“We can apply what salt is needed. We need to apply the right amount for the weather event,” said Hintz.
 
Another solution is brining. Brining is applying liquid salt to roads before the storm hits. This prevents the ice from forming and reduces the amount of salt needed during or after the storm.
 
Public deicing operations are responsible for most of the salt pollution, but they can’t take all the blame.
 
“Private applicators have a significant role to play,” said Hintz.
 
Some people don’t live near any lakes or streams and wonder if their salt use still has an effect. The answer is yes.
 
“All streams, wetlands, and lakes have a watershed. What you salt 100 miles away will eventually end up in the lake same as if you were a mile away,” said Hintz.
 
According to Hintz, many freshwater ecosystems aren’t polluted to the point where they’re changing and losing too much zooplankton. However, with the trajectory we’re on, changes need to be made to prevent ecological damage. 

UToledo Relaxes Mask Mandate

​March 3, 2022
by Trent Croci

Sports Report - March 3, 2020

March 3, 2022
by Caleb Gill
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Men’s Basketball team went into their matchup last Saturday, February 26, against Miami University with the hopes of making it 17 straight wins against the Redhawks.

The Rockets came out the gates hot, but they would begin to struggle offensively. In the meantime, the Redhawks would begin to catch fire helping to give the Redhawks a 14-9 lead early in the game.

The visiting team continued to take advantage of Toledo's struggles, and a three-pointer from Miami Senior Guard, Mekhi Lairy, helped to give the Redhawks an 11-point lead with five minutes left before halftime. This would be their largest lead of the half.

Toledo wouldn't quit though and would continue to push through to make a comeback. A layup from Junior Forward, JT Shumate, helped the Rockets regain the lead with a minute and a half left.

That was before Redhawks Sophomore Forward, Kamari Williams, splashed down a corner three to give the lead back to Miami. A Seth Millner three with 32 seconds left though, gave the Rockets a 40-39 lead into the break.

Miami came out of the break looking tired and the Rockets were able to capitalize getting out to an early seven-point lead to start the half, and they would not look back.

The second half would pretty much be all Toledo. At the halfway mark in the second, Toledo led Miami 60 to 46 and that still wouldn't be enough for them as they would go on to lead by as much as 19 points.

The Rockets won by a final score of 88-73 after almost everything seemed to work for them in the second half. This win helped Toledo inch closer to securing the number one spot in the MAC.

Toledo Sophomore Guard, Ryan Rollins, helped to make his case for MAC Player of the Year scoring 24 points while also snagging 8 rebounds in the contest.

Both the Men's and Women's Rockets teams will finish their regular seasons at home this weekend with the Men playing Bowling Green in the Battle of I-75 on Friday, March 4, and the women playing on Saturday, March 5, against Western Michigan.

The two squads then will go into Cleveland next week for the MAC Tournament where both teams hope to cut down the net and come home with a MAC Championship.

*****

New Athletic Director

TOLEDO, Ohio – Last week, we brought you news that the University of Toledo has hired someone to lead the future of Rocket athletics. Almost directly after last week's show the university held a press conference introducing Bryan Blair as the next Vice President and Director of Athletics.

After holding the position for 20 years, Mike O'Brien is retiring as the Athletic Director of the University of Toledo in the Spring. In his place, and making the trip from Washington to Ohio, Bryan Blair was introduced last Thursday, February 24.

Blair does have a law degree from the University of South Carolina, however he still got to experience being a college athlete with Wofford College, where he was a captain of the football team.

The new Athletic Director is hoping he can apply some of those lessons he learned while playing at Wofford to his new position, saying he wants to run beside every one of his teammates to push them to more than they think is possible.

So for someone who appears to have all the accolades to be an athletic director, why did Bryan Blair choose Toledo?"

Blair said, "In Toledo I found an athletic department achieving at a high rate and filled with talented people who want to do more. In Toledo I found a president and a campus that believe in the power of sport. In Toledo I found a thriving city where I can raise my kids. In Toledo I found my perfect fit"

Even though he does not assume the role until May 1st, Blair still laid his vision for what he hopes to accomplish at UT.

"My vision at a high-high level is to go from good to great. I want to see this athletic department has done so much from an academic standpoint to an athletic standpoint to community standpoint to take that next step", said Blair.

Blair is hoping that Toledo will be viewed as a premier athletic department out of the Group of Five schools, and believes that its going to take teamwork to figure out what that little bit that is needed to get to that point is.

Rising Gas Prices

February 24, 2022
​by Samanntha Rojas

Record Sales Rising

February 24, 2022
by Seth Mansu

Restaurant Week

​​February 24, 2022
​by Tiara Medley
TOLEDO, Ohio – Restaurant Week is back! They happen all over the country, but Toledo's Restaurant Week is special. In addition to dining at your favorite places at a discounted price, you get to help a local charity.

According to Anna Toney, the executive director of Leadership Toledo, Restaurant Week Toledo supports Leadership Toledo as an organization. In particular, it supports their youth programs for area high school students.

How it works is simple. You dine in at one of the participating restaurants, then a portion of the proceeds go toward those Leadership Toledo youth programs.

Toney believes the partnership between Leadership Toledo and local restaurants is a great one.

"If there's one thing Toledo has, it’s a great food scene and Leadership Toledo is all about highlighting what Toledo has to offer," said Toney.

Kim McKnight is a manager at Ye Olde Durty Bird. A restaurant that has been a part of Restaurant Week Toledo for 11 years now. She said business is great around this time.

"Due to Restaurant Week, we might get some people in that are supporting Leadership Toledo who have never been here. The way the community comes out and supports Leadership Toledo shows a lot. We get a lot of reservations and it's fun," said McKnight.

New to Restaurant Week this year is a digital Restaurant Week Passport. The more restaurants you visit and check into online, the higher your chances of winning prizes.

The list of restaurants participating in Restaurant Week Toledo is extensive. That means the chances of one of your favorite local spots being on the list are high. To find out for certain, you can go online to restaurantweektoledo.com.

Sports Report - February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022
by Caleb Gill

UT:10 Sports Report - February 17, 2022

February 17, 2022
by Caleb Gill
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Rockets Men’s basketball team went into their Tuesday, February 15th, 2022, matchup as the number one seed in the MAC. But first, the Bowling Green women's basketball team took the drive up I-75 to take on the Rockets who also went into the game in first place.
 
In front of a crowd of over 5000 fans the home team did not disappoint in the Battle of I-75 on Saturday February 12th.
             
Freshman Forward Jessica Cook got the Rockets on the board first, and even though BG matched with 2-points of their own there was no looking back for the Midnight Blue and Gold, because before you knew it the Rockets had a 15-8 lead on the Falcons.
             
Toledo went on an 8-2 run to start the second quarter, and Junior Guard Quinesha Lockett was unleashed, completely taking over the game with 11 straight points for the Rockets. She would end the night with 24.
             
UT was able to take a twelve-point lead into the half, leading BG 35-23.
             
An 11-4 run to start the second half for the Rockets help to extend their lead to 21.
             
Falcons went on a little run of their own, trimming the lead the Rockets had to only 16 points. However, the Rockets scored nine more points to end the quarter taking a 63-41 lead into the fourth.
             
Scores from Junior Center Hannah Noveroske and Jessica Cook extended the Rockets lead to 69-41 to start the fourth quarter.  Junior Guard Sophia Wiard was able to put her finishing touches on the game scoring one from beyond the arc late.
 
Toledo beat their cross-town rivals by an astounding 29 points with a final score of 80-51, getting the season sweep against Bowling Green.
 
 -----
 
 The men's team for the Rockets may have gone into Tuesday game as the best seed in the MAC, but that did not scare the Kent State Golden Flashes.
 
Heading into Tuesday’s matchup the Rockets had not lost a home game yet this season, but Kent State would prove to be a tough matchup.
             
A six-point run early in the contest, led by Junior Guard Ray-J Dennis, helped to put the Rockets up 9-6 early on. However, the Rockets went nine minutes without scoring a field goal, and the Golden Flashes capitalized going on a 19-2 run.
 
The two squads went back and forth with each team going on separate runs of their own heading into the intermission, but Kent State still lead at half 36-20.
             
An angry Rockets team came out hot to start the second half scoring 7 of the first 9 points.
             
Kent State was still able to maintain a sizable lead throughout the entire second half, and they wouldn't blink. Even when a triple from Freshman Guard Ra'Heim Moss shortened the Flashes lead to only ten with over eleven minutes still left in the game.
             
Golden Flashes would answer back, scoring seven unanswered points and giving them their largest lead of the night.        
 
Rockets did try to fight back but ten points would be the closest they would get to the Flashes - with Kent State defeating Toledo by a final score of 72-59.
             
With this loss the Ohio Bobcats replaced the Rockets as the top seed in the MAC.
 
Both teams will be back in Savage Arena this Saturday, February 19th, with the women's basketball team playing Ball State at 2pm before the mens play Central Michigan at 7pm. The two teams will then be on the road next week.