Debbie Rogers
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Reporter for the Blade. Beats include city government in Perrysburg, Rossford, Maumee and Sylvania.
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Articles by Debbie Rogers
Teen honored for rescuing siblings, dogs from Middleton Twp. house fire
DUNBRIDGE, Ohio — Instead of responding to a kitchen blaze with her hair on fire, 14-year-old Izzy Fleig was calm, cool, and collected as she rushed her two young siblings and herded three dogs out of her Middleton Township home. This was all in the early morning hours of Jan. 25 — in freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions, according to Andy Carter, township fire chief.
Owens police training academy awarded state STAR designation
The Owens Community College Police Training Academy has become a shining star in the state. Earlier this month, the academy received STAR Program designation, which recognizes police training academies that meet criteria above and beyond the standard for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission basic training academies licenses.
Lamb and Littles cafe aims to be the GOAT of coffee, play spaces
A new cafe in Maumee allows parents to sip some premium coffee and sit back and watch their kids play with imagination. Lamb and Littles Play Cafe at 451 W. Dussel Dr., in the Suffolk Square Plaza, opened Tuesday and offers upscale coffee and bakery items and a creative play space. Children can take a twisty turn down a turquoise slide, or sit at tiny tables and chairs after creating their own pretend treats in a bakery that is a replica of the “adult” Lamb and Littles kitchen.
Automotive manufacturer building new facility in Rossford
An automotive manufacturer, which is expected to open in 2027 and initially employ 600, is coming to Rossford. Mayor Neil MacKinnon III said the facility on Glenwood Road, east of Penta Career Center, will be 600,000 square feet, with room to grow another 250,000 square feet. The project was developed in partnership with his administrative team, the Wood County Port Authority, and JobsOhio, along with Scannell Properties, Mayor MacKinnon said.
Baseball can be a home run for good brain health
Play ball, seniors. The spring sport, which officially ramps up in Toledo on Tuesday with the Mud Hens’ home opener, can stimulate the brain and create connections with others, according to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. The foundation’s B.A.S.E. path for good brain health: Buddy up for the game: Watching and discussing with others provides social engagement and connection. Analyze the action: Predicting what pitch may be thrown or whether a baserunner will try to steal exercises the brain.
Sculptures grow in this Grand Rapids garden
GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — The phoenix, a symbol of spiritual renewal, soars over a sculpture garden, keeping a watchful sapphire blue eye over its seven sisters. The Grand Rapids Arts Council has installed an eight-piece sculpture garden on Front Street, with the newest by budding sculptor and glass artist Ian Dawson. The seven-foot-tall sculpture has a personal meaning for Mr. Dawson, who is 49.
Wood county parks plan expansion, funding push
Wood County parks planning, including preparing preliminary plans for the Perrysburg Pratt property, is ramping up with community forums and board discussions. Chris Smalley, Wood County Park District director, said the last strategic plan was completed in 2013. “It’s time for a new one. I’m looking for a vision for staff, and externally for citizens and the community,” he said. The board has contracted with Environmental Design Group of Akron to lead the process.
Hello, baby! Maumee business offers 3D, 4D pregnancy ultrasounds
When an ultrasound showed a mass in her son’s body during her second pregnancy, Amanda Yohnke was terrified, then reassured by the sonographers in the room. “The health care workers that were involved in my care and my son’s care really put a different perspective on it,” said Ms. Yohnke, who is 34. “They were very hands on, they were very helpful.
Police cruiser partnership to teach Penta students, save Walbridge money
A teachable moment for adult Penta Career Center students will also be a cost savings for Walbridge. The village has contracted with the school for adult auto technician students to do routine maintenance, inspections, and oil changes on its five-vehicle police fleet. “I’ve always been the type of person to train other people,” said Walbridge Police Chief Christopher Mullins. “I thought when we do oil changes — we do them quite often — is there some way we can make this a teachable moment?
Roses to a Stranger
As I was leaving Country Grocery this evening and heading to my truck, I noticed a gentleman walking toward me carrying two bundles of tulips. I smiled and thought to myself, a little ray of sunshine, on an otherwise drizzly grey evening. He changed course and walked directly toward me. I smiled and said just that to him. When I reached my truck, he stopped beside me and said, “Yes, and they are for you.” I was stunned. I asked if he was serious, and he gently placed the tulips in my hands.
Land use meeting lacking data center info, Wood County attendees say
BOWLING GREEN — Data center dissenters said they felt duped over a discussion about Wood County land use. Wednesday’s public visioning open house at the former junior fair building was attended by more than 75 people. They were invited to mill around stations with photo boards of housing, transportation, economic development, and parks, and put green stickers on ones they wanted to see more of and red dots on images they did not like.
More property sold near Middleton Township data center
BOWLING GREEN — The company that owns 750 acres in Middleton Township on which a data center is being constructed has purchased an additional 75 acres, according to property records. Liames LLC bought the property at 0 Devils Hole Road, owned by Bernard and Margaret Eckel, on Nov. 24 for $3.7 million, according to the Wood County auditor’s website.
Making history in Maumee: Ziss becomes mayor
Chelsea Ziss has made history in Maumee, becoming the first female mayor and the youngest mayor in city history. Ms. Ziss, 36, was sworn in as the new mayor on Monday during the regularly scheduled council meeting. “It’s great to be up here. It’s been an interesting road to get here,” she said, pledging to continue to work hard, question everything, research topics, and do the best for everyone. She is serving the remainder of Jim MacDonald’s term, which extends through December, 2027.
Perrysburg council studying how event groups, money can be more effective
An ad-hoc committee is studying how three Perrysburg groups could work more efficiently to attract tourism dollars to the city, and if city hotel tax should be distributed differently. Gerri Walczak, Visit Perrysburg board president, asked to speak at the Nov. 18 council meeting, as it was about to adjourn, citing concerns about city hotel tax and the possibility that it may be directed to the Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
Love put into every dish at Sweet Havana restaurant
Óscar Gómez describes his Sweet Havana restaurant as a journey to Cuba through food. The trip starts at the front door at 1855 S. Reynolds Rd., where the outside screens that cover the windows are decorated in a streetscape of a bustling Cuban city. Open the door and savor the spicy smells of slow-roasted pork and tacos and the sound of margarita mixes pulsing in blenders. The dark turquoise walls are adorned with art, paintings, and television monitors showcasing Cuba.
To commit or not commit: Dec. 31 deadline for Maumee residents to sign sewer letter
The clock is ticking for Maumee residents to obtain full grant funds from the city for private sewer fixes. As a Dec. 31 deadline approaches to sign a commitment letter, Maumee officials and citizens continue to discuss changes to a grant program and extensions to getting work complete. More than 200 residents attended a Citizens of Maumee Action Committee meeting Thursday at the library. Councilman Chelsea Ziss, a co-founder of CMAC, said council is considering some changes.
Wood County library board awards raises, approves budget
BOWLING GREEN — Despite dealing with state cuts and a 33 percent increase in employee health insurance, the Wood County District Public Library trustees balanced the 2026 budget and gave raises. At Monday’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to give the director and fiscal officer 2.8 percent raises, and approved a $32,818 pool for the director, at his discretion, to provide raises to staff. There are 24 full-time employees and 15 part-time.
Hammer on the mat, gentleman in life: Former Middleton Township chief garners honors
BOWLING GREEN — Steve Asmus is no stranger to awards. After all, July 16 was declared Steve Asmus Day in Middleton Township to honor the retiring fire chief. His Nov. 8 induction into the Ohio Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame may be the most rewarding title yet, said Mr. Asmus, a former standout wrestler for Otsego High School who has been an official on the mat for 38 years. Mr. Asmus said he prides himself on fairness and not showing any favoritism. “It’s a humbling sport,” he said.
Maumee incumbents may be getting the boot from council
Maumee voters did not get a recall election, but made their voices heard loud and clear during Tuesday’s general election. It’s likely two incumbent councilmen have been booted in favor of four citizens, all of whom have said they had no interest in elected office until council passed — then repealed — a sewer ordinance requiring inspections before a home was sold. Incumbents Jon Fiscus and Phil Leinbach were part of that council vote on the sewer inspections.
Data center discussions move to Monclova Twp.
The Monclova Township trustees said they are walking a tightrope when it comes to addressing a potential data center, preventing annexation, and listening to residents. It was standing room only at Monday’s trustees meeting, as 75 residents asked their elected officials for more information on a proposed data center — for which there is no application, but is rumored to be planned for 1,000 acres off Black Road.
Making Perrysburg merry: Pop-up store opens in former Stella's
Madison Geroski’s crazy, creative world gets a little bigger, brighter — and merrier — this time of year. Ms. Geroski, 37, owner and product curator of Madison Paul boutique at Levis Commons, has opened Merry by Madison, a pop-up seasonal store on Louisiana Avenue in downtown Perrysburg. There are two floors of holiday decor, more than eight different holiday tree themes, and thousands of ornaments, fashion, and gifts.
Great Lakes AI Week conference convenes national experts at BGSU
The largest artificial intelligence week in the Midwest will kick off in Toledo Monday, then move to the Bowling Green State University campus for three days of talks with experts from around the nation. Organized by Enterprise Technology Association, the event will bring together more than 1,000 professionals, including those with Fortune 500 companies, innovative startups, and leading colleges and universities.
Waterville Twp. trustees take steps to control data center decisions
Waterville Township trustees issued a terse statement at Wednesday’s meeting, saying they were bucking the county’s advice and taking control of if and when a data center would be located there. Trustee Julie Theroux said in April they began hearing about a possible data center project on 1,000 acres off Black Road near Fallen Timbers. “There is a project on the table at this time. It’s only a design concept,” she said, adding that it did not originate with the trustees.
‘We will lose so much’: Perrysburg students rally for Nov. 4 levy
Participating in cross country has enhanced the Perrysburg High School experience for brothers Abraham and Eli Kirkham. “I love the sport. I do track, too. I love the people, the community, the coaches. The extracurriculars brought me to a lot of people, and I don’t want to see them go,” said Abraham, a senior, who was participating in a student-led rally downtown Wednesday in favor of the Nov. 4 levy.
Glenross Graveyard: Oregon couple decorates yard to the hilt for Halloween
There are two times to take in the terrifying talents of Sam Witt this Halloween season. The DIY decorator and her husband, Sean Maiolo, have tricked out their Glenross Boulevard home in Oregon for the third year. And she and her mom, Asi Witt, have also created a creepy casino at the Adam Room at the Wildwood Manor House. Terrifying may be too strong of a word. Ms. Witt, 35, and Mr. Maiolo, 36, said they aim more for fun and creativity in their decorating, which extends into the Christmas season.
The scoop on Perrysburg diner’s new owners: Farleys all about family
Preschool teacher Alexa Farley was looking for a career change this summer but was unsure about the path. “I had been teaching my whole life. I didn’t really know anything else. But I just didn’t know if that’s what I was called to do anymore,” she said. While in a tearful phone conversation with husband Ben, Mrs. Farley drove by O-Deer Diner in downtown Perrysburg, with its auction-sale sign in the window at 416 Louisiana Ave. “We should just buy O-Deer Diner, and I’ll run it,” she told her husband.
Woodville Township trustees get earful about data center
WOODVILLE, Ohio — Woodville Township residents eager to hear definitive details about a potential data center that could stretch into Madison Township and possibly Gibsonburg were told there was little to discuss. At Wednesday’s Woodville Township trustees meeting, chairman Paul Runion tried to put the restless crowd at ease, saying no zoning requests or any paperwork had been filed about a data center.
Husband of Rossford firefighter protests part-time cutback
The husband of a fired part-time Rossford firefighter accused the mayor and administration of wrongly terminating his wife, who has worked part time for the city for 25 years. Gary Ilconich lodged his complaint at Monday’s city council meeting, about an hour after five new full-time firefighters were sworn in, amidst bagpipes and many family and friends.
Rossford breaks ground on new school, using no taxpayer dollars
Aside from the location — side-by-side on on Lime City Road, off of State Rt. 795 — Rossford’s new middle school will share something else with the R, the district’s multi-purpose building. Like the 73,600-square-foot $17.5 million R, which opened in August, 2023, the construction of the new middle school will not be funded by taxpayer dollars. School officials broke ground on the new $35 million, 76,000-square-foot middle school Monday.
Maumee gets $900,000 for safety improvements on Dussel Drive
Maumee has been awarded almost $1 million for safety improvements to Dussel Drive. Matt Griggs, public safety director, said ODOT officials approached city officials last fall about a 25 mph trial project. “They were looking for several entities in the district to give funding to, for these pilot test studies. We nominated several streets,” Mr. Griggs said.
Perrysburg post office transforming into I.M. Jaffe jewelry boutique
When Harold Jaffe Jewelers in Toledo closed almost two years ago, Ivan and Michelle Jaffe knew they still wanted to be in the business. The couple took their time, finding a gem of a location in their hometown of Perrysburg. I.M. Jaffe, a fine jewelry and custom design boutique, will have a soft opening in December. The store, which will also offer bridal design and events, is located in the former post office, 117 E. Second St. It will open in phases, probably over years, Mrs. Jaffe said.
Lucas County judge signs off on Maumee, EPA sewer agreement
A judge has approved an agreement between the state and the city of Maumee to use public funds for private sewer fixes. Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Lindsay Navarre signed off on the agreement on Wednesday, according to court documents. It is the final piece of the city’s negotiations with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the state attorney general, after the city self-reported years of illegal sewage discharges into the Maumee River.
Grocer’s proposed mural in Perrysburg may need a redo
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Standout student and Scout: Northwood 14-year-old earns prestigious rank
Give 14-year-old Ann Mannon a challenge and be prepared to be wowed. Last October, Ann bet her dad that she could put on some muscle, stay active, and change her eating habits, to help her reach her goals in sports at Northwood High School. If she succeeded, Ann could add a new pet to her menagerie, which includes three dogs, a cat, chickens, and a bearded dragon. That addition would be a hedgehog. Fast forward to Christmas, and Clover the hedgehog was under the tree.
Maumee councilman objects to watering cost for 500 new trees
Around 500 trees will take root this fall in Maumee, and one councilman is concerned about the water costs to keep them healthy. At Monday’s city council meeting, a contract was amended after Phil Leinbach raised concerns about expenses going over budget this year. The total contract quote from Maumee ProMow to plant, stake as needed, and water the trees is $277,000. It includes an initial mulch and a second-year mulch at $275 per tree, for a planting total of $137,500.
Meet the Maumee council candidates: 7 run for 4 seats
Most of the new faces for Maumee City Council in the Nov. 4 election had never seen the inside of council chambers or sat in on a planning commission meeting before the summer of 2024. Chelsea Ziss, Isiah Gonzalez, Andrew Huyghe, and Scott Sund all said they were disturbed by a council that was “rubber stamping” legislation and passed — then repealed — an ordinance that would have required a sewer inspection before a home was sold.
Couple offers their property for a park in Perrysburg Township
Richard and Carla Brundrett have enjoyed their own private paradise of wildlife, trees, and the best of nature for 20 years. Now, they want everyone to appreciate their 3.47 acres on White Road. The Brundretts are asking Perrysburg Township trustees to put a park on the property and assume ownership of it. A letter detailing their request, along with a pledge of $25,000 to assist in the development, was read at Wednesday’s trustees meeting.
Third Wood County Amazon warehouse going up as second readies to open
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‘From learning to earning’: BGSU offers accelerated doctorate in occupational therapy
BOWLING GREEN — Watching her disabled grandmother use occupational therapy for most of her life, Akcire Jones knew that was the career she wanted. “With OT, they just actually cared about what she wanted to do,” Ms. Jones. “It gave her a purpose in life.” Ms. Jones, 24, from Cleveland, is part of the inaugural two-year doctor of occupational therapy program at Bowling Green State University. It allows students to take a majority of classes online and is the first program of its kind in Ohio.
Rossford fully embraces fire department rebrand with more full-time hires
It’s been a blazing year for the Rossford Fire Department, which has gone from zero full-time firefighters/paramedics to 16. City council on Monday unanimously approved hiring four full-time firefighters, taking the staff from 12 to 16. “We went from having none to 16 in a little over eight months,” said Fire Chief Rick Syroka. He credited his team, including Ron Kay, deputy fire chief, and Greg Yingling, training captain, for the fire department’s progress.
Cornhole for a cause: Players support horse therapy program for veterans
A cornhole competition cleared the horses out of the pasture Saturday for a fundraiser at HOOVES in Swanton Township. Jessica Goolsby, marketing associate for Healing Of Our Veterans Equine Services, directed volunteers and helping park cars for the inaugural Patriot Fest: Cornhole Tournament and Community Celebration at the organization’s Sanctuary and Healing Center at 4055 Wilkins Rd. Before she joined the leadership team at HOOVES, Ms. Goolsby was a participant in the therapy program.
Perrysburg Topgolf-like facility falls through
A Topgolf-like facility, rumored for Perrysburg for the last year — on land that underwent a controversial zoning change — has fallen through, according to a city official. After Thursday’s planning commission meeting, Brody Walters, Perrysburg planning and zoning administrator, was asked for an update on the project.
4 running for 3 Perrysburg City Council seats on Nov. 4
The four candidates running for three seats on Perrysburg City Council are focused on spurring economic development in a town known for its stellar school system — which is struggling financially — and expansive residential areas that attract families. The candidates on Nov. 4 include current Council President Kevin Fuller, who said city decisions are always made with an eye on the school district and open communication.
Tip line taken down in Perrysburg; school community urged to use state number
A tip line touted as a way for the Perrysburg schools community to anonymously report suspicious behavior is being deactivated. At Monday’s board of education meeting, Kadee Anstadt, interim superintendent, said Perrysburg will instead promote the Safer Ohio School Tip Line. The school district reporting system in Perrysburg was launched in January in response to allegations of improper conduct about high school teacher and assistant athletic director John Henline, who resigned in December.
Perrysburg school board votes to cut busing, sports if Nov. 4 levy fails
Perrysburg schools leaders laid out a list of $6 million in cuts, including all athletics and high school busing, that will be implemented if a new operating levy request fails Nov. 4. At Monday’s meeting, the board of education heard from principals and staff how the proposed cuts would affect their students and buildings if a five-year, 7.8-mill levy is rejected. The property tax will raise $11 million annually, and cost the owner of a $200,000 home $546 a year.
‘Things are tight’: Wood County library director lays out how state cuts affect budget
BOWLING GREEN — Visitors to the Wood County District Public Library may see the director checking out books for patrons at the Bowling Green or Walbridge branches. “Things are tight,” said Director Michael Penrod, discussing budget cuts due to state funding at the Sept. 15 board meeting. The board, which hadn’t met since early summer, heard how the state budget, signed by the governor July 1, has impacted the library. “The statehouse fundamentally changed how we are funded,” Mr. Penrod said.
Perrysburg Twp. trustee pressures peers to swap cemetery seats
A Perrysburg Township trustee again pressed his fellow board members to swap cemetery seats with him after a vote for an at-large member did not go his way. At Wednesday’s meeting, Gary Britten asked Bob Mack and Joe Schaller who was going to take his place on the Fort Meigs Union Cemetery board. Earlier this month, Mr. Britten told his fellow trustees that he was quitting after a man he did not support was picked for the Fort Meigs at-large seat.
Check out a dog for a day, a walk, or ‘sleep-rover’
BOWLING GREEN — Go to the library and check out a book. Visit the humane society and check out ... a dog? Doggy Day Out at the Wood County Humane Society does just that. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, people are invited to stop by the shelter at 801 Van Camp Rd. and take a dog out for a walk, a half-day visit, or even a “sleep-rover.” Nic Hardin, shelter manager, said Doggy Day Out is a short-term foster program where community members can take an adoptable shelter dog on an offsite adventure.
Perrysburg Twp. trustees reject rezoning that could have allowed apartments
Residents of a Perrysburg Township subdivision resoundingly said “not in my backyard” to a potential multistory apartment complex, and the township trustees agreed. At a public hearing Wednesday, the trustees voted to reject the rezoning request of two parcels of land from A-1, agricultural and R-3, suburban residential district, to R-5, multiple family residential district. The 48 acres are on the east side of Oregon Road, west of Tracy Road and south of the Lakemont subdivision.
First responder recognition: Perrysburg swears in police chief, honors employees
Perrysburg City Council celebrated first responders at Tuesday’s meeting, swearing in a new police chief and recognizing officers of the year. Chris Sargent, who had been deputy police chief, was formally sworn in as police chief. He is replacing Patrick Jones, who took the new deputy city administrator position, and is also the public safety director.
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