🌱 Charges For Oshae Jones May Be Dropped + Toledo Zoo Orchid Show

Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Toledo Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally - and check that event section if you want info on how to catch me in Oregon Community Theatre's Noises Off.

• Olympic bronze medalist boxer Oshae Jones will have her charges dismissed if she completes a safety and justice class after pleading no contest to resisting arrest, obstructing official business and failure to disperse.
• The Toledo City Council is hosting a public meeting addressing gun violence initiatives in City Council Chambers on February 16 at 6:30 PM.
• Area residents can help shape the future of Downtown Toledo thanks to ConnecToledo and an online survey and what may turn out to be a billion dollar investment.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning. High: 31 Low: 24.

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Here are the top five stories in Toledo today:

1. Olympic bronze medalist boxer Oshae Jones will have her charges dismissed if she completes a safety and justice class after pleading no contest to resisting arrest, obstructing official business, and failure to disperse. Jones and her attorneys initially asked for the charges to be dropped and an apology from Toledo Police after video showed an officer strike Ms. Jones in the head. (WTOL)
2. The Toledo Zoo Orchid Show runs this weekend and next and features 1,800 orchid blooms from all over the world. Plant sales will be available until 2 PM while the event lasts from 10 AM - 4 PM at the ProMedica Museum of Natural History and the Aquarium. (WNWO)
3. The Toledo City Council is hosting a public meeting addressing gun violence initiatives in City Council Chambers on February 16 at 6:30 PM. Free parking will be available at the Beech Street parking garage between N. Huron and N. Erie Streets. (WTVG)
4. Area residents can help shape the future of Downtown Toledo thanks to ConnecToledo and an online survey and what may turn out to be a billion dollar investment. Tony Packos worker Casey Werley hopes the future holds "community-focused events that can really encompass the different ethnic heritages that Toledo represents." (WTOL)
5. The American Legion Post 73 in Fostoria is nearly 100 years old and in need of major repairs. The veterans are asking for the community's help in fixing the beloved structure and have started a GoFundMe. (WTVG)

Today in Toledo:

• 'Noises Off' by Oregon Community Theatre - Fassett Middle School (7:30 PM)\
• Black History Business Mixer at TolHouse - 1447 N. Summit St. (6:00 PM)
• Cocoa and Canvas at Brookwood Area - Swan Creek Metropark (5:30 PM)
• Old School Board Games - Toledo Public Library - Main Branch (3:00 PM)
• Toledo Zoo Orchid Show - ProMedica Museum of Natural History and Aquarium (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Simply Married wedding chapel at 1500 Adams Street is celebrating 8 years as an affordable alternative to the typical expensive wedding. Owner Jess Kozak takes "all of the headache out of wedding planning" and appointments can be made by phone, possibly even same-day. (WTVG)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Glass City Record Show (February 19)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. See you all tomorrow 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at toledo@patch.com