🌱 Mud Hens Opening Day Friday + Teens Assault Man In West Toledo

Good morning, Toledo! This will be my last Patch newsletter. Thank you for your readership and here's to many more things to look forward to in the great Glass City. Here are today's top stories:

• The home of the mother of Kyshawn Pittman, who was murdered along with Ke'Marion Wilder in December 2022, caught fire twice early Sunday morning.
• Wayne Braddy Junior and Karl Willis were released from prison Tuesday night after serving for the 1998 murder of 13-year-old Maurice Purifie.
• Mud Hens/Walleye Director Craig Katz is preparing for his 20th opening day this Friday, with thousands of people expected to swarm Downtown Toledo.

But first, today's weather:

Showers of rain and snow. High: 47 Low: 22.

Here are the top five stories today in Toledo:

1. The home of the mother of Kyshawn Pittman, who was murdered along with Ke'Marion Wilder in December 2022, caught fire twice early Sunday morning. Toledo Fire & Rescue was dispatched twice to the home of Kenyatta Reynolds at 1:41 AM and later at 4:49 AM. The home had to be demolished after suffering severe damage. (WTOL)
2. A 32-year-old homeless man was reportedly assaulted by two teenage suspects he estimated to be 14-16 years old at Council and Detroit Monday night around 11:00 PM. Toledo Police responded and discovered the victim suffering from a serious head injury but he refused to go to the hospital. (WTVG)
3. Wayne Braddy Junior and Karl Willis were released from prison Tuesday night after serving for the 1998 murder of 13-year-old Maurice Purifie. The Ohio Innocence Project helped the men appeal their case to a federal court after co-defendant Travis Slaughter recanted his story, which had been used as the sole basis for their conviction. (WTVG)
4. A Toledo man was apprehended by the Bowling Green Police using license plate reader cameras. Trey Radford, 24, allegedly stole $1,529 worth of goods from Sally Beauty Supply but an employee's cell phone photo of the getaway car lead to Radford's arrest. (BG Independent Media)
5. Mud Hens/Walleye Director Craig Katz is preparing for his 20th opening day this Friday, with thousands of people expected to swarm Downtown Toledo. Nearby businesses like Ye Olde Durty Bird have been preparing with "a lot of deliveries" and encourage patrons to start the festivities early. (WNWO)

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Today in Toledo:

• Career Expo and Job Fair 2023 - Maumee Chamber of Commerce (1:45 PM)
• Northstar: Google Docs for Beginners - Mott Branch Library (2:00 PM)
• STEM-Y Pile of Fun! - Reynolds Corners Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Glovation Circus - West Toledo Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Book Hedgehogs - Toledo Public Library - Main Branch (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A 26-year-old woman was reportedly pistol-whipped by "known suspects" at the Glendale Village Apartments around 11:45 PM Monday. The victim told police the suspects were "looking for stolen drugs and believed her to be involved." (WTVG)
• A new Early Learning Center in South Toledo will open at the former St. James school at Orchard and Broadway. The move is a collaboration between the Mosaic Family Zone and Baby University. (WTVG)

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