OHIO — The Red Cross needs donations after winter storm Fern affected the collection of 20,000 blood donations.
Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of 2026.
Winter storms have made the transportation of vital blood products, which could affect deliveries to hospitals across Ohio.
Some hospitals have been forced to cancel elective procedures because of the shortage. Trauma surgeons and doctors could face the possibility that blood could run out, according to the Red Cross.
You can book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting Red Cross’s website or calling 1-800-733-2767.
OHIO — Ohio officials are teaming up to remind motorists of their “personal responsibility” to practice safe driving habits along the state’s major roadways.
What You Need To Know
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are teaming up to encourage safe behaviors
For the fourth year, Ohio has seen a decrease in fatal crashes across the state, including 37 fewer lives lost in 2025 when compared to 2024
OSHP will conduct high-visibility patrols on the turnpike throughout 2026, focusing on violations that put drivers at risk, such as distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission are teaming up to encourage safe behaviors when behind the wheel.
“Our troopers, our partners at the turnpike and first responders regularly encounter the aftermath of a poor choice that is made while behind the wheel,” said Staff Lt. Rick Reeder, Ohio State Highway Patrol. “These poor choices leave lasting impacts on families and communities, and many of them could have been avoided.”
For the fourth year, Ohio has seen a decrease in fatal crashes across the state, including 37 fewer lives lost in 2025 when compared to 2024. The Ohio Turnpike had its lowest number of lives lost in the last 5 years at 10.
From 2021 through 2025 on the Ohio Turnpike, there were:
4,061 speed-related crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities and 1,637 injuries
304 crashes where a distraction played a role, causing one death and injuring 143 others
32 fatalities where a safety belt was available but not used
“As you can see, in too many instances, these senseless tragedies resulted from something that was preventable,” Staff Lt. Reeder said.
OSHP will conduct high-visibility patrols on the turnpike throughout 2026, focusing on violations that put drivers at risk, such as distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt.
“Innovations like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot warnings are impressive and helpful, yet they’re not a substitute for safe driving behaviors and letting your guard down,” said Ohio Turnpike Chief Engineer Chris Matta, who also serves as deputy executive director for the turnpike commission. “Improving safety isn’t a switch we flip overnight. It’s ongoing work — through education, enforcement, outreach and most importantly, personal responsibility,” added Matta.
Over the past five years, more than 6,000 people have died on Ohio’s roadways, and data shows the top crash factors remain the same for both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
These factors include:
Unsafe speed
Improper lane changes
Following too closely
Failure to yield
Last year, more than 56 million cars and trucks traveled 3 billion miles on the Ohio Turnpike, with commercial vehicles accounting for about 25% of traffic on the turnpike.
Buses and trucks have larger blind spots, less maneuverability, and need more distance to stop.
The American Trucking Associations’ Share the Road campaign gave tips for drivers on ensuring safety:
Never cut in front of a truck
Don’t linger alongside a truck
Pass safely and promptly
Stay clear of blind spots;
Remember: if you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror, they can’t see you
Give trucks room to maneuver
“This has already been a challenging winter,” said Matta. “Snowplow trucks are not obstacles. They’re making our roadway safer. Please give them plenty of room to work.”
Drivers can report reckless or impaired driving and drug activity by calling #677.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Organizers for Bash on the Bay, an annual country music festival held in Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, announced Monday it’s pausing the event this year, citing scheduling conflicts.
“Having the event during the week poses many difficult hurdles,” organziers wrote in a Facebook post. “We are working on moving the festival to Friday and Saturday.”
They said if it’s not possible in Put-in-Bay, other venues will be explored, possibly on the mainland.
“We appreciate all the fan support over the past 10 years for the eight shows we have done and look forward to many more,” organizers wrote.
Last year’s Bash on the Bay featured many artists, including Luke Bryan, Parmalee, Kin Faux, Alex Miller and Sam Hunt.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Support staff from the Springfield Local School District in Lucas County have gone on strike because union contract standstill in negotiations.
What You Need To Know
Nearly 100 members of the support staff Union Local 478 went on strike on Wednesday
Formal negotiations between the board and the labor union started in June 2025
Those affected by the strike are educational aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, recess monitors, secretaries and bus drivers
Coming into the new year, the union and the school board did not come to an agreement. On Wednesday, nearly 100 support staff union local 478 members went on strike.
They waved their signs and shouted their demands as cars drove by, and parents dropped off their kids at school.
“We are out here for a better contract, a fair contract, fair wages and most importantly, we want to have lower insurance,” said Danielle Welch, a secretary with Springfield High School.
Welch said the strike is heartbreaking. She is not only part of the support staff, but she’s also a parent with kids in the district.
“I love the kids. They’re the best part of my job to me — to know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life. It’s just priceless,” explained Welch.
Formal negotiations between the board and the labor union started in June 2025. The union’s contract ended at the ended June 30th.
Chris Griffith from the Ohio Association of Public School Employees said after months of negotiations, they deserve better than what the Springfield school board is offering.
“We’re out here picketing today for the right to work inside the schools. We’re picketing for better insurance rates,” said Griffith. “We can’t afford to have the increase the school board is putting on us right now.”
The Springfield Local School District and Superintendent Matt Geha issued a statement saying:
“The district has negotiated fairly and honestly, suggesting contractual language that would benefit its employees and improve operations across the district. The board’s compensation package is believed to be fair and currently offers an increase in wages while asking for modest increases in health insurance contributions from the employee.”
Those affected by the strike are educational aides, custodians, cafeteria workers, recess monitors, secretaries and bus drivers. School is still in session, but there is no busing, no hot lunch or breakfast, and the schools won’t be cleaned.
“The funding cuts at the state level are dramatically hurting all these local school systems and the villages, and city schools, and it’s not looking any better,” said Griffith.
Griffith said the strike will continue until they’re offered a better contract.
“Come back to the table for a reasonable deal and have the board work with us to get an equitable contract for all of our people,” said Griffith.
According to Griffith, the district’s proposals would reduce employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), extend increased employee premium shares, shift additional healthcare costs onto support staff and fail to provide a wage increase that keeps up with the rising cost of living.
It’s not clear when the union will meet with the board to discuss the contract.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Nationwide Children’s Hospital has announced that the 6.6-acre property located at 1946 North 13th St. in Toledo was donated to their foundation by BTC Toledo.
What You Need To Know
Property at 1946 North 13th St. in Toledo was donated to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation
Tenants have been told about the change in ownership
There are currently no finalized plans for the property
“This remarkably generous gift will allow Nationwide Children’s – Toledo to continue expanding our infrastructure and provides us an opportunity to help even more children achieve their best outcomes,” said Rick Miller, President of Nationwide Children’s – Toledo in a press release. “The donation from BTC Toledo and the Pennie family will improve the lives of children and families in northwest Ohio for decades to come. We’re grateful that the Pennie family has chosen to contribute in this way to our goal of nurturing the highest-quality pediatric care in Toledo.”
In the release, Nationwide Children’s notes that the property is home to various businesses and community organizations. They said the current tenants have been notified about the ownership change.
There are not currently any finalized plans for the property, but Nationwide Children’s vice president for planning and business development, Libbey Hoang, said they will make sure they keep kids and families a priority.
“While specific plans are still being developed, the possibilities are wide ranging—from supporting patient care and population health initiatives—to creating space for local nonprofits and community partners,” Hoang said in the release. “In Columbus, we routinely collaborate with health systems and nonprofits to develop facilities and programs that address the greatest areas of need. We will take the same thoughtful approach here, ensuring that whatever goes into this space reflects the priorities of children and families in northwest Ohio.”
TOLEDO, Ohio — ProMedica Toledo Hospital announced that its first baby of the year was born at 3:27 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
His name is De’Kari Stafan Tilman. His mother’s is Joimoni Tilman of Toledo. He was born 19 inches long and weighed six pounds, according to a press release from ProMedica.
There’s always plenty to do in Ohio over the weekend, and Spectrum News 1 gathered some highlights around each major metropolitan area across the state.
When and where: This exhibition lasts until Jan. 4, so this is your last weekend to check it out at the conservatory and botanical gardens, located at 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus
Cost: Included with admission
Info: The theme of this exhibition is Hues of the Holidays. The website calls it an “enchanting botanical experience is where color takes center stage.”
When and where: This seasonal event lasts through Jan. 4 Cincinnati Parks’ Krohn Conservatory, located at 1501 Eden Park Drive
Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for kids age 5-17, free for kids 5 and younger
Info: This event includes a “botanical model of Cincinnati,” trains, landmarks and more. This is your last weekend to check out the event as it ends Jan. 4
When and where: Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on select nights (including this Friday and Saturday) until Jan. 3 at Day Air Ballpark, located at 220 N Patterson Blvd. in Dayton
Cost: $14 for Friday through Sunday tickets, free for kids 2 and younger
Info: This event features light displays and shows, decorations and more “to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones!”
Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has announced his retirement
This ends a 40+ year coaching career
He was 60-44 as coach at Youngstown State from 2001 to 2009
He’s from Beloit, Ohio, and started coaching career in 1983 at Toledo
Heacock, known for a 3-3-5 scheme with the Cyclones, was a finalist for the Broyles Award that recognizes college football’s top assistant coach in 2017 and was nominated for it from 2022-25.
He was a top assistant on Matt Campbell’s staff at Iowa State for 10 seasons and at Toledo for two seasons. Campbell left Iowa State earlier this month to lead Penn State’s program.
Heacock was 60-44 as coach at Youngstown State from 2001 to 2009, leading the second-tier college football program to the FCS semifinals in 2006 and earning conference coach of the year honors twice.
The 65-year-old Heacock, who is from Beloit, Ohio, started his coaching career in 1983 at Toledo as a graduate assistant. He later was a graduate assistant for the late Bo Schembechler at Michigan and defensive coordinator for Jim Tressel at Youngstown State.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo announced Wednesday it’s launching the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute, which will bring together experts to help advance cancer treatment.
What You Need To Know
The institute will create an environment for collaboration for clinicians and researchers who specialize in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and physics at UToledo, along with partners ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic
The experts include 50 University of Toledo faculty who have active cancer research supported by nearly $13 million in grants
They will be tasked with developing innovative projects, competing for large-scale grants to advance their work and more
“Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute aims to unite the strengths of UToledo and our partners to advance scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer in and beyond northwest Ohio,” said Dr. Jian-Ting Zhang, a professor in UToledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences and inaugural director of the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute.
The institute will create an environment for collaboration for clinicians and researchers who specialize in biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy and physics at UToledo, along with partners ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic. So far, 60 experts have been chosen for inaugural membership, according to the university.
The experts include 50 University of Toledo faculty who have active cancer research supported by nearly $13 million in grants.
They will be tasked with developing innovate projects, competing for large-scale grants to advance their work and more. They will also collaborate with working groups specializing in breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer.
“The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute will provide the infrastructure to turn laboratory discoveries into patient-centered care innovations,” said Dr. Imran Ali, dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. “Our members will be well equipped to accelerate the translation of their research discoveries into innovative prevention strategies and improved detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer for patients regionally in northwest Ohio as well as across the United States and worldwide.”
The University of Toledo said the new center will also support growth in experiential learning, innovative research and community health.
“The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute is a unique opportunity to advance all of these launch pads as we advance medical research and positively impact the health and well-being of our region,” University of Toledo President James Holloway said. “The institute will position us as a regional leader in translational cancer research, elevating the visibility and impact of the innovative work of our faculty and partners while establishing new opportunities to train the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists.”
TOLEDO, Ohio — The City of Toledo is offering residents six locations to drop off their live Christmas trees this year.
What You Need To Know
The service is free
Drop-offs can continue through Jan. 31
Drop-off locations will be clearly marked
The service is free, and trees can be dropped off through Jan. 31, 2026, at these park locations:
Jermain Park – 1720 S. Cove Blvd.
Ravine II Park – 1699 S. Ravine Pkwy.
Byrne Park – 2201 Byrne Road
Detwiler Park – 3775 E. Manhattan Blvd.
Bowman Park – 1955 W Laskey Road
Highland Park – 1965 Finch St.
The drop-off locations will be clearly marked, the city said. All trees should be clear of lights, decorations and any other materials.
The National Christmas Tree Foundation estimates around 25 to 30 million Americans purchase real Christmas trees every year. There are also more than 4,000 local Christmas tree recycling programs throughout the U.S.
In addition to turning trees into mulch, cities and other organizations can repurpose trees in different ways.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, live trees can be dropped into lakes or ponds to help improve fish habitats. Algae forms on the trees over time, providing nutrients. The trees can also serve as a refuge from predators.
Some trees may be placed in state parks by local crews. The trees can help form a habitat for birds, providing them both warmth from the cold and a sanctuary for nesting. Contact local state park officials for more information.
OHIO — More Ohio high school football playoff games took place Friday night with several closely contested matches, including three state semifinal matchups.
Fans can watch the OHSAA playoffs replays on Spectrum News 1 and on the Spectrum News mobile app. Fourteen total games are available to watch.
Olentangy Orange vs. St. Edward – Northern Ohio Division I, Region 1 Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus
The undefeated Orange took on the Eagles in the the Division 1 state semifinals. It should be a high scoring matchup, with both teams averaging around 36 points per game. They battled it out at Arlin Field in Mansfield.
St. Xavier vs. Middletown – Central Ohio Division I, Region 2 Airing on Spectrum News 1 in Cincinnati & Dayton
Another state semifinals battle between the Bombers and Middies took place at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. Its the Bombers first appearance in the state semifinals since 2020. Middletown will be riding high coming into this matchup after capturing their first regional title.
This state semifinal game was grudge match carrying over from last year. The Raptors came into this matchup undefeated on the season, while Big Walnut had only lost one game. Both teams set out to show who really is the better football organization in this matchup at Historic Crew Stadium.
Other matchups
Here is a list of games that will be available for fans to watch on the Spectrum News mobile app:
Arguably the biggest rivalry in college football comes to a head once again this Saturday in Ann Arbor, when The Ohio State University Buckeyes take on the University of Michigan Wolverines at The Big House before an audience of more than 110,000 in person and millions on TV.
Spectrum News 1 breaks down everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Wisconsin Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
While last year’s 13-10 loss galvanized the Buckeyes and propelled them toward their first national championship in 10 years, the pain of that defeat has not been forgotten.
Julian Sayin has done everything that has been asked of him in his first season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback. Yet what remains is a signature drive or performance.
A rivalry that seems as old as time heats up once again on Saturday. But what makes the Ohio State and Michigan matchups mean so much to students, alumni and fans?
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins plays against Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
OHIO — After a rugged, 10-game regular season schedule, having an off week before the playoffs start seems like a good idea on the surface.
What You Need To Know
A battle-tested Trotwood team faces a formidable foe in Lima Senior
The game will air on Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App
As additional 19 games will be streamed at spectrumnews1.com
The Ohio High School Athletic Association football tournament went from 16 teams per region down to 12 this season, creating byes for the first time in history, outside of opt outs, forfeits or in 2020 when all schools that wanted to participate in the postseason got in.
However, high school football coaches are notoriously regimented, and many would prefer to keep the weekly routine going and not lose any momentum or focus.
Then there’s this—albeit from a very tiny sample size—to give pause to the head coaches of the 112 schools in Ohio that had an opening week bye in the postseason; in last year’s inaugural 12-team college football playoff, the four teams with first-round byes all lost in the quarterfinals.
For the glass half-full crowd, the bye represents a week off to rest and heal, before hosting a regional quarterfinal on your home field.
Spectrum News 1 will give you a home advantage, by presenting four live games Friday night, going to the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton markets.
For viewers in Dayton and Northwest Ohio, it’s a Division II, Region 8 battle between Lima Senior (9-2) and Trotwood (6-3).
The Spartans, a member of the Toledo City League, blew through the Glass City winning six league games by a cumulative score of 280-34. That momentum carried over into the first round of the playoffs, and a 62-20 win over Cincinnati Aiken.
Lima Senior’s two setbacks came at the hands of Findlay and Anthony Wayne, who are both still alive in the playoffs. The Spartans are seeking their first regional title since 1996, which ended with a Division I state championship win over St. Ignatius.
Trotwood won it all in 2019, 2017 and 2011, as head coach Jeff Graham is no stranger to postseason success. The Rams earned plenty of computer points (finishing fourth in Region 8) with wins over Division I opponents Cleveland Heights, Fairmont and Springfield.
Trotwood hasn’t played a game since Oct. 24, and while the Rams will be rested, they’ll have to guard against rust.
Additionally, Spectrum News 1 will broadcast 25 games on www.SpectrumNews1.com, with the following matchups:
Previous games from the season are also available on demand through our website.
The playoffs continue next Friday, Nov. 14, with live games in the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton zones, and as many as 19 games available through the Spectrum News 1 website.
The excitement runs all the way through Dec. 4-6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, site of the OHSAA football championships, live on Spectrum News 1 and the Spectrum News App.
OHIO — The Department of Development is providing around $230,000 in funding for all of Ohio’s 88 counties to rid their communities of unsafe, vacant buildings until July 1, 2026.
The goal of the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program is to help upgrade communities by preparing abandoned sites for future use.
What You Need To Know
The Department of Development is providing funding to counties across Ohio to demolish vacant buildings
The goal is to revitalize communties around the state
Ohio’s counties will receive $230,000 for demolition efforts
“Blighted buildings don’t just drag down neighborhoods — they stand in the way of opportunity,” said Gov.Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. “This program plays a vital role in helping our communities clear those obstacles so new homes, businesses, and green spaces can thrive in their place.”
Through seven rounds of previous funding, the initiative has supported more than 6,000 demolition projects across the state.
“Ohio communities have seen tremendous success transforming once-forgotten, blighted spaces into new opportunities for growth,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “The Demolition and Site Revitalization program gives our local partners the tools they need to eliminate dangerous structures and make way for brighter futures.”
The program is apart of the Ohio BUILDS Intiative, which focuses on supporting communities by providing water infrastructure inprovements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment and demolition of blighted buildings.
The department will begin accepting grant applications from all counties on Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. until Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Retired NFL star and current coach Eddie George has some competition when it comes to being the most popular figure on Bowling Green’s football team.
What You Need To Know
Pudge the Cat has become a social media sensation for Bowling Green’s football team
Receiver Finn Hogan posted a TikTok video showing Pudge in the Falcons’ locker room, and the big orange cat quickly gained popularity. The 3-year-old exotic shorthair Persian belongs to long snapper George Carlson, who brought Pudge to lift teammates’ spirits
Pudge now has his own Instagram page and even wears a jersey
Through a NIL deal, T-shirts featuring Pudge are being sold. Head coach Eddie George, who is allergic to cats, has even become a fan, saying Pudge is now part of the football family
Pudge The Cat has become a social media sensation since receiver Finn Hogan put a video on TikTok that showed the feline inside the locker room at the Sebo Athletic Center. Since then, the big orange cat has racked up the shares and likes across multiple platforms and gotten shoutouts on the likes of “Good Morning America.”
Pudge made his sideline debut Thursday night, complete with a cameo on ESPN, as the Falcons defeated Lafayette 26-7.
The 3-year-old exotic shorthair Persian belongs to long snapper George Carlson, who brought Pudge to the complex to lift the spirits of his Falcons teammates during an off day.
“I enjoy just making people happy and putting smiles on people’s faces. He’s done that for me for so long, so I wanted to share that joy,” Carlson said.
Besides the TikTok video, Pudge also has his own page on Instagram and wears his own jersey when inside the locker room. Through a NIL deal, T-shirts featuring a cartoon caricature of Pudge wearing a BG helmet are being sold.
“It’s awesome to see he’s taking off, great for the program and great for George because he’s a great cat,” said linebacker Gideon Lampron, who added that people are asking him about the kitty on campus.
Pudge did have some doubters at first, especially George, the head coach, and cornerback Jalen McClendon. George is allergic to cats and McClendon was attacked by a cat when he was 13. There have been no cat-astrophes: Both have become fans of the feline, whose breed is hypoallergenic.
“Pudge is cute. My wife loves Pudge. He’s become part of the [football] family,” George said. “Pudge stays out of my way, I stay out of his way and we are fine.”
Little things do add up, and aluminum pull tabs are a good example.
Those small metal openers on pop and other cans weigh very little, but they are bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
RMHC operate homes were families can stay while their children are treated for serious conditions at nearby hospitals. Years ago, the global organization began collecting aluminum pull tabs as a fundraiser. There is a Ronald McDonald House in Toledo and two in Ann Arbor.
“We do not have a total number of houses in the U.S. or world that collect tabs, but (RMHC) Global says that most in the U.S. do collect tabs,” said Adam Simpson, communications and marketing coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio.
The Northwest Ohio chapter, which is based in Toledo, began in 1982. It started collecting tabs in 1986.
“In 2024, we estimated that our Ronald McDonald House collected 16.3 million tabs. In 2024, we raised over $7,600 through our tab program. Year to date in 2025, we have raised nearly $7,000, so we’ll shatter last year’s numbers. It all depends on the price of aluminum. We work with our local partner, OmniSource. They donated a collection container to us. When the container is full, they come and pick it up, weigh the tabs, recycle and send us a check for whatever the price per pound of aluminum is,” Simpson said.
A child drops aluminum pull tabs into a donation bin at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio. The Toledo-based organization and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor both accept donations of pull tabs.
“The proceeds we receive from our tab program help offset the cost of pantry items for families at our Ronald McDonald House,” Simpson said.
In 2024, 30 Monroe County families had 500 overnight stays at the Toledo Ronald McDonald House. So far this year, 21 families have had 485 overnight stays, according to Simpson.
In Ann Arbor, proceeds go into the general fund.
“The money generated from the pop tab donation is considered a general donation to RMHC to support the families staying with us. It does not have a designated program it supports,” said Shelby Kennedy, development and marketing manager for the RMHC of Ann Arbor.
The Main House in Ann Arbor is a short walk from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and has 31 rooms with private bathrooms, according to organization’s webpage.
The second Ann Arbor location, Mott House, is on the 10th floor of Mott Children’s Hospital. It has 12 guest rooms available.
Why collect just the tabs?
Tabs are cleaner than cans and smaller than cans, so they are easier to store and transport, according to RMHC.
Can I still get my 10-cent deposit back on Michigan cans without tabs?
“Yes, cans can be returned without the pop tab attached to them,” Kennedy said.
Are just tabs from pop cans accepted?
No, any aluminum pull tab is accepted, including tabs from soup, fruit, vegetables and pet food cans.
“If you’re unsure if your tabs are acceptable or not, you can see if they stick to a magnet. If they do, then they’re steel and should not be included in your collection,” according to RMHC of Ann Arbor.
How many tabs are in one pound?
“It takes approximately 1,200 tabs to equal one pound,” according to RMHC of Ann Arbor.
Where can I take my tabs?
Monroe: A collection bin can be found at the registration desk at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, 718 N. Macomb St. in Monroe. The hospital donates to RMHC of Northwest Ohio.
Toledo: “The best place to drop off tabs would be our Ronald McDonald House located at 3883 Monroe St., Toledo,” Simpson said. “We’re open 24/7, 365, but the best time to drop off donations is between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.”
Ann Arbor: Pop Tab Hut in the parking lot of the Main House, 1600 Washington Heights in Ann Arbor. The best times are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. “Follow the directions posted for recording your donation. Please call the House first if you are delivering a large quantity at 734-994-4442,” Kennedy said.
Detroit: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Detroit, 4707 St. Antoine, Suite 200, Detroit.
In this 2003 photo, D.J. Martinez, then 9, shows some of the 86,000 tabs he collected with his family, including his grandfather, Roy Smith.
Through the years, some in Monroe County have collected large amounts of pull tabs.
In July of 2023, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital said on its Facebook page that it collected 142 pounds of tabs over the previous 12 months for the RMHC of Northwest Ohio.
In 2011, Carleton siblings Logan and Lexi McLaughlin, with help from the Wagar Middle School National Junior Honor Society, collected more than 67,000 pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Toledo.
A 2003 Monroe News story featured Roy Smith, whose collection of 100,000 pop tabs was handed down to his 9-year-old grandson, D.J. Martinez. D.J. of Erie continued his grandfather’s mission and filled 22 milk jugs with tabs.
The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.
You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.
How to choose your alerts
1. Go to settings and select manage notifications.
2. Select the Weather option.
3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.
4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.
The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.
The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.
The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.
You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.
How to choose your alerts
1. Go to settings and select manage notifications.
2. Select the Weather option.
3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.
4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.
The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.
The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.
The alerts allow you to get advanced notice of various weather conditions in and around your location.
You can opt in to get alerts that tell you when lightning strikes near you, when rain or snow is going to start at your location, as well as an array of advisories, watches and warnings.
How to choose your alerts
1. Go to settings and select manage notifications.
2. Select the Weather option.
3. Here, you can indicate if you want to receive alerts for lightning near your location and alerts for when rain or snow starts near you.
4. When you select the Weather and Safety Alerts, you will see 3 options to choose from.
The first option, Severe Watches and Warnings Only, includes only critical alerts like tornado, snow, hurricane and flood warnings.
The second option adds watches and more warnings for conditions like extreme heat and cold, lake-effect snow, air quality, coastal flooding and more.
