First Solar Expansion Plan + Metroparks Safety + New Mask Mandate

Good Day Glass City!

Welcome to today's edition of the Toledo Patch daily - the quickest way to get caught up on the biggest news and events.

I'm Brad King, a lifelong Northwest Ohio native and proud graduate of the University of Toledo (Go Rockets!). It's an exciting time to be a Toledoan, with revitalization happening all over the city, you never know what great happenings are just on the horizon! This is your source for local news, politics, art, and entertainment.

Today's Weather:

The high will be 84 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a low of 65 degrees. Expect rain showers around 6 PM that could continue into the night.

Here are the top 5 stories in Toledo today:

1. First Solar is planning to expand its facility on State Route 795 and Tracy Road. The expansion would create about 500 new jobs in the Lake Township area if approved.
   The zoning hearing is scheduled for June 17. (WTOL)
2. Industrial Realty Group announced it has acquired the former Teledyne manufacturing plant in Toledo. The property was purchased from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, along with an additional 40 acres north of the structure. (WTOL)
3. Toledo Metroparks have had an increasing amount of car break-ins. Vandals have been smashing car windows and taking valuables. Five such break-ins occurred over the Memorial Day weekend. Metropark safety measures include 25 rangers, 1 detective, cameras, and 300 trail patrol volunteers. Nevertheless, Metroparks spokersperson Scott Carpenter advises park-goers to bring only what you need and take it with you on the trails. (WTOL)
4. Oregon City Schools plans to expand its already impressive camera security system. Clay High School alone has over 100 campus cameras. The entire district has about 275 cameras and is looking to expand that number to 300. The district expects to receive $6 million over time through the Federal CARES Act ESSER funding to pay for the cameras and software upgrade. (WTOL)
5. Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced that fully vaccinated food service employees are no longer required to wear face coverings. The mask mandate is still in place for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. (13 ABC)

Today in Toledo

• "ONE" Group Art Exhibition will include paintings, drawings, ceramics, and other mixed media elements from Northwest Ohio's "hardest working and locally embedded artists." The Switchboard, 912 Monroe Street. (6 PM)
• Believe Center Carnival - carnival rides, games, performances, contests, raffles, youth boxing. 1 Aurora Gonzalez Dr. (5 PM)
• Most Blessed Sacrament Summerfest, 4255 Bellevue Rd. (9 AM)
• Free First Fridays at Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green (10 AM)
• Wine Tasting at Benfield Wines, 102 N Main St, Swanton (12 PM)
• First Friday Red Bird Art Walk, downtown Sylvania. Art exhibits, boutique specials, food trucks, and live music. Bring a chair and your favorite beverage and come celebrate! (5 PM)
• Family Night Cruise on the Sandpiper, 1 Jefferson Ave. (6 PM)
• Beethoven's Pastoral with Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Museum of Art (8 PM)
• SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Ottawa Park Amphitheater (8 PM)

Toledo Patch Notebook

• The Susan G. Komen Toledo and Findlay Races for the Cure will be in person this year. The fundraiser occurs this September in downtown Toledo after being held virtually during last year's quarantine.
• Archery programs now through June 27 at Toledo area Metroparks
• Ladies' Day at Sofo's market - 10% off your order every second and fourth Tuesday
• Toledo-Lucas County Public Library presents The American Woman and World War II. Exhibit happening at the downtown location now through October 1, 2021

So now you're all up to date with the goings-on in the great Glass City. Tune in tomorrow for more updates on the news and entertainment that you need to know!
-Brad

About me: I grew up just outside Toledo, back when the Mud Hens were in Maumee. I studied at UT and witnessed firsthand as downtown Toledo became THE place to be, and find new reasons to love this city everyday. I'm thrilled to report on all the good news, good eats, and good music this city has to offer.