In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌤️ Mentor Weather - Partly Cloudy - Temps 55-56

 🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily

❄️ Northeast Ohio's Winter Battle Plan: ODOT Prepares Fleet, Seeks Additional Plow Drivers

 📰 Mentor's September Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.0%

 ❎ Where Do You Vote? Find Your Polling Place for November 5th Now

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: The Pet Corner: 🐕🐈 Safeguarding Your Furry Family Members at Home: A Complete Guide

 🏈 Unbeaten Mentor and Lake Catholic Teams Gear Up for Friday Showdowns

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Oct 24-25

Complete list of events and all the details in the link above “Mentor Live Events”. New Events Added Daily.

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
50+ Event Dates

❄️ Northeast Ohio's Winter Battle Plan: ODOT Prepares Fleet, Seeks Additional Plow Drivers

ODOT Launches Early Winter Preparations for Northeast Ohio Roads

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is launching its winter preparedness operations well ahead of the season, with a substantial stockpile of 300,000 tons of salt already in place.

The agency's Northeast Ohio division is conducting comprehensive readiness checks, with over 60 mechanics performing detailed 150-point inspections on more than 400 snowplow trucks. These inspections cover everything from plow blades to salt spreading mechanisms.

The winter response team includes nearly 650 drivers covering 17 counties, managing almost 13,000 lane miles of state and U.S. routes, along with interstate highways (excluding the Ohio Turnpike). These drivers typically work 12-hour shifts during winter weather events, with staffing comprised of both full-time and seasonal employees, supplemented by auxiliary ODOT workers who switch to plowing duties as needed.

ODOT maintains strict performance standards, aiming to clear primary routes within two hours and secondary routes within four hours after snowfall ends. Last winter, the agency achieved this goal 98.3% of the time. During that season, Northeast Ohio crews:

• Covered 1.8 million miles

• Used 146,000 tons of salt

• Applied 3.1 million gallons of liquid deicers

Safety remains a critical concern, as 22 plow trucks were struck by vehicles last winter statewide—a slight improvement from 26 incidents the previous year. ODOT emphasizes the importance of giving plows adequate space to operate, as accidents can disrupt snow clearing operations across entire routes.

The department is currently recruiting additional plow drivers and mechanics for the upcoming season. Interested candidates can apply through ODOT's website.

[Note: This article has been adapted from the original by Ryan Haidet, published October 23, 2024]

The rewrite maintains all the crucial information while presenting it in a more organized format, eliminating the unrelated video content and focusing on the key winter preparation details.

WATCH or Read More at wkyc.com

📰 Mentor's September Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.0%

In September 2024, the City of Mentor saw its unemployment rate drop to 3.0%, marking a 0.3% decrease from the previous month. This rate is identical to the unemployment figure from September 2023. Across Lake County, the unemployment rate also experienced a decline, falling 0.4% to 3.1%—the same rate reported a year ago.

Among Ohio cities with populations over 50,000, Mentor shares the lowest unemployment rate with Lakewood at 3.0%. Parma follows with a 3.3% unemployment rate, while Cleveland Heights holds the third-lowest rate at 3.5%. Kettering ranks fourth at 4.1%, and both Columbus and Cuyahoga Falls come in fifth with 4.3%.

Additionally, Mentor’s civilian labor force grew slightly, increasing by 100 individuals to reach a total of 27,400 workers.

Statewide, Ohio's unemployment rate held steady at 4.2% in September 2024, a rise from the 3.4% rate recorded in September 2023.

❎ Where Do You Vote? Find Your Polling Place for November 5th Now

Election Day is approaching on November 5th! Make sure you're ready to cast your vote by checking the location of your polling place. It’s essential to know where to go so you can participate and have your voice heard. Use the link below to find your designated polling location and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute confusion.

Find Your Polling Place Here

🐕🐈 Safeguarding Your Furry Family Members at Home: A Complete Guide

Creating a safe haven for our beloved pets requires more than just love and attention – it demands awareness and proactive planning. While our homes provide comfort and shelter, they can harbor unexpected hazards that put our four-legged family members at risk. Understanding these dangers and taking steps to prevent accidents is crucial for every pet owner.

Toxic Threats in Plain Sight

Many common household items can pose serious risks to pets. Certain plants like lilies, azaleas, and poinsettias are toxic if ingested, while everyday cleaning products and medications must be stored securely out of reach. Consider replacing harmful plants with pet-friendly alternatives such as spider plants or Boston ferns, and opt for pet-safe cleaning products from trusted brands.

Food Safety: More Than Just Table Scraps

What's harmless to humans can be lethal to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol-containing products are toxic to dogs and cats. Create designated feeding areas and establish clear rules about human food sharing. Store potentially dangerous foods in secured containers and educate family members and guests about the importance of not sharing their meals with pets.

Electrical Safety and Cord Management

Curious pets, especially young ones, may be drawn to electrical cords and outlets. Protect them by using cord protectors and outlet covers, and consider applying pet-safe deterrent sprays on cables. Keep appliances unplugged when not in use and supervise pets around electronic devices.

Secure Storage Solutions

Proper storage of household items is crucial for pet safety. Use pet-proof trash cans with secure lids to prevent access to hazardous waste, and keep small objects that could be choking hazards safely tucked away. Regular inspection of pet toys for wear and tear helps prevent accidental ingestion of broken pieces.

Creating Pet-Friendly Spaces

Design your home with your pets in mind by establishing comfortable rest areas and safe play zones. Use baby gates to restrict access to potentially dangerous areas, and provide plenty of appropriate toys for mental stimulation. Consider elevated feeding stations and designated pet corners where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.

Window and Door Safety

Prevent accidental escapes by securing windows with pet-proof screens and being vigilant about door safety, especially during high-traffic times. For outdoor spaces, maintain secure fencing and create designated play areas with pet-safe landscaping.

Special Considerations for Home Updates

During renovations or when hosting guests, take extra precautions to keep pets safe. Create quiet retreat spaces during social gatherings and secure construction areas to prevent access to tools and materials. Always supervise interactions between pets and unfamiliar visitors, especially children.

Environmental Safety

Be mindful of air fresheners and essential oils, as many can be toxic to pets. Choose pet-safe alternatives and ensure proper ventilation. When using pesticides or cleaning products, keep pets away from treated areas until completely dry. Consider natural pest control methods and non-toxic cleaning solutions.

Water Safety Measures

For homes with pools or water features, install appropriate barriers and teach pets about exit points. Consider pet life jackets for water activities and never leave pets unsupervised around water sources.

Conclusion

Creating a pet-safe home environment requires ongoing attention and regular assessment of potential hazards. By implementing these safety measures and staying informed about pet-safe products and practices, we can provide our beloved companions with a secure and nurturing environment where they can thrive. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with emergencies – taking these precautions today ensures countless happy tomorrows with our furry family members.

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🏈 Unbeaten Mentor and Lake Catholic Teams Gear Up for Friday Showdowns

The Mentor Cardinals and the Lake Catholic Cougars both hold onto their #1 rankings in their respective divisions as they head into crucial Friday night matchups. With perfect records of 9-0, both teams aim to maintain their top spots and unbeaten streaks. Mentor will be on the road to face the Euclid Panthers, who currently stand at 2-7, in a conference game. Meanwhile, Lake Catholic is set to compete in a conference clash against the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin Lions, who hold a 5-4 record. We’re looking forward to both match-ups!

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🤣 Something Funny 🤣