In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌨️ Weather: Morning Snow Showers - Temp 30-32

 🎉 Events: 50+ Live Events. Direct Link to Mentor Live Events

 📰 Local News: ❄️ Lake Effect Snow Warnings for NE Ohio and Erie Region

 🚨 Drug Bust: Fleeing Suspect Captured with Fentanyl and Firearms

 🍲 Who Will Be Crowned the 2025 Chilly Chili Champion?

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: The Pet Corner: 🐕‍🦺 Training Tips: How Eye Contact Strengthens Dog-Owner Communication

 📰 Local Business Spotlight: 🫧 Polishing Every Detail: FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard for Excellence

 🏀 Sports: 🏒 Mentor Cardinals Soar Past Shaker Heights in Shootout Finale

 🏈 Ohio State Buckeyes Win Big Over Oregon

 🤔 Trivia Question  

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Jan 2-4, 2025

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

❄️ Lake Effect Snow Warnings in Effect for Northeast Ohio and Erie Region

The first wave of lake-effect snow continues to impact Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania, with heavy snowfall expected to persist through Thursday evening. Snowbelt areas, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, could see additional accumulations of 6-8 inches, while northern Crawford County and Erie County in Pennsylvania may receive up to 12 inches.

Hazardous conditions are anticipated, with blowing snow reducing visibility and causing treacherous travel, especially along I-90. Drivers are urged to prepare for delays and exercise caution during their commutes on Thursday. A brief pause in snowfall is expected on Thursday afternoon into Friday, but another round of lake-effect snow is projected to follow.

Weather advisories remain in effect, including Lake Effect Snow Warnings for affected Ohio counties through 7 PM Thursday, and for Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania through 7 PM Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory is also active for the Ashtabula lakeshore area until Thursday evening.

🚨 Drug Bust: Fleeing Suspect Captured with Fentanyl and Firearms

Lake County authorities apprehended a wanted man and seized a significant cache of drugs and firearms following a vehicle chase on December 30. The operation, led by the Lake County Narcotics Agency (LCNA) in collaboration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, unfolded during surveillance near a commercial shopping area.

Officials observed the man engaging in what appeared to be drug-related activities and followed him as he entered the freeway. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper attempted a traffic stop for an equipment violation, but the driver fled when the trooper approached his vehicle. A brief chase ensued before the suspect evaded authorities.

Persistent efforts by agents led them to discover the suspect’s car abandoned in the rear parking lot of an apartment complex on Green Road in Cleveland. The man was apprehended on-site.

A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm, 2.5 ounces of suspected fentanyl powder, crack cocaine, over $2,000 in cash, three cell phones, a digital scale, and lottery paper commonly used for packaging fentanyl. Authorities confirmed the suspect, who was wanted on two felony warrants, was also a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

The man now faces multiple charges stemming from the incident. LCNA officials emphasized the importance of their collaborative work with local and state partners in combating drug-related crimes.

Source: fox8.com

🍲 Who Will Be Crowned the 2025 Chilly Chili Champion?

Chili Cook Off, running from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on January 18th at Mentor Civic Center Park.

Culinary enthusiasts and chili aficionados are invited to show off their cooking talents in this spirited competition. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, the contest offers the chance to earn the title of 2025 Mentor Chilly Chili Champion. Awards will be given for People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice, and Most Festive Display, with winners announced shortly after voting concludes at 2:00 PM.

The competition is open to all members of the community, including restaurants, civic groups, and individuals. Space is limited to 12 participants, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Competitors are asked to bring 2 to 3 gallons of chili, along with toppings and table decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere. Participants will have access to a canopy, table, chairs, electricity, and sampling supplies provided by the organizers.

Set-up begins at 11:00 AM, and participants should be ready to serve by 12:45 PM. A designated drop-off point will make unloading supplies more convenient.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enjoy delicious chili and celebrate winter with the community. For more details or to register for the Chilly Cook Off, contact Dave Duricky at (440) 974-5727 or via email at [email protected].

Source: cityofmentor.com

🐕‍🦺 Training Tips: How Eye Contact Strengthens Dog-Owner Communication

Eye contact is a key element in effective dog training, helping to establish communication and focus between you and your dog. Encouraging your dog to look at you not only enhances their attentiveness but also strengthens your bond, making training sessions more productive and enjoyable.

When your dog maintains eye contact, it signals their readiness to learn and respond to cues. This skill is particularly helpful in managing distractions, such as other animals or environmental stimuli, by redirecting their focus back to you. Reinforcing eye contact with rewards ensures this behavior becomes habitual, paving the way for advanced training.

To teach eye contact, start with a simple cue, like “watch me” or “look at me,” while holding a treat near your face. Gradually guide your dog’s gaze toward your eyes and reward them immediately for making eye contact. Use consistent praise or a clicker to mark this positive behavior. Once your dog masters this in a calm setting, practice in more challenging environments to solidify their focus.

Beyond its training benefits, regular eye contact fosters trust and deepens your relationship, creating a cooperative and understanding dynamic between you and your dog. With patience and consistency, this fundamental skill can transform the way you and your dog communicate.

Source: Google

🫧 Polishing Every Detail: FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard for Excellence

For 22 years, this family-owned business has turned cleaning into a fine art, transforming homes and offices across Northeast Ohio.

On a sunny morning in Kirtland, Beth Allen inspects a chandelier gleaming under a stream of natural light. For Allen, the owner of FTTB Cleaners, this scene epitomizes the philosophy behind her 22-year-old business: uncompromising attention to detail.

“We’re not just here to clean—we’re here to transform spaces,” said Allen, a 30-year Kirtland resident with a background in business management. “Whether it’s scrubbing a floor by hand or carefully cleaning ceiling fans, we don’t cut corners. That’s what sets us apart.”

A Commitment to Excellence

FTTB Cleaners offers a full range of services, including residential and office cleaning, move-in/move-out cleanings, post-construction cleanup, organizing, and gutter and window cleaning. In recent years, the company has expanded to include holiday decorating, packing, and unpacking services.

“Our clients don’t just need cleaning; they need trust and expertise,” Allen explained. “We train our cleaners to handle everything from delicate surfaces to advanced home technologies, and every team member undergoes background checks.”

FTTB Cleaners has built a reputation for going beyond the basics. For example, the team specializes in challenging tasks such as chandelier cleaning—a meticulous process that requires knowledge of fragile materials and attention to detail. “We know which products to use on different surfaces, and we clean in ways that protect our clients’ investments,” Allen said.

Giving Back to the Community

Allen attributes her business’s success to a loyal client base and a supportive local community. In return, FTTB Cleaners prioritizes giving back. Every December, the company provides complimentary cleaning to a family in need.

“We want to take at least one stress off someone’s plate during the holidays,” Allen said. “It’s our way of saying thank you and spreading kindness.”

This generosity extends to every job. “A clean, organized space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about helping people feel at ease,” she said.

Beth Allen’s Vision and Growth

Allen’s journey to entrepreneurship was unplanned but natural. With years of experience in business management and customer service, she saw an opportunity to bring personalized service and professional-grade results to the cleaning industry.

“Back then, reliable and detail-oriented cleaning services were hard to find,” Allen said. “I wanted to create a company people could depend on.”

Her dedication has paid off. “Building this business from scratch and earning our clients’ trust has been incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As FTTB Cleaners enters its 23rd year, Allen plans to expand services in organizing and decorating, along with packing and unpacking solutions.

“Life is busy, and if we can make it easier for our clients, that’s our goal,” Allen said. “We’re always evolving to meet their needs.”

For Allen, the future is rooted in maintaining the high standards her clients have come to expect. “Our business is built on trust, and that trust means everything,” she said.

With its attention to detail, innovative offerings, and deep community ties, FTTB Cleaners continues to brighten lives across Northeast Ohio—one sparkling space at a time.

Contact Information
FTTB Cleaners
7621 Euclid Chardon Road Kirtland, OH 44094
Phone: (440) 379-7196
Email: [email protected]
Website: Fttbcleaners.com

 🏒 Mentor Cardinals Soar Past Shaker Heights in Thrilling Shootout Finale

The Mentor Cardinals secured a 4-2 victory over Shaker Heights on Dec. 28 in the finale of the Greg Shupe Memorial Shootout, showcasing a stellar second period at Strongsville.

A.J. Trobenter opened the scoring late in the first period, netting his 16th goal of the season after a slick setup by senior captain Dominic Trem. The Cardinals carried that momentum into the second, where they scored three goals in a dominant 15-minute stretch.

Hayden Vallance struck early in the period, capitalizing on his rebound to make it 2-0. A power-play opportunity followed, and Nathan Andree extended the lead to 3-0. Minutes later, Jake Mackey added a wrister, pushing the advantage to 4-0.

Though Shaker Heights responded with two goals from Connor Mayhugh in the third, Mentor’s earlier effort secured the win.

This could be one of the Cardinals' best wins this season against a competitive Great Lakes Hockey League rival. Despite falling short of the tournament title due to its cumulative-period format, the victory marked a step forward as the team looks to build momentum into the new year. Mentor improves their season record to 11-8-2 (3-0 in conference). Their next game is Friday 1/3 against the Steele Comets of Amherst.

🏈 Ohio State Buckeyes Win Big Over Oregon

Ohio State delivered a commanding performance in the Rose Bowl, dismantling top-ranked Oregon 41-21 on Wednesday to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals against Texas.

The Buckeyes surged to a 31-0 lead midway through the second quarter, showcasing a relentless offense and a suffocating defense. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was instrumental, scoring two long touchdowns, including a 45-yard strike on the game’s third play and a 43-yard catch early in the second quarter. Running back TreVeyon Henderson added a 66-yard rushing touchdown as part of Ohio State's explosive first half.

Quarterback Will Howard threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone, as Ohio State tallied 390 yards before halftime. Meanwhile, Oregon’s offense struggled, managing just 139 first-half yards and losing key players to injuries.

Though Oregon cut the deficit to 34-15 in the third quarter, Ohio State's defense dominated the Ducks, recording seven sacks and holding them to minus-7 rushing yards. Henderson’s second touchdown sealed the victory late in the third.

The win cements Ohio State as a national championship contender, as the team now seeks consistency and two more wins to claim the title.

Read the Full Article at sports.yahoo.com 

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣