In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Weather: Partly Cloudy - Temps 30-33

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Honoring Angel: Woman Turns Tragedy into Support for Domestic Violence Victims

 📰 Meet the Candidate, Barry Sneed, This Sunday at Del Monti’s Italian Treats!

 🚧 Mentor Lagoons Causeway Shut Down for Repairs Starting Feb. 24

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Food & Recipes: 🍲 Creamy White Chili: A Cozy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic

 🍲 Cheesy Wild Rice Soup: A Cozy, Creamy Family Favorite

 🏀 Sports: 🎣Cold Snap Revives Ice Fishing in Northeast Ohio—For Now

 🏀 Cardinals Start Strong, Hold Off Battling Bees to Improve to 14-7

 🏀 Balanced Attack, Strong Defense Propel West Branch Past Lake Catholic

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Feb 22

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

 📰 Honoring Angel: Woman Turns Tragedy into Support for Domestic Violence Victims

A decades-old tragedy in Northeast Ohio is once again drawing attention as a woman turns personal loss into a mission to support victims of domestic violence.

More than 30 years ago, 17-year-old Angel Ormston was killed by her boyfriend, Mark Sotka, at his parents’ home in Mentor. Her body was later found in a ditch near Lake Erie Bluffs Metropark in Perry. The crime devastated her family and friends, including Nikki Hamilton, who made a lifelong commitment to advocating for domestic violence victims.

Over the years, Hamilton has actively fought against Sotka’s parole. In 2013, she successfully opposed his release, securing a 10-year extension. In 2023, she once again petitioned against his parole, and authorities upheld their decision, keeping him behind bars for another decade.

Now living in Florida with her two sons, Hamilton continues to honor Angel’s memory. In 2024, she took a job with The George Snow Scholarship Fund in Boca Raton, where she was inspired to create the Angel Ormston Memorial Scholarship. This initiative provides financial assistance to Palm Beach County high school students affected by domestic violence, as well as those pursuing careers in criminal justice or law.

By supporting this scholarship, donors can help students who exemplify Angel’s strength, resilience, and kindness while raising awareness about the lasting impact of domestic violence. Hamilton hopes that through education and advocacy, young people will understand that there are alternatives to violence—choices that could prevent tragedies like the one that changed her community forever.

WATCH or Read the Full Article at cleveland19.com

📰 Meet the Candidate, Barry Sneed, This Sunday at Del Monti’s Italian Treats!

Join us for a Meet & Greet this Sunday from 1–3 PM at Del Monti’s Italian Treats in the Great Lakes Mall! Enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat—on me, Barry Sneed! Stop by to say hi, ask questions, and chat about the issues that matter to you.

📢 Stay Updated! Check out my weekly updates on YouTube: Watch Here

🔄 Help Spread the Word! Share the post with friends and family. See you Sunday!

Link to Facebook post

🚧 Mentor Lagoons Causeway Shut Down for Repairs Starting Feb. 24

The causeway leading to the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina will be temporarily closed for maintenance on Monday, February 24, 2025. The closure is expected to last at least two days, during which time public access and parking will be unavailable. Residents and visitors are advised to plan accordingly until the work is completed.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🍲 Creamy White Chili: A Cozy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic

For those looking for a rich and flavorful alternative to traditional red chili, this creamy white chili is a must-try. Packed with tender chicken breast, hearty great northern beans, and a medley of warming spices, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of comfort and heat.

The key difference between white and red chili lies in the ingredients. Instead of a tomato-based sauce, this recipe features a luscious, savory broth thickened with sour cream and heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety texture. The addition of mild chiles enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish, making it perfect for a cozy night in, a potluck gathering, or a game-day feast.

Whether you're looking to shake up your usual chili routine or simply want a comforting meal, this white chili is sure to become a new favorite.

Visit TasteofHome.com for this delicious recipe.

🍲 Cheesy Wild Rice Soup: A Cozy, Creamy Family Favorite

When time is short but comfort food is a must, this cheesy wild rice soup is the perfect solution. Creamy, rich, and packed with hearty ingredients, it's an easy-to-make dish that has quickly become a family favorite.

This soup combines tender wild rice with a velvety cheese-infused broth, creating a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for chilly evenings, this dish delivers warmth and indulgence in every spoonful. Serve it with crusty bread for an extra comforting touch!

Visit TasteofHome.com for this delicious recipe.

🎣Cold Snap Revives Ice Fishing in Northeast Ohio—For Now

Northeast Ohio’s ice fishing season got a short-lived revival last weekend as freezing temperatures strengthened ice across the region’s ponds and small lakes. Among those taking advantage of the conditions was Jason Sparks, who traveled from Alabama to experience ice fishing for the first time at Ledge Lake in Hinckley. Accompanied by his uncle, Sean Flanagan, and guided by Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Specialist Mike Durkalec, Sparks successfully reeled in a trophy rainbow trout.

Durkalec ensured a comfortable outing by providing ice fishing gear, an auger for drilling holes, and a pop-up tent to shield against sleet and snow. He even brought along a turkey fryer to prepare hot meals on the ice, making the experience both productive and enjoyable.

While anglers briefly celebrated the return of solid ice, warmer temperatures are expected in the coming days, potentially cutting the season short. Fishermen are advised to check ice thickness carefully, particularly on larger bodies of water like Lake Erie, where conditions can be unpredictable.

Meanwhile, Northeast Ohio’s fishing scene remains active, with upcoming events including the 22nd Northern Ohio Fly Fishing Expo on March 1 at Lakeland Community College and the 11th annual Spring Fishing Show this weekend in New Franklin. Additionally, Grand River Marine has received a $130,000 grant to upgrade its boat waste pump-out system, with completion expected by June 2026.

Read the full story at cleveland.com

🏀 Cardinals Start Strong, Hold Off Battling Bees to Improve to 14-7

The Mentor Cardinals secured a hard-fought 63-59 victory over the Medina Battling Bees in a conference matchup. Mentor jumped out to a fast start, building a 16-8 lead after the first quarter. However, Medina battled back to keep the game close, but the Cardinals maintained their composure to secure the win. No other details were available on the game.

With the victory, Mentor improves to 14-7 overall and 7-5 in conference play. The Cardinals are back in action today against Lakewood and will face Whitmer in the District Semi-Finals on Feb. 26.

🏀 Balanced Attack, Strong Defense Propel West Branch Past Lake Catholic

West Branch extended its winning streak to five games with a dominant defensive performance, eliminating the Lake Catholic 75-53 in the boys Division IV sectional final yesterday.

The Warriors set the tone early, using their size and defensive intensity to stifle Lake Catholic's offense. Aside from senior Cross Nimmo, who led all scorers with 24 points, the Cougars struggled to generate consistent scoring. West Branch’s defense locked down Ace Peterlin and Aidan Webb, limiting both to just eight points each.

The Warriors controlled the paint with 6-foot-7 Gavin Gregory, 6-foot-3 Cooper Anderson, and 6-foot-4 Zach Coffee, forcing Lake Catholic into difficult shots. Offensively, West Branch had a balanced attack, with Jeremiah Thomas leading the way with 17 points, followed by Joey Jackson (15), Anderson (14), and Camden Lane (13).

Lake Catholic briefly cut the deficit to six points early in the third quarter, but West Branch responded with strong drives to the hoop and efficient shot-making. The Warriors shot 58% from the field and capitalized at the free-throw line, sealing the win.

West Branch (12-11) now advances to face West Geauga in the district semifinal on Feb. 25. Meanwhile, Lake Catholic ends its season at 12-10.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

A horse got a laugh on this one… tough crowd.