In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

⛅ Weather: Cloudy AM, Sunny PM - Temps 38-41

 📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

 📰 Local News: 📰 Lake Erie Defies the Trend as Great Lakes Water Levels Decline

 ✅ Mentor Issue 4 to Decide Future of Observation Tower at Nature Preserve

📪 Residents Automatically Enrolled in NOPEC Program Unless They Opt Out

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: The Home Front: 🔐 Choosing Between Cameras and Alarms: What’s Best for Protecting Your Property?

 🥍 Sports: 🏈 Deshaun Watson Trade Called ‘Worst in NFL History’ as Browns Face Uncertain Future

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us! 

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📰 Lake Erie Defies the Trend as Great Lakes Water Levels Decline

Following years of elevated water levels, the Great Lakes are now experiencing a noticeable drop, with all but Lake Erie predicted to fall well below last year’s levels through mid-2025. The decline follows a dry fall and heightened winter evaporation, driven by colder air moving over unusually warm lake surfaces.

According to the latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the most significant decreases are expected in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, and Lake Ontario. Water levels on Lake Superior are projected to be 3 to 6 inches lower than last year and about 6 inches below long-term averages. Lake Michigan and Huron are expected to fall 11 to 14 inches compared to last year and remain 8 to 9 inches below their historical norms. Lake St. Clair could drop as much as 15 inches from last year, though it is expected to stay within a few inches of its average.

Lake Ontario is forecasted to be 8 inches below 2024 levels and up to 6 inches below the long-term average.

Lake Erie stands apart. While levels there are also expected to decline—by roughly 11 to 13 inches compared to last year—they will remain near long-term historical averages, making it the only Great Lake not projected to dip below typical benchmarks.

The recent shifts follow a period of historically high water, with Great Lakes levels peaking between 2019 and 2020. Since then, several of the lakes have dropped by as much as four feet.

Looking ahead, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration anticipates increased precipitation across much of the Great Lakes Basin over the next three months. While more rainfall could stabilize levels during the summer, warmer temperatures could trigger further evaporation during the following winter, continuing the downward trend.

Read More at planetdetroit.org

✅ Mentor Issue 4 to Decide Future of Observation Tower at Nature Preserve

Mentor Marsh is experiencing a remarkable ecological comeback, thanks to years of restoration by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the City of Mentor. Once overtaken by invasive species, the marsh now supports diverse wetland habitats that serve as breeding grounds for fish and waterfowl and as migratory stopovers for birds and butterflies.

More than 260 bird species have been documented in the area, which includes the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve. The site draws over 200,000 visitors annually, many of whom explore its unique landscapes via a 442-foot ADA-accessible boardwalk added in 2022.

Building on that momentum, the city plans to enhance the visitor experience with a 92-foot observation tower. The structure would be located about 1,000 feet north of the main trailhead and feature a 25-by-25-foot top deck offering panoramic views of the marsh, uplands, and Lake Erie. The design includes an ADA-accessible platform.

As required by city charter, capital projects within the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve must be approved by voters. Mentor Issue 4, appearing on the May 6, 2025 ballot, will determine the future of the tower. If approved, construction could begin this year. If not, the project will be canceled, and grant funding will be rescinded.

For more information, residents can contact the city’s Public Information Office at [email protected].

📪 Residents Automatically Enrolled in NOPEC Program Unless They Opt Out

Residents and small business owners across the region should keep an eye on their mailboxes this spring, as NOPEC prepares to send out natural gas enrollment letters beginning in mid-April. The correspondence pertains to the upcoming enrollment period for NOPEC’s natural gas aggregation program, set to take effect with customers’ June 2025 meter read dates.

Enrollment is automatic for those who wish to participate in NOPEC’s Standard Program Price plan. No action is required for inclusion in the program under this default pricing option.

For those interested in exploring alternative rate plans—including fixed term or monthly variable pricing—details are available on NOPEC’s website at nopec.org/gas or by contacting the organization’s 24/7 Customer Care Center at 1-855-667-3201.

Customers who prefer not to take part in the aggregation program will have the option to opt out. Clear instructions on how to decline enrollment will be included in the mailing.

The NOPEC aggregation program leverages group purchasing power to negotiate competitive energy rates on behalf of participating communities. It is designed to offer stability and transparency in natural gas pricing for residents and small businesses.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🔐 Choosing Between Cameras and Alarms: What’s Best for Protecting Your Property?

As concerns over home and business security continue to rise, property owners are increasingly turning to technology for protection. Two of the most common tools—camera systems and alarm systems—serve different purposes but often work best together.

Camera systems are designed to monitor and record activity around a property. Many now feature motion detection, night vision, and remote access via mobile apps. Their presence can deter potential intruders, and in the event of a crime, recorded footage can provide valuable evidence.

However, cameras are reactive, not preventative. They capture what’s happening but do not automatically alert authorities or stop a break-in in progress. That’s where alarm systems come in.

Alarm systems use sensors on doors, windows, and in key areas to detect unauthorized entry. When triggered, they can notify property owners and emergency services immediately. This real-time response can limit losses and increase safety.

Still, alarms lack visual documentation. Without cameras, there may be no footage to identify suspects or verify events. And in some cases, false alarms can be disruptive or lead to fines.

Choosing between the two often comes down to individual needs. For those focused on deterrence and monitoring, cameras may suffice. For others, especially those seeking rapid emergency response, alarms provide peace of mind. Increasingly, experts recommend a combination of both for comprehensive protection.

Ultimately, effective security means covering both visibility and response. Whether safeguarding a home or a business, integrating cameras and alarms offers the most complete defense in an uncertain world.

Read the Full Article at FraseProtection.com

🏈 Deshaun Watson Trade Called ‘Worst in NFL History’ as Browns Face Uncertain Future

The Cleveland Browns' 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson is increasingly viewed as one of the NFL's biggest blunders. Team owner Jimmy Haslam recently acknowledged it as “a big swing and miss” during the NFL owners meetings—a modest description compared to the harsh criticism from analysts.

CBS Sports veteran writer Pete Prisco went further, labeling it the worst trade in league history. “This is the equivalent of striking out 50 times in a row,” Prisco said, slamming the massive cost Cleveland paid: three first-round picks, a third, and two fourth-rounders, along with a record-setting guaranteed contract.

Prisco argued it’s even worse than the infamous 1989 Herschel Walker deal, which helped Dallas build a dynasty. At least Walker produced on the field, he noted, while Watson has struggled to stay healthy and make an impact.

Since joining Cleveland, Watson has posted a 9–1gab0 record and missed much of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with injuries. The Browns made the playoffs once in that span, largely due to veteran QB Joe Flacco, who stepped in after Watson’s injury.

Now facing the 2025 season with Watson still recovering from a torn Achilles—and two years left on his massive deal—the Browns are reevaluating their QB options. They recently acquired Kenny Pickett from the Eagles and hosted Russell Wilson, who signed elsewhere. With the No. 2 overall draft pick, Cleveland may look to select a quarterback if Cam Ward is available.

Read More at cbssports.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣