In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☀️ Weather: Mostly Sunny - Temps 64-66

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

 📰 Local News: 🏈 Browns Kick Off Season with Big Questions & High Hopes

 🚨 Lake County Man Sentenced for 2024 Bomb Threats

🛣️ Mentor Approves $412K Paving Contract for City Facilities

 🫧 Simple Steps at Home Can Safeguard Mentor’s Waterways

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 🧳 Travel Is Changing: Why 2026 Is the Year of Slower, Deeper Journeys

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Lake Catholic Improves to 2-1 After Complete Victory Over Buchtel

⚾ Kwan’s Late Infield Hit Pushes Guardians Past Rays in Tight 3-2 Victory

⚾ Loons Pull Away Late to Hand Captains 9-2 Loss After Playoff Clinch

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115

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🏈 Browns Kick Off 2025 Season with Big Questions and High Hopes

It’s Opening Day in Cleveland — and that means Browns football is back.
Fans will pack Huntington Bank Field on Sunday afternoon as the Browns begin their 2025 campaign against a familiar foe: the Cincinnati Bengals. The excitement is high, the Dawg Pound is ready, and a win in Week 1 would not only set the tone for the season but also give Cleveland an early edge in the AFC North.

With the roster healthy and veteran leadership in place, here are three key questions the Browns will need to answer as they kick off the new season:

1. Can the Offense Find Balance Early?

Joe Flacco and Jerome Ford lead a Browns offense that showed flashes in the preseason but had limited reps together. Flacco was sharp in the finale, and Ford brings dual-threat potential. Against a Bengals defense that limited Cleveland last year, getting both the ground game and passing attack in sync will be essential.

2. Will the Starting Unit's Limited Preseason Action Hurt?

The Browns’ starters only played sparingly in preseason games, particularly against the Rams. Can they shake off the rust and execute a full game plan at regular-season speed from the first snap?

3. Is This Defense Ready for Cincinnati’s Firepower?

While the focus is on offense, the Browns' defense faces a tall task against a Bengals team loaded with weapons. Can Cleveland’s defense create early pressure and set the tone?

Read More at clevelandbrowns.com

🚨 Lake County Man Sentenced for 2024 Bomb Threats Against County Offices

A Lake County man has been sentenced to 33 months in prison after admitting to making false bomb threats targeting county offices in 2024.

Kenneth L. Barton Jr. pleaded guilty in July to making false alarms and attempted inducing panic. Two other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Judge Patrick J. Condon issued the sentence Thursday in Lake County Common Pleas Court.

The threats began on September 19, 2024, when then-Clerk of Courts Faith Andrews received an email claiming a bomb was planted at the Lake County Adult Probation Department in downtown Painesville. The message said it would detonate in 25 minutes, prompting evacuations of the probation and clerk’s offices.

The next day, a second threat was made by phone, again targeting the probation department.

A sheriff’s office investigation identified Barton as the source of both threats. A grand jury indicted him in May 2025 on four counts, including making false alarms and inducing panic.

Barton changed his plea to guilty on July 31 through a written agreement, leading to this week’s sentencing.

🛣️ Mentor Approves $412K Paving Contract for City Facilities

Mentor City Council has approved a $412,700 contract with Phillips Paving to carry out resurfacing and repairs at multiple city-owned locations as part of its 2025 annual paving program.

The project includes asphalt work at the Wildwood Cultural Center, Mentor Community Recreation Center, Harbor Drive, Mentor Lagoons Marina driveway, and Mentor Cemetery. Planned improvements at the cemetery will also extend two existing roadway sections to enhance accessibility.

City Engineer David Swiger reported that Phillips Paving, based in Chagrin Falls, submitted the lowest of seven bids and met all contract requirements. The bids ranged from $412,700 to approximately $538,000, with the city’s estimate set at $451,000.

Council approved the ordinance during its Tuesday meeting, authorizing a contingency of up to 10 percent above the contract amount to address any unforeseen construction issues. The work is scheduled for completion within the 2025 construction season, with a target end date of November 7.

Officials emphasized that the paving program plays a key role in maintaining public safety and accessibility across Mentor’s public spaces.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🫧 Simple Steps at Home Can Safeguard Mentor’s Waterways

Mentor’s storm drains carry everything from grass clippings and pet waste to fertilizers and automotive fluids directly into local streams and Lake Erie. To protect these waterways, residents are encouraged to adopt simple, sustainable yard practices.

Start with healthy soil—loose, well-aerated ground supports strong root growth and better water absorption. Rain barrels offer an easy way to conserve water and provide plants with a natural source. Redirecting downspouts into lawns or garden beds helps minimize runoff and filter pollutants.

Cut back on chemicals by using natural pest control methods, which are safer for plants and the environment. Pet waste should always be picked up, especially before rain, to prevent bacterial pollution. Yard waste like leaves and clippings should be composted or mulched, never dumped near waterways.

Homemade compost enriches soil, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, and supports healthier plants. These small changes in daily habits can have a lasting impact on the health of local rivers and Lake Erie.

For more information, contact the City of Mentor Building and Engineering Department at (440) 255-1100 or [email protected].

 🧳 Travel Is Changing: Why 2026 Is the Year of Slower, Deeper Journeys

Travel Is Changing: The Shifts Defining 2026

There is a beautiful evolution underway in the way we travel. More than ever, people are moving away from rushing through checklists and crowded tourist spots. Instead, journeys are being shaped by intention, curiosity, and respect for the places we visit. Travel is becoming less about “seeing it all” and more about uncovering stories that matter—slowing down enough to connect with culture, nature, and community, while allowing the journey to nourish both the world and our inner selves.

In 2026, the focus is on soaking in little moments: the magic of a carefully prepared plant-based meal, the calm rhythm of a village waking with the sunrise, or laughter shared under a sky bursting with stars. These are the memories travelers carry long after they return home.

Slower Travel, Deeper Connection

The rise of “slow travel” continues, though it’s really about intention more than pace. Instead of bouncing between multiple cities, travelers are staying longer in fewer places, creating space to build real relationships with local guides and makers. Guests on our Getaways often tell us what they treasure most is the freedom to wander, reflect, and truly feel rooted in a destination.

Off-Season Is the Best Season

When you go matters as much as where you go. Increasingly, people are embracing shoulder and winter seasons for their journeys. Traveling during quieter times offers authenticity, intimacy, and a deeper connection with the local rhythm. A coastal town in May, alpine hikes in June, or the Northern Lights in January reveal beauty that peak-season crowds often miss. Our Norway in Winter Getaway was born from this very trend—where cold nights are rewarded with glowing skies and cozy fireside evenings.

Small Groups, Big Impact

Traveling in small groups is proving to be more meaningful than ever. The intimacy of fewer people makes room for genuine connection and shared discovery, while also supporting local businesses in sustainable ways. A conversation with an artisan, an unplanned stop at a street performance, or simply lingering longer in a place that sparks joy—these moments thrive when groups stay small and flexible.

Plant-Based and Purpose-Driven Travel

Food and values are taking center stage. The global rise of plant-based dining means travelers can enjoy vibrant, sustainable meals that reflect both cultural heritage and conscious living. Beyond the table, purpose-driven travel is quickly becoming the standard. Travelers want trips aligned with their values—supporting conservation, uplifting communities, and returning home transformed, not just entertained.

The Heart of the Change

The future of travel isn’t measured by distance or checkmarks, but by moments that enrich the soul. As we move into 2026, the invitation is clear: travel slower, travel deeper, and travel with purpose.

Read the Full Article at thegetawayco.com

 🏈 Lake Catholic Improves to 2-1 After Complete Victory Over Buchtel

Lake Catholic delivered a dominant performance in all three phases of the game, cruising to a 36-6 victory over visiting Akron Buchtel on Sept. 6.

The Cougars jumped out to a 22-6 halftime lead, powered by touchdown runs from Danny Zmorowski and Michael Valentino, along with a field goal from Gavyn Fredericks and a safety off a botched Buchtel punt snap.

Special teams added another spark early in the second half when Joey Nagy blocked a punt that Marty Loncar returned for a touchdown. Moments later, Lake capitalized on a fumble recovery with a touchdown pass from Max Pisano to Pete Malchesky, extending the lead to 36-6.

Defensively, Lake Catholic forced three turnovers and stifled Buchtel’s offense for most of the night. The lone score allowed came on a long touchdown pass in the second quarter.

The win improves Lake Catholic to 2-1 with back-to-back victories. After three straight home games to start the season, the Cougars will travel to Gilmour in Week 4.⚾ Kwan’s Late Infield Hit Pushes Guardians Past Rays in Tight 3-2 Victory

 ⚾ Kwan’s Late Infield Hit Pushes Guardians Past Rays in Tight 3-2 Victory

The Cleveland Guardians edged the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 with a ninth-inning infield single from Steven Kwan, breaking a tie and lifting Cleveland to its second straight win. The victory moved the Guardians ahead of Tampa Bay in the AL wild-card standings and just 1.5 games behind Seattle. Key performances included Tanner Bibee’s solid start, a pivotal defensive play that stopped a Rays scoring chance, and José Ramírez stealing his 280th base to move up in franchise history.

Read More & See Highlights at espn.com

⚾ Loons Pull Away Late to Hand Captains 9-2 Loss After Playoff Clinch

The Captains fell 9-2 to Great Lakes a day after clinching a playoff berth. A tight game unraveled late as the Loons scored seven runs across the eighth and ninth innings, highlighted by Jake Gelof’s home run and double. Lake County’s Rafe Schlesinger took the loss in relief, while early offense from Ryan Cesarini briefly tied the game.

See the Box Score and More at milb.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Animals Doing what Animals Do