In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☔ Weather: Humid, Showers and Storms Expected - Temp 69-71

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

 📰 Local News: 🏥 Mother and Daughter Recovering After Vicious Pit Bull Attack

 🚌 Mentor Schools Expand Laketran Partnership to Prevent Future Closures

🚇 Laketran Rolls Out Free Rides to the Polls for November Election

 📈 Clear Path to Smart Business: ⭐ Mentor Home Service Pros: Your Reputation Is Selling for You (or Against You)

👪 The Home Front: 🌡️ Bill Would Let Ohio Utilities Throttle Home Energy Use With Customer Consent

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Browns’ Loss in London Highlights Flaws in Stefanski’s Conservative Game Plan

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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Featured Event for Oct 7

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 🏥 Mother and Daughter Recovering After Vicious Pit Bull Attack in Mentor

Mother and Young Daughter Recovering After Vicious Dog Attack in Mentor

A routine walk to Veterans Park in Mentor turned into a horrifying ordeal for Alexis Higham and her 4-year-old daughter, Carina, when an unleashed pit bull attacked them over the weekend.

The dog, roaming without an owner in sight, reportedly lunged at the child and inflicted severe injuries to her face. In a desperate attempt to protect her daughter, Higham tried to shield the child and was bitten herself. Despite the panic and pain, she managed to pull the dog into a nearby street, where it eventually released its grip. Bystanders quickly called 911, and emergency responders rushed both victims to a local hospital.

Carina has already undergone facial reconstructive surgery and is expected to need additional cosmetic procedures in the coming months. The injuries stretched from under her chin to her upper face, leaving visible scars that have already drawn unwanted attention from others.

Higham, who required stitches in both hands, is now missing work as she helps her daughter recover. Carina is also unable to attend school during this difficult time.

Mentor police are actively investigating the incident, and Higham has stated she plans to press charges against the dog’s owner. When local reporters attempted to reach the individual listed in the police report, no one responded at the residence.

In the aftermath of the traumatic event, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support the mother and daughter as they recover emotionally, physically, and financially.

Read More or Watch More at wkyc.com

🚌 Mentor Schools Expand Laketran Partnership to Prevent Future Closures

Mentor Schools Partner with Laketran to Address Bus Driver Shortage

Mentor Public Schools has expanded its collaboration with Laketran in response to an ongoing bus driver shortage that recently forced a full district closure. On September 30, classes were abruptly canceled for all students and staff due to a high number of transportation staff absences that left the district unable to cover its bus routes.

To prevent further disruptions, the district is now launching a temporary solution: beginning October 6, Laketran buses will take over two school bus routes, with multiple trips running and district-assigned aides on board. Families impacted by the changes were notified via phone and email.

The closure has led to a spike in applications for bus driver positions, and the district is currently reviewing candidates while continuing recruitment efforts. Superintendent Craig Heath emphasized that the goal is to create a more stable and reliable transportation system for students.

To attract new drivers, Mentor Schools will host another “Drive the Bus” event on November 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at Mentor High School. The event offers potential applicants an opportunity to test-drive a school bus and learn more about the role.

District leaders say that building a dependable transportation system is critical to student success and daily operations, and they remain focused on achieving full staffing in the transportation department.

Read More at cleveland.com

🚇 Laketran Rolls Out Free Rides to the Polls for November Election

Laketran Offers Free Rides to the Polls for November Election

To support voter access, Laketran is once again offering free transportation through its Vote & Ride program. Lake County residents can ride Local Routes 1–9 or use the Dial-a-Ride service at no cost to reach early voting or Election Day polling locations.

Free rides are available for early voting at the Lake County Board of Elections, located at 105 Main Street in Painesville, from October 7 through November 2. On Election Day, November 4, polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. In-person voting is not available at the Board of Elections on Election Day.

Riders using Local Routes simply need to inform the driver they are traveling to vote or returning from voting. Dial-a-Ride trips are also free with a reservation made 1 to 14 days in advance by calling Laketran Customer Service.

The Vote & Ride initiative aims to ensure transportation isn’t a barrier to civic engagement, encouraging all eligible residents to participate in the democratic process.

For early voting hours or polling site information, contact the Lake County Board of Elections or visit their website.

Read More at cityofmentor.com

⭐ Mentor Home Service Pros: Your Reputation Is Selling for You (or Against You)

Beyond Reviews: Building a Reputation That Sells Itself in Mentor

For local home service businesses in Mentor, reputation isn’t just about your Google stars—it’s about how people feel when they see your name. A five-star rating gets attention, but trust seals the deal. Here’s how to take your reputation management to the next level.

1. Showcase real results.
Post before-and-after photos or short video clips of your work on Google and Facebook. People believe what they can see. A homeowner searching “AC repair near me” is far more likely to call the company showing real local jobs.

2. Collect “proof moments.”
When a customer thanks you, capture that moment—ask if you can share their feedback or take a photo (with permission). These authentic, real-world interactions make your business feel personal and trustworthy.

3. Build review momentum.
Instead of asking every customer at once, set a small weekly goal—three new reviews. Consistent, recent feedback tells Google your business is active and dependable.

4. Create a service follow-up system.
Send a quick text or email a few days after each job asking, “How did everything turn out?” This not only prevents negative reviews—it turns satisfied customers into vocal fans.

Mentor homeowners want to hire businesses that care long after the sale.
Check your online reputation today, and if you’d like help refining your local presence, ask us at Clear Path.

🌡️ Bill Would Let Ohio Utilities Throttle Home Energy Use With Customer Consent

Proposed Ohio Bill Would Let Utility Companies Temporarily Adjust Thermostats During Peak Demand

A new Ohio bill could give utility companies the ability to remotely adjust thermostats and manage home energy use—but only for customers who choose to opt in. The bill is still very early in the legislation process.

House Bill 427, introduced by State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland), would create voluntary “demand response” programs. These programs aim to reduce strain on the electrical grid by allowing utilities to temporarily adjust settings like thermostats or cycle off appliances such as water heaters during peak usage times.

Supporters say the initiative could enhance grid reliability and lower energy costs. Customers would retain the right to override any changes and could receive compensation—either annually or per event.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) would oversee the programs to ensure they benefit consumers.

In Lakewood, a city with frequent outages, residents shared mixed views. Some supported the idea as long as it's strictly voluntary, while others expressed concern over utility access to personal systems.

The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment in the Ohio House.

Read or Watch More at cleveland19.com

🏈 Browns’ Loss in London Highlights Flaws in Stefanski’s Conservative Game Plan

Stefanski’s Conservative Strategy Keeps Backfiring — And the Browns Keep Losing

The Cleveland Browns dropped to 1-4 after a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. Despite a clean performance by rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in his first NFL start, the Browns couldn’t close out the win — raising renewed concerns about head coach Kevin Stefanski’s conservative play-calling.

Cleveland entered the fourth quarter with a 17-14 lead. The offense committed no turnovers. The defense forced two. The Browns outrushed Minnesota and edged them in time of possession. By most measures, it was a disciplined performance. Yet, it still ended in defeat.

Stefanski continues to rely on a run-first, low-risk approach built around ball control and defense. While it minimizes mistakes, it also leaves little room for error — even strong execution isn’t translating into wins.

That was evident in the final minutes, when Cleveland’s defense couldn’t stop a 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive led by Carson Wentz. The game plan had left the Browns with no margin to absorb late-game adversity.

Cleveland’s only win this season came thanks to a late interception and a blocked field goal — outcomes the team can't consistently rely on. Playing safe might feel necessary, especially with a rookie quarterback, but the results aren’t backing up the philosophy.

Without a shift in approach, the Browns risk continuing this frustrating pattern: solid effort, sound fundamentals, and another loss.

Some are now calling for Stefanski’s job. Something better change and fast.

Read More at dawgpounddaily.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

3rd parent in the house..?

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