In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☁️ Weather: Cloudy, Possible Flurries - Temps 32-35

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

 📰 Local News: 🏙️ Planning Commission Approves House of Sport Updates, Tables Major Housing Plan

 💎 Florida Resident Tied to Colombian Theft Ring Sentenced in $4.4M Crime

 🎁 It’s holiday crunch time — and Mentors’ shops are ready for you!

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Food & Recipes: 🥧 Leftover Chicken or Turkey Gets a Comforting Makeover

 🍲 Weeknight Winner: Taco Pasta Packs Bold Flavor with Minimal Cleanup

 🏈 Sports: 🏀 Young Cardinals Fly High as Mentor Tops Lorain in Season Opener

 🏀 Mitchell, Tyson Spark Cavaliers’ Comeback Win Over Spurs

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit
MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Featured Event for Dec 6

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MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events

🏙️ Planning Commission Approves House of Sport Updates, Tables Major Housing Plan

Mentor’s Planning Commission met December 4 with major development decisions on the agenda — including updates to the future Dick’s House of Sport and a significant housing proposal near Johnny Cake Ridge Road.

The commission approved architectural updates for the House of Sport project at Great Lakes Mall, where Dick’s Sporting Goods is transforming the former Macy’s space into an outdoor-focused sports experience. The latest design includes more exterior windows facing Mentor Avenue and nighttime lighting around the outdoor field, ice rink, and activity area. Safety bollards will also be added at the city’s request. The project passed 5–1.

However, a major residential plan at the corner of Johnny Cake Ridge and Center Street did not receive the same support. The proposed amendment would shift a large portion of Sub-Area A to rental “single-family attached” homes, replacing earlier plans for individually owned units. City officials and commissioners raised concerns about long-term ownership, public street access, emergency vehicle movement, and whether the plan still complies with a court-approved development agreement. The commission voted 2-3 against recommending it to Council, with one abstention.

Two additional applications sailed through with unanimous approvals — a fresh exterior look for Arby’s on Reynolds Road, and a permit transfer allowing Browns Towing to operate a AAA dispatch location on Pine Cone Drive.

The meeting closed with warm recognition for outgoing Chair Brian Cook, who served eight years on the Commission.

See the Full Story at mentorlocalbuzz.com

💎 Florida Resident Tied to Colombian Theft Ring Sentenced in $4.4M Jewelry Crime

A Colombian national has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for his role in a nationwide jewelry theft ring that included a 2023 burglary in Mentor.

Jorge Giovanni Escobar Gonzalez, 41, who last lived in Kissimmee, Florida, received a 57-month prison sentence from a federal judge in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Authorities say he was part of an organized group that burglarized mall-based jewelry stores and kiosks across several states between May 2023 and April 2024.

The theft ring, composed of Colombian nationals, carefully planned each burglary. Escobar Gonzalez often posed as a customer to inspect merchandise and evaluate security. He then took part in break-ins, smashing display cases while others acted as lookouts.

On July 21, 2023, the group burglarized a jewelry store in Mentor as part of the multi-state spree.

In total, the thefts caused more than $4.4 million in losses. None of the stolen jewelry has been recovered.

Escobar Gonzalez was arrested in Florida on May 19, 2024, on unrelated state charges tied to another jewelry burglary. He pleaded guilty in April to interstate transportation of stolen property and has been in custody since his arrest.

🎁 It’s holiday crunch time — and Mentors’ shops are ready for you!

Skip the shipping delays, avoid porch pirates, and discover awesome gifts just minutes from home.

From fun and quirky stocking stuffers to must-have favorites, hundreds of retailers right here in Mentor have exactly what you’re looking for. And when you buy local, you make a difference:

📊 66¢ of every dollar spent locally stays in Mentor — supporting jobs, community programs, and the businesses that make our city special.

So this season…
👉 Shop small
👉 Shop local
👉 Shop Mentor!

Find stores, inspiration, and more at ShopInMentor.com

🥧 Leftover Chicken or Turkey Gets a Comforting Makeover

A local home cook turned leftover Thanksgiving turkey into an easy, weeknight-friendly pot pie using Alfredo sauce, mixed vegetables, and puff pastry. The comforting dish, served with a fresh green salad, proved to be a hit with her visiting father and might become a new post-holiday tradition.

Get the Full Recipe for The Four Ingredient Chicken Pot Pie

🍲 Weeknight Winner: Taco Pasta Packs Bold Flavor with Minimal Cleanup

Two siblings transformed their dad’s pasta chili into a zesty, one-pot taco pasta that combines ground beef, noodles, and bold taco flavor. Cooked entirely in one pot—including the pasta—this quick, hearty meal comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

The end result is a saucy, satisfying meal packed with savory taco flavors and minimal mess. With just one pot to clean and a short cooking time, this dish has quickly become a go-to for weeknight dinners that feel anything but ordinary.

Get the Full Recipe for One-Pot Taco Pasta

🏀 Young Cardinals Fly High as Mentor Tops Lorain in Season Opener

Young Core Powers Mentor Past Lorain in Season Opener

Mentor opened its season with a commanding 90-63 win over Lorain on Dec. 5, using pressure defense and balanced scoring to take the Greater Cleveland Conference opener.

Starting three sophomores and a junior alongside senior Tony Katava, the Cardinals showed depth and energy from the tip. Katava led the way with 23 points, including 15 in the first half, while sophomore Jack Kennedy added 17 points and a team-high four rebounds.

Mentor’s full-court press forced 15 turnovers in the first quarter and 35 overall, offsetting early shooting struggles. The Cardinals went 1-for-8 from three in the second quarter, but Lorain couldn’t capitalize beyond a brief run sparked by three triples from Javell Morris.

Though out-rebounded 35-22, Mentor’s pace and depth wore down the Titans. Coach Bob Krizancic praised his rotation’s ability to maintain pressure without a drop in intensity.

Bernard Gnjatic scored 14 second-half points, with Logan Lynch and Tommy Pavicic each adding 10. Lorain was led by Jaylen Jackson with 23 points and Morris with 11.

Mentor visits Berea-Midpark on Dec. 9. Lorain travels to Elyria on Dec. 6.

🏀 Mitchell, Tyson Spark Cavaliers’ Comeback Win Over Spurs

Cavaliers Rally Past Spurs with Second-Half Surge

The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 10-point first-half deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 130-117 on Friday night, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points and eight assists.

Jaylon Tyson added 24 points, including 16 in a pivotal third quarter where Cleveland outscored San Antonio 44-27. A 23-4 run during that period helped the Cavs seize control and snap a two-game home skid.

Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Dean Wade contributed 12 points and eight boards as Cleveland won for just the second time in six games.

Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 28 points — 25 of those coming in the first half. De’Aaron Fox scored 25 and handed out nine assists, while Keldon Johnson added 14 off the bench.

San Antonio remains in a tough road stretch, playing only one home game in nearly a month. The team was again without Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Luke Kornet due to injuries.

Cleveland also dealt with absences, missing Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Sam Merrill.

Read More, See Highlights at espn.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Keep an eye out for this suspect! (no pun intended)