In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

❄️ Weather: Windy & Cold, Lake-Effect Snow Showers - Temps 19-22

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

 📰 Local News: 🥶 Frigid Air and Potential for Hazardous Travel as Lake Effect Snow Lingers

 📰 Mentor School Board Approves New Tax Deal for Uptown Redevelopment

 🚨 Willoughby Man Sentenced to 30 Months for ‘Swatting’ Hoax

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: Santa, Storytelling, and Holiday Cheer Await on the POLAR EXPRESS™

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mentor Falls to Euclid, Snaps Streak, Rebounds with GlenOak Win

 🏀 Royals Roll Past Cougars with Strong First Half and Stifling Defense

 🤔 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 14

See All the Events
MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events

🥶 Frigid Air and Potential for Hazardous Travel as Lake Effect Snow Lingers

Lake Effect Snow Continues Sunday with Hazardous Travel and Bitter Cold

Lake effect snow will remain a concern across Northeast Ohio through Sunday before gradually tapering off and shifting eastward by Monday morning. The most persistent snowfall is expected in the primary and secondary snowbelt areas, where localized bands could drop snow at rates of up to 1 inch per hour.

An additional 3 to 6 inches of accumulation is forecast across much of the snowbelt region, with the higher terrain of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania potentially receiving 6 to 8 inches by the time the snow ends.

Travel could remain challenging throughout Sunday, particularly in areas under the most intense snow bands. Subzero wind chills are also expected both Sunday and Monday mornings, adding to the danger of prolonged exposure outdoors.

By early Monday, the snow will largely dissipate, but bitter cold will continue to grip the region to start the new work week.

📰 Mentor School Board Approves New Tax Deal for Uptown Redevelopment

Mentor School Board Approves Tax Abatement for Uptown Mentor Project

The Mentor School Board has approved a revised tax abatement agreement for the Uptown Mentor redevelopment, expected to bring in over $217,000 in additional revenue to the district compared to a previous deal from 2020.

Passed unanimously at the Dec. 9 meeting, the resolution replaces the earlier property tax exemption with new terms that provide 25% of property tax payments in years 1–20 and 50% in years 21–30. Taxes on land and any existing structures will still be collected, while the abatement applies only to new development.

The project will redevelop a 1.34-acre site on Mentor Avenue where a long-vacant 1950s strip mall stands. Plans include a four-story mixed-use building with 14,052 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 45 apartments on the upper levels.

Apartment units will range from studios to two-bedroom layouts. The site will include 144 parking spaces, split among an underground garage, rear lot, and on-street spaces.

The development aims to revitalize a neglected area of Mentor while securing added long-term revenue for the school district.

Read the Full Story at mentorlocalbuzz.com

🚨 Willoughby Man Sentenced to 30 Months for ‘Swatting’ Hoax

Willoughby Man Sentenced to 30 Months in ‘Swatting’ Hoax Case

A Willoughby man has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a “swatting” hoax that prompted a large police response and the evacuation of multiple apartment buildings in Lake County.

Antonio Edwards Woods, 44, was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty in November to making false alarms, a fourth-degree felony. The sentence includes 18 months related to the hoax call and an additional 12 months for illegal drug possession. Woods will receive credit for 96 days already served.

Authorities say the incident occurred on Sept. 4, when Woods called police from the Willo Park Apartments on Euclid Avenue and falsely claimed he had killed his girlfriend and planned to take his own life.

The call triggered an extensive police response that lasted nearly four hours. Officers searched all buildings at Willo Park Apartments and nearby Cedarwood Estates, but found no evidence of a crime.

Woods was arrested several days later following the investigation. Officials emphasized the seriousness of “swatting” incidents, which divert emergency resources and place both officers and residents at risk.

Read More at cleveland19.com

 🚂 Santa, Storytelling, and Holiday Cheer Await on the POLAR EXPRESS™

Holiday Magic Comes to Life Aboard the Dennison Depot’s POLAR EXPRESS™

Families looking to create lasting holiday memories can step aboard the Dennison Depot’s authentic POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, officially licensed by Warner Brothers and Rail Events. This immersive experience brings to life the beloved Christmas story written by Chris Van Allsburg, offering a magical journey for passengers of all ages.

The adventure begins on board vintage train coaches beautifully decorated for the season. While the train heads toward the North Pole, Storytellers read the classic tale aloud, capturing the spirit of the season. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, just like in the story, as festive elves fill the ride with songs, games, and cheerful activities.

Passengers are treated to warm beverages and freshly baked cookies made by Mrs. Claus herself, adding a sweet touch to the trip.

As the train arrives at the North Pole, guests will spot Santa’s workshop from the windows—but the real excitement begins when Santa climbs aboard. During the return trip, he visits with every child and presents them with a special silver bell from his reindeer’s harness. For those who believe, the bell will always ring.

This enchanting holiday ride is more than a trip—it’s a memory in the making.

Read for More Information

🏀 Mentor Falls to Euclid, Snaps Streak, but Rebounds with Win Over GlenOak

Mentor Splits Weekend Games, Falls to Euclid but Bounces Back Against GlenOak

The Euclid Panthers earned a major statement win on Dec. 12, defeating visiting Mentor 78-65 in a Greater Cleveland Conference clash—marking their first victory over the Cardinals since 2018.

Sophomore Mehki Asberry lit up the scoreboard with 35 points, including 10 three-pointers. Senior Dontez Jones added 22 points and eight rebounds in a fast-paced, high-energy performance by the Panthers (2-2, 1-1 GCC).

Euclid opened the game strong, taking a 23-11 lead in the first quarter and building a 40-30 advantage by halftime. Mentor (2-1, 1-1) responded with an 11-2 run after the break, cutting the lead to 42-41, but Asberry quickly hit another triple to halt the momentum.

The Cardinals, led by senior Tony Katava with 13 points and eight rebounds, stayed within reach until a 15-2 Euclid run in the fourth quarter, punctuated by a dunk from 6-foot-8 senior Kye Owens, put the game out of reach. Sophomores Tommy Pavicic and Jack Kennedy added 10 and 9 points, respectively, for Mentor.

Despite 24 turnovers, Euclid's superior athleticism, rebounding, and hot shooting—especially from Asberry—made the difference.

Mentor responded quickly, returning to the court Saturday to take on the GlenOak Golden Eagles from Canton. The Cardinals started strong with an 18-14 lead after the first quarter but trailed 33-30 at halftime. The momentum shifted in the second half as Mentor outscored GlenOak 23-13 in the third quarter and 22-13 in the fourth to secure a 75-59 victory.

The win improved Mentor’s record to 3-1 on the season. No individual player statistics were available for this game.

🏀 Royals Roll Past Cougars with Strong First Half and Stifling Defense

CVCA Cruises Past Lake Catholic in Season Opener

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy opened its season in dominant fashion with a 64-40 road win over Lake Catholic on Friday. The Royals surged ahead early, building a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and never looked back, outscoring Lake Catholic 42-16 by halftime.

Anthony Collins led the way for CVCA with 18 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Chayce Brantley added 10. Eight different Royals scored in the victory, showcasing the team’s depth. CVCA also made the most of its opportunities at the line, hitting 15 of 19 free throws.

Lake Catholic, now 1-2 on the season, was led by Brody Bohr with 12 points and James Moran with 9. The Cougars struggled offensively in the middle quarters, managing just 13 points combined in the second and third periods.

Despite a late 15-point effort in the fourth quarter, Lake Catholic was unable to close the gap as CVCA held on comfortably to secure the win.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Pranking the hubby…