In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌨️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Morning Snow Showers - Temps 23-25

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 New Ohio Laws in 2026: Higher Wages, Cellphone Rules, and Narcan Policies

 📰 After Fatal Mistake, Former Inmate Shares Sobering Warning with Teens

🏛️ Mentor Library Launches Five Free Clubs for Kids This January

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Event Spotlight: 🎵 Treble in CLE Rings in 2026 with Rockin' Return to Chagrin River Tavern

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Resting Eagles Could Help Browns Hold Draft Spot

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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📰 New Ohio Laws in 2026: Higher Wages, Cellphone Rules, and Narcan Policies

Three New Ohio Laws Take Effect January 1, 2026

Ohio is starting the new year with three state laws impacting wages, schools, and health safety measures, all effective January 1, 2026. The updates focus on minimum wage, student cellphone use, and overdose preparedness in schools.

The state’s minimum wage will increase to $11 per hour for most workers, and $5.50 per hour for tipped employees. This automatic annual adjustment, tied to inflation, stems from a 2006 constitutional amendment. The new wage continues to exceed the federal minimum of $7.25.

A new cellphone policy will now apply to all Ohio public school districts. Schools must enforce rules limiting student cellphone use during the day, with exceptions for medical needs and emergencies. Though many schools already had policies, this law makes them mandatory statewide. The goal is to cut distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and improve focus in class.

Lastly, a law outlines protocols for schools that choose to stock naloxone (Narcan), the overdose-reversal drug. While not required to carry it, schools must now follow standards for storage, staff training, and emergency response. Any use of Narcan must be reported to the state. If a pattern of overdose risk is found, schools must alert parents districtwide.

Schools may accept donations from individuals or groups to buy Narcan, as long as the funds are used solely for overdose prevention. The law aims to promote safety without placing financial strain on districts.

Read or Watch More at wkyc.com

📰 After Fatal Mistake, Former Inmate Shares Sobering Warning with Teens

From Tragedy to Testimony: Local Man Shares Painful Story to Save Lives

On February 14, 2014, a night out in Toledo turned tragic for Brian Rosenburg, a 22-year-old from Ashtabula County. After drinking with coworkers, he made a decision that changed his life—and ended another.

Speeding while intoxicated, Rosenburg crashed into a vehicle at an intersection while going around 60 mph. The impact set off a five-car chain reaction. A woman injured in the crash later died, leading to charges of vehicular homicide.

Sentenced to seven years in prison, Rosenburg spent time reflecting on the consequences of his actions. During that time, he resolved to use his story to stop others from making the same mistake.

Since his 2021 release, Rosenburg has spoken to thousands across Northeast Ohio, sharing his experience to raise awareness about impaired driving. At the Inspire Teen Driving Safety event in April, he addressed over 1,000 students in Ashtabula County.

He estimates he's reached more than 22,000 students and young adults. While he can’t know how many truly take the message to heart, he says even one person saying “I’ll think twice” makes it worth it.

Rosenburg knows he can’t change the past, but he hopes his message helps change someone’s future.

Read or Watch More cleveland19.com

🏛️ Mentor Library Launches Five Free Clubs for Kids This January

Mentor Public Library Launches Five Free Clubs for Kids

Starting this January, Mentor Public Library is introducing five engaging clubs for children at its Main Branch. Covering topics from books to art and American history, all programs are free and designed for kids ages 6 to 12.

The Book-to-Movie Club welcomes readers ages 8 to 12 to explore beloved children's books and their film adaptations through readings, movie clips, and themed activities. January features The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. The club meets on Jan. 5 at 4 p.m.

Creative kids ages 7 to 12 can join the Fine Arts Club, which explores different artistic styles and cultural traditions. In past sessions, participants have tried ballet and graffiti; this month, they'll experiment with watercolor painting. The next meeting is Jan. 6 at 4 p.m.

The Travel Club takes children (ages 6 to 12) on monthly journeys across the U.S., with crafts, snacks, and collectible pins themed around a featured state. January’s destination is California. The club meets on Jan. 7 at 4 p.m.

New this year, the Story of America Club offers a fun look at U.S. history for kids ages 7 to 12. Each month highlights a different chapter of the nation’s past with hands-on activities, games, and snacks. The first session is Jan. 8 at 4 p.m.

The American Girl and America Series uses the popular dolls to explore 250 years of American history. Open to ages 8 to 12, the club focuses on one doll and historical period each month. In January, kids will explore the Revolutionary War with Felicity and Elizabeth.

Registration is required due to limited space. Sign up at www.mentorpl.org or call 440-255-8811 ext. 3.

 🎵 Treble in CLE Rings in 2026 with Rockin' Return to Chagrin Tavern

Cleveland’s premier rock and dance cover band, Treble in CLE, returns to Chagrin Tavern for their first show of 2026! Join the band for a high-energy night filled with crowd favorites, great food, refreshing drinks, and riverside vibes.

Whether you're a longtime fan or catching them live for the first time, this is the perfect way to kick off the new year. Come early, grab a table, and get ready to dance the night away!

🎶 Treble in CLE Kicks Off 2026 at Chagrin Tavern
📍 Chagrin Tavern on the River, 196 E Island Drive, Eastlake, OH
📅 Tuesday, January 2, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

🏈 Resting Eagles Could Help Browns Hold Draft Spot Despite Possible Win

Eagles’ Week 18 Strategy Could Boost Browns’ Draft Position

The Cleveland Browns may have just received a timely assist heading into their final game of the season — one that could impact their position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Despite a Week 17 victory, the Browns are wrapping up a 4–12 campaign and preparing for an offseason full of major decisions. With changes likely at head coach and general manager, and a top-10 pick secured, the team has a critical opportunity to reshape its future.

While some fans want a win to close out the year on a high note, many are focused on draft implications. The Browns currently hold the No. 6 overall pick, but Week 18 outcomes could shift that. If Cleveland wins and Washington loses, the Browns could fall to No. 7.

Fortunately for Cleveland, recent reports say the Philadelphia Eagles will rest their starters against Washington. Since the Commanders also sit at 4–12, a Washington win would help keep Cleveland’s draft slot intact, even if the Browns beat the Bengals.

There's even a slim scenario where the Browns climb to No. 2 — but it would require a loss and wins by all four of the NFL's three-win teams.

The easiest path to securing the highest possible pick is a Week 18 loss. However, the Browns face a 6–10 Bengals team they typically play tough, and players and coaches don’t intentionally lose games.

Still, Philadelphia’s decision to rest starters may allow Cleveland to finish strong without sacrificing draft position — a rare win-win in an otherwise forgettable season.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Ok, don’t try this at home….. HaHa!!!