In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌨️ Weather: Cloudy, Snow Showers Developing Late - Temps 25-26

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Residents Face Health Risks as Hydrogen Sulfide Found

🌶️ Think Your Chili’s the Best? Prove It at Mentor’s Winter Cook-Off!

 🌳 Mentor Accepting Applications for Tree Commission Opening

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Food & Recipes: 🍜 Italian "Penicillin" Soup Is the Winter Comfort Trend

 🥘 Cowboy Lasagna Is the Spicy Comfort Food Winter Was Missing

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mitchell Leads Late Rally as Cavs Outlast Injury-Plagued Nuggets

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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📰 Mentor Residents Face Health Risks as Hydrogen Sulfide Found in Sewer

Residents of Mentor’s Woodhill subdivision have endured years of foul sewer odors with little relief, but a recent investigation by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide — a toxic, potentially deadly gas — in the neighborhood’s sewer system.

The odor, described by residents as overwhelming and inescapable, has persisted since at least 2018. Complaints were repeatedly logged but largely dismissed by city and county officials. It wasn’t until residents contacted the Ohio EPA in April 2025 that a formal investigation began.

EPA testing revealed dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide, especially near a manhole in Painesville Township, where the gas levels were deemed hazardous to health. Investigators traced the source upstream to an industrial facility operated by Erie International Group, which had modified its wastewater treatment system without state approval.

The EPA has since issued a violation notice to the company, and Lake County has implemented multiple control measures, including chemical treatments, scrubbers on manholes, and enhanced monitoring throughout the area.

Health experts warn that even low levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause irritation, headaches, and nausea. At higher concentrations, the gas can be fatal. Air readings in the Woodhill area exceeded federal exposure limits, raising serious concerns for public health and safety.

As the investigation continues, the county is expanding odor-control efforts while preparing further enforcement action. Residents are being asked to keep documenting odors and symptoms to aid in identifying the full extent of the problem and prevent future health risks.

Read More at mentorlocalbuzz.com

🌶️ Think Your Chili’s the Best? Prove It at Mentor’s Winter Cook-Off!

Mentor’s Winter Festival Heats Up with Chili Cook-Off Showdown

As part of the City of Mentor’s annual Chill-Out Winter Festival, local chefs and chili enthusiasts are being invited to turn up the heat at a sizzling community competition. The Chili Cook-Off, scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, offers participants a chance to claim the title of “Best Chili in Mentor.”

Open to home cooks, restaurants, and businesses alike, the contest is a flavorful centerpiece of the festival. Contestants will prepare their chili on-site under a heated canopy, with electricity provided to keep pots simmering despite the wintry weather. Attendees can expect bold flavors, community spirit, and a bit of friendly rivalry, all set in the scenic City of Mentor Amphitheater grounds at 8500 Munson Road.

Organizers note that two competition spots remain open, inviting anyone with a standout chili recipe to step forward and join the fun. The event not only highlights local culinary talent but also brings residents together to enjoy one of Northeast Ohio’s most festive winter gatherings.

For more details or to enter the competition, interested participants can reach out to event coordinator Dave Duricky via email at [email protected] or by calling (440) 974-5727.

🌳 Mentor Accepting Applications for Tree Commission Opening

Mentor Seeks Volunteer for Tree Commission Vacancy

The City of Mentor is currently accepting applications from residents interested in serving on its Tree Commission. One seat is open to fill the remainder of a four-year term that will run through December 31, 2027.

To be eligible, applicants must be electors of the City of Mentor. The Tree Commission plays a key role in guiding the city’s tree-related policies, community forestry initiatives, and conservation efforts.

Interested individuals are required to submit a completed application along with a résumé to the Clerk of Council. Application forms are available on the city’s website at cityofmentor.com/news.

Submissions can be emailed to Clerk of Council Julie A. Schiavoni at [email protected], or delivered by mail or in-person to 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, Mentor, Ohio 44060. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on December 29, 2025.

For additional information, applicants can contact the Clerk’s Office at 440-974-5700.

 🍜 Italian "Penicillin" Soup Is the Winter Comfort Trend

Pastina in brodo, often nicknamed “Italian penicillin soup,” has become a recurring winter trend online. The comforting Italian dish, made with tiny pasta in broth, is cherished for its soothing qualities, especially during illness. Social media continues to boost its popularity, making it a seasonal favorite beyond its traditional roots.

Get the Full Recipe for Pastina in brodo at foodandwine.com

🥘 Cowboy Lasagna Is the Spicy Comfort Food Winter Was Missing

Cowboy Lasagna Delivers a Bold Twist on Winter Comfort Food

If the usual lineup of soups, stews, and chilis is starting to feel a bit stale this winter, there's a hearty alternative that's shaking up cold-weather meals — Cowboy Lasagna. This Southwestern-inspired spin on the traditional Italian favorite offers a flavor-packed experience that promises to snap you out of the winter blues.

Cowboy Lasagna layers all the cozy comfort of a baked pasta dish with the bold flavors of the American Southwest. Ground beef and sausage form the savory foundation, while fire-roasted tomatoes and diced green chiles bring a welcome kick. Instead of traditional mozzarella, this version uses Monterey Jack and pepper Jack cheeses, giving each bite a creamy, spicy edge.

Think of it as a delicious fusion between lasagna and chili — rich, spicy, and unapologetically hearty. It’s the kind of dish that feels just right on a chilly night, offering warmth with a side of excitement.

Get the Full Recipe for Cowboy Lasagna at SouthernLiving.com

🏀 Mitchell Leads Late Rally as Cavs Outlast Injury-Plagued Nuggets

The Cleveland Cavaliers took down a short-handed Denver Nuggets team 113-108 on Friday night, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 33 points and Darius Garland’s 18 points and eight assists.

Trailing 105-101 late, Cleveland closed with a 10-0 run, with Garland’s three-pointer giving them the lead for good.

Jamal Murray scored 34 points—28 in the first half—for Denver, but the team faltered in the fourth, scoring just 11 points. The Nuggets were missing key players, including Nikola Jokic, who is out for at least a month with a knee injury, as well as Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, and Jonas Valanciunas.

Cleveland dominated the boards 55-32 and benefited from the rare presence of their full starting lineup. Jarrett Allen had 12 rebounds, and Evan Mobley added 11 boards and three blocks.

Lonzo Ball returned with six points in 15 minutes. Craig Porter Jr. contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists off the bench.

The Cavaliers, now 13-8 at home, have played more games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse than any other NBA team this season.

Read More, See Highlights at espn.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

I love these shorts!!!!!!! Hilarious Kids!