In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌨️ Weather: Wind, Mostly Cloudy, Some Snow Showers - Temp 30-32

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Schools Eye May Levy to Avert Budget Cuts, Larger Class Sizes

 🚨 Lake County Emergency Siren Test Set for Wednesday Morning

 📰 Mentor Office Vacancy Holds Low at 2.6% in Q4 2025

 🎄 Christmas Tree Recycling Available at Mentor Parks Through January

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: ❄️ Winter Where No One Else Is: Hidden Nature Escapes in Lake County

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Cleveland Erupts for 146 Points, Ends Minnesota’s Winning Run

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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Featured Event for Jan 11

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📰 Mentor Schools Eye May Levy to Avert Budget Cuts, Larger Class Sizes

Mentor Schools May Seek May Levy to Avoid Deep Budget Cuts

Mentor Public Schools are preparing to place a 4.9-mill substitute operating levy on the May 2026 ballot as the district faces growing financial pressure and potential budget cuts.

If approved, the levy would cost homeowners about $169 annually per $100,000 of home value. The school board initiated the process during a January 7 special meeting, directing the treasurer to draft a resolution.

District officials say the levy is needed to avoid a projected negative cash balance by 2030 and possible state fiscal oversight as early as 2028.

If the May levy fails, $3.4 million in cuts would be needed. A second failure in November would require another $3.4 million. Regardless of the outcome, $4.2 million in reductions are already planned for the 2026–27 school year.

Expected retirements are shaping staffing changes. With 25 teachers set to retire, the district plans to eliminate eight positions. Leaders warn middle school class sizes could grow from 18 to 25 students.

The board considered both a property tax and earned income tax, favoring the former due to stronger voter support. A final vote on the resolution is expected at the next board meeting.

Officials note this is the first request for new operating funds in 10 years and say the community will ultimately decide the district’s direction.

Source: cleveland.com

🚨 Lake County Emergency Siren Test Set for Wednesday Morning

Lake County to Conduct Emergency Alert Siren Test on January 14

The Lake County Emergency Management Agency will conduct a scheduled test of its outdoor warning sirens on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM. This is part of the county’s regular quarterly testing schedule, held at 11:00 AM on the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

The upcoming test will feature a single three-minute siren activation. Residents are reminded that this is only a test, and no public action is necessary.

In the event of a real emergency, the outdoor sirens will sound three separate times for three minutes each, with a 30-second pause between each cycle. Additional warnings may also be issued through loudspeakers used by fire and police departments.

Officials urge residents not to call 911 during the test unless they are experiencing a true emergency.

For More Information on this Testing, Go to lakecountyohio.gov

 📰 Mentor Office Vacancy Holds Low at 2.6% in Q4 2025

Mentor Office Vacancy Rises Slightly in Q4 2025, Still Among Region's Lowest

Office vacancy in the City of Mentor remained low in the fourth quarter of 2025, with just 2.6% of space unoccupied. This marks a slight increase of 0.2% from the previous quarter but an improvement from the 3.3% vacancy rate in Q4 2024.

Mentor makes up around 30% of Lake County’s office market, totaling about 1.7 million square feet. Countywide, vacancy stood at 3.8%, unchanged from the third quarter but up from 2.5% a year ago.

Across the greater Cleveland metro—spanning eight counties and 147 million square feet of office space—the Q4 2025 vacancy rate was 8.5%, showing small decreases both quarterly and year-over-year.

Several larger office spaces remain available in Mentor, including 12,515 sq. ft. at 8339 Tyler Blvd., 10,687 sq. ft. at 9500 Mentor Ave., and 7,101 sq. ft. at 6990 Lindsay Drive.

The data, compiled by CoStar and presented by the City of Mentor’s Planning & Development Department, reflects Mentor’s continued strength as a destination for office-based businesses.

Source: City of Mentor

🎄 Christmas Tree Recycling Available at Mentor Parks Through January

Mentor Residents Can Recycle Christmas Trees at Local Parks Through January

Mentor residents can drop off their undecorated live Christmas trees at four local parks through January 31, 2026, as part of the city’s recycling program. See one of our previous issues for drop off locations.

❄️ Forget the Crowds: Discover Lake County’s Hidden Winter Wonders

Winter’s Quiet Side: Three Hidden Nature Escapes in Lake County

When winter hits Northeast Ohio, most people think of staying in or sticking to the usual parks. But if you’re craving something quieter—something that feels a little undiscovered—Lake County has a few winter gems that shine brightest once the crowds disappear.

First up is Hell Hollow Wilderness Area, tucked away near Madison. In winter, this preserve feels almost cinematic. Snow settles gently over wetlands and rolling terrain, and the trails are peaceful enough that you’ll often hear nothing but wind in the trees and birds overhead. It’s a fantastic spot for winter hiking, nature photography, or just clearing your head. Dress warmly and wear waterproof boots—this is rugged, beautiful Ohio wilderness at its best.

A short drive away is Penitentiary Glen Reservation, which becomes surprisingly magical in colder months. The gorge trails are quieter, the rock formations more dramatic against snow and ice, and wildlife sightings are more common. It’s also home to the Wildlife Center, which is a great bonus stop if you want to warm up and learn something new.

Rounding out the trio is Chapin Forest Reservation. Known for its elevated trails, Chapin offers some of the best winter views in the county. On a clear day, the frozen landscape stretches out beautifully, and the crisp air makes every step feel refreshing.

These spots don’t require hotel stays or long drives—just a sense of curiosity and a good winter coat. If you’re looking to rediscover Northeast Ohio this season, this is where winter quietly steals the show.

🏀 Cleveland Erupts for 146 Points, Ends Minnesota’s Winning Run

Cavaliers Overwhelm Timberwolves, Snap Win Streak in 146-134 Shootout

Do they still play defense in the NBA these days? The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered an offensive clinic on Saturday, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 146-134 at home and ending their four-game win streak.

Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 28 points, sparking a second-half surge that turned a tight game into a decisive win. The Cavs had five players score at least 20 points — a feat last achieved by the franchise in 1972.

Evan Mobley added 24 points, Jaylon Tyson came off the bench for 23, and Darius Garland contributed 22. Sam Merrill scored 20 while setting a team record by hitting five or more three-pointers in four straight games.

The Cavaliers shot a season-best 59.2% from the field and hit 15 of 31 from beyond the arc. Their 146 points marked the fourth-highest total in a regulation game in team history.

Minnesota led 65-63 at halftime but was outpaced after Cleveland’s 12-0 third-quarter run, fueled by threes from Merrill and dunks by Mobley. Jarrett Allen’s floater pushed the lead to nine. Allen finished with 16 points, with all five starters scoring in double digits for the 11th time this season.

Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid scored 25 each for the Timberwolves, who still shot a season-best 57.3%. Julius Randle added 20 points in the loss.

Cleveland has now won five of its last seven and looks to build momentum in the coming games.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Do something weird and see what happens… a lot happens….