In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌨️ Weather: Chance of Snow in the Morning, Maybe an 1”- Temps 32-34

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Planning Commission Launches 2026 With New Leaders and Key Approvals

 📰 Mentor Seeks Resident to Fill Vacancy on Zoning Appeals Board

 📰 Mentor Schools Advance $13.5M Levy Proposal for May Ballot

👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 ❎ Take the Poll: Do You Support the Current Levy Proposal?

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Food & Recipes: 🍞 Warm, Sweet, and Comforting: 3 Winter Treats to Enjoy

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Cavaliers Rally Late to Sweep 76ers Behind Tyson’s Career Night

 🏀 Mentor Capitalizes on 27 Turnovers to Knock Off Medina

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit
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Featured Event for Jan 17

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📰 Mentor Planning Commission Launches 2026 With New Leaders and Key Approvals

The Mentor Municipal Planning Commission held its first meeting of 2026 on January 15, setting the tone for a busy year of development, zoning decisions, and leadership changes.

The meeting opened with the swearing-in of two returning members for terms running through December 31, 2029, followed by the election of new officers. John Crocker was selected as Chairman, Jeffrey Varga as Vice Chairman, and Richard Tedman as Secretary.

Commission members reviewed several conditional use permit requests. Approval was granted for a new automotive window tinting business at 7150 Hart Street, Unit A2, operating as a small, one-person shop with six conditions related to lighting and site operations. A CrossFit gym relocating to 7430 Clover Avenue was also approved, continuing a long-standing local fitness business that serves residents of all ages, including first responders.

Several items were tabled, including proposals for a recreational facility on Tyler Boulevard, a veterinary clinic on Mentor Avenue, and a golf cart and trailer sales operation on Tyler Boulevard. The golf cart proposal generated extensive discussion due to zoning concerns over outdoor displays and the sale of residential-style sheds and furniture. The applicant agreed to work with city staff to revise the plan.

The Commission approved Phase 2 of the Mentor Heights subdivision, allowing 27 additional residential lots, subject to ten conditions addressing stormwater management, tree preservation, and oversight of an existing gas well. A revised parking and traffic flow plan for the Mentor Public Library was also approved after adjustments were made to address construction costs and safety concerns.

For a full breakdown of each agenda item, public hearing, and vote, read the complete article on our website.

See the Full Article on mentorlocalbuzz.com

📰 Mentor Seeks Resident to Fill Vacancy on Zoning Appeals Board

Mentor Seeks Volunteer for Zoning Appeals Board Vacancy

The City of Mentor is looking to fill a volunteer vacancy on its Board of Building & Zoning Appeals and is encouraging residents to apply. This opportunity is open to any qualified voter residing in the city, with the selected applicant serving the remainder of a four-year unexpired term that runs through December 31, 2027.

Interested individuals must submit both a completed application and a current résumé by 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2026. Materials should be directed to the Clerk of Council. The position is governed by local ordinance, which outlines eligibility and appointment procedures.

Questions and applications can be directed to Clerk of Council Julie A. Schiavoni by email at [email protected] or by phone at 440-974-5700. A fillable application form is available for download through the city's official website.

Source: cityofmentor.com

📰 Mentor Schools Advance $13.5M Levy Proposal for May Ballot

Mentor School Board Moves Forward with Operating Levy for May Ballot

MENTOR, Ohio — The Mentor Schools Board of Education has taken the first step toward placing a 4.9-mill operating levy on the May 2026 ballot. Approved in a 4-1 vote, the measure would generate roughly $13.5 million annually to fund core operations such as staffing, transportation, safety, maintenance, and utilities.

Homeowners would pay about $169 per $100,000 of home value—approximately $415 annually for the average Mentor home valued at $242,000.

This would be the district’s first operating levy in 10 years. Although a .75% earned income tax was considered, the board chose a property tax, citing a higher chance of voter approval. Even with the new levy, Mentor’s millage rate would stay in the lower half of Lake County districts.

If the levy fails in May, the district faces $3.4 million in immediate cuts, with another $3.4 million reduction if a second attempt in November also fails. Meanwhile, $4.2 million in cuts are already planned for the 2026–27 school year due to retirements, potentially eliminating eight positions.

The levy would last six years—longer than typical levies—and offer greater financial stability. Board members stressed the importance of educating the community on how the vote will affect programs and class sizes.

 🍞 Warm, Sweet, and Comforting: 3 Winter Treats to Make This Weekend

Cozy Winter Treats to Warm Up Your Weekend

When the temperatures drop and the weekend slows down, it’s the perfect excuse to stay in and enjoy something warm and comforting from the kitchen. If you’re looking for simple treats that feel a little special, these three classic winter desserts hit the spot without requiring hours of prep.

Homemade Hot Chocolate is the ultimate cold-weather comfort. Rich, creamy, and far better than anything from a packet, this cozy drink is perfect for curling up on the couch or serving after a snowy day outside. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with whipped cream or marshmallows, one mug is never enough.

Nothing says winter baking quite like Apple Crisp (or Apple Crumble). Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, golden crumble make this dessert a seasonal favorite. It’s simple, forgiving, and fills the house with that irresistible baked-apple aroma. Serve it fresh from the oven on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra cozy treat.

Then there’s Bread Pudding, a comforting classic that turns everyday ingredients into something special. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on top, and full of warm spices, it’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic and satisfying all at once. Perfect for using up leftover bread and ending a winter meal on a sweet note.

Looking for the full recipes and step-by-step instructions? Click the links above and bring a little extra warmth to your kitchen this weekend.

🏀 Cavaliers Rally Late to Sweep 76ers Behind Tyson’s Career Night

Tyson Drops 39, Mobley Seals Late Win

The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a thrilling 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, completing a two-game sweep behind Jaylon Tyson’s career-high 39 points and Evan Mobley’s last-second dunk.

With Darius Garland and Sam Merrill sidelined due to injuries earlier in the week, the Cavaliers leaned on Tyson’s scoring and Donovan Mitchell’s versatile play. Mitchell finished with 13 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, nearly recording a triple-double.

The 76ers led by 11 in the fourth quarter, but Cleveland surged with a 13-2 run, tying the game after De’Andre Hunter’s three-pointer. Although Philadelphia briefly regained control following three Cavs turnovers, Cleveland stayed close.

Hunter’s late layup gave the Cavs a one-point edge. Mobley hit one of two free throws before Tyrese Maxey tied it with 8.1 seconds left. After a timeout, Tyson found Mobley for an uncontested dunk with 4.8 seconds remaining. Maxey’s heave from beyond half court missed at the buzzer.

Joel Embiid scored 33 points for Philadelphia, and Maxey added 22 points, nine assists, and five steals. Dominick Barlow returned after a back injury, contributing two points.

The Cavaliers now head home to face Oklahoma City on Monday, while the 76ers look to regroup after consecutive losses.

Read More, See Highlights at espn.com

🏀 Mentor Capitalizes on 27 Turnovers to Knock Off Medina

Mentor’s defense was the difference Friday night, as the Cardinals forced 27 turnovers to secure a 71-63 road win over No. 14 Medina in Greater Cleveland Conference action.

Mentor leaned on defensive pressure and smart execution to pull away late. The game swung in the Cardinals’ favor when Bernard Gnjatic intercepted a pass and set up Jack Kennedy for a go-ahead three-pointer, a turning point that sparked the closing run.

Kennedy led all scorers with 19 points and added six assists. While it was his only made three, it came at a crucial moment. Gnjatic contributed four assists and three steals, while fellow sophomore Tommy Pavicic made a strong defensive impact with six steals and two drawn charges.

Mentor improved to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the conference. Despite continuing to struggle from the field, the Cardinals stayed in control by taking care of the ball. They committed just nine turnovers—none in the first quarter and only one in the fourth—while capitalizing on Medina’s mistakes throughout.

The Bees found success during the second and third quarters, breaking the press at times and scoring off fast breaks. Garrett Myers led Medina with 16 points, followed by Ryan Harubin with 15. Lucas Hogan, the Bees’ 6-foot-10 center, added nine points in the first half and grabbed 10 rebounds overall.

Still, Mentor’s consistent defensive pressure gradually wore Medina down. The Cardinals dictated the pace, disrupted passing lanes, and maintained control down the stretch.

The win keeps Mentor in the thick of the GCC race and highlights the growing impact of its young backcourt and aggressive defensive style.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Fun in the Snow! I think??!!?