In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌥️ Weather: Partly Cloudy, Some Sun. Light Snow Tonight - Temps 19-21

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Ohio Offers Energy Assistance to Help with Utility Costs

 📰 Mentor Launches Next Phase of Lagoons Bulkhead Overhaul

🗳️ Early Poll Shows Steep Opposition to Mentor Schools Levy

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 🛄 The Scottish Sun Finds Rock, Nature, and Flavor in the Heart of Ohio

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mentor Overpowers Rhodes 90-76, Katava Dominates

 🏈 Former Browns Coach Stefanski Gets Fresh Start with Falcons

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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Featured Event for Jan 18

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📰 Ohio Offers Energy Assistance to Help with Utility Costs

Ohio Offers Energy Assistance for Older Adults and Low-Income Households

As heating and cooling costs strain household budgets, the Ohio Department of Aging and partner agencies are helping older adults and low-income residents manage their energy expenses through a variety of programs and resources.

Working with the Ohio Department of Development, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, and local aging networks, the state provides support to help eligible individuals stay safe and comfortable in their homes.

Several programs are available for income-qualified Ohioans of all ages:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Helps with paying home heating and cooling bills.

• Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): Provides energy-saving upgrades to reduce usage and improve comfort.

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP): Offers reduced, income-based monthly payments for regulated gas and electric bills.

• Crisis Programs: One-time help is available through Summer and Winter Crisis Programs for utility bills or equipment repairs/replacements.

PUCO’s Winter Reconnect Order can also help prevent shutoffs during cold weather. PUCO provides support for utility-related questions and helps resolve issues involving electric, gas, water, phone, or moving services.

To apply for energy programs, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov. For more information, call 1-800-282-0880 or contact your local area agency on aging. For utility questions, reach PUCO at 1-800-686-7826.

Read the Full Article at aging.ohio.gov

📰 Mentor Launches Next Phase of Lagoons Bulkhead Overhaul

Mentor Lagoons Bulkhead Replacement Project Enters Phase 7

The City of Mentor is advancing to Phase 7 of the Mentor Lagoons Bulkhead Replacement Project, part of a multi-year effort to maintain shoreline stability and protect vital infrastructure along the waterfront. This ongoing work replaces aging bulkhead systems that guard against erosion and storm damage.

Phase 7 involves major construction to reinforce the lagoon’s waterfront barriers, which help safeguard boat docks, walkways, and nearby public areas. The estimated cost for this phase is $651,700, with a completion date set for April 24, 2026.

This infrastructure upgrade remains key to Mentor’s broader shoreline management strategy. Each phase enhances the waterfront’s resilience while supporting recreational use and environmental protection along Lake Erie.

As progress continues, the city is currently accepting contractor bids for the project. Bidding materials are available online through Verdantas LLC, marking the next step toward launching the construction phase.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🗳️ Early Poll Shows Steep Opposition to Mentor Schools Levy

Mentor Schools Levy Proposal Faces Uphill Battle, Early Poll Suggests

A quick-turnaround poll conducted in this week’s local newsletter suggests that the proposed school levy in Mentor may face significant resistance from voters. The levy, aimed at addressing a projected $13.5 million budget shortfall for Mentor Public Schools, is slated for the May 2026 ballot.

While the poll only ran for one day and garnered responses from fewer than 200 residents—a small fraction of the city’s nearly 50,000 population—it offers an early snapshot of public sentiment.

The results revealed that just 25% of respondents were in favor of the levy, with 18% fully supporting it and another 7% leaning in favor. However, opposition was markedly higher, with 36% saying they were fully against the proposal and 25% leaning against it. Thirteen percent remained undecided.

Although not scientific, the results highlight a clear challenge for the school district: a majority of respondents either oppose the levy outright or are leaning that way. The numbers suggest the district will need to mount a persuasive public information campaign if it hopes to gain voter support over the coming days.

The proposed levy comes amid growing concerns about the financial health of the school system, which officials say is facing a structural deficit without new revenue. As the community debates the path forward, engagement and outreach are expected to play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the May 2026 vote.

Don’t miss your chance to weigh in—(Link here: 👉🏻) yesterday’s newsletter features the poll about halfway down.

Most of the comments on Facebook expressed opposition to the levy.

 🛄 The Scottish Sun Finds Rock, Nature, and Flavor in the Heart of Ohio

Discovering Ohio: Cleveland and Columbus Offer Unexpected Delights for Curious Travelers

Ohio might not top the list for most globetrotters planning their next holiday, but for one traveler from Scotland, it proved to be a surprising and rewarding destination. Flying from Glasgow to Cleveland via Dublin, the trip started with ease thanks to pre-cleared U.S. customs—setting the tone for a relaxed and eye-opening adventure through two of Ohio’s most vibrant cities: Cleveland and Columbus.

Cleveland: A City of Contrasts

First impressions of Cleveland challenged every expectation. Once known for its heavy industrial roots, the city now reveals a greener, more elegant side. Expansive metroparks span 25,000 acres with over 300 miles of trails, offering plenty of opportunities to step away from the city buzz. The downtown area blends old-world grandeur and modern energy. Historic buildings like the Cleveland Arcade, which debuted in 1890 as America’s first indoor shopping mall, still exude charm, while repurposed landmarks like the Cleveland Trust Building have been reinvented into upscale grocery spaces.

Just steps away lies Playhouse Square, one of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S. Whether or not you're into theatre, the architecture and atmosphere alone make it worth a visit.

Music, Food, and Lakefront Vibes

Cleveland proudly claims its spot in music history. At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, visitors can explore everything from Jimi Hendrix’s guitars to The Beatles’ outfits and Pink Floyd’s iconic stage sets. The museum is not just a tribute to legends—it’s a pilgrimage site for music fans.

Nearby, Lake Erie offers serene waterfront views. Across the river in Ohio City, a revitalized neighborhood teems with breweries, restaurants, and local color. Market Garden Brewery serves up an impressive Scotch egg alongside an array of craft beers, while East 4th Street mixes gourmet dining with casual hangouts. Sports fans will also find plenty to cheer about—catching a Cleveland Guardians baseball game is an experience of its own, filled with atmosphere and camaraderie.

Into Nature: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Just 40 minutes south of the city, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a peaceful escape. Whether riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad or hiking to Brandywine Falls, the natural beauty is a world away from the urban bustle. For a deeper connection to the landscape, glamping at Valley Overlook provides a unique stay beneath the forest canopy, with starry skies and crackling campfires setting the scene.

Read the Full Article, Including His experiences and impression of Columbus: thescottishsun.co.uk

🏀 Mentor Overpowers Rhodes 90-76, Katava Dominates with Double-Double

The Mentor Cardinals improved their season record to 8-3 with a 90-76 victory over the Rhodes Rams in a high-scoring matchup. Mentor gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Rhodes 32-21, and carried that lead through to the final buzzer.

Tony Katava played a key role in the Cardinals’ win, posting an impressive double-double performance with 28 points and 18 rebounds. Jack Kennedy added defensive pressure with four steals, helping to disrupt Rhodes’ rhythm on offense. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort by the Rams, Mentor’s earlier dominance sealed the win.

Looking ahead, Mentor is set to take on the Lorain Titans (1-12) in a conference matchup on Tuesday, January 20, at Lorain.

🏈 Former Browns Coach Stefanski Gets Fresh Start with Falcons

Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons, following a second interview led by new Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan. Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, led Cleveland to two playoff appearances during his six-year tenure but was dismissed after a steep decline in his final two seasons. Atlanta, in the midst of a major organizational reset, is hoping Stefanski can revive a franchise that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2017.

Read More at espn.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Sleeping people videos that will make you laugh!