❄️ Weather: Heavy Snow - Temps 19-21
Winter Storm Warning through Monday 10AM

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

📰 Local News: ❄️ Snowstorm Brings Wintry Sunday; Arctic Blast Monday

🚨 Update: Sentencing in Willoughby Robbery Case

📰 Del Monti Boosts Little Annie’s with $1,200 and Ongoing Item Drive

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 💦 Escape the Cold: 3 Indoor Waterpark Getaways Ohio Families Love

🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mitchell Erupts in Second Half as Cavaliers Cruise Past Magic

🏀 Mentor Cruises Past Euclid, Rodriguez Hits 1,000 Career Points

🏀 Cardinals Overpower Vikings with Fast Start, Kennedy Scores 32

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM DUE TO THE WEATHER

Snowfall Intensifies Across Northeast Ohio Early Sunday, 8–12 Inches Expected

Snow steadily moved into Northeast Ohio through the early hours of Sunday morning, laying down a blanket of powdery accumulation before sunrise. What began as light flurries overnight has quickly intensified into a more persistent snowfall, with moderate to heavy snow expected throughout the day.

By the time the system winds down late Sunday night, 8 to 12 inches of new snow is expected across much of the region. The snow is dry and powdery due to cold air in place, making it easier to shovel but prone to blowing around untreated roads and sidewalks.

Temperatures will hover near 20 degrees Sunday afternoon, with a light breeze around 10 mph making conditions feel brisk but not extreme.

By Sunday evening, widespread snow will begin tapering off, but lake-effect snow showers are expected to redevelop overnight and continue into Monday, mainly in areas downwind of Lake Erie.

Monday morning starts off in the teens before temperatures fall into the single digits by evening. Wind chills will be near or below zero throughout the day as winds increase.

By early Tuesday, wind chills could plunge to -20 degrees. Though highs may briefly reach the mid-teens, lake-effect snow and gusty southwest winds will keep conditions hazardous.

Sentencing has been handed down for an armed robbery that shook our neighboring Willoughby community back in July. Two men involved in the incident at a local apartment complex have been ordered to serve prison time, providing some closure to a case that had many local residents on edge.

Court records confirm that the duo received their sentences this week, while legal proceedings continue for a third individual involved in the crime.

While these events are rare in our area, they serve as a reminder to always stay vigilant and look out for one another. We are thankful for the swift work of the Willoughby Police Department in handling the investigation and ensuring our streets remain safe.

Stay tuned to the Buzz for further updates on the final sentencing in this case.

Source: cleveland.com

One local Christmas display turned holiday cheer into real help for families right here in our community. Thanks to the generosity of visitors and a little extra love from Del Monti’s Italian Treats, a meaningful donation was recently made to a wonderful local charity, Little Annie’s Hope Train.
Barry Sneed (co-owner of Del Monti’s), “We are so Proud to have been able to Present a Check to Little Annie’s Hope Train in the Amount of $1200 from the Donations Collected from People Visiting my Nutcracker Display at the Great Lakes Mall, (with a little extra thrown in from our Store). We want to Thank Everyone who Donated and look forward to sharing the Exhibit with all of you again next year! We are also Happy to Announce that we will now be Collecting Items for this wonderful, local charity ALL YEAR LONG, (look for the collection box in our lobby)! And a Special Thanks to Annie Felice Kline, Founder of Little Annie’s Hope Train, serving those in need in Lake and Cuyahoga Counties.”

See Facebook post for list of items being collected

Warm Up Fast: Indoor Waterpark Getaways Ohio Families Love

When winter’s chill has you craving sunshine and splashy fun, you don’t have to book a long flight — just pack swimsuits and towels for a quick 1–2 night winter escape to one of the Midwest’s best indoor waterpark resorts. These warm, tropical-feeling destinations are perfect for family adventures, from toddlers to teens.

Dreaming of a resort that feels like a year-round beach day? Kalahari delivers with the Midwest’s largest indoor waterpark — where you and the kids can glide down exhilarating slides, splish and splash in the lazy river, or just paddle around in warm tropical waters. Stay overnight to make it a true micro-vacation; your waterpark access begins the day you arrive and continues until departure afternoon.

Why it’s great:
✔ Huge variety of rides and attractions
✔ Warm 80-plus-degree atmosphere
✔ Easy drive from Mentor for a quick reset

Great Wolf Lodge is practically synonymous with warm winter fun. Both locations — in Mason near Cincinnati and right here in Sandusky — offer 84° indoor waterparks stocked with slides, pools, and splash zones for all ages.

Families rave about the mix of thrilling water rides and kid-friendly features, plus plenty of non-water activities like story time, dance parties, and themed suites to round out your adventure.

Perfect for:
🏊‍♀️ Little ones who want splash pads and shallow pools
🛶 Bigger kids chasing big slides and lazy river time
🎉 Parents craving weather-proof family fun

Just across the Pennsylvania border, Splash Lagoon brings a Polynesian-style indoor waterpark experience to life — with warm water, whimsical slides, wave pools, and even a ropes course and arcade for extra dry-land entertainment.

Their overnight getaway packages make it easy to turn this into a weekend splashcation complete with meals, arcade credits, and bundled fun.

Standout features:
🌊 Wave pool perfect for kids and adults alike
🎯 Exciting slides from mild to wild
🎟 Optional deals that include breakfast + extra perks

Winter travel doesn’t have to be dreary — these tropical-warm indoor escapes let you beat the cold without battling long lines or big travel time. Treat it as a mini vacation — grab a hotel breakfast, savor some poolside laughs, and recharge before Monday rolls around again.

The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away in the second half to beat the Orlando Magic 119-105 on Saturday night, powered by Donovan Mitchell’s 36-point performance. Mitchell scored 27 of those after halftime, lifting Cleveland to its fifth win in six games.

Jaylon Tyson added 17 points, and Evan Mobley chipped in 13 points with seven rebounds. Despite missing Darius Garland and DeAndre Hunter due to injuries, the Cavaliers leaned on their depth and well-timed shooting.

Cleveland opened the fourth with three-pointers from Lonzo Ball, Mobley, and Tyrese Proctor, extending the lead to 18 — their largest of the game.

Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 27 points, including three fourth-quarter threes, but the Magic never closed the gap to fewer than nine. Desmond Bane scored 20 points, while Anthony Black had 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Orlando struggled from deep, hitting just 27.5% (11-for-40). The loss was their third straight. The teams face off again Monday night in Cleveland.

Read More, See Highlights at espn.com

The Mentor Cardinals delivered a dominant performance on Saturday, securing a decisive 70-28 road victory over the Euclid Panthers in league play. The Cardinals, now boasting an impressive 16-1 record, showcased their depth and defensive strength, limiting Euclid’s scoring opportunities throughout the game.

With this win, Mentor continues to build momentum heading into their upcoming non-league matchup against Magnificat High School from Rocky River. The Blue Streaks, currently 12-6 on the season, are coming off a strong win of their own, having defeated Gilmour Academy 38-27.

Adding to the celebratory weekend for the Cardinals, senior standout Nina Rodriguez reached a major milestone, scoring her 1,000th career point. Her achievement reflects consistent excellence and leadership on the court — a proud moment for both her and the Mentor basketball program.

Mentor boys basketball rebounded in dominant fashion with a 100-79 road win over Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Jan. 24, less than 24 hours after a tough loss to Euclid. The Cardinals came out fast, forcing turnovers and hitting six 3-pointers in the opening quarter to establish a double-digit lead they never surrendered.

Sophomore point guard Jack Kennedy led the way with 32 points and eight steals, helping Mentor generate relentless defensive pressure and score consistently both inside and beyond the arc. Senior Tony Katava added 18 points, including the layup that brought the Cardinals to the 100-point mark.

Mentor’s fast-paced style was on full display with 19 total steals, many off full-court pressure and inbound disruptions. The Cardinals shot 63% from the field, going 12-for-24 from three-point range and 22-for-27 from the free-throw line.

Despite a strong effort from VASJ — including 25 points from Jaevon Hairston and three other players in double figures — the Vikings couldn’t overcome 22 turnovers and Mentor’s high-tempo attack.

Now 10-4 on the season, Mentor has won four of its last five and will next host Shaker Heights on Jan. 30. VASJ (8-6) will look to bounce back against Orange on Jan. 27.

The infinite patience of these cats!!