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

📰 Local News: 🏡 Planning Commission Recommends Approval of South Cedar Road Subdivision

📰 Montana Bar Fairies Spread Warm Thanks on a Cold Mentor Morning

📰 As Short-Term Rentals Grow, Ohio Communities Confront Oversight Gaps

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: ✈️ Three February Getaways Ohio Travelers Are Booking

🏀 Sports: 🏀 Late Rally Falls Short for Lake Catholic; Mentor Stays Red-Hot with 18th Straight Win

🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers

🤼 Lake Catholic Wrestlers Roll Through Regional, Advance to State Duals

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

Plans for a five-lot residential subdivision at 6494 South Cedar Road advanced on February 5 after the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a final subdivision plat.

The proposal includes extending South Cedarwood Road and constructing a cul-de-sac to serve five new single-family home sites. The layout matches a preliminary plan reviewed by the commission in September and is intended to improve safety by providing a proper turnaround for emergency vehicles, which currently must back out the length of the street.

One of the lots presents unique challenges due to wetlands, a stream, a stormwater detention area, and a sanitary sewer corridor running through the property. Wetlands on the west side are planned to be mitigated, while development on the lot will be limited to designated buildable areas.

Because of lot constraints, future zoning variances are expected, particularly to reduce front-yard setbacks. Existing homes on South Cedarwood Road already have smaller setbacks than current zoning requires, and without variances, several of the proposed lots would be unbuildable. Any future variance requests will be reviewed separately and are not guaranteed.

Commission members also discussed restrictions tied to sanitary easements, including limitations on driveways and accessory structures, which will be clearly noted on the recorded plat.

The commission’s action is a recommendation only. Final acceptance of the plat dedication now moves to City Council for consideration.

Read the Full Article at mentorlocalbuzz.com

On a frigid and quiet Sunday morning in Mentor, the Montana Bar Fairies returned with a thoughtful mission: rewarding responsible choices. Volunteers placed coffee gift cards on vehicles that had been left at local bars overnight, offering a warm thank-you to patrons who chose not to drive after drinking.

Despite the cold keeping many people indoors, the group’s presence served as a visible reminder that planning ahead and opting for safe transportation can save lives. The Montana Bar Fairies, a volunteer-driven organization, focus on promoting safer decisions and protecting communities—one cup of coffee at a time.

Their small acts of kindness aim to encourage positive behavior while showing appreciation to those who put safety first. Community members expressed gratitude for the group’s continued efforts to make local roads safer, even on the coldest of mornings.

See Other Images by Mentor Police Department

As demand for short-term rentals continues to grow across Ohio, we examine the mounting safety concerns, regulatory gaps, and political debate surrounding the industry. While short-term rentals contribute to tourism and local economies year-round, residents and officials report recurring problems, including noise, traffic, large parties, and, in some cases, deadly violence linked to rental properties. Investigators found that inconsistent local rules, unregistered rentals, and the sheer number of online platforms make oversight and enforcement difficult for cities and police. In response, communities have adopted a range of approaches, from stricter licensing requirements to outright bans in residential areas. Now, the issue is shifting to the Ohio Statehouse, where proposed legislation could limit local control and establish a single statewide framework, potentially reshaping how neighborhoods handle short-term rentals statewide.

Read the Full Article at wkyc.com

Three Top Travel Destination Ideas for Ohio-Based Travelers Planning a February 2026 Getaway

February in Ohio can be beautiful—but it’s also prime time to dream about getting away. If you’re looking to escape winter or simply experience something different, these three destinations stand out for Ohio travelers planning a February 2026 trip.

Miami & Miami Beach, Florida
For travelers craving sunshine, Miami is a classic February favorite. With daytime temperatures often in the 70s, it’s an ideal break from Midwest winter. Visitors can enjoy warm beaches, stroll the colorful Art Deco District, explore Little Havana’s food and culture, or relax along Ocean Drive. February also avoids peak spring-break crowds, making it a sweet spot for both relaxation and fun.

New Orleans, Louisiana
February is one of the most exciting times to visit New Orleans thanks to Mardi Gras season. The city comes alive with parades, music, and festive street celebrations. Beyond the parties, visitors can explore historic neighborhoods, enjoy world-class Creole and Cajun cuisine, and soak in live jazz performances. Mild winter weather makes walking the city especially enjoyable.

Curaçao, Caribbean
For those wanting a true tropical escape, Curaçao delivers consistent warmth in February with little rainfall. This Caribbean island offers crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, stunning beaches, and vibrant Dutch-Caribbean architecture. It’s a great option for travelers looking to fully unplug and trade snow boots for flip-flops.

For Ohio travelers, February is also a smart time to look for value. Airfares from Cleveland Hopkins and nearby regional airports are often more affordable before spring break season begins, and hotels frequently offer mid-winter specials. Planning early for February 2026 can unlock better flight times, preferred lodging, and less crowded attractions. Whether it’s a quick long-weekend escape or a full week away, these destinations offer a refreshing change of pace when winter feels longest. Sometimes, the best cure for cabin fever isn’t waiting for spring — it’s packing a bag and going somewhere memorable.

The Lake Catholic Cougars girls basketball team came up just short on the road Saturday, falling 42–37 to Notre Dame–Cathedral Latin in Chardon.

The contest remained tight throughout the first half, with the Lions carrying a slim 19–16 advantage into the break. NDCL created separation in the third quarter, using a strong defensive stretch to outscore Lake Catholic 13–4 and build a cushion. The Cougars responded with renewed energy in the final period and mounted a late rally, but the comeback effort stalled before the final horn.

With the loss, Lake Catholic dropped to 5–14 on the season, while NDCL improved to 11–10. Individual statistics were not available for the game. The Cougars will look to bounce back Monday evening when they return home to host Holy Name, which enters the matchup at 12–6. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

In non-conference action Saturday, the Mentor Lady Cardinals continued their dominant run, defeating the Massillon Jackson Polar Bears 62–37 for their 18th consecutive victory.

Mentor was paced by a balanced offensive and defensive effort. Freshman Ashlyn McKinney delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while sophomore Kiera Coleman added 11 points and four steals. The win pushed Mentor’s record to 19–1 overall and a perfect 13–0 in Greater Cleveland Conference play. Jackson saw its record fall to 16–3.

The Lady Cardinals will return to action Monday night with a road matchup against Cleveland Heights, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m.

James Harden scored 23 points in his Cavaliers debut as Cleveland defeated the Sacramento Kings 132-126 on Saturday night.

Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points, including a late free throw that sealed the win. The victory was Cleveland’s eighth in its last nine games, while Sacramento’s losing streak reached 12.

Harden, acquired earlier this week, shot 7 of 13 from the field with five 3-pointers and added eight assists. Jarrett Allen contributed 29 points and 10 rebounds for Cleveland.

Nique Clifford led the Kings with 30 points, and Russell Westbrook had 21 points and nine assists. Sacramento has lost six straight at home.

Cleveland plays at Denver on Monday night.

The Lake Catholic wrestling team secured a spot in the Division III state duals with two dominant wins at the regional dual pod it hosted Feb. 7.

The Cougars beat Ravenna Southeast 63-16 in the semifinal and Crestwood 59-15 in the championship match, advancing to the state duals on Feb. 14 at Marion Elgin High School and positioning themselves as a likely top seed.

Lake Catholic’s depth was evident, led by five returning state placers, including defending state champion Danny Zmorowski at 215 pounds, along with key efforts from Jaidyn Davidson at 165, Andrew Ludvik at 138, and Ethan Preseren at 126.

Davidson pinned both opponents, including a 47-second fall against Ravenna Southeast. Preseren recorded a 9-7 decision over Crestwood’s 10th-ranked Rocco Wrobel. Ludvik, stepping in for injured state placer Tyler Ineman, earned a 21-5 technical fall against Crestwood.

After trailing 10-0 early, Lake Catholic controlled the match against Ravenna Southeast. Against Crestwood, the Cougars opened with four straight pins from Giovanni Magistrelli at 144, Tommy Slack at 150, Sam Mullen at 157, and Davidson at 165.

Additional victories included Chance Wuhr’s 18-2 win at 113 and Timmy Mazur’s 22-5 technical fall at 132. Preseren’s win and Ludvik’s technical fall completed the regional.

Coach Nate Skonieczny said the Cougars are now focused on the state duals, where Lake Catholic will attempt to win its first state championship since 1997, with alumnus Dale Kaprosy in attendance.

Epic Fails - Ouch!! I watched it twice. Haha