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

📰 Local News: 📰 New Data Shows Drop in Phone Use Behind the Wheel in Ohio

🛍️ TJ Maxx Relocates to New 24,000-Square-Foot Store in Mentor Commons

🌠 Late-Night Meteor Streaks Across Ohio

💘 Top 5 Valentine’s Dinner Destinations and Deals in the Mentor Area

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Guardians Launch $99.99 In-Market Streaming Package for 2026

🏀 Cougars Defeat Hawken, Set Sights on Tournament Clash with Warriors

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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Ohio drivers are using their phones less behind the wheel than the national average, according to new data — though that may surprise anyone navigating Route 2.

The report from Cambridge Mobile Telematics, which tracks drivers enrolled in insurance-based phone monitoring programs, found Ohio motorists tapped their screens nearly 22 times per 100 miles, compared to more than 23.5 taps nationwide.

State leaders credit Ohio’s distracted driving law, which took effect in 2023 and bans holding or using electronic devices while driving. Officials believe the law is helping shift habits and aim to keep the trend moving downward.

Still, some counties exceed state and national averages. In Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga County ranks among the most distracted, with drivers logging far more taps than the state average and neighboring counties. Stark County drivers also surpassed the Ohio average, topping 23.5 taps per 100 miles.

Handheld phone calls remain legal if drivers hold the device to their ear, though usage is about 5% below the national average.

Preliminary Ohio Department of Transportation data shows traffic deaths are down 3% compared to 2024, suggesting reduced phone use may be playing a role. Officials encourage drivers to use focus or do-not-disturb settings to limit distractions.

Read More on this Story at news5cleveland.com

TJ Maxx is preparing to open a new location in Mentor, bringing a refreshed shopping space to the community. The retailer announced that its new store at Mentor Commons will officially open its doors on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The new site replaces a previous Mentor location, relocating just a short distance away. Company leadership expressed enthusiasm about continuing to serve shoppers in the area and strengthening its presence in the local retail market.

Spanning more than 24,000 square feet, the new store offers an expanded space for customers to browse apparel, home goods, and other discounted merchandise. On opening day, shoppers can visit between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

TJ Maxx operates more than 1,300 stores nationwide, and the Mentor opening marks another addition to its extensive U.S. footprint.

Read More at fox8.com

A bright meteor illuminated the night sky over central Ohio late Tuesday, drawing attention from residents and appearing on numerous doorbell and security cameras around 11:32 p.m.

The space rock streaked through Earth’s atmosphere before burning up, creating a vivid flash as it passed overhead. Though brief, it was bright enough to be widely recorded and shared across the region.

Such events are not uncommon. Meteors appear year-round, with activity increasing during annual meteor showers. The Alpha Centaurid meteor shower is currently active, and while it mainly favors the Southern Hemisphere, the Ohio sighting may have been linked to it.

Another chance to see meteors is coming soon. The Lyrid Meteor Shower, peaking in April, is expected to produce 10 to 15 meteors per hour under favorable conditions.

Read or See the Video at wkyc.com

Here are 5 concrete Valentine’s dinner deals in or very close to Mentor with actual specials, not just “we’re open” listings. Availability can change fast, so I’d call or book online as soon as you pick one.

If you tell me your rough budget per couple and how fancy you want to go (jeans vs. jacket), I can narrow this to 2–3 that best fit your night.

CLEGUARDIANS.TV is offering a $99.99 in-market streaming package for the 2026 season, giving Cleveland-area fans access to regular-season games without blackouts, except for national exclusives. Spring Training games are included, and the familiar broadcast team returns as MLB produces and distributes local games.

Get the Full Details at mlb.com

The Lake Catholic Cougars girls varsity basketball team secured a 50-38 victory over the Hawken Hawks on February 11, 2026, in a road matchup at Hawken High School in Gates Mills.

The win improved Lake Catholic’s record to 6-15 on the season, while Hawken fell to 7-15. The Cougars continued their recent momentum after snapping a nine-game losing streak with a February 2 win over Kirtland. The victory over Hawken marks their second triumph against the Hawks in recent seasons, following a 52-33 win in their previous meeting on January 23, 2024.

With the regular season winding down, Lake Catholic now shifts its focus to tournament play. The Lady Cougars are set to face the 15-6 Warriors in a February 21 matchup at Fairview Park. No individual player statistics were available from the Hawken game.

Father and Son… that poor Dad. haha