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

📰 Local News: 📉 District Outlines Financial Outlook, Levy on May Ballot

🧑🏻‍⚖️ Lake Catholic Celebrates America’s 250th with Live Courtroom Demonstration

👩🏻‍🌾 Master Gardeners to Share Lawn Care, Seed Tips at Mentor Library

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 🛣️ Want to Disconnect? These 3 Places Make Off-Grid Travel Easy

🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mentor Closes Strong to Outlast Glenville, 76-71

🤼 Lake Catholic Falls in State Duals Semifinal, Takes Fourth

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

Mentor Schools Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer William Wade recently presented the district’s Fiscal Year 2026 Five-Year Forecast to the Board of Education, outlining ongoing structural deficits and long-term financial projections.

The forecast shows the district has operated with expenses exceeding revenues since fiscal year 2021. While the current year is projected to end with a relatively small operating loss of approximately $275,000 due to cost-containment efforts, larger shortfalls are anticipated in the coming years. Deficits are projected to grow to $7.6 million in FY27, $11.8 million in FY28, $15.5 million in FY29 and more than $21.9 million by FY30.

Revenue is expected to decline slightly from about $115 million in FY26 to approximately $113.1 million by FY30. Recent state legislation is projected to further limit revenue growth. Meanwhile, expenditures are forecasted to rise about 2.46 percent annually, driven largely by personnel costs, which account for roughly 85 percent of the general fund budget.

The forecast indicates the district could fall below the recommended 90-day cash reserve benchmark after FY28 and below its internal reserve policy threshold shortly after the start of FY29.

District officials highlighted that Mentor Schools has passed only one new-money operating levy since 2004, approved in 2016, and maintains one of the lowest effective school millage rates in Lake County. Over the years, the district has implemented staffing reductions aligned with enrollment, closed buildings, reduced departmental budgets, adjusted benefits and pursued grant funding.

The Board has placed a proposed 4.9-mill operating levy on the May ballot. If not approved, officials estimate $3.4 million in reductions would be required for FY27, with total cuts reaching at least $6.8 million if no levy is passed by November.

Read the Full Article at mentorlocalbuzz.com

Students at Lake Catholic High School stepped into the world of the judicial system as part of a special event marking the United States’ 250th birthday.

The school hosted a live mock courtroom session presided over by Lake County Common Pleas Judge Eugene Lucci, offering students a firsthand look at how legal proceedings unfold. The event provided a realistic demonstration of courtroom procedures, from presenting arguments to evaluating legal standards.

The featured case focused on an appeal involving an alleged improper search of a vehicle by law enforcement. Through the simulated proceedings, students observed how judges analyze constitutional questions and weigh evidence in appellate cases.

School leaders noted that many students involved in the school’s mock trial team have expressed strong interest in pursuing careers in law. The event gave those students an opportunity to witness authentic courtroom dynamics beyond the classroom setting.

To ensure broad participation, the mock trial was held in the school auditorium and livestreamed, allowing students to attend either in person or virtually.

Read or Watch More at news5cleveland.com

Gardeners across Northeast Ohio will have the opportunity to sharpen their skills next month as the Lake County Master Gardeners host two free educational programs at Mentor Public Library.

The first session, titled Lawn Care Calendar, will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 2 at the library’s Lake Branch, located at 5642 Andrews Road in Mentor-on-the-Lake. The program will provide attendees with a detailed, month-by-month guide to maintaining healthy lawns throughout the growing season, tailored specifically to the region’s climate.

A second presentation, part of the monthly Meet Us in the Garden lecture series, is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 7 at the library’s Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. This session will focus on seed starting, offering practical guidance on successfully growing vegetables and flowers from seed.

Both events are free and open to gardeners of all experience levels. However, space is limited and advance registration is required. Participants can sign up at www.mentorpl.org or by calling 440-255-8811.

In addition to the upcoming programs, the library offers a Seed Library at its Main, Lake, and Headlands branches. Patrons can borrow up to 15 packets of vegetable, flower, fruit, or herb seeds per season at no cost, making it easier for residents to start or expand their gardens.

Top 3 Easiest Off-Grid Destinations for Beginners

Going off-grid doesn’t have to mean extreme survival or days without seeing another person. In fact, several destinations across the United States offer peaceful isolation while still providing basic safety, access, and comfort. These beginner-friendly locations allow travelers to unplug, slow down, and experience nature without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is famous for having no cars. Transportation is limited to bicycles, horses, and walking, creating a calm, unplugged atmosphere. Yet the island still offers charming inns, restaurants, and stunning Lake Huron views. It’s easy to reach by ferry, making it perfect for first-time off-grid travelers.

2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers a unique blend of accessibility and solitude. Just minutes from town, visitors can find quiet hiking trails, red rock canyons, and peaceful desert scenery. You can enjoy nature during the day and return to comfortable lodging at night. The dramatic landscapes and slower pace make Sedona ideal for easing into off-grid travel.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia provides wilderness without extreme remoteness. Visitors can hike forest trails, explore rocky coastlines, and watch sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby towns offer supplies, lodging, and dining, giving travelers flexibility while still delivering an authentic outdoor experience.

Why these destinations are ideal for beginners:
Each offers a genuine break from daily distractions without sacrificing safety or accessibility. You can disconnect from noise, screens, and busy schedules while still having nearby support if needed.

Off-grid travel doesn’t have to be intimidating. Starting with beginner-friendly destinations allows you to discover the rewards of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and experiencing travel in a more meaningful way.

Mentor halted a two-game skid Feb. 14 with a 76-71 home win over Glenville, boosting its record to 14-6. Glenville closed the regular season at 13-9.

The outcome was settled in the final minute. After Glenville’s Theodore Castro cut the deficit to 73-71 with 43 seconds left, Mentor used a timeout to handle backcourt pressure. Crisp passing out of the huddle led to senior Tony Katava finishing off the glass to extend the lead to four. A defensive stop and rebound by Bernard Gnjatic followed, and Jack Kennedy added a free throw before Glenville’s final 3-point attempt missed.

Glenville had wiped out a 10-point third-quarter deficit and tied the game at 67-67 in the fourth, setting up a tense finish.

Kennedy scored a game-high 21 points. Katava added 14, including key second-half baskets, while Gnjatic and Tommy Pavicic each chipped in 11.

The Tarblooders surged ahead early with a 13-3 run, but Mentor responded to take a 42-38 halftime lead and stretched the margin to 53-43 in the third. Glenville rallied to within 63-61 entering the fourth before the Cardinals made the decisive late plays.

Gio Ramos led Glenville with 17 points, while Castro added 16. Arvell Nelson and Jayden Jordan also scored in double figures.

Mentor hosts Medina on Feb. 20 and closes the regular season at Lakewood on Feb. 23 as tournament seeding approaches.

Lake Catholic’s pursuit of a Division III state dual-meet championship ended in the semifinal round Feb. 14.

The second-seeded Cougars fell to third-seeded Archbold, 35-31, before dropping a 39-35 match to Barnesville to finish fourth in the eight-team tournament.

Lake held a 27-23 lead over Archbold with three weight classes remaining after bonus-point wins from Timmy Mazur (132), Tyler Ineman (138), Giovanni Magistrelli (144) and Tommy Slack (150). Archbold answered with back-to-back pins at 157 and 165 to take control. A major decision from Ben Mitchell at 175 wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, which included a key forfeit at 190.

The Cougars opened with a 56-19 win over Miami East behind multiple pins and major decisions. Junior Chance Wuhr earned his 100th career victory during the tournament, and six wrestlers finished 3-0 on the day.

Lake Catholic now turns its focus to the upcoming individual postseason.

Dog Imitation. LOL