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

📰 Local News: 📰 Veterans Park Temporarily Closes for Deer Population

📰 Mentor Weighs Renewed Ban on New Vape, Head Shops

📰 Three School Resource Officers Celebrated for Service and Mentorship

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Home Services: 🏘️ From Color-Drenched Walls to Cozy Nooks: The Top Home Trends for 2026

🏀 Sports: 🏀 Congratulations to those Lady Cardinals from Mentor!

🏀 Cardinals Capture GCC Title, Chase First Regional Bid Since 2004

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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Veterans Park in Mentor closed Monday as part of a scheduled deer population management effort led by professional marksmen. The operation, organized by the City of Mentor in coordination with Lake Metroparks, is expected to continue through midday Tuesday.

City officials conduct annual surveys and rely on research-based data to determine appropriate herd sizes. As part of ongoing wildlife management within city limits, controlled archery hunting is typically used to manage deer populations. However, in areas where controlled hunting is not suitable, officials determined that culling by trained professionals is the most effective approach.

All deer harvested during the operation will be processed and donated to local food banks.

Lake Metroparks has expressed full support for the initiative on city-owned property at Veterans Park. During the operation, the park remains closed to the public and under heightened security to ensure safety.

Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to contact Kenn Kaminski at the City of Mentor.

Mentor City Council will consider reinstating a citywide moratorium on new vape shops and head shops after the previous ban expired at the end of 2025.

The proposed ordinance would extend the restriction through July 1, prohibiting new businesses and expansions in all zoning districts. City leaders first adopted the moratorium over concerns about the sale of hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8, before statewide regulations were finalized.

The proposal follows Gov. Mike DeWine’s signing of Senate Bill 56, which takes effect in March and requires intoxicating hemp products above certain THC limits to be sold only through licensed marijuana dispensaries.

Several Northeast Ohio communities have enacted similar moratoriums in the past year. Mentor officials previously said the temporary ban was intended to prevent an increase in new shops while state regulations were under review.

Mentor schools are marking National School Resource Officer Day (Sunday Feb 15, 2026) by recognizing three officers who serve as protectors, mentors, and role models across the district.

Officer Skelly at Mentor High School, Officer Ryan Cueni at Bellflower Elementary, and Officer Finucan at Memorial Middle School are honored for their commitment to maintaining safe, supportive learning environments. Beyond ensuring security, they build strong relationships with students and staff, offer guidance during challenging moments, and participate in school activities.

District leaders expressed gratitude for the professionalism and dedication the officers bring to their roles, noting the positive impact they have on school safety and culture throughout Mentor’s campuses. Thank you to all of these men!

See the Mentor Police Department’s Facebook Post

6 Home Trends Set to Define 2026, According to Zillow

As 2026 approaches, homeowners are shifting their focus from stark minimalism to spaces that nurture comfort, character, and long-term resilience. New data from Zillow reveals that buyers are gravitating toward homes that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and personal expression—signaling a design era rooted in both practicality and personality.

By analyzing the language sellers use in property listings, Zillow has identified key features gaining serious momentum. From bold paint choices to eco-conscious upgrades, the trends point to homes that feel intentional, livable, and future-ready.

Here’s what’s poised to shape home design in 2026.

After dominating interiors in 2023, color drenching is returning in a big way. The term has surged dramatically in home listings, signaling renewed enthusiasm for immersive, single-color rooms.

The approach involves painting walls, trim, ceilings—even doors—in the same hue to create a cohesive, dramatic effect. Soft shades gain added depth, while bold tones feel even more striking. Whether applied in a cozy bedroom or a moody dining space, color drenching offers a simple yet transformative update.

Spa-inspired bathrooms continue to captivate buyers, but the concept of wellness at home is broadening. Listings increasingly highlight features that support physical and mental well-being.

Home gyms, saunas, hot tubs, and sunrooms are especially appealing, as are smaller upgrades like improved air filtration systems and adaptive lighting. As self-care becomes a lasting priority, buyers are seeking homes that function as restorative retreats.

Energy-efficient and environmentally conscious homes are commanding attention. Listings referencing zero-energy features have jumped significantly, while whole-home batteries and electric vehicle charging stations are also rising in popularity.

Solar panels, high-efficiency appliances, and water-saving fixtures not only reduce environmental impact but can also lower utility costs. Sustainability is no longer a niche selling point—it’s becoming a standard expectation.

With climate-related events becoming more frequent, homeowners are investing in protective features. Terms related to flood prevention, fire protection systems, and defensible landscaping are appearing more often in listings.

Elevated foundations, flood barriers, and protective landscaping can safeguard homes in flood-prone regions. In wildfire areas, fire-resistant plants and exterior sprinkler systems are increasingly common. Buyers are looking for peace of mind as much as curb appeal.

Quiet corners designed for relaxation are carving out a space in modern homes. Listings mentioning reading nooks have climbed sharply, reflecting a desire for intimate, unplugged retreats.

Window benches lined with bookshelves, tucked-away attic hideouts, and even converted closets are being transformed into snug sanctuaries with plush cushions and soft lighting. These compact spaces offer comfort without requiring major renovations.

Character-driven design is overtaking blank-slate minimalism. Listings increasingly highlight artisan craftsmanship, vintage touches, reclaimed wood, and custom-built features.

Buyers are drawn to homes that feel unique and thoughtfully curated. From hand-painted details to distinctive architectural elements, individuality is becoming a major selling point.

Read the Original Story by Better Homes & Gardens

The Mentor girls basketball team is pursuing a historic postseason run during one of the most successful seasons in program history.

Under Coach James Hrusovsky, the Cardinals completed a record-setting 21-win regular season and captured their first Greater Cleveland Conference championship since 2016. They enter tournament play on a 20-game winning streak after an early loss to Twinsburg and will open against Lorain, a team they have already beaten twice.

The program has not reached a Division I regional tournament since 2004, and its last state tournament appearance came in 1977. With those milestones within reach, Mentor is focused on extending its season deep into March.

The Cardinals’ success has been powered by a young but balanced roster. Senior Nina Rodriguez, a Detroit Mercy signee, leads the team with 19.2 points per game. Freshman Ashlyn McKinney contributes 15.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per contest, while sophomore Keira Coleman adds 10.2 points per game.

Depth has also played a major role. Several players have stepped into starting roles during injuries or illness, and key performances off the bench — including clutch free throws in overtime against Magnificat — have helped preserve momentum. The team’s competitiveness in practice and collective approach have supported its consistency throughout the season.

With a banner regular season complete, the Cardinals now turn their full attention to the postseason, aiming to continue rewriting program history when tournament play begins Feb. 25 against Lorain.

Husband and Wife pranks crack me up!