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

📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Council Advances Lagoons Repair, Splash Pad Update, and Vape Shop Moratorium

📰 Laketran Expands Free Ride Program for Lake County Seniors

📰 Lake County Approves Culvert Upgrades in Mentor, Madison Township

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wellness Wednesday: 🍎 Omega-3s and Diabetes: Helpful for the Heart, Neutral for Blood Sugar

🏊🏻 Sports: 🏊🏻 Parkinson’s Surge Continues at Sectionals

🏒 Strong Third Period Not Enough for Cardinals in Narrow Defeat

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

Mentor City Council met Feb. 17, 2026, approving a slate of finance moves, infrastructure contracts and policy extensions while also hearing public concerns about deer management and housing options after a recent apartment fire.

Council passed an emergency appropriations and fund-transfer ordinance that included routine annual transfers plus a budget reallocation needed to repay prior general-fund advances tied to the city’s amphitheater project. Council also approved updated 2026 budget items, including additional funding connected to the Mentor Lagoons bulkhead work and Civic Center splash pad project.

For the Mentor Lagoons Bulkhead Repair Phase 7, council accepted a bid from Shoreline Contractors LLC (Amherst) for $594,289.69. The project will replace about 560 linear feet of sheet-pile bulkhead wall, a concrete walk and an E-dock segment.

Council approved the final plat for the South Cedarwood Extension subdivision at 6494 South Cedarwood Road, creating five residential lots and extending the road with a paved cul-de-sac. Officials noted wetlands and a stream shape the layout and could prompt future setback variance requests.

Council accepted the 2026 NOPEC Energized Community Grant, typically used for energy-efficiency upgrades such as lighting. Council also extended, through July 1, 2026, the temporary moratorium on new or expanded vape shops and head shops, with discussion about pursuing permanent code updates.

A $280,000 change order advanced work at the Civic Center splash pad complex, consolidating two pump-station enclosures into one structure to match the site’s architectural style.

Council designated Feb. 26, 2026 as Benjamin Bush Day as part of Mentor’s America 250 plans honoring Revolutionary War veterans connected to the city.

Updates included ongoing traffic studies near Heisley/Chillicothe/Mentor Avenue, nearing completion of harbor channel improvements, a Hopkins Road water-main break repair, and the start of the Blossom Drive storm sewer project.

See the Full Story at mentorlocalbuzz.com

Laketran’s Seniors on the Go program is expanding in Lake County, giving residents 60 and older more flexibility and independence when traveling.

Launched in May 2025 to reduce senior isolation, the program initially offered fare-free Dial-a-Ride service. It will now also provide free rides on Laketran’s fixed local bus routes 1 through 9, allowing seniors to travel without advance reservations.

The added routes give riders who do not need door-to-door service a more convenient option while maintaining the same cost-free benefit.

Since its launch, the program has provided more than 25,000 rides to destinations such as senior centers, grocery stores, medical appointments and community events.

Officials say the expansion reflects rider feedback and supports healthy aging by improving access to reliable transportation. Eligible residents must apply and provide proof of age to receive a Go Pass through an EZfare smartcard or mobile app.

Leaders say the enhanced program helps ensure older adults can remain active and engaged in their communities.

Read More at spectrumnews1.com

Lake County commissioners have approved plans and opened the bidding process for two culvert replacement projects in Mentor and Madison Township.

The improvements will take place on Hopkins Road in Mentor and Haines Road in Madison Township. County officials say aging or undersized culverts can lead to flooding, erosion and damage to road surfaces, making upgrades necessary to protect infrastructure and improve drainage.

According to estimates from the county engineer’s office, the combined cost of the two projects is expected to range between $468,000 and $594,000.

The work will include removing and replacing existing culverts, along with excavation, grading, stone placement, guardrail replacement and other related roadway improvements.

Bids are scheduled to open March 18, with the projects expected to be awarded later this spring. A specific construction timeline has not yet been announced.

Read More at cleveland.com

Omega-3 supplements are best known for supporting heart health and lowering triglycerides, but their effect on blood sugar is far less clear.

Fish oil—the most common omega-3 supplement—comes from fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring. While these supplements are widely used, research on their impact on glucose control in people with diabetes has produced mixed results.

A 2024 review of 35 studies involving people with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes found inconsistent outcomes. Some participants experienced modest reductions in fasting blood glucose, while others saw no meaningful change. A 2022 review of 30 studies reported a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar with supplementation. However, other large analyses have found no benefit. A 2020 meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials showed no significant differences in glucose control between people taking fish oil and those taking a placebo. Likewise, a 2019 systematic review of 83 trials concluded that increasing omega-3 intake had little to no effect on blood sugar levels or the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Experts generally consider omega-3 supplements to be blood sugar–neutral. They are not recommended as a primary strategy for managing diabetes, though they may offer indirect benefits by lowering inflammation and reducing cardiovascular risk—an important factor since diabetes raises the risk of heart disease.

Major health organizations do not specifically recommend omega-3s for glycemic control. Doses under 3 grams per day are typically considered safe, but higher amounts may increase bleeding risk. Individuals with certain medical conditions or fish allergies should consult a healthcare provider.

For overall blood sugar balance, experts emphasize a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits rather than relying on a single supplement.

Read the More at health.com

Mentor sophomore Garrett Parkinson is peaking at the right time.

Heading into the Division I Cleveland State District, he has turned steady freshman results into a legitimate postseason push in the 500-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke.

Parkinson captured the 500 free title at the Feb. 15 CSU Sectional in 4:54.51 — a striking improvement from last season. As a freshman, he swam 5:16.37 at district after an eighth-place sectional finish in 5:20.28. The drop of more than 21 seconds from last year’s district meet underscores his rapid development in a demanding distance event.

His breakthrough took shape during the regular season. At December’s Jim Stacy Winter Championships at SPIRE, he posted a 4:55.03 to set a school record. He later added a Greater Cleveland Conference title in 4:58.87, building momentum for tournament competition.

Parkinson also placed second at sectionals in the 100 breaststroke with a 1:02.06, a significant improvement from his 1:09.02 district time as a freshman.

Seeded fourth in the 500 and fifth in the 100 breast at district, Parkinson has firmly entered the state-meet conversation, highlighting a season defined by major time drops.

Mentor closed out its regular-season slate with a hard-fought 5-4 loss to Elyria Catholic, rallying from a four-goal deficit before falling just short.

The Cardinals found themselves in an early hole as Elyria Catholic scored twice in the opening period and added two more midway through the second to take a 4-0 lead.

Mentor answered with resilience. Goals late in the second period cut the deficit to 4-2 and shifted momentum heading into the final frame. After Elyria Catholic added another goal in the closing seconds of the second, the Cardinals continued to press.

Two third-period goals pulled Mentor within one and set up a tense finish. The Cardinals generated strong offensive pressure down the stretch, outshooting Elyria Catholic 33-21 overall, including a 12-shot effort in the third period.

Despite the late surge, Mentor was unable to net the equalizer. Goaltender C.J. Lobue made 16 saves on 21 shots, while the Cardinals converted once on two power-play opportunities.

Mentor closes the game at 14-15-3, showing determination and offensive spark against a 20-win Elyria Catholic squad in what could be a preview of future league competition.

Ok, just your average early morning trip to the airport…. haha