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

📰 Local News: 🚨 Lake County Investigator Reprimanded for Off-Duty Traffic Stop in Unmarked SUV

🗨️ Online Conversations: Route 2 Lighting Restored — With More Work Ahead

🌳 Mentor Announces 2026 Yard Waste Pickup Schedule and Tree Trimming Guidelines

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Home Front:👵🏻 Aging in Place: Practical Safety Tips for Older Adults

🤼‍♀️ Sports: 🤼‍♀️ Mentor Girls Wrestling Secures Third-Place Finish at Austintown

🏊🏻‍♂️ Lake Catholic Seniors Seal Legacy with 400 Free Relay State Title

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

An investigator with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office has been formally reprimanded for conducting an off-duty traffic stop in an unmarked SUV without standard law enforcement equipment.

Edward J. Zigman, who also serves as a special deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, initiated the Jan. 6 stop while wearing gym shorts and a sweatshirt. The gray Ford SUV had interior red and blue lights but no overhead emergency lights.

A 25-year-old woman told Mentor police she believed she was pulled over by someone impersonating an officer after the SUV honked and activated dashboard lights as she turned onto Ohio 2 East. She pulled over with her two young children and another family member inside the vehicle.

She reported that the man approached her window and displayed a pistol at his side, though not pointing it at her, and did not identify himself or explain the reason for the stop before leaving. Zigman told investigators he observed erratic driving and a possible red-light violation and said his firearm remained in a gym bag inside his SUV.

After later hearing radio traffic about the complaint, Zigman contacted dispatch to confirm the license plate and spoke with authorities.

On Jan. 23, Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson issued a disciplinary reprimand citing violations of off-duty policy, including failing to notify dispatch and lacking standard police equipment. The reprimand described the conduct as unprofessional and warned that future violations could result in stronger discipline.

Source: cleveland.com

After more than a year of darkness, drivers are noticing a welcome change along eastern Mentor’s stretch of state Route 2. Have you noticed a difference?

In recent days, residents have reported that highway lights are illuminated again from Route 44 north onto Route 2 westbound. The restored lighting has improved visibility during early evening hours and added a greater sense of safety for motorists traveling the busy corridor.

For many commuters, the change is a positive development as Northeast Ohio moves toward longer daylight hours. The previously dark stretch had raised concerns for drivers navigating the area after sunset.

Lighting improvements, however, are not yet consistent along the entire route. Westbound near Route 615, lights remain sporadic. It is unclear whether full restoration is planned for the remaining sections.

As a key artery through Lake County, proper lighting along state Route 2 remains an important safety feature for daily commuters and visitors alike.

Mentor Announces 2026 Yard Waste Collection Schedule

The City of Mentor has announced that its 2026 Yard Waste Collection Program will run from April 6 through December 11. During this period, residents may place up to 12 units of yard waste at the curb each week on their regularly scheduled collection day.

A single unit consists of either a biodegradable paper bag or a reusable container of up to 32 gallons clearly marked with “YW.” Acceptable materials include grass clippings, leaves, twigs, trimmings, and bundled sticks. Sticks must be tied in bundles no longer than four feet in length and no more than three inches in diameter.

City officials encourage residents to review additional guidelines and details on the Waste Removal & Recycling page to ensure compliance with collection standards.

In addition, the city is reminding property owners about tree maintenance requirements for trees located within the public right-of-way, commonly known as the tree lawn. Trees in these areas must be trimmed to prevent obstruction for both pedestrians and motorists. Branches extending over sidewalks must be maintained at a minimum clearance of seven feet, while branches over public roadways must be trimmed to at least 14 feet above the surface.

These measures help maintain neighborhood safety, accessibility, and overall community appearance.

Source: cityofmentor.com

Aging in Place: Smart Home Modifications for Safer Living in Mentor

More families in Mentor are choosing to help aging parents remain in their homes—and many adults are planning ahead for their own future. Aging in place can be comfortable and empowering, but safety must come first. Fortunately, a few strategic updates can dramatically reduce fall risks and improve daily living.

Start with Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. Begin by removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs and cluttered walkways. Improve lighting throughout the home, especially in hallways, staircases, and entryways. Motion-sensor lights are especially helpful during nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairways and add grab bars in bathrooms near toilets and inside showers. Consider replacing traditional tubs with walk-in showers and adding non-slip flooring.

Make Daily Tasks Easier

Lever-style door handles and faucet handles are easier for arthritic hands than round knobs. Lowering closet rods and frequently used kitchen items reduces the need for step stools. Rocker-style light switches are also easier to operate.

For multi-story homes in Mentor, a first-floor bedroom and laundry setup can eliminate daily stair use. If that’s not possible, stair lifts are a reliable option.

Upgrade Entryways and Exits

Ensure at least one no-step entry into the home. Widening doorways allows room for walkers or wheelchairs if needed. A covered entry with secure railings is especially important during Northeast Ohio’s icy winters.

Plan Ahead

Even small updates completed early can prevent costly emergencies later. A home safety assessment—whether DIY or professional—can identify hidden risks and create a roadmap for gradual improvements.

Aging in place isn’t about major renovations; it’s about smart, thoughtful adjustments that help seniors in our Mentor community stay safe, independent, and confident at home.

The Mentor High School girls wrestling team delivered an impressive performance at Austintown Fitch High School, traveling with a roster of eight competitors and returning home with strong results across multiple weight classes.

Four Mentor wrestlers secured qualifying spots, while two others earned alternate positions. The team’s collective effort resulted in a third-place overall finish, highlighting the program’s continued growth and competitiveness.

Individually, McKayla Herda and Alayna each battled their way to second-place finishes in their respective divisions. Maddie Beaumier and Milo both claimed third place, while Tempie and Bella each finished fifth. Emily rounded out the team’s efforts with a sixth-place finish.

Lake Catholic’s senior relay team delivered a historic performance Feb. 27 in Canton, capturing the Division II state championship in the 400-yard freestyle relay and further elevating the school’s swimming legacy.

Darren Bittner, Caleb Ortman, Evan Ream and Owen Pesek combined for a winning time of 3:09.86, edging out University School and securing the program’s second relay state title in as many years. The victory builds on last season’s 200 freestyle relay championship, which marked the first state swim title in school history.

Bittner set the tone with a 46.70 opening split. Ortman followed at 48.60, while Ream delivered a strong 47.19 leg to extend the lead. Pesek anchored the race in 47.37, closing out the championship swim.

Individually, Ream placed second in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:37.21 — the highest individual state finish ever recorded by a Lake Catholic swimmer. Bittner added a third-place finish in the 200 freestyle, and the Cougars also earned third in the 200 freestyle relay.

Before this senior class arrived, Lake Catholic had never produced a boys swimming top-four state finish. Over four seasons, the group amassed eight top-four finishes, transforming the program into a statewide contender and setting a new standard for future Cougars.

Best baby arguing… do they have a point?