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

📰 Local News: 🚨 Police Warn of Scam Targeting Residents With Fake Warrants

📰 Family Remembers Fallen Soldier as I-90 Bridge Bears His Name

🐣 Flashlights, Prizes, and 4,000 Eggs: Mentor’s Adult Dash

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: ✈️ Looking for a Different Family Vacation? Try These 3 Trending (but not Obvious) Spots

🤼‍♂️ Sports: 🤼‍♂️ Lake Catholic Sends Three Wrestlers to State Semifinals, Secures Six All-Ohio Finishers

🏀 Lake Erie’s Tournament Run Ends as Huskies Dominate Inside

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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The Mentor-on-the-Lake Police Department recently warned residents on Facebook that scams like this can happen anywhere and urged people to contact police if they receive suspicious calls or letters. Officials say older adults are often targeted.

Authorities in Portage County report scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and federal agents to pressure residents into sending money.

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office issued the alert after incidents where callers told victims they had outstanding warrants or legal violations and would be arrested unless they paid.

In one case, a resident sent $18,000 through a Venmo account after believing the threat was real. Investigators say scammers often rely on fear and urgency to push victims into quick payments.

Officials say the criminals also create convincing fake documents, including fabricated arrest warrants and counterfeit federal forms claiming the recipient missed a court date or violated a court order. Some documents include the names of real sheriff’s office employees to appear legitimate.

In another incident, a former sheriff’s deputy contacted the department after an employee received a threatening call claiming deputies were on the way to make an arrest. Authorities confirmed no officers had been dispatched.

Officials stress that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand payment over the phone, email, or mail, and warrants are served in person. Anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up and contact the sheriff’s office to verify the situation.

Source: cleveland19.com

A bridge along Interstate 90 in Madison now carries the name of U.S. Army Specialist Jacob Ashton, a Northeast Ohio soldier whose life ended in a tragedy on American soil. Ashton, 21, was found dead in a parking lot at Fort Drum, New York, in August 2024. Authorities charged fellow soldier Specialist Riley Birbilas, 22, with premeditated murder.

The bridge holds special meaning for Ashton’s family. As a child, he often kayaked beneath it with his grandparents on his father’s side, creating memories that now add significance to the dedication.

His family had prayed for his safety during a nine-month deployment to Iraq. After he returned home, their relief turned to heartbreak when he was killed at Fort Drum.

Ashton’s sister says the loss is something she feels every day. His mother said that while the bridge dedication is an honor, she also hopes it brings attention to the need for stronger psychological screenings and better debriefing for soldiers returning from deployment.

The family says the memorial helps ensure Ashton’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

The case against Specialist Riley Birbilas is scheduled to go to trial in December.

Source: cleveland19.com

Mentor is preparing for one of its most energetic spring traditions with the return of the Adult Flashlight Dash, a nighttime egg hunt designed exclusively for participants ages 21 and older. The event invites adults to embrace their playful side while racing to collect as many hidden eggs as possible.

During the event, thousands of eggs will be scattered across the hunt area, creating a fast-paced challenge that begins once participants receive the signal to start. Competitors will search the dark with flashlights, looking for roughly 4,000 hidden eggs before others collect them.

Many eggs will contain prizes, adding extra excitement to the race. Participants can also enjoy complimentary snacks, while alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Organizers say the Adult Flashlight Dash has become a popular community event and often fills up quickly. Those interested are encouraged to register in advance through Mentor Recreation by calling 440-974-5720.

When families start planning summer vacations, the usual places—Orlando, Yellowstone, and the big national parks—often dominate the conversation. But some of the most memorable trips happen in places that are just beginning to trend with travelers.

Here are three destinations gaining attention for family-friendly adventures, outdoor fun, and unique experiences that feel a little less crowded than the classic tourist hotspots.

Located along Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City delivers the kind of classic summer vacation many families remember from childhood—beaches, small-town charm, and lots of time outdoors.

The biggest attraction nearby is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where enormous sand dunes rise hundreds of feet above the sparkling blue water. Kids love climbing the dunes and racing down the sandy slopes, while families can hike scenic trails, drive the famous Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, or relax along miles of freshwater beaches.

Downtown Traverse City adds to the experience with waterfront parks, bike paths, ice-cream shops, and family-friendly restaurants. Summer also brings cherry festivals, farmers markets, and local food stands, making the region feel lively and welcoming.

Learn more:
https://www.traversecity.com

Tucked into the scenic White Mountains, North Conway is quickly becoming a favorite for families looking for mountain adventure without the crowds of larger national parks.

One of the most memorable activities is riding the Conway Scenic Railroad, where vintage trains travel through forests, valleys, and mountain landscapes that look straight out of a postcard. The region is also known for its waterfalls, scenic drives, and family-friendly hikes.

Nearby attractions include Echo Lake State Park for swimming and kayaking, plus mountain attractions like alpine slides and aerial adventure parks. Whether families want a relaxing nature getaway or an active outdoor trip, North Conway offers plenty to do.

Learn more:
https://www.visitwhitemountains.com
https://www.conwayscenic.com

Bentonville might surprise travelers, but it has quickly become one of the most exciting small-city destinations in the country for families.

The city is home to the impressive Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where galleries connect through forest trails filled with outdoor sculptures. The museum grounds themselves feel like a park, making it easy for families to explore art while enjoying nature.

Bentonville is also known as a national mountain-biking destination, with hundreds of miles of beginner-friendly trails and paved bike paths perfect for families. Add in a lively downtown square with food trucks, playgrounds, and local events, and it’s easy to see why more travelers are discovering this Northwest Arkansas gem.

Learn more:
https://www.visitbentonville.com
https://crystalbridges.org

Lake Catholic’s wrestling team is hitting its stride at the right time during the state tournament.

On March 14, three Cougars won their quarterfinal matches to advance to the semifinal round, while three others rebounded in the consolation bracket to secure top-eight finishes. With six wrestlers guaranteed podium spots, Lake Catholic sits third in the Division III team standings behind St. Paris Graham and Waynedale.

Tim Mazur (132), Tommy Slack (150) and Danny Zmorowski (215) each won their quarterfinal bouts to move into the semifinals.

Zmorowski, the defending Division III champion at 215 pounds, advanced with a first-period pin against Liberty-Salem’s Sam Bradford, marking his third straight trip to the state semifinals.

Mazur dominated Elgin’s Cooper Schlaegel with a 19-4 technical fall, earning his first career semifinal appearance.

Slack secured his semifinal spot with a 4-1 sudden-victory win over Paulding’s Landon Dasher as he continues his push for a state title after previously placing twice.

In the consolation bracket, Chance Wuhr (113), Tyler Ineman (138) and Giovanni Magistrelli (144) each bounced back after quarterfinal losses to clinch All-Ohio status.

Wuhr responded with a 7-1 decision to remain in contention for third place. Ineman followed a narrow quarterfinal defeat with a 9-0 major decision, while Magistrelli rebounded from a pin with a 4-3 victory to secure a podium finish.

Michigan Tech used its size advantage inside to defeat Lake Erie, 83-73, in the Storm’s NCAA Division II tournament opener March 14 at Walsh University.

The Huskies improved to 27-6 and advanced to the Round of 32, while Lake Erie finished its season at 23-9. Despite the loss, the Storm reached a milestone by making the NCAA tournament for the first time as a Division II program with a young roster expected to return much of its core.

Lake Erie stayed close early and trailed 46-45 at halftime after hitting eight 3-pointers in the first half.

Michigan Tech took control after the break by attacking the paint and drawing fouls, attempting 36 free throws and making 27. Jesse Napgezek scored 20 points, while Marcus Tomashek led all scorers with 34.

The Storm cut the deficit to 76-72 with two minutes left, but Michigan Tech answered to secure the win.

Lake Erie struggled from 3-point range in the second half, making just 2 of 16 attempts. Kai Bloom led Lake Erie with 21 points, while Alanas Castillo added 15.

T-Ball Highlights! Future Pros?!?