In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

⛅ Weather: Morning Clouds Give Way to Sun - Temps 54-56°

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

📰 Local News: 📰 Two Business Proposals Get Green Light at March Planning Meeting

📰 Mentor Moves Hometown Heroes Display to Center Street for 2026

🚨 Ohio Warns of Scam Calls Impersonating Golden Buckeye Program

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Food & Recipes; 🍽️ Dinner Rescue: 2 Easy Meals Your Family Will Love This Week

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Guardians Pitchers Placed on Unpaid Leave Amid Gambling Case

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

The Planning Commission convened on March 19, 2026, to review two conditional use permit requests, both of which were approved following brief public hearings.

The first proposal involved a small automobile repair operation at 7380 Lakeshore Boulevard. The applicant explained that the business had already been operating for several months before realizing a permit was required. The shop focuses on general automotive repairs such as engine work, brakes, and suspension, emphasizing affordability for local residents. No body work, painting, or vehicle dismantling is conducted on-site.

Commission members raised concerns about ventilation, noise due to nearby residences, and property upkeep. The applicant indicated plans to install proper ventilation and maintain good relationships with neighbors. Additional requirements included enclosing a dumpster and ensuring vehicles are parked appropriately. The commission approved the permit with eight conditions.

The second request came from a business owner seeking to relocate a boxing gym to a larger space at 9430–9432 Mercantile Drive. The move was prompted by a rent increase at the current location, leading the owner to secure a significantly larger facility at a comparable cost.

The expanded space will be dedicated primarily to boxing activities, while a previously offered financial literacy program for youth will be discontinued due to low participation. The owner noted that current class sizes are small but expressed confidence that the new facility will better serve existing members.

With no public opposition and minimal discussion, the commission approved the gym’s permit with six conditions.

The meeting concluded without additional business.

Mentor will continue honoring military service members through its Hometown Heroes banner program, with displays moving to Center Street this year.

Launched in 2017, the program recognizes current and former Mentor residents who have served or are serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard. Previously displayed along Civic Center Drive, the banners were relocated to Center Street to improve visibility.

Registration for the 2026 banners opened Jan. 20. The program began after a resident suggested adopting a similar idea from another community, and city leaders quickly approved it. Mentor’s effort has since inspired other Ohio communities to create comparable tributes.

Banner space is limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Each double-sided banner measures 30 by 60 inches and will hang from light poles along Center Street between Interstate 90 and Mentor Avenue from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.

After the display period, banners will be removed and returned to families or sponsors as keepsakes. The city is not responsible for replacing banners damaged or lost due to weather, vandalism, or age.

Sponsorships cost $100 per banner to cover production expenses. The deadline to participate is April 15 or until all positions are filled, and banners will be available for pickup after Nov. 15.

Get all of the details at cityofmentor.com

The Ohio Department of Aging is warning residents about a growing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to represent the Golden Buckeye program. According to reports, these scammers are contacting individuals without solicitation and attempting to collect sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers.

State officials emphasize that these calls are fraudulent and are not associated with the Ohio Department of Aging. The agency stresses that the Golden Buckeye program does not contact individuals by phone, text, or email to request personal or financial details.

Authorities are urging Ohioans to remain cautious and avoid sharing any private information with unknown callers. Suspected scam attempts can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission through its fraud reporting website. Individuals who believe they may have been targeted or victimized are encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement.

The Ohio Department of Aging continues to support residents age 60 and older, along with their families and caregivers, through a range of services aimed at promoting long-term care, independence, and overall well-being.

Source: cityofmentor.com

If your dinner routine is starting to feel repetitive, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need complicated recipes or expensive ingredients to shake things up. These two creative, family-approved meals are quick to make, easy on the budget, and just different enough to bring some excitement back to the table.

This is a weeknight winner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Everything cooks in one pan—ground beef, rice, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and melty cheese—making cleanup a breeze.

It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for families. Add toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, or crushed tortilla chips to make it even more fun (and kid-friendly).

👉 Get the full recipe for One-Pot Cheesy Taco Rice

These sliders are a guaranteed hit and feel like a treat without the hassle. Simply shred a rotisserie chicken, mix with your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve on soft slider buns. Add a little coleslaw for a sweet-and-crunchy finish.

They’re quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when you want something easy but still delicious.

👉 Get the full recipe for BBQ Chicken Sliders

The Cleveland Guardians will not be required to pay pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz as they remain sidelined during a Major League Baseball investigation into alleged gambling-related pitch manipulation.

After initially being placed on paid leave in July and receiving salaries through the season, both players were later moved to non-disciplinary leave without pay following federal indictments in November. The decision was made jointly by MLB and the players’ union as legal proceedings continue.

Prosecutors allege the pitchers accepted thousands of dollars to influence specific pitches, allowing bettors to profit more than $460,000 through in-game wagers tied to pitch outcomes and velocity. Both players have denied the charges, which include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and influencing sporting contests, in federal court.

A trial is scheduled for early May, though delays are possible. Clase, a multi-time All-Star closer, is in the final guaranteed year of a five-year, $20 million contract, while Ortiz earns near the league minimum.

MLB has said it will not comment further until its investigation is complete.

Source: cleveland19.com

Dad and Son Moments. bahaha