Mostly Cloudy, Late Night Rain - Temps at 62-64°

A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured Monday afternoon, November 2, when he lost control of an electric bicycle and struck a mailbox on Elmwood Road in Mentor, according to fire officials.

The crash happened shortly before 4:30 p.m. News 5 Cleveland reports the teenager fractured his right arm and right leg. Mentor fire officials described the injuries as serious.

The incident comes weeks after Mentor approved new e-bike safety rules in September. All e-bike operators must wear helmets in Mentor. Motors must be turned off on sidewalks, riders must warn pedestrians before passing on sidewalks or shared paths, and passengers are allowed only on e-bikes designed to carry them.

There are also age restrictions: Riders under 16 cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes, which provide pedal assistance at higher speeds.

The published report does not identify the bicycle's class or say whether the teen wore a helmet or broke any rule.

For families, this is a reason to check a child's e-bike class, review where riding is permitted and practice safe braking and stopping.

⬇️ Not sure which e-bikes younger teens can ride—or where electric motors must be switched off? Our full website guide breaks down Mentor's rules and includes a five-question safety check for parents.

Mentor receives federal money each year to help pay for things like home repairs, accessibility improvements, and services that assist local residents.

Now, the city is considering changes to when residents get a formal opportunity to weigh in if those funding plans change.

Currently, certain changes involving more than $15,000 require an additional public-review process. Mentor proposes raising that amount to $30,000, meaning some smaller adjustments might no longer require that extra step.

The city also wants to stop requiring public-hearing announcements in its special-edition newsletters. Public hearings would still take place, and other notices would remain.

What does this mean for you? If you care about how community funding is used, you could have fewer formal opportunities to comment on certain smaller changes. But the city's regular public-participation process would remain.

Nothing has been approved yet.

Residents have until November 30 to share their opinions by calling 440-974-5714 or emailing [email protected].

⬇️ Wondering which local programs receive this money, what the changes would look like in real life, and how you could still have your say? We explain it all in plain English on our website.

The City of Mentor is reminding Lake County Department of Utilities customers that they can sign up for service notices by text, email or voice call. Alerts may cover service disruptions, boil-water advisories and other important utility information.

The county uses its Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) for these messages. According to the city’s November 3 notice, registration takes less than a minute. Visit LCDUAlert.com to get started.

Here’s the distinction Mentor households should know: Lake County provides sanitary-sewer service in Mentor, while Aqua Ohio supplies drinking water. Lake County also serves drinking-water customers in other communities, so a county boil-water alert does not automatically mean Mentor’s drinking water is affected.

Aqua has a separate WaterSmart Alerts signup for drinking-water quality and service interruptions. Residents already receiving general Lake County emergency alerts should also check whether they have selected the county utilities notices.

Taking a moment to review the right signups now can help you hear about service issues that actually affect your home.

⬇️ Our utility-alert guide shows where to register with both providers, what you’ll need for Aqua’s signup, and where to check official alerts when an issue occurs.

A Local Buzz Original Magazine

The best harness isn't necessarily the best-looking one. Here's what to check before your next walk.

That harness looked perfect in the store. Then your dog took a few steps, and the chest panel slid sideways. Sound familiar? A harness can look right while your dog stands still and fit poorly once the walk begins.

Before choosing or adjusting one, ask two questions: What is this harness made for? And how does it sit on this dog? A short neighborhood stroll, active outing, or dog prone to backing out can call for different equipment.

Start with the instructions for the exact model. Measure the areas the manufacturer specifies, then adjust each strap as directed. There's no single finger-width test that proves every harness fits; different designs position straps and distribute pressure differently.

Next, watch your dog walk and turn in a secure place. Do the front legs swing normally? Does the harness twist, ride toward the throat, or rub behind the elbows? With gentle leash pressure, does it stay where it belongs? Stop if your dog seems uncomfortable or moves differently than usual.

After a brief supervised trial, remove the harness and look for redness or irritated skin. Check the buckles and leash attachment before heading out. Never jerk the leash to "test" security or deliberately try to pull your dog out of the harness.

If pulling is the problem, remember: equipment helps you manage a walk; reward-based practice teaches leash skills. A harness is not a shortcut to training.

Repeated rubbing, slipping, or a noticeable change in movement is a reason to stop using that setup and seek advice. A veterinarian can assess discomfort; the manufacturer or knowledgeable fitter can explain model-specific adjustment; a qualified reward-based trainer can help with walking behavior.

The best harness isn't necessarily the prettiest—or the most expensive. It's the one that works for the dog you have.

⬇️ Is your dog's harness actually fitting correctly? Our five-point harness fit-check guide shows where to look, what warning signs mean, and when to adjust, replace, or ask for help before your next walk. Click the Link Below.

Lake Catholic Cougars

Girls volleyball: Lake Catholic advanced to the Division IV regional final, one win from the state semifinals, with a 3–0 sweep of Firelands on Wednesday, November 4, at Alliance High School.

The Cougars won 25–18, 25–16, 25–13, extending their winning streak to eight. Lola Loncar collected 21 digs and three aces, while Ahnna Bergant contributed 10 kills, 13 digs and two aces.

Boys soccer: The Cougars’ postseason run ended with a 2–1 loss to Chagrin Falls in Wednesday’s Division IV regional semifinal at West Geauga High School. Lake Catholic reached regionals after defeating West Branch for the district championship.

Three Cougars also earned first-team All-Greater Cleveland honors: senior forward Matthew Ridler, senior midfielder Gavyn Fredriks and senior goalkeeper Roko Perkovic.

Mentor Cardinals

Girls volleyball: Mentor’s tournament run ended Wednesday with a 3–0 loss to Strongsville in the Division I regional semifinal at Norwalk High School.

The Cardinals fell 20–25, 20–25, 18–25, ending a five-match winning streak that included tournament victories over Brunswick and Jackson.

🐝 Buzz Fact: Dogs can learn dozens of commands, yet somehow “Get off the couch” remains a complicated legal dispute involving squatter’s rights, selective hearing, and a complete refusal to negotiate.

I don’t know about this guy… looks dead. LOL!

Got a tip, event or story idea? Email [email protected] or call 440-256-6115.