Concerns Arise Over Charity Bins Struck Down by Mentor Planning Commission

A report from a Patch in California shows that the foundation the bins' owners pledged to support donates a small percentage of proceeds to the stated cause

The Mentor Planning Commission may have been well ahead of the curve back in January regarding a mysterious collection bin proposal. That's when the group struck down a request from Blue Water Bin Management to place two collection bins on Heisley Road. A Blue Water representative told the commission that the company donated some of its money to the Childhood Disease Research Foundation, which received an "F" from watchdog group CharityWatch. The bins are showing up in various locations across the country, as far away as California. A report from San Juan Capistrano Patch in California shows that Childhood Disease Research Foundation only sends about 11 percent of its millions in proceeds to its stated purpose, “a rapid-response diagnostic…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Mentor Makes Way For New Trade Administrator Position

The International Trade Administrator will help businesses obtain state and federal funding and expand into international markets

State and federal funding exists for firms looking to boost their exports, but many businesses know little about how to obtain it. City departments don't know much more either, which is why they want to bring on a new position, international trade coordinator. Mentor officials have nobody in mind to fill the position yet, but city council approved an alteration to the municipal code earlier this month to make way for it. City Manager Ken Filipiak described the position as one that would "marry together businesses with resources that are available, tapping into those and bringing them directly into the community." "Work involves responsibility for planning, researching, promoting, coordinating and directly assisting economic development …

• Photos (1)

Local Voices from the Mentor Community

Check out a selection of the blogger contributions from community members, including businesses, hospitals and people just like you.

All members of the community are invited to "share what they know" and become a Local Voice, aka blogger, on Mentor Patch. Click through the links below to learn about what people in your community have to say about current events, businesses, family and living. • Do you let your children or pets drink from the hose on those hot and sunny days? Mom blogger Elana West questioned the safety of it and shared her research with us. • A local member of World Exchange is looking for families to host French students this summer. Blogger Jill Quinn, whose family has hosted several foreign exchange students writes about how you can broaden your cultural horizons. • Upon the one-year anniversary of her mother's passing, blogger Barbara Hilow shares a…

• Photos (3)

City Grants Freeway Lanes $25,000 for Outdoor Dining & Other Upgrades

The incentive grant's terms include the company doubling its payroll to $600,000

An outdoor dining area and a "game zone" with laser tag are among the additions people should later expect at Freeway Lanes. City officials announced the upgrades on managing partner Glenn Gable's behalf Tuesday, as council approved a Mentor Incentive Grant to help out with the project. Freeway officials believe their $1.2 million re-imaging project would result in more business and the ability to double their payroll to more than $600,000. Mentor's grant would provide a total of $25,000 to Freeway Lanes over five years as long as the company keeps up with its payroll pledge. "This is a project is with Mentor's, really, premier and only bowling alley in town," city manager Ken Filipiak said. "This is a project we're pleased to see move …

• Photos (1)

Mentor Schools Officials Thank Voters for Passing Levies

Read a statement from the district here.

Shortly after voters approved two levies for Mentor Schools, administrators thanked residents helping secure 18 percent of the budget. The district said the following in a statement emailed Tuesday night to members of the media: The Mentor Board of Education and district administrators are pleased that once again our community has voted to support a high quality education for students in Mentor Public Schools. The district is extremely grateful for the renewal of the no tax increase permanent improvement levy and the no tax increase levy to avoid an operating deficit, known throughout the campaign as Issues 1 & 2. “We would like to extend a large thank you to everyone who showed their support for Mentor Schools at the polls today,” said …

• Photos (1)

Mentor Election Guide for May 7, 2013

The issues and voting information that will affect Mentor.

As the May 7 special election approaches, Mentor Patch will bring you the information you need about the races in town.

•  33 Comments
• Photos (1)
• Documents (1)

Lenny G

5:45 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Thanks for the comments. Again, I think that you are reading into more than the message that I am conveying. It makes it a little tough for a dialogue. In any event, inevitably I knew this was going to be the outcome. That is okay with me. I think I have been courteous and respectful with my responses. In a nutshell, if this is what the citizens want, they have to accept the reality of what comes…   more ›

Don't Fall for Charity Schemes Following Marathon Bombing, Texas Explosion

Our IRS blogger talks about the latest scams and tells you what to watch for.

Issue 2: Mentor Schools 1-Mill Renewal Levy

The levy would continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $15.68 per year

In the second of two levies on the May 7 ballot, residents in the Mentor Schools district will vote on a 1-mill renewal permanent improvement levy. As it is a renewal, the levy would continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $15.68 per year if it is approved, Lake County Board of Elections Director Scott Dasher said. The current permanent improvement levy generates about $1 million per year and expires at the end of this year. Because it is a permanent improvement levy, the district can only spend that money on improvements for grounds and equipment at the district's 15 buildings. Examples include parking lots, heating and roofing. The levy was originally passed in 1988 and has been renewed four times since, according to Mentor Schools…

• Photos (1)

Rob Portman's 'No' Vote, Weight Loss Pills & Political Promises: Blogs on Patch

Several Patch blogs got you talking this week. We gathered the conversation starters, in case you missed 'em.

We love to get you talking, and this week we had a few blogs that touched on some hot-button issues. Take a glance at these blogs and let us know where you stand in the comments section. We appreciate your input! 1. Rose Petsche couldn't believe Rob Portman's "no" vote on the bi-partisan background check for the purchase of firearms bill. She asks, "Is there any question that money buys political votes?" Read what else she said here. 2. Dr. Barbara Berkeley says this pill is guaranteed to help you lose weight. Which pill? The answer may surprise you. 3. Psychologist Gene Benedetto asks, "Have you really seen any government program that does not wreak of corruption and fraud?" Do you believe crisises are used to create more programs that …

• Photos (1)