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Mentor’s school board has selected James Hart, DPT, a University Hospitals administrator and parent of three district students, to fill its vacant seat.

The board voted unanimously at a special meeting Sunday, November 8, following Rose Ioppolo’s resignation. Hart will complete the term ending December 31, 2027.

His district involvement includes service on three advisory groups, including the Superintendent’s Guiding Coalition, according to Mentor Schools.

In the district’s announcement, Hart emphasized “providing a high-quality, well-rounded education while being responsible stewards of our community’s resources.”

He is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday, November 10, at the regular board meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center, 6477 Center Street.

He joins as Mentor Schools plans consolidation for 2027–28 and awaits certified results for Issue 5, which held a narrow lead in unofficial returns.

⬇️ Read how Hart’s work already connects him to Mentor schools—and why consolidation planning remains on the agenda after the levy vote.

For hundreds of Lake County residents, Thanksgiving comes with more than a warm meal. It brings a reminder that their neighbors care.

Mentor United Methodist Church is preparing for its annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, November 26, continuing a community tradition that feeds hundreds of people each year.

The meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 8600 Mentor Avenue, with dine-in, carryout and delivery options available. Delivery is limited to Lake County residents.

Everyone is welcome, and the church is asking anyone who would like a meal to call 440-255-3496 to make arrangements. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Behind the holiday meal is a dedicated group of volunteers who help cook, prepare, serve and clean up. Organizers are looking for additional helping hands, food donations and financial contributions to keep the tradition going.

Residents interested in volunteering or donating can find signup information in Hope Ridge United Methodist Church's November 8 community announcement.

Whether you could use a Thanksgiving meal or have a little time to give, this is one local tradition worth sharing. Sometimes the greatest part of Thanksgiving isn't what's on the table, but the people who make sure everyone has a place at one.

Sometimes a little luck goes a long way — especially when it starts with a lottery ticket purchased right here in Lake County.

A Mentor resident named Tim recently experienced the thrill of a lifetime after winning $50,000 on the Ohio Lottery's Cash Explosion television show.

His adventure began with a qualifying ticket purchased at Lucky's Mini Mart in Painesville. That ticket eventually earned him a trip to Columbus, where he appeared on the popular television game show.

Once the cameras started rolling, Tim's luck only got better. He defeated the reigning champion, collected thousands of dollars during the opening rounds, and advanced to the show's Cash Challenge.

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By the time his appearance was over, Tim had secured a $50,000 prize, worth $36,625 after mandatory tax withholding.

And here's another interesting twist: This wasn't his first big lottery win. Tim also enjoyed a substantial scratch-off victory back in 2012.

Now, he has some special plans for his winnings, including home improvements, a vacation with his wife, and helping with his son's upcoming wedding.

⬇️ But how did Tim turn his television appearance into a $50,000 payday? See the winning picks, the surprise Cash Challenge finish, and exactly where his lucky ticket was purchased in our full story.

A Local Buzz Original Magazine

A few simple questions about communication and expectations can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings later.

The first test of a rental relationship may not be a big disagreement. It may be a small question that neither person knows how to handle.

Imagine a kitchen faucet begins dripping. A renter sends a text. The property owner organizes repair questions through email. A few days later, the renter thinks the message was ignored; the owner doesn't know a request was made.

Both may be acting in good faith. What's missing is a shared expectation.

Before agreeing to rent, it helps to settle three practical questions.

Where do questions go? Ask which contact method works for routine concerns and whether something time-sensitive calls for a different approach.

What happens after a message? Clarify how receipt will be acknowledged, how updates will be shared, and what to do when a reply hasn't arrived.

What's actually been agreed? “That shouldn't be a problem” may be meant kindly, but it doesn't tell you whether an important detail is settled. Compare verbal understandings with the written agreement and ask for clarification before relying on them.

None of this requires treating a friendly conversation like an interrogation. It simply separates expectations from assumptions.

A renter needs to know how to raise a concern. A property owner needs enough information to understand it. Both benefit from knowing what will happen next.

There will still be surprises: a question about a change in plans, a message sent at the wrong time, an issue nobody anticipated. A workable relationship doesn't eliminate every uncertainty. It gives people a dependable starting point.

Here's a useful final question before committing: If something unexpected came up during the first month, would we both know how to start the conversation—and how to keep it moving?

⬇️ Wondering what these conversations actually sound like? Our full Real Estate Question feature includes two everyday rental scenarios and a practical checklist of questions to settle before you sign.

From lakefront luxury homes to more practical family-friendly options, here’s a quick look at several new listings that recently hit the market in the 44060 area.

6244 Cardinal Meadow Ct., Mentor, OH 44060
Why it Caught Our Eye: The sun-filled morning room overlooking the pond and maintained green space offers a peaceful place to start the day, with beautiful views and none of the upkeep.
4 Beds, 2.5 Bath, 2,840 Sqft. ???? Acre Lot
Sale Price $659,900
Listed by: Michael Kaim, Agent Brokered by Real Brokerage Technologies, Inc.
Link to Property Listing

7700 Clydesdale Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
Why it Caught Our Eye: The second-floor family room gives this five-bedroom home a separate retreat for movie nights, gaming, or simply enjoying a little quiet away from the main living areas.
5 Beds, 3 Bath, 3,871 Sqft. 5,650 Sqft Lot
Sale Price $524,900 ⬇️$74K
Listed by: Anthony Roncalli Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

8252 Plains Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
Why it Caught Our Eye: The private two-bedroom in-law suite, complete with its own kitchen, laundry, entrance, and garage, offers loved ones independence while keeping family close.
5 Beds, 3.5 Bath, ???? Sqft. 0.70 Acre Lot
Sale Price $455,000 ⬇️$5K
Listed by: William Bissett Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

8134 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
Why it Caught Our Eye: Set far back from the road with roughly three-quarters of an acre behind it, this home offers an unusual sense of space and privacy right in the heart of Mentor.
5 Beds, 2.5 Bath, 3,072 Sqft. 1.34 Acre Lot
Sale Price $384,900 ⬇️$15K
Listed by: Angela Fross Brokered by Howard Hanna - Chesterland
Link to Property Listing

8295 Mentorwood Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
Why it Caught Our Eye: The separate shed with electricity offers a dedicated spot for woodworking, creative projects, or tinkering without taking over the garage.
4 Beds, 1.5 Bath, 1,820 Sqft. 8,751 Sqft Lot
Sale Price $270,000
Listed by: Malik Muntaquim Brokered by Keller Williams Grt Cleve Ne
Link to Property Listing

All the Home Listings in 44060 (247 in Total) in Zip Code 44060

The Cleveland Browns fought their way back twice Sunday, but one final play stood between them and a dramatic overtime victory in New Orleans.

After the Saints scored on their opening overtime possession, quarterback Shedeur Sanders connected with Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard touchdown, pulling Cleveland within 23–22 with one minute remaining.

Head coach Todd Monken elected to go for the two-point conversion and the win rather than kick the tying extra point. His reasoning: New Orleans could potentially win with another possession, leaving Cleveland without another opportunity.

Under pressure, Sanders rolled right and threw incomplete, ending the Browns' comeback bid.

Making his first start of the season in place of Deshaun Watson, Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns.

Rookie KC Concepcion Jr. provided another highlight, catching a 64-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for his first career NFL score.

Cleveland also forced overtime when Andre Szmyt drilled a 51-yard field goal in the closing seconds of regulation.

But missed opportunities hurt, including a failed fourth-and-goal attempt from the Saints' 1-yard line earlier in the game.

The Browns fall to 5–4 with their second straight loss, despite an encouraging performance from Sanders.

Cleveland hosts the Houston Texans on Sunday, November 15, at 1 p.m.

🐝 Buzz Fact: Buying a house is the only time you can spend 30 minutes inspecting a dishwasher, then sign a 30-year mortgage without reading page 47.

Dog shoes? Might make a nice Christmas gift this year… LOL

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