In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

  🌨️ Weather: Blustery, Scattered Snow in AM, Falling Temps in PM - Temps 29-32

 🎉 Events: 50+ Live Events. Direct Link to Mentor Live Events

 📰 Local News: ❄️ Winter Storm Watch, Lake Effect Snow Warning Issued for Eastern Counties

 🔥 Home Energy Relief Available for Ohioans Facing Winter Challenges

 💸 Record Holiday Spending Spurs Debt Advice from Ohio Commerce Officials

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 📈 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Surge to 7.25%, Highest Since May

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

 🏀 Sports: 🏒 Mentor Skates Past Benedictine in Decisive 11-1 Win

 🏀 Ace Peterlin's 30-Point Night Lifts Lake Catholic to Victory Over JFK

 🏀 Cavaliers’ Streak Ends as Pacers Dominate in 108-93 Victory

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Jan 13-14

Complete list of events and all the details in the link above “Mentor Live Events”. New Events Added Daily.

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
50+ Event Dates

❄️ Winter Storm Watch, Lake Effect Snow Warning Issued for Eastern Counties

Just in case you week will take you eastbound … The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Erie County, PA, and Ashtabula Lakeshore, OH, from early Tuesday through late Wednesday, with 8-16 inches of snow expected. A Lake Effect Snow Warning is in effect for Chautauqua County, NY, from Monday afternoon through early Thursday. Travel in affected areas will be hazardous. Mentor is expecting between 3-6 inches this week from Monday night through Wednesday morning.

 🔥 Home Energy Relief Available for Ohioans Facing Winter Challenges

Ohio Urges Residents to Apply for Winter Energy Assistance Program

As winter's chill settles over Ohio, many households face the pressing challenge of maintaining warmth. To support those in need, the Ohio Department of Development is encouraging residents to take advantage of the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program. This annual initiative offers one-time financial aid to eligible families struggling with energy costs, running from November 1 through March 31.

The program provides help not only to those at risk of immediate utility disconnection but also to residents who have already lost service, need to set up new service, or are required to cover service transfer fees. Assistance is also available for households with less than 25% of bulk fuel remaining or for those who need to make overdue or initial payments on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).

Eligibility is determined by income, with households earning at or below 175% of the federal poverty level qualifying for the program. For example, a family of four must have an annual gross income of $54,600 or less to receive assistance.

Ohio residents can learn more about applying by visiting the Ohio Department of Development website (link below). The state also offers a range of other energy assistance programs to help families manage winter's financial strain. These efforts aim to ensure that no Ohioan is left vulnerable to the season’s harsh conditions.

For More Information See Ohio.gov

💸 Record Holiday Spending Spurs Debt Advice from Ohio Commerce Officials

As holiday credit card bills begin to roll in, the Ohio Department of Commerce is offering advice to help residents manage post-holiday debt and protect themselves against potential fraud. With the National Retail Federation reporting record-breaking holiday sales in 2024, many Ohioans are now facing financial challenges from holiday spending.

A survey by LendingTree found that 36% of American consumers expected to take on holiday debt, with the average balance reaching $1,181. The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Financial Institutions (DFI) is encouraging residents to address these financial strains proactively.

To tackle holiday debt, the DFI suggests negotiating lower interest rates with creditors, citing your history of on-time payments or competitive offers from other companies. They also recommend trying a “no-spend month,” during which individuals limit their expenses to necessities like housing, transportation, and groceries. Additionally, creating a debt payoff plan and sticking to it is critical for long-term financial stability.

For those concerned about unfamiliar charges on their accounts, DFI advises canceling compromised cards, updating passwords, and reporting suspicious activity. Monitoring account activity and reporting fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov can help protect against further issues.

With these practical steps, Ohio residents can regain control of their finances and safeguard their financial health as the new year begins.

Read the Original Article at 10tv.com

📈 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Surge to 7.25%, Highest Since May

Mortgage rates have climbed to their highest point in seven months, driven by the latest jobs report, which exceeded expectations for job creation. This report, a major influence on interest rate trends, caused volatility in financial markets and led to a rise in the average top-tier 30-year fixed rate from approximately 7.125% to 7.25%. The current levels mark the highest rates since May 2024.

The outlook for mortgage rates remains uncertain, with key data releases on the horizon. Next week’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, a critical measure of inflation, could significantly impact rates. A higher-than-expected inflation reading may drive rates up further, while a softer inflation figure could offer some relief and lead to a decline.

Check out the original article at mortgagenewsdaily.com

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

8638 Harvest Home Dr., Mentor, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 4,053 Sqft. 0.51 Acre Lot
Sale Price $415,000
Listed by: Shelly Chavez Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

9930 Tanbark Trl., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 3 Baths, 3,100 Sqft., 0.50 Acre Lot
Sale Price $365,000
Listed by: Amanda S Pohlman Brokered by Keller Williams Living
Link to Property Listing

6487 Ambrose Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,446 Sqft., 8,712 Sqft Lot.
Sale Price $249,900
Listed by: Angelo Joseph Marrali Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

7569 Fairview Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Baths, 1,184 Sqft. 0.24 Acre Lot
Sale Price $210,000
Listed by: Jane Evans
Link to Property Listing

4941 Wake Robin Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Bath, ???? Sqft. 7,200 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $149,999
Listed by: Nick Dolbin Brokered by Red 1 Realty
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

🏒 Mentor Skates Past Benedictine in Decisive 11-1 Win

The Mentor Cardinals delivered a commanding performance against the Benedictine Bengals on Sunday, marking their fifth meeting in just over a month. With both teams navigating a packed winter schedule, including holiday tournaments and league play, the Cardinals made a definitive statement on the ice.

Mentor wasted no time establishing control, scoring six goals in the first period alone. Key moments included back-to-back short-handed goals from Dominic Trem and Joe Mackey within a span of 75 seconds. The Cardinals' relentless offense set the tone, leading to an 11-1 win by mercy rule just moments into the third period, improving their season record to 14-8-2.

Senior forward A.J. Trobenter opened the scoring early in the first period, notching his 18th goal of the season. Trem and Mackey capitalized on special-teams opportunities soon after, extending the lead in a game that quickly slipped out of reach for Benedictine. Additional first-period goals from Nathan Andree, Zachary Ulshafer, and Nick Biondolillo left the Bengals reeling with a 6-0 deficit heading into the break.

Although Benedictine managed a late second-period goal from Zeke Bartlett, their efforts couldn’t slow Mentor’s momentum. Trobenter and Mackey each completed hat tricks, with Mackey now tallying 12 goals for the season.

For Benedictine, playing their third game in as many days, the physical and mental toll was evident.

🏀 Ace Peterlin's 30-Point Night Lifts Lake Catholic to Victory Over JFK

The Lake Catholic Cougars boys varsity basketball team claimed an impressive 57-42 victory against the John F. Kennedy Fighting Eagles on Saturday. Led by an outstanding performance from Ace Peterlin, the Cougars improved their season record to 6-4 and 2-1 in conference play.

Peterlin was the standout player of the game, scoring a game-high 30 points while shooting an impressive 67% from the field. His contributions also included 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist, solidifying his role as a leader on the court.

Supporting Peterlin's effort were Stanton Powaski and Brody Bohr, each contributing 7 points. Cross Nimmo anchored the team defensively, grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds to control the boards.

With this win, the Cougars look ahead to their next matchup against Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on January 17.

🏀 Cavaliers’ Streak Ends as Pacers Dominate in 108-93 Victory

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-93, snapping Cleveland’s 12-game winning streak. Led by Andrew Nembhard’s 19 points and a dominant second-half performance, Indiana secured its sixth straight win. Cleveland struggled offensively, shooting a season-low 26.8% from beyond the arc. The teams face off again on Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Read the Full Article at cbssports.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣