In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

  ☁️ Weather: Mostly Sunny & Windy - Temps 32-35

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Property Tax Bills Mailed to Lake County Residents, Payment Options Detailed

 💥 34 Snowplows Hit in Ohio This Winter, Surpassing Last Year's Total

 📰 Mentor Approves SWAT Vehicle Purchase, Sells Fire Engine

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 🏘️ Financing Your Renovation: Comparing 6 Home Improvement Loan Types

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

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Mentor Boys Past VASJ

 🏀 Padua Boys Pull Away in Third Quarter to Hand Lake Catholic a 71-48 Loss

 🏀 Rockets Edge Cavaliers 135-131, Cleveland Drops Back-to-Back Home Games

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Jan 27-29

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

📰 Property Tax Bills Mailed to Lake County Residents, Payment Options Detailed

The Lake County Treasurer’s Office has announced that property tax bills were mailed to residents on Jan. 24. For those who prefer digital access, tax bills are currently available online through the treasurer’s website or by requesting a copy via email at [email protected].

To accommodate taxpayers, the Treasurer’s Office will operate a drive-thru service starting Jan. 28. The drive-thru will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Feb. 19. Additionally, it will be available on Saturdays, Feb. 1, 8, and 15, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Residents still have the option to enroll in the county’s free semiannual Auto Pay program, which allows for automatic payments. A dedicated online payment portal is also available for convenience.

For any questions regarding property tax payments, residents can contact the Treasurer’s Office at 440-350-2516 or visit in person on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

💥 34 Snowplows Hit in Ohio This Winter, Surpassing Last Year's Total

Snowplow drivers play a crucial role in keeping roads safe during winter, but in Ohio, their job has become increasingly challenging. Since November, 34 snowplows have been struck by vehicles across the state, surpassing last year’s total of 22.

These collisions not only delay snow-clearing efforts but also pose safety risks to both plow operators and other drivers. Removing damaged plows from service for repairs can lead to longer wait times for cleared roads, making travel more hazardous during winter storms.

Beyond safety concerns, these accidents come with financial costs. While ODOT seeks reimbursement from at-fault drivers' insurance when possible, taxpayers ultimately share the burden of repairs and operational setbacks. There was also a fatality recently in Lake County when a driver hit a plow.

ODOT officials stress the importance of giving snowplows plenty of space on the road. Drivers are urged to follow the safety mantra "Don't crowd the plow"—avoid tailgating, passing, or cutting in front of plows, as these large vehicles take longer to stop.

With Ohio’s snow season far from over, drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert, and help keep road crews and fellow travelers safe.

Source: wowktv.com

📰 Mentor Approves SWAT Vehicle Purchase, Sells Fire Engine

Mentor City Council approved two key decisions impacting the city's emergency response capabilities: the purchase of a SWAT vehicle for the police department and the sale of a fire engine.

The new SWAT vehicle is expected to enhance law enforcement operations, providing officers with improved protection and mobility during high-risk situations. Meanwhile, the sale of the fire engine aligns with the city's efforts to manage resources efficiently.

City officials emphasized that these moves are part of an ongoing strategy to ensure both the police and fire departments have the necessary tools to serve the community effectively. Additional details on the SWAT vehicle acquisition and fire engine sale will be made available in the coming weeks.

Source: Google

🏘️ Financing Your Renovation: Comparing 6 Home Improvement Loan Types

Home renovations can be a major financial undertaking, but various loan options allow homeowners to spread the costs over time. Choosing the right home improvement loan depends on factors such as available home equity, interest rates, repayment terms, and the size of the project.

Here are six financing options to consider:

1. Home Equity Loan (HEL)

A home equity loan lets homeowners borrow a lump sum based on the equity they’ve built up. This loan is secured against the property, offering lower fixed interest rates and repayment terms ranging from five to 30 years. It’s best for large, one-time projects like major renovations. However, borrowers will need to make payments on both their original mortgage and the new loan, and closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the loan balance.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC works like a credit card, allowing homeowners to borrow as needed up to a preapproved limit. This option is ideal for ongoing or phased renovation projects since borrowers only pay interest on the amount they use. HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, meaning payments may fluctuate over time. However, they offer flexibility, often requiring minimal or no closing costs.

3. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance replaces an existing mortgage with a larger loan, allowing homeowners to withdraw the difference in cash. This option is beneficial when market interest rates are lower than the borrower’s current mortgage rate, as it can reduce monthly payments while providing funds for renovations. However, closing costs apply to the entire loan amount, and refinancing resets the mortgage term.

4. FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan

Designed for those purchasing fixer-uppers, the FHA 203(k) loan combines the cost of the home and renovations into a single mortgage. It requires a down payment as low as 3.5% and is available to borrowers with credit scores as low as 620. However, this loan has strict renovation guidelines and includes upfront and monthly mortgage insurance costs.

5. Personal Loan

For homeowners without significant equity, a personal loan can provide quick funding with flexible repayment terms. These loans don’t require home equity or collateral, making them accessible but often at higher interest rates. They work best for smaller renovations or emergency repairs, though some lenders charge origination fees and prepayment penalties.

6. Credit Cards

Using a credit card is the fastest financing option, especially with 0% APR introductory offers. This can be a viable short-term solution for minor projects or urgent repairs. However, credit cards typically have high interest rates and lower borrowing limits, making them impractical for large renovations unless the balance can be paid off quickly.

Choosing the Best Loan for Your Project

The right loan depends on individual financial circumstances. Homeowners with significant equity may benefit from a HEL, HELOC, or cash-out refinance, while those buying a fixer-upper should explore an FHA 203(k) loan. Personal loans and credit cards are better suited for smaller projects or immediate needs.

Before applying, it’s essential to compare lenders, assess total borrowing costs, and ensure the repayment terms fit within your budget. Researching different options can help homeowners find the most cost-effective way to finance their renovations while maintaining financial stability.

Read the Full Article for More Details at themortgagereports.com

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

8514 Barbara Dr., Mentor, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,939 Sqft. 0.53 Acre Lot
Sale Price $399,000
Listed by: Adam Kaufman Brokered by Howard Hanna - Pepper Pike
Link to Property Listing

9050 Bluejay Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 3,054 Sqft., 0.27 Acre Lot
Sale Price $389,900
Listed by: The EZ Sales Team Brokered by Keller Williams Citywide
Link to Property Listing

7648 Poplar Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,884 Sqft., 0.75 Acre Lot
Sale Price $339,000
Listed by: Robert Gold Brokered by CENTURY 21 Premiere Properties
Link to Property Listing

7497 Hollycroft Ln., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,796 Sqft. 0.42 Acre Lot
Sale Price $328,800
Listed by: Kristina Lori Zeleznik Brokered by RE MAX Results
Link to Property Listing

6031 Weymouth Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
2 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,600 Sqft. Condo
Sale Price $239,000
Listed by: Michael Warren Brokered by Howard Hanna - Madison
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

🏀 Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Mentor Boys Past VASJ in Fast-Paced Battle

In a fast-paced matchup between two teams with similar high-tempo styles, Mentor found its edge in rebounding and free-throw shooting to secure an 81-68 victory over Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Saturday. The Cardinals grabbed 37 team rebounds and capitalized at the free-throw line, missing just seven attempts, to pull away in the final quarter.

Despite a slow offensive start, Mentor built a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The team focused on attacking the paint, earning second-chance opportunities and drawing fouls. Their aggressive inside play paid off, with key contributions from their frontcourt players. Ayo Olulami posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Tony Katava added 14 points and nine rebounds. Kobe Frasure-Azzano led the Cardinals with 17 points and six boards.

VASJ fought hard to stay in the game, erasing an early deficit to tie the contest at 26 in the second quarter and briefly taking the lead in the third. However, Mentor responded with a 9-3 run and held off another Viking rally in the final period. Bernard Gnjatic played a key role, hitting a clutch three-pointer to regain momentum, finishing with 10 points. Jack Kennedy also stepped up, scoring 15 points and making all seven of his free throws in the second half.

Despite the loss, VASJ showed resilience. Jeremiah Martin led all scorers with 24 points, while Antonio Brown contributed 20 points and eight rebounds. Jayveon Roe also had a well-rounded performance with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

With the victory, Mentor improves to 9-5 and prepares for a conference game at Shaker Heights on Jan. 31. VASJ, now 8-7, looks to bounce back against Cleveland Central Catholic on the same day.

🏀 Padua Boys Pull Away in Third Quarter to Hand Lake Catholic a 71-48 Loss

Padua Franciscan controlled the game from start to finish, securing a dominant 71-48 victory over Lake Catholic in conference play. The Bruins held a 33-24 lead at halftime but broke the game open in the third quarter, ultimately winning by 23 points.

Lake Catholic struggled offensively, shooting just 38% from two-point range and 23% from beyond the arc. Ace Peterlin led the Cougars with 15 points and shot just 35% from the field. Aiden Webb, Cross Nimmo, and Brody Bohr each contributed eight points, with Nimmo also grabbing six rebounds.

The loss drops Lake Catholic to 8-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Cougars will look to bounce back when they travel to Fairview on Jan. 28.

🏀 Rockets Edge Cavaliers 135-131, Cleveland Drops Back-to-Back Home Games

Amen Thompson posted a triple-double as the Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 135-131, securing their second win over Cleveland in four days. Thompson had 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun each scored 26. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 39 points, but a late 10-2 Houston run sealed the win. The Cavaliers, now on a three-game skid, host Detroit tonight, while the Rockets travel to Boston.

Read more at nba.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣