In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌩️ Weather: Partly Cloudy, Scattered Storms - Temps: 73-76

 📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

 📰 Local News: 📰 Ohio County Auditors Urge Swift Action with New Property Tax Reform Plan

 🎣 Veterans Park: Mentor’s First Park Still a Natural Treasure

 📰 Mentor Library Offers Free Estate Planning Seminar June 25

 🎒 Mentor Kicks Off School Supply Drive to Support Local Students

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Event Showcase: 🧋 Sip and Shop with The Helicopter Daughter Every Friday at Farmer’s Market

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Dominant Arms, Deep Lineups: Lake Catholic and Unioto Set for State Semifinal Clash

⚾ Late Rally and Bullpen Strength Give Lake County the Win

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Featured Event for Jun 13

See All the Events
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events

📰 Ohio County Auditors Urge Swift Action with New Property Tax Reform Plan

Facing growing frustration from property owners over rising tax bills, Ohio’s 88 county auditors have introduced a four-part property tax reform plan and are calling on lawmakers to take action.

Unveiled Thursday in Willoughby by the County Auditors Association of Ohio, the proposal comes as a response to sharp increases in property values across the state, which have led to higher tax assessments. Auditors say they’re caught in the middle—tasked with executing state policies while absorbing local backlash.

The reform package includes:

• An expanded homestead exemption for seniors;

• 20-mill floor reform to prevent automatic tax increases from rising home values;

• Budget Commission changes to allow better oversight;

• Enhanced owner occupancy credits to give relief to homeowners.

Although 19 property tax reform bills have been introduced since January, auditors say none have progressed. They hope this unified plan will prompt movement at the Statehouse.

Adding urgency is a proposal from Citizens for Property Tax Reform, which aims to eliminate all property taxes in Ohio through a constitutional amendment. The group must collect 413,000 valid signatures by July 1 to qualify for the November ballot, and plans to continue for the May 2026 election if needed.

While auditors have not taken a formal stance on the amendment, they’ve voiced concerns about the lack of a replacement funding plan. If passed, lawmakers would have just weeks to develop an entirely new tax system—an outcome many consider unmanageable.

With pressure rising from both citizens and officials, the call for meaningful reform has never been more urgent.

WATCH or Read the Full Article at news5cleveland.com

🎣 Veterans Park: Mentor’s First Park Still a Natural Treasure

Park Profile: Veterans Park – A Natural Haven in the Heart of Mentor

Tucked within the city of Mentor, Veterans Park offers a peaceful blend of recreation and nature, featuring Lake County's largest inland pond and a surviving stretch of Ohio's original swamp forest.

Originally acquired from the Granger family in 1970, the property became Mentor’s first official neighborhood park. While the City of Mentor retains ownership, it is currently managed by Lake Metroparks, ensuring professional care and accessibility for the public.

The park’s crown jewel, Granger Pond, is regularly stocked with catfish, bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout, making it a favorite destination for anglers. Fishing is open to those with a valid Ohio fishing license, and visitors can take home up to five trout daily, regardless of size.

Beyond fishing, the park is home to a 1.78-mile loop trail winding through native wetlands, with 830 feet of boardwalk and a wildlife viewing area, making it ideal for birdwatching and nature walks. Along the trail, guests can experience the peaceful rhythm of swamp forest habitat—now a rarity in Northeast Ohio.

Veterans Park is also equipped with a wide range of visitor-friendly amenities, including four accessible fishing piers, flush restrooms, drinking water, grills, a picnic shelter, playground, paved areas, electricity, and even a cozy fireplace for cooler days.

With its mix of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities, Veterans Park remains a cherished green space for relaxation, recreation, and a deeper connection with the area’s native landscapes.

Source: lakemetroparks.com

📰 Mentor Library Offers Free Estate Planning Seminar June 25

Free Estate Planning Seminar Offered at Mentor Public Library

Residents can learn essential estate planning strategies during a free seminar hosted by Mentor Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on June 25 at the library’s Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Avenue.

The event will feature a certified financial planner from the Society for Financial Awareness, who will provide guidance on key estate planning topics. Attendees will gain insights into wills, trusts, probate, and the importance of health care and financial power of attorney documents. The program also includes a Q&A session for personalized advice.

While the program is free, registration is required due to limited seating. Interested participants can sign up at www.mentorpl.org or call 440-255-8811 ext. 1 to reserve a spot.

🎒Mentor Kicks Off School Supply Drive to Support Local Students

The Mentor Community Rec Center is collecting new school supplies through June and July to support the Salvation Army’s Back to School Bash on August 2 at Harvey High School. Donations can be dropped off at the Rec Center to help local students start the year strong.

 🧋 Sip and Shop with The Helicopter Daughter Every Friday at Farmer’s Market

Teatime Fridays Return to Mentor Farmers Market with The Helicopter Daughter

A refreshing summer tradition returns as Teatime Fridays kicks off at the Mentor Farmers Market starting June 13, offering locals a unique chance to sip, shop, and explore the world of artisanal teas with The Helicopter Daughter.

Running every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. through August 15, this vibrant market pop-up takes place at scenic Garfield Park, where visitors can enjoy complimentary hot and iced tea samples while browsing the handcrafted blends that define this small-batch tea brand.

Known for their bold flavors and signature style, The Helicopter Daughter will feature exclusive market-only specials, including their popular Seasonal Tea Recipe Books—perfect for anyone looking to craft refreshing cold brews, mocktails, or tea-infused cocktails at home.

Visitors are also encouraged to sign up for the Badass Tea Society at the booth. This members-only club offers perks like special invites, early tea drops, and a free digital recipe upon signup.

Beyond the teas themselves, the booth will feature a curated selection of tea accessories, from local honey and infusers to stylish drinkware and summer teaware essentials—ideal for creating your own warm-weather tea ritual.

Whether you're a seasoned tea lover or just looking to try something new on a sunny afternoon, Teatime Fridays offers a flavorful way to connect with local makers and embrace the season. Stop by for a sip—you might just find your new favorite blend.

See the Event on our Event Page

⚾ Dominant Arms, Deep Lineups: Lake Catholic and Unioto Set for State Semifinal Clash

Lake Catholic and Unioto are set to square off in a Division IV state semifinal that promises intensity from the first pitch. The winner will advance to the state championship game on June 15 at Canal Park in Akron, facing the victor between Perkins and Indian Hill.

Both programs arrive at this moment with momentum and purpose. Lake Catholic is chasing its first state final appearance in school history, and Unioto is looking to return for the first time since 1994—marking only their third trip ever.

Lake Catholic has been nothing short of dominant this postseason. The Cougars have yet to allow an earned run and have posted four shutouts across five games. The pitching staff has been lights out, leaning almost entirely on its starters. Patrick Radigan has led the charge with 14 shutout innings, 22 strikeouts, and only three hits allowed. In the regional final, Shea Sievers followed up with a two-hit, five-strikeout shutout to down Canfield. With the heavy lifting done by Radigan and Sievers, arms like Franike Trinetti and Tyler Hribar are fully rested and ready to contribute.

The Cougars have also excelled at the plate. In the last two games alone, AJ Trobenter, Brayden Mann, Radigan, and Micah Nytrae have combined to score eight runs. The team has found a rhythm in producing runs while locking down opponents on the mound.

Unioto’s path to the semifinal has been defined by grit and consistency. Since April 21, the Shermans have surged, with their only loss coming to Bishop Watterson. Their postseason march includes wins over McClain (4-2), New Lexington (11-0), Westfall (4-1), London (1-0), and Indian Creek (2-0).

Offensively, Unioto brings a balanced attack. Keegan Snyder leads the team with a .409 batting average, supported by six other players batting over .250. KB Perkins has racked up 12 doubles, two home runs, and a team-high 30 RBIs, while Callaway Ratliff has driven in 23. Seven players on the roster have at least 10 RBIs this season.

On the mound, Unioto leans heavily on Perkins, who has thrown 73 innings with an 11-0 record, 110 strikeouts, and a microscopic 0.67 ERA. Blake Sanders complements him with a 1.15 ERA, giving the Shermans a formidable one-two punch.

As both teams prepare for Friday’s clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With history on the line, elite pitching and timely hitting will likely decide who earns a spot in the state title game.

⚾ Late Rally and Bullpen Strength Give Lake County the Win

The Lake County Captains earned a hard-fought 7–6 win over the Dayton Dragons Thursday night, fueled by early offense and key relief pitching.

Lake County jumped ahead in the first with RBI doubles from Alfonsin Rosario and Wuilfredo Antunez. Rosario added another RBI single in the third to extend the lead to 4–2.

Dayton fought back, tying the game 4–4 in the sixth after an Ariel Almonte double and John Michael Faile RBI single. They briefly took a 5–4 lead before Jose Devers tied it with a run-scoring double play.

In the seventh, Christian Knapczyk drove in two with a clutch single, pushing Lake County ahead 7–5. Dayton added a run in the ninth but couldn’t complete the comeback.

On the mound, Caden Favors went 4.1 innings, allowing 3 runs. Izaak Martinez gave up 2 runs in relief, while Robert Wegielnik delivered two scoreless innings. Jesus Luna closed it out for his first save, giving up just one run in the ninth.

See the box score at milb.com

Source: Wikipedia

🤣 Something Funny 🤣