In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☁️ Weather: Partly Cloudy, Stray T-Storm Possible - Temps: 75-78

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

 📰 Local News: ⚾ Lake Catholic Makes History with First Baseball State Title

 👮 Mentor Junior Police Academy Graduates Second Class of Future Leaders

🏖️ Lake County Begins Daily Beach Water Testing Ahead of Summer

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 🏘️ USDA Loans: No Down Payment, Low Rates for Rural & Some Suburban Buyers

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

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Sleepy in Seattle: Guardians Swept After Grand Slam Sinks Ortiz

⚾ Dragons Capitalize on Errors to Defeat Captains 4-1

 🤔 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 16

See All the Events
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events

⚾ Lake Catholic Makes History with First Baseball State Title

Lake Catholic Claims First Baseball State Title with Gritty Comeback Over Perkins

In a game defined by resilience and timely execution, Lake Catholic captured its first-ever state baseball championship with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Perkins in the Division IV title game on June 15 in Akron.

Perkins opened strong, scoring in each of the first two innings to take an early 2-0 lead. Aggressive baserunning and small-ball execution put the Pirates on the board quickly, putting Lake Catholic on the defensive.

The Cougars, however, stayed composed. Junior pitcher Tyler Hribar came out of the bullpen and delivered a lockdown performance, halting the Pirates’ momentum and keeping the deficit in check. A pivotal defensive play in the fourth inning—when Hribar hustled to cover home after a wild pitch and recorded a crucial out—served as the emotional turning point for Lake Catholic.

In the fifth inning, the Cougars' offense found its rhythm. A double by Sean Walsh sparked the rally, followed by two walks that loaded the bases. AJ Trobenter then delivered a clutch single to right field, driving in two runs to tie the game. Moments later, Brayden Mann stepped up and brought in the go-ahead run with a line drive to center.

Lake Catholic held firm through pressure-packed final innings. Perkins loaded the bases in the seventh, but Hribar and the Cougars’ defense held on, securing the final out on a fly ball to left field.

This historic win not only marks Lake Catholic’s first state championship in baseball but also just the second ever for a Lake County team, the first being Wickliffe’s title in 1974. For the Cougars, the victory adds another banner to a gym already filled with championships from other sports—and now, finally, baseball joins the legacy.

👮 Mentor Junior Police Academy Graduates Second Class of Future Leaders

Mentor Junior Police Academy Celebrates Second Graduating Class

Mentor’s Junior Police Academy wrapped up its first 2025 session on June 13 with a day full of energy, teamwork, and reflection. The cadets, who spent the week developing leadership and public safety skills, ended their time with a memorable celebration.

The morning kicked off with physical training and rounds of Ultimate Frisbee, where even staff joined in the fun. Later, cadets rehearsed for graduation, then participated in hands-on learning. Using Fatal Vision Goggles, they experienced the impact of impairment, and explored police cruisers up close, gaining insight into police equipment and operations.

The session concluded with a pizza lunch where cadets and staff reflected on the week’s accomplishments. Mentor Police congratulated their second Junior Police Academy graduating class, recognizing their growth and potential. The program continues to inspire local youth through law enforcement education and leadership development.

Facebook Post by the Mentor Police Department

🏖️ Lake County Begins Daily Beach Water Testing Ahead of Summer

The Lake County General Health District is monitoring beach water quality daily and posting updates online. While it's still chilly for swimming, residents can check the latest conditions at www.lcghd.org/beaches.

🏘️ USDA Loans: No Down Payment, Low Rates for Rural & Some Suburban Buyers

Your 2025 Guide to USDA Loans: Affordable Home Buying in Rural Areas

USDA loans offer a path to homeownership for low- to moderate-income buyers in rural and some suburban areas, with no down payment required. Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these loans provide competitive interest rates, lower mortgage insurance costs, and more flexible credit and income requirements than many conventional loans.

Main USDA Loan Types

1. USDA Guaranteed Loan
   Offered by approved lenders and backed by the USDA, these loans feature 100% financing, competitive rates, and relaxed credit standards. You must meet area income limits and buy a home in an eligible rural zone.

2. USDA Direct Loan (Section 502)
   Funded directly by the USDA for very low-income borrowers, these loans can offer rates as low as 1% with payment assistance. Loan limits vary by region and can stretch over 38 years for affordability.

3. USDA Home Improvement Loan/Grant
   Designed for homeowners in need of repairs, this program offers loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest, and grants up to $10,000 for eligible elderly homeowners.

Basic Requirements

• Property Location: Must be in a USDA-approved rural area (typically fewer than 20,000 residents).

• Primary Residence: The home must be your main residence.

• Income: Your household income must not exceed 115% of the area median income.

• Credit & DTI: Most lenders require a credit score of 640+ and a debt-to-income ratio under 41%, though exceptions exist.

USDA Loan Rates and Fees

USDA loan interest rates are typically 0.5% to 0.75% lower than FHA or conventional rates. Borrowers also pay:

• Upfront Guarantee Fee: 1% of the loan (can be rolled into the mortgage).

• Annual Fee: 0.35% of the remaining balance, spread across monthly payments.

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm income and property location meet USDA criteria.

2. Gather Documents: Include pay stubs, tax returns, and identification.

3. Get Prequalified: Work with a USDA-approved lender to understand your budget.

4. Find a Property: Make sure the home meets USDA and safety requirements.

5. Apply for the Loan: Your lender will walk you through underwriting and final approval.

6. Appraisal & Closing: The property must pass a USDA appraisal before the loan can close.

Comparing USDA to Other Loan Types

USDA loans are ideal for rural buyers who need low monthly payments and don’t have savings for a down payment. Unlike VA loans, USDA loans are available to the general public (not just veterans), though limited by location.

Read More at themortgagereports.com

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

8288 Baythorne Dr., Mentor, OH. 44060
3 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 2.560 Sqft. 6,926 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $499,000
Listed by: Susan Smith Brokered by Howard Hanna - Pepper Pike
Link to Property Listing

8240 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
5 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,836 Sqft. 0.77 Acre Lot
Sale Price $355,000
Listed by: Robert Weaver Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

9315 Vintage Ct., Mentor OH 44060
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,648 Sqft., 0.27 Acre Lot
Sale Price $339,000
Listed by: Judie Crockett Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

8191 Edgewood Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, ???? Sqft., 0.33 Acre Lot
Sale Price $299,900
Listed by: Amanda L Marshall Brokered by Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Realty
Link to Property Listing

7426 Duke Ct., Mentor, OH 44060
2 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,600 Sqft., 7,405 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $185,000
Listed by: Krista Viola Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

⚾ Sleepy in Seattle: Guardians Swept After Grand Slam Sinks Ortiz

The Cleveland Guardians ended a rough road series with a 6-0 loss to the Mariners on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep in Seattle. A second-inning grand slam off starter Luis Ortiz set the tone, and the offense never found traction.

Ortiz ran into trouble early, issuing two walks before leaving a slider over the plate that J.P. Crawford crushed for a grand slam. The five-run second inning quickly put Cleveland in a deep hole.

The Guardians’ bats were quiet all afternoon against Seattle’s Emerson Hancock, who delivered seven shutout innings while allowing just two singles. Cleveland couldn’t generate any momentum, and the Mariners’ bullpen sealed the shutout—their second of the season.

Cleveland’s best scoring chances came early, but missed opportunities and a lack of production with runners on base sealed their fate. The sweep drops the Guardians further back in the AL Central as they prepare to open a new series in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Read the Article and Watch Highlights at espn.com

⚾ Dragons Capitalize on Errors to Defeat Captains 4-1

The Dayton Dragons earned a 4-1 win over the Lake County Captains on Sunday, dealing another setback to the Captains, whose record now stands at 33-30.

Lake County struck first in the bottom of the second with a double that drove in a run. But Dayton quickly took control in the fourth inning, scoring two runs on a single—helped by a throwing error from right field that allowed an extra base.

The Dragons added another two runs in the fifth, again capitalizing on a double and another error from the same outfielder, Esteban Gonzalez.

Lake County starter Matt Wilkinson allowed five hits and four runs (two earned) over 4.1 innings, taking the loss and dropping to 1-7 on the season.

Despite taking the early lead, the Captains were unable to recover from defensive mistakes and timely Dayton offense.

See the box score and more details at milb.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣