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

📰 Local News: 🧊 No Ice Is 100% Safe, Authorities Warn as Lake Erie Freezes

📰 World Wetlands Day Hike Highlights Mentor Marsh’s Vital Role

🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️ Running for Unity: Coughlan Makes Lake County Stops on U.S. Trek

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 🏠 Why First-Time Buyers Shouldn’t Lose Hope in Today’s Market

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

🏒 Sports: 🏒 Mentor Ends Regular Season with Win Over Benedictine

🏀 Cavs Trade Hunter to Kings, Land Schroder and Ellis in Roster Shakeup

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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Lake Erie is nearly 100% frozen over for the first time in roughly 30 years. So, with over 95% of Lake Erie covered in ice currently, officials are urging the public to be cautious on frozen lakes and ponds. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office warns that no ice is ever completely safe, even when it appears solid.

Activities like ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling are common in winter, but shifting temperatures and underwater currents can weaken ice without warning. Conditions that seem safe one day may not be the next.

Ice thickness is key. At least four inches of clear, solid ice is needed to walk safely, while snowmobiles and ATVs require five to seven inches. Ice near docks, bridges, and flowing water is typically weaker. Clear blue ice is strongest, while cloudy or slushy ice may be unstable.

Officials strongly advise against going out alone. Always inform someone of your plans, and bring safety gear such as a life jacket, ice picks, or a throw rope in case of emergency.

If someone falls through the ice, don’t approach the hole directly, as the surrounding ice is likely unstable. Call 9-1-1 and, from a safe distance, reach out with a rope, stick, or similar object. Guide the person to kick their legs and pull themselves out horizontally.

While frozen lakes may be inviting, taking proper precautions can prevent accidents and save lives.

Read More at wtol.com

On February 1, hikers gathered at the Carol H. Sweet Nature Center to explore Mentor Marsh in celebration of World Wetlands Day, highlighting the marsh’s ecological value and ongoing restoration.

Ohio’s first State Nature Preserve, established in 1971, the marsh supports fish nurseries and migratory birds thanks to its calm, sheltered waters. Historically, native plants such as wild rice and wetland shrubs sustained both wildlife and early residents.

In the 1960s, industrial salt dumping devastated the ecosystem, destroying native vegetation and allowing invasive phragmites to spread. Ongoing restoration—including cleanup efforts and reintroducing native plants—is steadily bringing the habitat back.

The Wake Robin Boardwalk Trail gives visitors rare access into the marsh basin. The half-mile boardwalk links to a broader four-mile trail system and is the only public path leading into the marsh’s core, offering close views of wildlife and seasonal plants.

Open year-round from dawn to dusk, Mentor Marsh hosts group hikes that promote wetland conservation and the area’s importance to the Lake Erie watershed. Monthly birding walks and guided hikes into less accessible areas deepen visitors’ connection to the landscape.

Wetlands like Mentor Marsh filter water, reduce flooding, and support biodiversity. Even small wetlands help recharge groundwater and maintain healthy waterways during dry spells.

With open skies, active wildlife, and rich ecological diversity, Mentor Marsh remains a vital natural space. Details on upcoming programs are available through the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Mentor Marsh Facebook page.

Source: news-herald.com

Cross-Country Runner Makes Mentor & Willoughby Stop on National Trek

Lake County welcomed a unique visitor on Sunday afternoon as Noah Coughlan passed through the city during his fifth run across the United States.

Coughlan, who began his coast-to-coast journey in October 2025, is traveling through 20 states with a planned finish on July 4. His mission: to honor fellow Americans and promote national unity.

With the help of local first responders, Coughlan made his way safely through Lake County. His route through Northeast Ohio included a stop in East Cleveland and a planned departure from downtown Monday morning.

First responders shared multiple photos and message of support, applauding Coughlan’s effort to bring attention to unity during his ambitious run across the country.

See all the images on Facebook and news5cleveland.com

For many young people, buying a first home feels more out of reach than ever. Half of today’s first-time buyers are 40 or older, a sharp rise from less than a decade ago. But housing trends don’t last forever. After nearly 25 years covering real estate, I’ve seen tough markets come and go — and this one will pass, too.

Today’s challenges are serious, but not new. This is the third major affordability crisis in recent decades.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, heavy demand and soaring mortgage rates — peaking above 18% — made buying extremely difficult. Then in the early 2000s, risky lending and rising prices led to a housing bubble that burst and triggered the Great Recession.

Now, roughly 20 years later, another generation faces high costs. The good news: past affordability crises eventually eased, and this one should too.

There are early signs of improvement. More homes are coming on the market, price growth is slowing, and mortgage rates have steadied between about 6.25% and 6.5%. Forecasts suggest rates will remain near that range through 2026.

Prices aren’t likely to fall sharply, but slower growth and stable rates should gradually improve affordability.

Affordability also depends on location. Popular cities with strong job markets often have the highest home prices and insurance costs. Buyers willing to relocate may find better opportunities in more affordable Midwestern cities such as Columbus, Madison, or Pittsburgh.

For those tied to expensive areas, talking with real estate agents and mortgage professionals can help uncover options like low-down-payment loans, grants, or builder incentives. Improving credit or adjusting expectations may also open doors. And for some, continuing to rent is the practical choice for now.

This market doesn’t resemble the bubble of the mid-2000s, so a dramatic price collapse is unlikely. Waiting for a crash may only mean waiting longer.

Housing cycles are frustrating, especially for first-time buyers. But they do change. With patience, flexibility, and good information, homeownership can still be within reach — even if the timeline looks different than you hoped.

Source: cleveland.com

7626 Buchanan Ct., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 1,924 Sqft. 0.27 Acre Lot
Sale Price $349,900
Listed by: Sharon Zunkley Brokered by Keller Williams Grt Cleve Ne
Link to Property Listing

6452 Brooks Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,583 Sqft. 9,749 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $250,000
Listed by: Judie Crockett Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

6685 Connecticut Colony Cir Unit 54, Mentor OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, ???? Sqft. Condo
Sale Price $254,000
Listed by: Karen Breedlove Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

7400 N Chestnut Commons Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Bath, 1,680 Sqft. 0.24 Acre Lot
Sale Price $198,000
Listed by: Nicholas J. Huscroft Brokered by Chosen Realty
Link to Property Listing

7507 Essex Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
2 Beds, 1.5 Bath, 1,408 Sqft., 7,405 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $190,000
Listed by: Kathy Hosler Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

Link to All the Home Listings in 44060 (139 in Total) in Zip Code 44060

Special teams have defined Mentor Cardinals’ recent stretch—and in their regular-season finale, they made the difference.

The Cardinals took control in the third period to beat Benedictine Bengals, 7-1, in GCHSHL Red Division play Jan. 31 at the Cleveland Heights Pavilion. With a short-handed goal and two power-play scores, Mentor (14-13-3, 5-3 Red) closed January strong, gaining momentum for Baron Cup I.

In a tight 2-1 game late in the second, senior forward Jake Mackey delivered a momentum-shifting short-handed goal just eight seconds into a penalty kill. Early in the third, he drew a slashing call that led to two quick power-play goals—Nick Biondolillo off a rebound and Adam Stoops with a wrister for a 5-1 lead.

Stoops added another goal minutes later off a Hayden Vallance assist, and Mackey capped the night with a wraparound power-play goal—his 35th of the season.

Despite a 17-game losing streak, Benedictine (6-20, 0-8 Red) battled early. Ty Jones scored late in the second to cut it to 2-1, finishing a setup from senior Mason Rzepka. Mentor pulled away from there.

After a win over Rocky River Pirates the previous night, the Cardinals enter the postseason with confidence. Following a rocky start, Mentor appears to be peaking at the right time.

Cavs Restructure Roster in Multi-Team Trade, Send De’Andre Hunter to Kings

In a late Saturday three-team trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, landing veteran guard Dennis Schröder and defensive standout Keon Ellis. The Chicago Bulls helped complete the deal, acquiring Dario Šarić and two second-round picks. Cleveland also added two-way forward Emanuel Miller and released Luke Travers.

It’s the Cavs’ first trade this season and the 30th overseen by President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. Beyond reshaping the rotation, the move trims roughly $50 million in salary and tax commitments. Ellis, 26, brings valuable 3-and-D ability and could see time defending wings in smaller lineups despite standing 6-foot-4. Schröder adds toughness and playoff experience, giving Cleveland a steady presence behind Donovan Mitchell and the injured Darius Garland.

Hunter, once seen as a long-term answer at forward, lost ground as younger wings like Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin carved out roles. Cleveland could still explore moves before the deadline, with Lonzo Ball and Max Strus reportedly drawing interest. The trade increases flexibility and strengthens the team’s postseason outlook.

Read More at sports.yahoo.com

Possessed doll prank. I’m laughing so hard…