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📰 Local News: 📰 Displaced Tenants Granted Hotel Stay Extension After Fire

🏃🏻‍➡️ Mild Weather, Warm Chili Highlight Mentor’s Chili 5K at Springbrook Gardens

🐟 Lake County Fish Fries Return for the Lenten Season

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 🏘️ Keeping Your Home: Smart Ways to Repay a Home Equity Investment

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

🏊🏻 Sports: 🏊🏻 Cardinals Shine at Division I Sectional Meet

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Families displaced by a January 31 fire at Park Home Apartments in Mentor will be able to remain in temporary hotel accommodations longer as repairs continue.

Earlier this week, residents were told their hotel stays would end next week, leaving them searching for other housing. The notice added uncertainty for families already dealing with the fire’s aftermath.

Shortly after the local news reached out to Park Home Apartments and its parent company, Brick and Mortar Property Management, tenants received a text message saying their hotel stays would be extended.

Eli Metcalf and his nieces, Madison Metcalf and Briana Pate, are among those displaced. They said property managers had initially assured local officials and relief agencies they would handle temporary lodging.

That changed Thursday when an email informed residents they would need to leave their hotel rooms by next week and cover any additional stay themselves. Tenants said they had already paid February’s rent and were frustrated by the possibility of added costs while unable to return home.

A later message stated residents enrolled in the property’s insurance plan could contact management to arrange an extension.

Brick and Mortar Property Management did not respond to requests for comment. Families say they are grateful for shelter but remain eager to return to their repaired apartments.

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Smiles and the aroma of warm chili filled Springbrook Gardens Park in Mentor as more than 150 runners and walkers gathered for the third annual Chili 5K on Feb. 15.

After weeks of bitter cold, temperatures near 40 degrees felt refreshing and set an upbeat tone. Participants welcomed the chance to shed heavy winter layers and spend time outdoors.

The scenic park offered an inviting backdrop, with a new course that kept runners and walkers active while showcasing the surroundings. Competitive runners, families and friends turned out for a fun Saturday morning, creating a strong sense of community.

After the race, participants gathered inside the park’s banquet facility for a party featuring chili samples and a lighthearted awards ceremony. Each participant received a commemorative T-shirt, a finisher’s medal and a bowl of chili.

With mild weather, a picturesque setting and plenty of camaraderie, the Chili 5K again delivered a winter tradition focused on fitness, food and fun.

As Lent begins, churches and community groups across Lake County are again hosting traditional Friday fish fries, giving residents many chances to enjoy seafood dinners and fellowship.

St. Gabriel Parish in Concord Township will hold its 26th annual fish fry from Feb. 20 through March 27 at St. Gabriel School on Johnnycake Ridge Road. The menu features baked and battered cod, shrimp, chowder and family-friendly options. Dine-in meals require online reservations, and carry-out is available.

St. Justin Martyr in Eastlake will host all-you-can-eat dinners on select Fridays in late February and March, serving fried sole or seasoned cod with classic sides. Stations of the Cross will follow dinner.

The American Legion Jay Wilson Post 112 in Madison and Amvets Post 40 in Mentor Headlands will offer fish fry dinners throughout Lent with dine-in and carryout service.

In Painesville, the Knights of Columbus will host weekly Friday fish fries at St. Mary’s Church’s Father Hanzo Center, featuring perch, walleye, shrimp and crab cake dinners with sides and desserts.

The Willoughby-Cleveland Elks Lodge 18 will also serve seafood dinners during Lent, including walleye, perch and shrimp.

With multiple locations and menu options, Lake County residents have plenty of ways to take part in the Lenten fish fry tradition.

How to Settle a Home Equity Agreement Without Selling

Homeowners with a home equity agreement (HEA), or home equity investment (HEI), can settle the contract without selling — but careful planning is key.

An HEI provides upfront cash in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, with no monthly payments. Repayment is due within a set term, often 10 to 30 years, or when you sell. To stay in your home, you must repay the provider in a lump sum to regain full ownership.

What You’ll Owe

Your payoff usually includes:

Because the amount is based on current market value, an appraisal is typically required. Some contracts set a minimum repayment, even if the home’s value declines.

Ways to Settle Without Selling

Common financing options include:

Each option varies in qualifications, timing and long-term cost.

Start Early

Settlement can take weeks. Experts suggest beginning at least 45 days before your agreement ends, especially if refinancing. Steps typically include requesting a payoff quote, completing an appraisal, securing financing and submitting payment. The provider then releases its claim.

Settling an HEI without selling is achievable, but reviewing your contract and comparing financing options is essential.

For a detailed breakdown of payoff calculations, lender comparisons, timelines, and step-by-step instructions, read the full article at themortgagereports.com.

9432 Whalers Cv., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Bath, 2,904 Sqft. 0.50 Acre Lot
Sale Price $499,000
Listed by: Judie Crockett Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

8078 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Bath, ???? Sqft. 1.02 Acre Lot
Sale Price $360,000
Listed by: Jacob Sudnick Brokered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Link to Property Listing

8791 Edgehill Rd., Mentor OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Bath, 1,768 Sqft. 0.89 Acre Lot
Sale Price $325,000 ⬇️$15K
Listed by: Sara DiFranco Brokered by RE MAX Results
Link to Property Listing

6263 Seneca Trl., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Bath, 1,468 Sqft. 5,663 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $250,000
Listed by: Timothy M. McMahon Brokered by Pwg Real Estate, Llc.
Link to Property Listing

8004 Brichford Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1,207 Sqft., 0.45 Acre Lot
Sale Price $209,900
Listed by: Dawn Semancik, SRS, ABR, CRETS, PSA Brokered by Real of Ohio
Link to Property Listing

Link to All the Home Listings in 44060 (131 in Total) in Zip Code 44060

The Mentor Cardinals made a powerful statement at the Division I Cleveland State Sectional, highlighted by a sectional championship performance from the girls team and a strong third-place finish from the boys.

Mentor’s girls captured the team title with 437.5 points, fueled by depth and multiple event victories. The Cardinals opened the meet with a win in the 200-yard medley relay, setting the tone for the day.

Individually, Collins claimed the sectional title in the 200 individual medley, while Davis delivered a standout performance with wins in both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. The Cardinals also piled up key points with top finishes in the 500 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke, showcasing the team’s balance across events.

The boys team matched that momentum with a third-place overall finish and several podium performances. Parkinson led the way with a sectional championship in the 500 freestyle and added a runner-up finish in the 100 breaststroke. Gemmen secured second-place finishes in both the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, while Elrod sprinted to second in the 50 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle. Relay teams also contributed valuable points, helping Mentor remain competitive throughout the meet.

With a sectional title for the girls and a strong team showing from the boys, the Cardinals turned in an impressive day in the pool at Cleveland State.

Little Junior, Run!!! haha