In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Humid, Sun & Clouds. PM T-Storms Possible - Temps 80-83

 🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events and Growing!

 🎶 LeAnn Rimes Takes the Stage at Mentor Rocks Event This Sunday

 🏡 Northeast Ohio Home Evaluations Surge Amid Housing Shortage

 🎢 Experience the Excitement: Ohio State Fair Returns July 24

 📰 ODOT Introduces Solutions to Curb Wrong-Way Crashes

 📰 Mentor Resident on to Round 2 in Mullet Championship - Vote Today!

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Health & Wellness: 🥭Nutritious Snacking Made Easy: Healthy Alternatives for Every Craving

⚾ Guardians Snap Losing Streak with Thrilling 5-4 Win Against Tigers

 🏈 Amari Cooper Reports to Browns Camp After $25M Raise

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

Mentor Live Events
July 24-25

(more events for the 25th in the link)
See the details for these events in the link above for Mentor Live Events

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
50+ Event Dates and Growing

🎶 This Sunday: LeAnn Rimes Takes the Stage at Mentor Rocks Event

The Sunday edition of Mentor Rocks will bring LeAnn Rimes to the Amp’s stage in Mentor. The evening will start with an acoustic set by James Margiotta from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with food and beverage service beginning at 5:00 PM.

Country music icon LeAnn Rimes is set to perform at 7:30 PM. This performance is part of the Mentor Rocks summer concert series and is sponsored by Tour Lake County.

Rimes, a celebrated international artist, has achieved multi-platinum status and is an award-winning songwriter. She has sold over 48 million records worldwide and has an impressive collection of awards, including 2 Grammy® Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, 2 World Music Awards, 3 Academy of Country Music Awards, 2 Country Music Association Awards, and a Dove Award. Rimes made history by becoming the youngest solo artist to win a Grammy® at age 14 and the first country artist to win "Artist of the Year" at the Billboard Music Awards at age 15.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of food from local vendors and a selection of beers and wines. The event offers lawn seating, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. While outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed, outside alcohol, glass containers, and pets are not permitted on the main amphitheater grounds.

Thanks to the support of Mentor Rocks sponsors, admission and parking for all events in the series are free.

Mentor Civic Amphitheater on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 7:30 PM

See the Event on Facebook

🏡 Northeast Ohio Home Evaluations Surge Amid Housing Shortage

Homeowners across Northeast Ohio have noticed significant jumps in their home evaluations recently. The first major home appraisal since the pandemic has revealed an average property value increase of 32% in Cuyahoga County, with Lake, Geauga, and Lorain Counties experiencing similar increases.

Despite many homes seeing a value rise of 20 to 30%, county auditors are assuring homeowners that their taxes may not increase proportionately. The primary cause for the sharp increase in property values is attributed to a shortage in housing stock.

Ohio's median property taxes increased by 23% from 2019 to 2023, outpacing the national average. The cost of buying a home in Cleveland is also rising, with the income needed for a median-priced home up by 22% in 2023. The median property tax bill in Ohio reached $2,530 in 2023. Nationwide, property taxes rose nearly 40% due to surging home prices. Cuyahoga County, with the highest property tax rate in Ohio, will update valuations in 2024.

In a related story, the Parma City School District has decided to withdraw its planned operating levy from the November 2024 ballot due to significant property value increases in Cuyahoga County. The additional funding from the property taxes will help but many still believe that the funding model in Ohio is inadequate with local property taxes comprising 68% of the Parma district's budget.

Sources: axios.com, ideastream.org & ideastream.org

🎢 Experience the Excitement: Ohio State Fair Returns July 24 - August 4

Discover the Ohio State Fair, a beloved family tradition since 1850! Enjoy the Midway with thrilling rides and indulge in delicious treats from various food vendors.

The fair offers a variety of free entertainment, including hypnotists, magicians, and kids' shows. Engage with interactive educational exhibits, sports competitions, fine arts displays, exotic animals at the petting zoo, a farm animal delivery room, roving performers, youth agricultural contests, horse shows, and an eight-acre natural resources park featuring free kiddie fishing and wildlife. This year's entertainment lineup includes performances by Alabama, Kidz Bop Live, Boyz II Men, Lauren Daigle, Ice Cube, and Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias.

Admission Prices:

• Adults (ages 13-59): $12

• Youth (ages 6-12): $10

• Seniors (ages 60+): $10

• Children five and under: Free

• Veterans, Military, and First Responders with ID: Free

• General Parking: Free

Free general parking is available in the main lots north of the Cardinal Gate. Reserved parking is not available for purchase by the general public.

Join us for a fun-filled event with entertainment, rides, and fair food at the Ohio State Fair from July 24 to August 4, 2024.

See the Ohio State Fair’s website

📰 ODOT Introduces High-Tech Solutions to Curb Cleveland's Wrong-Way Crashes

Cleveland is experiencing an unusually high number of wrong-way driving incidents, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). To combat this, new technology is being implemented to ensure safer roads. Although wrong-way crashes are rare, making up only 0.1% of all accidents in Ohio, they are 40 times more likely to be fatal.

The Wrong Way Detector Corridors will alert authorities quickly when someone is driving the wrong way. In June, a car drove the wrong way on I-71, resulting in a deadly crash that was monitored by the Traffic Management Center in Columbus.

These teams monitor roads across Ohio, watching for various traffic issues. Cleveland's traffic monitors will soon have advanced signs with LEDs and cameras to help stop wrong-way drivers. High-risk areas were identified by analyzing crashes from 2016 to 2019, leading to the installation of new signage in over two dozen areas.

Typically, flashing lights on these signs are enough to stop drivers. If a car continues, nearly 12,000 cameras along the highways will track it in real-time, providing accurate information for quick dispatch of crews.

The new system is designed with impaired drivers in mind, as most wrong-way incidents occur overnight or on weekends. Research shows impaired drivers tend to look down, so lower signs have been implemented. Over two dozen ramps in the Cleveland area will receive these upgrades by the end of the year.

WATCH and Read More About this Story at News5cleveland.com

📰 Mentor Resident Moves to Round 2 in USA Mullet Championship - Vote Today!

As we reported last week, Kane Korichak is competing in the USA Mullet Championship competition in the 5-7 year-old category! He has successfully advanced from the first round into the second round and now he needs our help. Voting for the contestants in the second rounds starts today, July 24, and runs through next Tuesday, July 30th.

You can place your vote here for the next MulletChamp to show your support.

Kane is no stranger to the mullet competition, having participated for two years. His mullet, which he has been growing for three years, frequently garners compliments for its long, natural, curly locks. When he's not busy with school, Kane enjoys playing baseball, football, wrestling, and hanging out with friends. He's thrilled to represent mullet nation once again and is ready to shake his mullet with pride.

In 2023, The Mullet Nation successfully raised over $220,000 for the Jared Allen Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW) foundation. This impressive fundraising effort will go entirely towards the construction of homes for critically injured veterans. Every donation made by contestants is directed to the JAH4WW foundation, ensuring that all funds support this noble cause.

See Kane’s Page Here
See More Information on the Contest Here

🥭Nutritious Snacking Made Easy: Healthy Alternatives for Every Craving

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging, especially when it comes to snacking. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy nutritious and satisfying snacks that support your health goals. Here are some healthy snack alternatives to consider:

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the ultimate healthy snack. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help you feel full and energized. Some convenient options include:

• Apple slices with almond butter: A perfect blend of fiber, healthy fats, and protein.

• Carrot sticks with hummus: Provides a satisfying crunch along with protein and fiber.

• Mixed berries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, ideal for a sweet and healthy treat.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also portable and easy to snack on. Some great options include:

• Almonds: High in protein and vitamin E, which supports skin health.

• Pumpkin seeds: Packed with magnesium and zinc, essential for immune function.

• Chia pudding: Mix chia seeds with almond milk and let it sit overnight for a delicious, fiber-rich snack.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide sustained energy and are a great source of fiber. Incorporate them into your snacks for a nutritious boost:

• Whole grain crackers with cheese: Combines complex carbohydrates with protein for a balanced snack.

• Oatmeal cups: Portable and customizable, perfect for a quick and healthy snack.

• Air-popped popcorn: A low-calorie, whole grain option that’s great for satisfying a salty craving.

Dairy and Alternatives

Dairy products and their alternatives are excellent sources of protein and calcium. Here are some nutritious choices:

• Greek yogurt with honey and nuts: High in protein and probiotics, supports gut health.

• Cottage cheese with pineapple: A tasty combination of protein and vitamins.

Planning Ahead

Preparation is key to ensuring you have healthy snacks readily available. Consider these tips to stay on track:

• Pre-portion snacks: Divide nuts, seeds, and fruits into small containers to grab and go.

• Prepare snacks in bulk: Make chia pudding or oatmeal cups in advance to save time.

• Keep a variety: Having different snacks available can prevent boredom and cravings for unhealthy options.

By choosing these healthy snack alternatives, you can enjoy tasty, nutritious foods that support your health and well-being. Remember, the key to a balanced diet is variety, so mix and match these options to keep your snacks interesting and satisfying.

⚾ Guardians Snap Losing Streak with Thrilling 5-4 Win Against Tigers

José Ramírez hit his first home run of July and drove in two runs as the Cleveland Guardians secured a 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night, ending their three-game losing streak.

Ramírez's home run came in the fifth inning off Detroit's Joey Wentz (0-2), helping the AL Central-leading Guardians achieve just their third win in ten games. He added an RBI single in the sixth inning to further solidify Cleveland's lead.

Steven Kwan and rookie Jhonkensy Noel also contributed with homers, bringing much-needed offense to a team that has struggled recently. The Guardians had scored two or fewer runs in six of their previous eight games.

Rookie Cade Smith (5-1) was instrumental in the win, pitching a hitless 1 2/3 innings. Scott Barlow stranded the tying run in the eighth, and Emmanuel Clase secured a perfect ninth inning for his league-leading 30th save. Clase's save was his 140th with Cleveland, surpassing Bob Wickman for the second-most in club history.

Read More at apnews.com

🏈 Amari Cooper Reports to Browns Camp After $25M Contract Restructuring

The Cleveland Browns have restructured Amari Cooper’s contract, guaranteeing $20 million and giving him a $5 million raise. Cooper will join training camp after previously holding out. The deal allows Cooper to enter free agency next offseason. Deshaun Watson, the Browns' quarterback, praised Cooper’s performance and dedication. Additionally, the Browns acquired Jerry Jeudy, who looks forward to playing alongside Cooper. The Browns open their season on September 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Read More at MSN.com

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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