FOSTORIA | On June 30th, 2025 Fostoria Police were on standby while two Mazada Direct employees were terminated. A witness reported seeing the General Manager Mike Hall carrying his belongings along with the Finance Manager Dallas Oliver. The request for law enforcement was partly justified by one employee in possession of a firearm. No additional information is available at this time.
Should small business owners in Fostoria cling to the belief that residents should “shop local only” to keep their stores afloat? While supporting local commerce is admirable, this mindset overlooks critical realities about consumer behavior, population dynamics, and the competitive market. Relying solely on local shoppers has proven unsustainable, often leading to business closures. Here’s why.
A Limited Population Limits Revenue
Fostoria’s population of just over 13,000 is a significant constraint for small businesses. With a median household income of around $37,000, disposable income for non-essential purchases is limited for many families. In a town this size, the customer base is inherently small, and businesses compete for the same dollars. For example, if a local boutique relies solely on Fostoria residents, it’s drawing from a pool of fewer than 5,500 households, many of whom may prioritize affordability over loyalty. Even if every resident shopped local, the revenue potential is capped by the town’s modest population and economic realities.
Compare this to nearby larger cities like Toledo (40 miles away) or Findlay (20 miles away), which offer chain stores, diverse retail, and entertainment options. Residents often drive to these hubs for shopping, dining, or work, spending money outside Fostoria. A 2010 review on Niche.com noted, “The community has very little shopping and nightlife activity… residents have to go out of town for both work and shopping.” This trend highlights a key challenge: Fostoria’s population alone cannot sustain businesses that ignore broader markets.
The Rise of Online Shopping
The “shop local only” mindset also fails to account for the dominance of e-commerce. Over 80% of consumers research products online before purchasing, a trend that’s pronounced even in smaller markets. Fostoria residents, like most Americans, turn to Amazon, Walmart.com, or other online retailers for convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. A local business without an online presence or digital marketing strategy is invisible to these shoppers. As a Columbus-based digital marketing guide noted, “An effective digital strategy isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for survival and growth.”
Sometimes small businesses lack the resources or expertise to compete digitally. Many don’t invest in search engine optimization (SEO), social media, or targeted ads, assuming local loyalty will suffice. Yet, without a Google Business Profile or active social media, they’re outranked by larger retailers or even nearby competitors in Findlay or Tiffin. The result? Local dollars flow to online giants or out-of-town stores, and Fostoria businesses struggle.
Consumer Behavior and Competition
Shoppers in Fostoria, like anywhere, prioritize value, convenience, and quality. The “shop local only” mindset assumes residents will overlook higher prices or limited selection out of civic duty. However, with 76.7% of Fostoria workers driving alone to work (often to nearby cities), they’re exposed to big-box stores, malls, and chain restaurants. These alternatives offer lower prices, broader inventory, and perks like free shipping or loyalty programs—features small businesses rarely match without strategic marketing.
For instance, a Fostoria hardware store might expect local support but lose customers to Home Depot in Findlay, where prices are lower due to economies of scale. Similarly, a local café competes with Starbucks or Dunkin’ in nearby towns, which leverage brand recognition and mobile apps. Without advertising that highlights unique offerings—like community events, local sourcing, or personalized service—Fostoria businesses fail to differentiate themselves. A 2023 marketing guide for Ohio businesses emphasized, “Local SEO optimization… and social media marketing play a vital role in connecting with Ohio consumers.” Yet, many Fostoria owners lack this knowledge, leaving them vulnerable.
The Economic Ripple Effect
Fostoria’s history of deindustrialization compounds these challenges. Once a hub for factories like Autolite, the town lost jobs to NAFTA and plant closures in the 1990s and 2000s. Today, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail dominate employment, but many residents commute to larger cities for work. This reduces daytime foot traffic and local spending.
When businesses close, the ripple effect hurts the community. Fewer jobs mean less local income, driving more residents to shop elsewhere. The cycle reinforces itself: limited shopping options push consumers out of town, while businesses that rely on “shop local” loyalty can’t survive. A Niche.com reviewer lamented, “The economy has been in a downward spiral for decades.” Without intervention, this trend continues.
A Path Forward: Smarter Marketing, Not Just Local Loyalty
Fostoria’s small businesses can thrive, but not by guilting residents into shopping local. Instead, they need education and investment in modern marketing. Here are actionable steps:
Conclusion
The “shop local only” mindset ignores the town’s small population, economic constraints, and the realities of modern consumer behavior. With just 13,046 residents, limited disposable income, and competition from online retailers and nearby cities, businesses can’t survive on local loyalty alone. The closure of stores like Readmore’s Hallmark and factories like Autolite underscores this truth. By embracing digital marketing, targeting regional customers, and leveraging Fostoria’s strategic location, small businesses can break the cycle of failure. It’s time to move beyond hoping residents will shop local and start competing in today’s market. Fostoria’s hardworking families deserve a thriving downtown—achievable not through guilt, but through smart strategy
FOSTORIA | Bou’jee on a Budget, LLC announced the closure of their storefront on June 19, 2025. According to a Facebook post, vendors were instructed to pick up their items. Candy, a co-owner of Bou’jee, stated in the post that she would not speak ill of her former partner, but “irreconcilable differences” appear to have caused the falling out.
In the comments section, Candy clarified that Magik Mirror remains open and that she is working to ensure Bou’jee continues operating.
As of Friday morning, the Facebook & Instagram page for Bou’jee remains deactivated or deleted.
No further information is available at this time.
“Ordinance No.: 2025 – ____: Enacting new Section 109.02 of Chapter 109 of the
Codified Ordinances of the City of Fostoria, Ohio entitled “CONTROL OF ACCESS TO CITY-
OWNED, CONTROLLED AND LEASED PROPERTY” to establish regulations for conduct
within and upon City property. (Third reading)”
FOSTORIA: During the Fostoria City Council meeting on June 18, 2025, Councilman Greg Cassidy was the only member in favor of moving forward with enacting the Public Access Ordinance. Councilwoman Amy Mendoza objected to the ordinance, which led to a mild argument between the two. Cassidy stated, “Apparently, you don’t know what goes on,” as he emphasized his position.
Councilman Alexander Grine raised concerns about Section B of Ordinance 109.02. He also pointed out a spelling error in the “vaping” line of text.
Cassidy expressed concern about the lack of control over individuals entering the building with cameras or audio recorders. He highlighted the potential for private conversations to be recorded without consent, which could lead to misuse.
Councilman Robert Podach stressed the need for an alternative decision-maker besides the Safety Services Director. “We’re setting ourselves up for failure if we don’t have the I’s crossed and T’s dotted,” he said. “I hate passing things through and then having to fix them.”
Ordinance 109.02 was tabled due to the lack of a motion.
FOSTORIA – National Trails, a premier luxury charter bus transportation provider based in Livonia, Michigan, is excited to announce its acquisition of Bliss Charters, a family-owned business in Fostoria, Ohio. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in National Trails’ ongoing growth, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional service and expanding its presence across the Midwest.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1982 in Southfield, Michigan, National Trails began as a humble operation with just one charter bus, run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team. From serving senior groups, small businesses, and church communities, the company has grown into a regional leader in luxury transportation. In 2019, under the leadership of President Austin Arksey, National Trails transformed from a modest fleet of 10 charter buses and 10 employees to an impressive operation with 28 charter buses, 160 school buses, and a team of 300 professionals.
The acquisition of Bliss Charters further strengthens National Trails’ legacy. Established in 1988 by Bill and Joella Feasel, Bliss Charters has built a reputation for personalized service and community commitment in Fostoria, Ohio. After Bill’s passing in 1992, Paul and Linda Feasel continued to grow the business, operating a fleet of nine charter buses before scaling back to seven post-COVID-19.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bliss Charters into the National Trails family,” said Austin Arksey. “Their story of dedication and service aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to elevating their legacy with our resources and expertise.”
Expanding Capacity, Enhancing Service
With this acquisition, National Trails integrates Bliss Charters’ seven charter buses and 10 employees into its portfolio, boosting its ability to provide reliable, luxurious transportation solutions. This move enhances National Trails’ capacity to serve a diverse range of clients, including corporate teams, wedding parties, sports teams, family reunions, and school groups.
National Trails specializes in seamless, stress-free group transportation, offering services such as:
• Corporate Travel: Impress clients with timely, luxurious airport transfers.
• Weddings: Simplify logistics for out-of-town guests with comfortable group travel.
• Sports Teams: Keep athletes and equipment together for tournaments and games.
• Family Reunions: Start the celebration early with group travel in style.
• School Trips: Ensure safe, hassle-free transportation for students and chaperones.
Commitment to Comfort, Safety, and Reliability
At National Trails, every journey is designed with the passenger in mind. The company prioritizes:
• Reliability: Precise scheduling ensures on-time arrivals, every time.
• Safety: A modern fleet maintained to the highest safety standards.
• Comfort: Luxury amenities to make every trip enjoyable and stress-free.
With a team of expert drivers and a fleet equipped for comfort, National Trails delivers an unparalleled travel experience, allowing groups to focus on their destination rather than the journey.
A Vision for the Future
The acquisition of Bliss Charters is a testament to National Trails’ dedication to growth while preserving the personalized service that has defined both brands. As National Trails expands its footprint, it remains committed to fostering community connections and delivering exceptional transportation solutions across Southeast Michigan and beyond.
Book Your Next Journey with National Trails
Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, sports trip, or family reunion, National Trails is here to make your group travel effortless. Avoid the hassle of traffic, parking, and logistics—let us handle the details while you enjoy the ride.
Contact National Trails today to book your charter bus rental in Detroit and experience the difference of traveling with a company that puts its customers first. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our services and how we can make your next trip unforgettable.
About National Trails
National Trails is a leading provider of luxury charter bus transportation based in Livonia, Michigan. Since 1982, the company has served Southeast Michigan and beyond, offering safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for corporate events, weddings, sports teams, school trips, and more. With a modern fleet and a commitment to excellence, National Trails ensures every journey is a memorable one.
Dear Editor,
The City of Fostoria is attempting to violate constitutional rights once again. A proposed ordinance scheduled for its third and final reading on June 17 would grant unchecked authority to the Safety Services Director and other officials to control access to city buildings and property without providing any clear legal standards, due process protections, or accountability. This comes after the city was previously called out in local newspapers for posting unconstitutional signs prohibiting recording and photography in public buildings—signs that were only taken down after public exposure, despite nearly a year of my personal efforts warning the mayor and other officials. Now, on the anniversary of the Fourteenth Amendment being passed by Congress on June 13, 1866, the city is pushing forward with yet another attempt to suppress rights the Constitution was written to protect.
Below are excerpts from the proposed ordinance, followed by a detailed breakdown of how each section violates the U.S. Constitution. This analysis highlights serious civil rights concerns that demand public attention.
FOSTORIA, Ohio — The Fostoria City Council is set to vote Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at 213 S. Main St. on an ordinance that would regulate public access to city-owned, controlled, and leased properties. The proposed legislation, in its final reading, aims to enhance security and minimize disruptions to city operations.
The ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service and Safety, currently Eric Keckler, and their designees to manage public access to city properties by establishing three designations:
• Nonpublic Forum: Areas primarily for city employee use, inaccessible to the public without an employee escort. All employee work areas in the Fostoria Municipal Building, marked by signage, will be classified as nonpublic forums.
• Limited Designated Public Forum: Areas mainly for employee use but occasionally open for public meetings or legitimate business with city officials or employees.
• Designated Public Forum: Areas primarily for public meetings, accessible during such events.
Keckler would have the authority to designate these areas and implement measures—such as physical barriers and signage—to separate public and nonpublic spaces, subject to available funding. He could also develop procedures to regulate access, ensuring the safety of visitors, employees, and city operations.
The ordinance stipulates that individuals disrupting city government work will be deemed to lack legitimate business and may be asked to leave. Unauthorized persons in nonpublic or limited public forums who refuse to leave upon request will be considered trespassers, and law enforcement may issue trespass warnings at the city’s request.
Additionally, the legislation restricts recording (audio or video) in city buildings, except in council chambers, conference rooms, or other public meeting spaces, unless all individuals being recorded consent. This restriction does not apply to law enforcement activities. Those who continue recording without consent after being warned will be considered disruptive, asked to leave, and may face trespass charges if they refuse.
The ordinance lists 16 prohibited behaviors, including disruptive, harassing, abusive, or unsafe conduct and unauthorized entry into nonpublic areas. The Director of Public Service and Safety or their designees may remove anyone violating federal, state, or local laws, city policies, facility rules, or posted directives.
A copy of the proposed ordinance is available online with the original story at The Advertiser-Tribune. For more details, attend the council meeting or contact city officials.
Source: Adapted from The Advertiser-Tribune, https://advertiser-tribune.com/news/597969/
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Cash Key Usage Report
From 1/1/2025 to 5/31/2025
M15 – SLUDGE DUMPING
Date Batch / Seq Customer Amount Type Reference
1/28/2025 706 / 1 DISTELS SEPTIC $508.80 Check 1718
2/24/2025 834 / 1 BUGNERS SEPTIC $3,328.40 Check 3254
4/15/2025 1151 / 1 HOOVERS SEPTIC $678.40 Check 4531
4/8/2025 1097 / 3 THEIS SEPTIC $1,008.00 Check 1945
4/8/2025 1097 / 2 BH BUGNERS $3,816.00 Check 3361
4/8/2025 1097 / 1 ENVIRONMENTAL $424.00 Check 1730
3/17/2025 969 / 1 HOOVERS SEPTIC $3,074.00 Check 3295
3/1/2025 930 / 1 DISTELS SEPTIC $584.80 Check 1725
2/11/2025 770 / 1 HOOVERS SEPTIC $424.00 Check 4503
2/9/2025 874 / 1 DISTELS SEPTIC $584.80 Check 1719
1/22/2025 684 / 2 HOOVERS SEPTIC $763.20 Check 4490
1/22/2025 684 / 1 BUGNERS SEPTIC $1,888.80 Check 3196
5/9/2025 1233 / 1 HOOVERS SEPTIC $4,954.80 Check 3409
5/1/2025 1302 / 1 BUGNERS SEPTIC $508.80 Check 4648
5/1/2025 1302 / 2 DISTELS SEPTIC $22,038.40
M16 – LEACHATE
Date Batch / Seq Customer Amount Type Reference
3/19/2025 1000 / 1 SUNNY FARMS $13,196.15 Check 3511
4/22/2025 1193 / 1 SUNNY FARMS $13,113.10 Check 5538
5/6/2025 1257 / 1 SUNNY FARMS $42,386.38 Check 6084
5/15/2025 1322 / 1 sunny farms payment and penalty clean up $15,793.96 Check 6888
$84,489.59
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Fostoria, Ohio – June 14, 2025 – A routine traffic stop in Fostoria turned into a life-threatening incident for one police officer, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. The Fostoria Police Department released a press statement detailing the events that unfolded on June 14, 2025, at approximately 0211 hours.
The incident began when Fostoria Police Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Columbus Ave. During the stop, officers developed a reasonable suspicion that there were possible illegal drugs in the vehicle. To investigate further, a K9 unit, Officer Jared Linding and Bandit, was called to the scene. After a positive indication by Bandit, probable cause was established, and officers began searching the vehicle for illegal substances.
During the search, Officer Brayden Moon located a white powdery substance in the purse of passenger Latoya Bowers. The substance, now presumed to be fentanyl, became airborne due to weather conditions and Officer Moon was exposed. Shortly after the exposure, Officer Moon collapsed and is believed to have suffered an overdose. Officers on the scene, Moira White and Jeremy Salaz, immediately began life-saving measures and called for EMS. Officer in Charge, Colin Taggart, arrived on the scene and administered several doses of Narcan to Officer Moon, reviving him. Officer Moon was then transported by EMS to Fostoria Community Hospital for further evaluation, where he was treated and later released.
Ms. Bowers was arrested for Corrupting Another with Drugs, ORC 2925.02, a felony of the second degree. The driver, Alex Tiell, was also arrested and charged with Complicity, ORC 2923.03, a felony of the second degree. Both Bowers and Tiell were transported to and are currently being held at the Seneca County Jail. Other charges will be filed pending further investigation and chemical testing.
Chief Gabe Wedge of the Fostoria Police Department expressed gratitude for the officers’ quick response and the life-saving training that paid off. “I cannot say enough, how proud I am of these officers and how they responded, saving a fellow officer’s life in this chaotic moment. Experience and training truly paid off, and an officer’s life was saved today because of it.”
The Fostoria Police Department continues to investigate the incident, with further updates to be provided as the case develops.
Contact:
Gabriel M. Wedge – Chief of Police
Fostoria Police Department
213 South Main Street, Fostoria, Ohio 44830-2322
Phone: (419) 435-8735
