Scanner Media

Fostoria Chamber of Commerce Gears Up for Exciting Holiday Sip and Shop EventThe Fostoria Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau is preparing to host its much-anticipated Holiday Sip and Shop event on December 2nd at the Learning Center. In an interview with Zach Stumpf, Jocelyn Reinhart, the newly appointed director, shared insights about this special event in its fifth year.Reinhart, replacing Sarah earlier this summer, expressed enthusiasm about the Sip and Shop, which has become a staple of the holiday season in Fostoria. The event will feature 44 vendors showcasing various products, including crafts, local goods, holiday-themed gifts, and more. These vendors, some familiar faces from the local farmers markets and others new, offer a unique shopping experience for those looking to complete their Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses.Reinhart highlighted the event's growth, noting a waiting list for vendors, a testament to its increasing popularity. The event has been fully booked since September, indicating its success and the community's eagerness to participate.The Sip and Shop isn't just about shopping; it's a full experience. Attendees can explore various items, from bath products and candles to unique laser-engraved items and jewelry from Lake Erie beach glass. The event also caters to food lovers, with vendors offering baked goods, apple dumplings, and a selection of soups and chili from a local Food Truck OTR Smokehouse for those who are coffee lovers Fostoria's local coffee shop Java Enlighten Bean will also be on hand all day. Adding to the allure, the event perfectly matches the holiday shopping season, following Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. This provides an excellent opportunity for locals from Tiffin, Fostoria, Findlay, Downtown Bowling Green, Bluffton, Toledo, and Sandusky to support regional businesses while finding unique gifts.Moreover, the Holiday Sip and Shop is an opportunity to showcase the Learning Center, a hub for the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Visitors Bureau, Community Foundation, and various educational classes.The event, December 2nd, from 10 AM to 5 PM, promises to be a delightful experience for all, complete with shopping, food, and wine. Reinhart's and Stumpf's enthusiasm is palpable, and they extend a warm invitation to everyone to visit the Fostoria Learning Center on December 2nd for a day of festive shopping and community spirit.

Fostoria: In a revealing interview with Scanner Media, outgoing Fostoria Mayor Eric Keckler shed light on the city's strategic shift from its historic pool to a new splash pad project while addressing concerns of vandalism.With just 60 days left in his term, Mayor Keckler is rallying to finalize his administration's projects, including the much-anticipated splash pad. "Even on the way out, I'm still fighting for this community as I did on my first day," stated Keckler, reflecting on his 12-year tenure.The splash pad, a project born from community resilience and collaboration, marks a significant change in the city's recreational landscape. The former Fostoria swimming pool, an iconic facility dating back to the 1930s, has been closed due to financial strain and the prohibitive costs of necessary repairs. Keckler outlined the dilemma: "To make the bathhouse ADA compliant and address other repairs, we were looking at almost a 2-3 million dollars back in 2012. With the pool itself in bad shape, we faced a tough decision given the hefty operational costs and the city's tight budget."The city opted for the splash pad, a modern, low-maintenance alternative that could extend the summer fun from Memorial Day through Labor Day without the logistical hurdles of hiring lifeguards, a recurrent challenge with the traditional swimming pool.The community's enthusiasm is evident in the funding. The splash pad has amassed nearly a million dollars, with significant contributions from local donations, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Hancock County, and the State of Ohio's capital budget. This financial influx has expanded the project from a modest concept to an elaborate beach-themed attraction.However, the shadow of vandalism looms large, a persistent issue for Fostoria's parks. Mayor Keckler addressed these concerns, emphasizing the city's proactive measures: "We're improving lighting and surveillance, aiming for live monitoring to deter and address any incidents promptly." The city plans to utilize robust materials and designs for the splash pad to ensure durability and safety.The splash pad is not an isolated venture but a cornerstone in Fostoria's broader vision for revitalizing its public spaces and forging a more connected and vibrant community. Mayor Keckler highlighted ongoing and future initiatives to enhance the city's recreational appeal, including improvements to the skate park, pickleball courts, and disc golf facilities.As Mayor Keckler prepares to leave office, his administration hopes the splash pad will symbolize Fostoria's resilience and community spirit, providing a beach-like oasis for families who may not have the means to travel far from home.In closing, Mayor Keckler shared his optimism: "This is a return on the investment that our citizens made in Fostoria. Despite the financial hurdles of the past, we now see a future where we can deliver the fun and engaging experiences our community deserves."As the splash pad project progresses, the city remains vigilant, not just to create new amenities but to preserve and protect them, ensuring Fostoria's public spaces can be enjoyed by all without the blight of vandalism.For updates on the splash pad's progress, please continue to follow Scanner Media. 

This week, I took time to sit down Don Mennel who is running for Fostoria City Mayor. after several fourms in the past few weeks. I'm taking a deep dive into his plans as Mayor. We Discussed the following: ➡️ Sunny Farms ➡️ Parks ➡️ Recyling  I look forward into sitting down with other candiates this week 

Fostoria: Fostoria Elementary School is set to host a special Veterans Day Breakfast, a touching display of gratitude and respect for our nation's veterans. The event aims to honor those who have served our country, offering a heartfelt gesture of appreciation. Organized by the dedicated efforts of Kristen Santos, a music teacher at Fostoria Elementary School, this event promises to be a heartwarming experience for all involved.The Veterans Day Breakfast, which will take place on Friday, November 10th, at 9:15 AM, will be graced by the presence of the Fostoria Honor Guard and a notable special guest, Fostoria City Mayor Eric Keckler. The occasion is not just a delightful breakfast but an opportunity for the students to understand the significance of Veterans Day and express their gratitude to those who have served in the military.Kristen Santos, the driving force behind this initiative, explained the inspiration behind the event during an interview. She expressed her desire to revive a cherished tradition that had been part of the school's history before the Fostoria School District transitioned to a single campus in 2018. In the past, the school had a heartwarming tradition of hosting a Veterans Day breakfast, but it had been dormant for several years. Kristen was determined to bring it back to life.The primary aim of the event is to introduce students, particularly those in grades one through six, to Veterans Day and help them appreciate the sacrifices made by our veterans. The breakfast will allow students to interact with veterans, sing songs dedicated to them, and learn more about the importance of honoring these brave individuals. This effort aligns with the broader goal of nurturing a sense of respect and gratitude among young students.With Veterans Day falling on a Saturday this year, the school has chosen to hold the event during the day on Friday. The 45-minute breakfast will feature an array of refreshments, including donuts, juices, coffee, and cocoa, as a token of appreciation for the veterans' service. Mayor Eric Keckler will address the veterans, and the American flag will be proudly displayed to honor their commitment.To ensure that all veterans interested in attending can be accommodated, the school has distributed paper invitations throughout the community and encouraged RSVPs. These invites have been distributed via social media platforms and local organizations like the American Legion Post 74 on Main St. The RSVPs help the school estimate the number of attendees and identify students related to the veterans, enabling them to make special arrangements.With the Veterans Day Breakfast just around the corner, it promises to be a memorable and emotional event for the Fostoria community. It will honor our veterans and ensure that the younger generation understands the significance of this important day, carrying the spirit of gratitude forward. For more information about the event or to RSVP, veterans and community members can contact the school at 419-436-4125 by October 31st. 

Fostoria, Ohio, has been awarded a million-dollar grant from the U.S. Urban Forest Services to boost its urban forestry efforts. This grant will fund the establishment of a dedicated forestry department, including the employment of a certified arborist for five years. The initiative aims to address hazardous trees, replant streets, parks, and cemeteries, and diversify tree species to prevent disease spread. The grant also supports a celebration tree program, allowing citizens to donate trees in memory of loved ones. Fostoria's successful application reflects its commitment to improving its urban forest and creating a greener, healthier community, serving as an inspiring example for others.