MIDDLETOWN, OH — Whether his decision was based on a conversation with a blonde-haired girl, the power of prayer, or as Bill Mehl said, "It was time for a change," doesn't really matter.
Broadway News, a downtown staple for more than five decades, no longer sells adult magazines, and to Graci Phillips, her friends, church members and family, who receives the credit is insignificant.
Graci, 15, a sophomore at Middletown High School, said when she heard Broadway was moving — from 53 S. Main St. to the former Parrot Restaurant, putting the business across the street from her house — she approached Mehl, Broadway owner, about removing the adult magazines.
Gutsy girl, this Graci Phillips.
Last month, Graci tried to convince Mehl of what she called "dangers" associated with adult magazines. She was preaching, but he wasn't in the same church.
"He was like, whatever," she said. "He said, 'You can't control what we sell in our store. It's not up to you.'"
She and the youth group at Stratford Heights Church of God would keep praying for him, she told him.
"I told her she had a right to say what she wanted to say," he said. "It's a free country. What she said did not influence my decision."
But when Broadway News reopened Tuesday morning, there were no Playboys or Penthouses for sale. Mehl said the decision wasn't based on the conversation with Graci.
"It's a new start," was his simple reason.
The loss of adult magazine sales will be a "major hit," said Mehl, who refused to release the amount.
On Wednesday afternoon, Graci, accompanied by classmates, church members and her parents, brothers and sisters, and Terry Sherrer, executive director of the YMCA, walked across the street from her home to Broadway News.
She presented "an overwhelmed" Mehl with a large "Thank You" poster signed by numerous people.
He told the group he'd hang the poster in the store, and Graci promised, "We'll be back."
Later, while sitting in the corner of his business, Mehl said he wants to be "a good downtown business."
As he talked about the obstacles of relocating, how the city provided "wonderful" assistance, and his loyal customer base, he glanced at the poster.
He read a few of the comments. Tears streamed down his cheek.
"Sorry," he said. "I don't get emotional like this. I'm choked up."
Earlier, while sitting on her porch, Graci said, "We're so thankful to God because without us praying, this never would have happened."
She was asked about the criticism she'll surely receive.
"This is something I'm passionate about it. God is my judge and I'll stand in front of him one of these days. They can get mad at me if they like, but I know I'm right. God has my back."
