Young People at Risk for New Year's Eve Parties

Indy Kids Abuse Drugs, Alcohol and Smoke More than the National Average

Middle School students in Marion County abuse drugs, alcohol and smoke cigarettes on a rate higher than the national average, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health.

Local experts could not cite a specific reason for the higher rate.

"I wish we had a better handle on some of the specific reasons," said Randy Miller, executive director of Drug Free Marion County. "It would make it easier for us to address and reduce it. That's part of the struggle."

According to the study, 22.3 percent of eighth graders in Marion County reported drinking alcohol while the state average is 19.3 percent and the national average is 13.8 percent.

Potential Loss of Smokeless and Menthol Tobacco has Convenience Stores Fretting

Convenience store owners have become increasingly concerned about tobacco products they sell, which make up a large portion of their sales.

R.J. Reynolds has pulled its Camel dissolvable tobacco test product line from stores in Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio.

"The potential for overuse, even overdose, seemed like a real possibility since they had three times as much nicotine as one cigarette," said Tim Bristol, outreach coordinator for the Montgomery County AHEAD Coalition.

Camel's Sticks, Strips and Orbs' packaging drew controversy for its similarity to gum or candy and their perceived kid-friendly flavors, according to a report on WIBC Radio in Indianapolis.

According to CSNEWS.com, the convenience store trade publication, menthol cigarettes are also coming under increasing scrutiny from the FDA.

Currently, menthol products represent about 30 percent of the cigarette market in C-stores.

What Sen. Boots is Saying about Sunday Sales to Retailers

We post this response shared by Sen. Boots to Muncie liquor store owner Mike Kilgore when he inquired about the senator's push to legalize alcohol sales in Indiana. Boots is a convenience store owner and currently does not sell alcohol at his stores.

Mr. Kilgore,

Thanks for contacting me regarding my proposal for Sunday sales of alcohol. As business owners we face competition every day from somewhere. We don't like it because it takes us out of our comfort zone and forces us to respond. I don't recall any help or sympathy from your industry when Kroger and Wal-Mart started selling gasoline below my cost just down the street from one of my stores. The number of stores that can compete with your industry is limited by the state. Does it upset you when another convenience store is built on the corner across the street from one of my stores? I didn't think so. That's what most business owners face every day. I still don't believe that my proposal will put anyone out of business that chooses to respond to the competition.

Thank You,

Phil Boots

What Sen. Boots is Saying about Sunday Sales to Drug Free Groups

Speaking of Business and Sunday Sales

The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 5,000 businesses across the state, recently released its 2011 legislative wish list. Deregulating the sale of alcohol and opening up Sunday sales is not on its agenda.

For the chamber's complete list, click here.

ACME - Fraudulent Front for Meijer Exposed in Michigan

In nearby Michigan, Meijer Inc. secretly gave an Acme Township political group $12,400 to fund its operations, and paid a local law firm, Smith & Johnson P.C., $6,400 to perform campaign work that wasn't reported as required by state law.

The latest revelations provide the strongest evidence to date that Meijer operated Acme Taxpayers for Responsible Government, formed in 2005, as a shell organization to carry out its financial and political goals.

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said she reached a deal with Meijer over campaign finance violations regarding the retailer's efforts to manipulate two Acme Township elections; a 2005 zoning referendum and an unsuccessful 2007 recall election that targeted the township board.

For the full story in the Traverse City newspaper, click here.

State Roundup on Alcohol Issues

Oklahoma: Local politicians not in favor of alcohol proposal

Oregon: Food cart owners pressing to add daily beer and wine

Virginia: Special agents arrest Craigslist seller of Four Loko

Take our New Poll on Project RAD's Website

Senator Phil Boots is proposing that minors be allowed in liquor stores with adults. Do you agree or disagree?

Take our poll on the Project RAD website. 

Apologies for Delay