Liquor store owner lauds efforts of Davis (02/16/06)

To the editor:

Alcohol policy is a contentious issue in the State Capitol. I want to thank State Rep. Bill Davis for supporting HB 1250, a bill that provides meaningful reforms in our alcohol laws designed to reduce underage drinking.

The bill does not put anybody out of business or take away anyone’s permit to sell alcohol.

It addresses the future growth of alcohol outlets in our community. It also addresses community concerns regarding the sale and display of alcohol:

Should we sell beer in gas stations?

A recent statewide survey of 400 Hoosiers reveals that the resounding answer is: No.

Nearly eight of every 10 respondents agree that gas stations should not be allowed to sell liquor.

According to respondents, state laws also should be updated in order to clarify what kinds of retail outlets should be allowed to sell alcohol.

Two out of every three people surveyed believe there should be a clear definition of the term “grocery store” in Indiana law to clarify what types of retail outlets can legally sell beer and wine.

Should liquor be displayed as a high profit impulse item in our drug stores?

Court rulings and aggressive retailers have taken alcohol sales from behind the counter to wherever they may be most likely to sell well.

If your answers to these questions are no, you should know that you are being well represented in the Indiana House of Representatives.

Indiana ranks 4th-lowest in highway-alcohol related accidents because we do not have a liberal alcohol policy. Let’s do what we can to keep our highways and our kids safe.

Thank you State Rep. Davis.

Sincerely,

Joe Wallischeck

Portland

(Editor’s note: Mr. Wallischeck is the owner of two liquor stores in Portland).

Give it a try

To the editor:

It was gratifying to see the large turnout we experienced for Crying Baby Productions’ performance of Beauty and the Beast the past two weekends.

So many attendees expressed how much they appreciated such quality entertainment right here in our local community.

Many others suggested that they would like to become involved in local theatrical productions, but shy away due to fear or lack of experience.

I want to encourage those of you who have been sitting in the audience longing for a chance to become involved, to take that first step and volunteer for an upcoming performance.

Jay County is blessed to have three groups offering quality entertainment throughout the year — Jay County Civic Theater, the Performance Company, and Crying Baby Productions.

I can assure you that each of these groups would welcome newcomers in almost every aspect of a show’s production.

Opportunities exist backstage in set construction, costume construction, makeup, lighting, and stage crew. If your desire is to actually step on stage and perform, there are always many small parts and chorus numbers that offer the first-timer a chance to step under the lights.

There are even opportunities to usher, which usually include a free ticket to the performance.

So take that first step and become involved.

You’ll have lots of fun, make new friends, and share in the joy of bringing quality entertainment to your friends and neighbors.

Ron Freeman

Portland, cast member

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