A trickle become a surge over the past week. The reigniting of concern was encouraging and we made it the the 200 signer milestone - on the day the State Commission approved the permit for Circle K. First, a huge thanks to the 8 people who spent 125 hours walking door-to-door. The specific data was offered to the local board as evidence but was not reviewed or entered into the record. It stands here (link below) as a significant reminder that the desire of a majority of area residents were not taken into account. In 5 months, we've collected signatures and communicated updates via email, NextDoor, FaceBook, door-to-door flyers, postcard, and face-to-face. Our alcohol petition got confused with a hatred for Circle K. We do not hate Circle K or allege that they will be an awful neighbor or business. (And as alcohol and drug issues occur at convenience stores in central Indiana, Circle K ranks low as a brand) Yet, detractors who didn't understand took all the people "on the fence" to their side. Helpful advice? Start with www.change.org and stay with www.change.org. This was about prevention as it relates to alcohol sales in our community and prevention did not win. As I stated at the local board hearing, we do not believe that Circle K will sell to underage minors. Yet, this is what the state commission and excise police are charged to manage. What does a 1-year permit mean? IF Circle K is cited for selling to a minor during an excise check then they will be required to attend the local board hearing for their renewal. At that time, they would state that they have paid their fine, done additional training, and if any of the three factors below were identified, there MIGHT be a denial of permit. It is very unusual for a renewal to be denied. The Local Board must consider only three factors set forth in 905 IAC 1-27-1, 1 -27-2 and 1-27-3: whether the applicant is of good moral character; whether the permit premises has become a public nuisance; and whether any criminal offenses have taken place at the permit premises. Has this been a lost cause? Absolutely not! It has gotten SEGwood talking and prioritizing what is important as it relates to our individual lives and our neighbors' lives. 746 homes answered their door! They did not live in fear of what was at the front door. A friendly face, education about alcohol policy in Indiana (and maybe someday 200 feet wall-to-wall to a school will become 1,000 feet in Indiana law), and in some cases an opportunity to vent or encourage each other happened. And ultimately, prevention starts with you. An individual making a choice. Take a look at your environment today. Are there ways you can reduce the risks that might cause problems for your health and wellness? Take care, petition supporter! Your Neighbor