Connecticut officials are going after more than 900 state residents who bought cigarettes on the Internet but didn't pay state sales taxes as required by law.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
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Dec 23, 2009
Armed Robbery at CR Cigarette Outlet
Cedar Rapids police are investigating a second armed robbery in two days.
This time authorities are searching for the two men who robbed the Cigarette Outlet on First Avenue northeast last night. Police say the suspects forced the store's two employees to the ground at gunpoint.
The suspects then fled on foot after taking money, cigarettes and an Iowa Lottery register. No shots were fired and the clerks were unharmed.
This time authorities are searching for the two men who robbed the Cigarette Outlet on First Avenue northeast last night. Police say the suspects forced the store's two employees to the ground at gunpoint.
The suspects then fled on foot after taking money, cigarettes and an Iowa Lottery register. No shots were fired and the clerks were unharmed.
Dec 21, 2009
Connecticut going after online cigarette buyers
Connecticut officials are going after more than 900 state residents who bought cigarettes on the Internet but didn't pay state sales taxes as required by law.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
The Department of Revenue Services announced Thursday that it mailed sales tax bills to 928 people this week, based on information provided under federal law by companies that sell cigarettes online.
The state's cigarette tax jumped from $2 to $3 a pack on Oct. 1 as state officials sought to boost revenue because of the state budget deficit. Connecticut's cigarette tax is the second highest in the country, after Rhode Island's $3.46 per pack tax.
The bills mailed this week are for sales tax and interest owed for online cigarette purchases made between 2007 and 2008.
Dec 18, 2009
15 kilos of loose tobacco seized in special operation in Lovech
15 kilos of loose tobacco have been seized in the frames of a special operation conducted in the town of Lovech (North Bulgaria), the District Interior Ministry Directorate _ Lovech announced.
At 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, officers with Economic Police and Regional Interior Ministry Directorate – Lovech conducted a special police operation, in cooperation with officers with Customs Bureau – Lovech.
The operation aimed at hampering illegal trade with tobacco products without the required excise label.
Two physical persons, involved in the illegal sale, have been detained. 15 kilos of loose tobacco have been found and confiscated.
At 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, officers with Economic Police and Regional Interior Ministry Directorate – Lovech conducted a special police operation, in cooperation with officers with Customs Bureau – Lovech.
The operation aimed at hampering illegal trade with tobacco products without the required excise label.
Two physical persons, involved in the illegal sale, have been detained. 15 kilos of loose tobacco have been found and confiscated.
Dec 15, 2009
New discovery shows cigarettes full of disease causing bacteria
Researchers from France have used a technique called DNA microassay to find that cigarettes are full of a variety of disease causing bacteria. In the past, scientists used small pieces of cigarettes and lab cultures to test cigarettes for bacterial contamination. Some of the disease causing bacteria also found in soil, responsible for food-borne illness and respiratory infections could have widespread implications for human health.
Cigarettes studied, all containing the same diversity of bacteria, included Camel, Kool Filter Kings, Lucky Strike Original Red, and Marlboro Red cigarettes.
According to Professor Amy R. Sapkota who led the research, "We were quite surprised to identify such a wide variety of human bacterial pathogens in these products. The commercially-available cigarettes that we tested were chock full of bacteria, as we had hypothesized, but we didn't think we'd find so many that are infectious in humans.” One such bacterium found in the cigarettes - Pseudomonas aeruginosa - is also responsible for ten percent of hospital acquired infections, and common among immunocompromised patients.
Bacteria related to anthrax, food borne illness, and lung infections were present in cigarettes - including Clostridium, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter. The scientists found "hundreds' of bacteria in cigarettes.
Dr. Sapkota suggests that bacteria can survive the smoking process. She says there are as many bacteria in cigarettes as there are chemicals.
If bacteria found in cigarettes do survive the smoking process, Sapkota says "they could possibly go on to contribute to both infectious and chronic illnesses in both smokers and individuals who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, so it's critical that we learn more about the bacterial content of cigarettes, which are used by more than a billion people worldwide."
The study comes from University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France and is published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Cigarettes contain bacteria previously unknown that could also cause disease in humans from direct and second hand exposure to cigarette smoke.
Cigarettes studied, all containing the same diversity of bacteria, included Camel, Kool Filter Kings, Lucky Strike Original Red, and Marlboro Red cigarettes.
According to Professor Amy R. Sapkota who led the research, "We were quite surprised to identify such a wide variety of human bacterial pathogens in these products. The commercially-available cigarettes that we tested were chock full of bacteria, as we had hypothesized, but we didn't think we'd find so many that are infectious in humans.” One such bacterium found in the cigarettes - Pseudomonas aeruginosa - is also responsible for ten percent of hospital acquired infections, and common among immunocompromised patients.
Bacteria related to anthrax, food borne illness, and lung infections were present in cigarettes - including Clostridium, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter. The scientists found "hundreds' of bacteria in cigarettes.
Dr. Sapkota suggests that bacteria can survive the smoking process. She says there are as many bacteria in cigarettes as there are chemicals.
If bacteria found in cigarettes do survive the smoking process, Sapkota says "they could possibly go on to contribute to both infectious and chronic illnesses in both smokers and individuals who are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, so it's critical that we learn more about the bacterial content of cigarettes, which are used by more than a billion people worldwide."
The study comes from University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France and is published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Cigarettes contain bacteria previously unknown that could also cause disease in humans from direct and second hand exposure to cigarette smoke.
Dec 14, 2009
Man faces up to 15 years in prison for stealing cigarettes, cash
A Gaston man is in jail today charged in connection with three breakins at a convenience store on U.S. 321 near West Columbia.
Mr. Henry Antonio Burgess, 40, of 213 Oakglenn Drive, was charged Friday with three counts of second-degree burglary, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators said someone broke into El Cheapo three separate times in November and December, stealing cigarettes worth a total of $2,800 and an undetermined amount of cash.
Arrest warrants allege that Mr. Burgess broke into the El Cheapo convenience store at 3862 Highway 321 between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Nov. 1, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Nov. 19 and between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 8.
On Nov. 1, someone broke into the convenience store by using a brick to shatter a glass window at the front of the business and stole $400 worth of cigarettes, Sheriff James R. Metts said.
On Nov. 19, someone broke into the convenience store by creating a hole in a cinderblock wall at the rear of the business, Mr. Metts said. The person stole Newport and Black&Mild cigarettes worth $1,400 and a 22-ounce bottle of Smirnoff Green Apple worth $2.79, the sheriff said.
On Dec. 8, someone broke into the convenience store by cutting a hole in a concrete wall at the rear of the business, Mr. Metts said. the person stole 25 cartons of Newport 100 cigarettes worth $1,000 and an undetermined amount of cash, he said.
At the time of his arrest, Mr. Burgess had clothing and other items that surveillance camera photographs show the burglar possessed during each of the three burglaries at the convenience store, Sheriff Metts said.
Mr. Burgess is in the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing, officials said.
Under South Carolina law, second-degree burglary is a felony that carries a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison, Mr. Metts said.
Mr. Henry Antonio Burgess, 40, of 213 Oakglenn Drive, was charged Friday with three counts of second-degree burglary, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators said someone broke into El Cheapo three separate times in November and December, stealing cigarettes worth a total of $2,800 and an undetermined amount of cash.
Arrest warrants allege that Mr. Burgess broke into the El Cheapo convenience store at 3862 Highway 321 between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Nov. 1, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Nov. 19 and between 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 8.
On Nov. 1, someone broke into the convenience store by using a brick to shatter a glass window at the front of the business and stole $400 worth of cigarettes, Sheriff James R. Metts said.
On Nov. 19, someone broke into the convenience store by creating a hole in a cinderblock wall at the rear of the business, Mr. Metts said. The person stole Newport and Black&Mild cigarettes worth $1,400 and a 22-ounce bottle of Smirnoff Green Apple worth $2.79, the sheriff said.
On Dec. 8, someone broke into the convenience store by cutting a hole in a concrete wall at the rear of the business, Mr. Metts said. the person stole 25 cartons of Newport 100 cigarettes worth $1,000 and an undetermined amount of cash, he said.
At the time of his arrest, Mr. Burgess had clothing and other items that surveillance camera photographs show the burglar possessed during each of the three burglaries at the convenience store, Sheriff Metts said.
Mr. Burgess is in the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing, officials said.
Under South Carolina law, second-degree burglary is a felony that carries a maximum punishment of 15 years in prison, Mr. Metts said.
Dec 1, 2009
WHO tobacco report to be announced in Turkey
The World Health Organization (WHO) Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2009 will be unveiled in Turkey due to its successful implementation of a smoking ban, which has prohibited the use of tobacco in enclosed areas since July 19, the Anatolia news agency reported.The WHO report presents information from 179 member countries every year regarding the tobacco epidemic and tobacco control policies. The organization releases its annual report every year in a different country or a city which has made significant progress in the fight against smoking or has become a role model in combating smoking.
Last year’s meeting was held in New York, where a smoking ban in restaurants and bars was launched. London, Dublin, Mexico City, Montevideo and İstanbul were candidates to host this year’s meeting. The WHO selected İstanbul because of the “100 percent smoke-free air in Turkey” campaign which was successfully implemented in July 2009 after the smoking ban in enclosed areas. The meeting is to take place on Dec. 9 and will be attended by Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdağ as well as a group of WHO officials, including those from the WHO’s European zone and its office in Turkey, led by WHO Assistant Director General Ala Alwan -- Iraq’s former health minister, and the director of the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative, Douglas Bettcher.
Last year’s meeting was held in New York, where a smoking ban in restaurants and bars was launched. London, Dublin, Mexico City, Montevideo and İstanbul were candidates to host this year’s meeting. The WHO selected İstanbul because of the “100 percent smoke-free air in Turkey” campaign which was successfully implemented in July 2009 after the smoking ban in enclosed areas. The meeting is to take place on Dec. 9 and will be attended by Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdağ as well as a group of WHO officials, including those from the WHO’s European zone and its office in Turkey, led by WHO Assistant Director General Ala Alwan -- Iraq’s former health minister, and the director of the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative, Douglas Bettcher.
Nov 30, 2009
Cigarette thieves return to the scene to steal cash
Police arrested a trio of suspected burglars Wednesday who allegedly broke into an Afton business to steal cigarettes and left the store only to return a short time later to steal cash in a second break-in.New York State Police have charged 19-year-old Steven C. Barrows of Unadilla, 21-year-old Heather Wrench and 27-year-old Arnie J. Roe, both of Bainbridge, with third degree burglary.
Police said the three broke into the Afton Country Store at 30 Maple Street in the Village of Afton, in the early hours of Nov. 25.
Troopers said they stole a number of cigarettes and then left the store. A “short time later,” the three then returned to Afton Country Store and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, according to police.
Police said the three broke into the Afton Country Store at 30 Maple Street in the Village of Afton, in the early hours of Nov. 25.
Troopers said they stole a number of cigarettes and then left the store. A “short time later,” the three then returned to Afton Country Store and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, according to police.
Nov 26, 2009
Raft of charges after row
A blue with the boss landed David Kerr in court charged with threatening behaviour, drink driving – and stealing a solitary cigarette.
The problem started when the 56-year-old was called into work to sort out a pay issue on April 2.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Lewis Sutton told the New Plymouth District Court that Kerr got abusive and argumentative when his boss was trying to explain what the problem was.
"The defendant stood up and leant over the desk towards the victim and yelled at her," Mr Sutton said.Kerr then picked up her cigarettes and and took one out of the packet.
Mr Sutton said the victim felt frightened and intimidated by Kerr's actions.
When police arrived Kerr admitted what he had done and said the company had been ripping everyone off and owed him money.
Police suspected Kerr, who had ridden his moped to work, had been drinking and test results showed he had 196 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80mcg.
Defence lawyer Barry Henderson said Kerr had been drinking and had not expected to be called into work."Since this incident he hasn't touched a drop," Mr Henderson said.
Judge Allan Roberts said the charge of theft for taking the cigarette showed how the relationship with his former employer had deteriorated.
Kerr was sentenced to 150 hours community work for drunk driving and convicted and discharged on the charges of theft and threatening.
Judge Roberts warned Kerr if he was caught driving drunk again he would be going to jail.
The problem started when the 56-year-old was called into work to sort out a pay issue on April 2.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Lewis Sutton told the New Plymouth District Court that Kerr got abusive and argumentative when his boss was trying to explain what the problem was.
"The defendant stood up and leant over the desk towards the victim and yelled at her," Mr Sutton said.Kerr then picked up her cigarettes and and took one out of the packet.
Mr Sutton said the victim felt frightened and intimidated by Kerr's actions.
When police arrived Kerr admitted what he had done and said the company had been ripping everyone off and owed him money.
Police suspected Kerr, who had ridden his moped to work, had been drinking and test results showed he had 196 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80mcg.
Defence lawyer Barry Henderson said Kerr had been drinking and had not expected to be called into work."Since this incident he hasn't touched a drop," Mr Henderson said.
Judge Allan Roberts said the charge of theft for taking the cigarette showed how the relationship with his former employer had deteriorated.
Kerr was sentenced to 150 hours community work for drunk driving and convicted and discharged on the charges of theft and threatening.
Judge Roberts warned Kerr if he was caught driving drunk again he would be going to jail.
Nov 23, 2009
Armed men robbed Jersey City gas station of cigarettes, cash
Gunmen got away with $2,160 worth of cigarettes, cash and other merchandise when they held up the convenience store at a Jersey City gas station in the early morning hours today, officials said.
At 1:52 a.m. police responded to the Kennedy Mart gas station on Kennedy Boulevard and Seaview Avenue where an employee said two gunmen entered the store wearing masks while three accomplices waited outside the door.
The victim said the men told him and another employee to lay down on the floor and stuffed merchandise into a laundry bag, reports said. They took $1,500 in cigarettes, $160 in cigars, $200 from the cash register and a cell phone worth $150, reports said.
The robbers left the store and met with the three men waiting outside before all of them left heading east on Seaview Avenue, reports said, adding that police searched the area but came up empty handed. Both men who entered the store were dressed all in black, including gloves and baseball caps, reports said.
At 1:52 a.m. police responded to the Kennedy Mart gas station on Kennedy Boulevard and Seaview Avenue where an employee said two gunmen entered the store wearing masks while three accomplices waited outside the door.
The victim said the men told him and another employee to lay down on the floor and stuffed merchandise into a laundry bag, reports said. They took $1,500 in cigarettes, $160 in cigars, $200 from the cash register and a cell phone worth $150, reports said.
The robbers left the store and met with the three men waiting outside before all of them left heading east on Seaview Avenue, reports said, adding that police searched the area but came up empty handed. Both men who entered the store were dressed all in black, including gloves and baseball caps, reports said.
Nov 18, 2009
UF study finds more teens smoke hookah
Danielle Lee won’t touch a cigarette, but she’ll pass a hookah pipe around a circle of friends any day.
And, according to a recent UF study, an increasing number of middle school- and high school-aged children share Lee’s fondness for the alternative form of tobacco.
The study, presented on Nov. 9 at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting in Philadelphia, found that 11 percent of Florida high school students and 4 percent of Florida middle school students had smoked hookah at least once.
Hookah burns charcoal and tobacco. Air is first drawn through the tobacco and then into the pipe, where it passes through water, which leads many smokers to believe hookah smoking is safer than cigarette or cigar smoking.
Maureen Miller, alcohol and other drug prevention specialist with UF’s GatorWell Health Promotion Services, was quick to point out hookah’s potentially dangerous effects.
“This isn’t harmless,” Miller said of hookah. “There certainly are some serious health concerns here.”
The World Health Organization reported a typical 20- to 80-minute hookah session is the equivalent of smoking about 100 cigarettes and can deliver 11 times more carbon monoxide than a cigarette.
The study shows an increase in hookah usage among members of the same age bracket from a 2005 University of Pittsburgh study that found 10 percent of high school students and 2 percent of middle school students surveyed had smoked hookah at least once.
But the trend doesn’t stop at middle and high school students. In a two-block radius between West 10th Street and West 12th Street on West University Avenue, there are at least five restaurants or lounges that offer the alternative form and often flavored tobacco, presumably for the college-aged audience in proximity to UF.
“I’m totally against smoking cigarettes, but I’ll smoke hookah all day long,” Lee, 20, said as she blew a plume of smoke from the watermelon-flavored tobacco from her hookah pipe inside Farah’s on the Avenue on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. “It’s very acceptable. Smoking hookah is far more acceptable than smoking a cigarette.”
According to Miller, Lee’s view is common.“When people smoke cigarettes, they feel like they have to hide it,” Miller said. “Hookah smoking is not the same.”
Jade Shue, a manager at Farah’s on the Avenue whose favorite flavor of hookah is lemon-mint, has also noticed an increased trend in college-aged students smoking hookah.
“Between [2005] and now, it has just skyrocketed,” she said.
Shue also noted the popularity with hookah smoking might be centered around the fact that hookah smoking is allowed in most restaurants where other forms of tobacco are not.
But not all people have noticed the same trend in hookah smoking.
Lawson Brown, assistant principal of Lincoln Middle School, said he doesn’t think the students at his school fit the profile of the 4 percent of middle school-aged children who had smoked hookah at least once, though he couldn’t be sure.
“Knock on wood, I feel pretty fortunate that [hookah smoking] is not an aspect of our discipline or school culture,” he said.
Anne Shaughnessy, assistant principal for curriculum at Gainesville High School, echoed Brown’s comments.
“I haven’t seen anything that would cause alarm for me,” she said. “I’m not aware of any trend. I hope I’m not wrong.”
Both school administrators mentioned their respective school’s focus on alcohol and tobacco use prevention measures as a reason for the apparent low instance of hookah use.
“We try to inundate our kids with positive messages about health and about positive social interactions,” Lawson said.
Although Miller acknowledged the cultural and social perception of hookah smoking as less harmful than cigarettes, she offered a suggestion to all hookah-smoking students of any age.
“It’s not a harmless activity,” she said. “There are other activities you can do to relax with your friends other than hookah smoking.”
And, according to a recent UF study, an increasing number of middle school- and high school-aged children share Lee’s fondness for the alternative form of tobacco.
The study, presented on Nov. 9 at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting in Philadelphia, found that 11 percent of Florida high school students and 4 percent of Florida middle school students had smoked hookah at least once.
Hookah burns charcoal and tobacco. Air is first drawn through the tobacco and then into the pipe, where it passes through water, which leads many smokers to believe hookah smoking is safer than cigarette or cigar smoking.
Maureen Miller, alcohol and other drug prevention specialist with UF’s GatorWell Health Promotion Services, was quick to point out hookah’s potentially dangerous effects.
“This isn’t harmless,” Miller said of hookah. “There certainly are some serious health concerns here.”
The World Health Organization reported a typical 20- to 80-minute hookah session is the equivalent of smoking about 100 cigarettes and can deliver 11 times more carbon monoxide than a cigarette.
The study shows an increase in hookah usage among members of the same age bracket from a 2005 University of Pittsburgh study that found 10 percent of high school students and 2 percent of middle school students surveyed had smoked hookah at least once.
But the trend doesn’t stop at middle and high school students. In a two-block radius between West 10th Street and West 12th Street on West University Avenue, there are at least five restaurants or lounges that offer the alternative form and often flavored tobacco, presumably for the college-aged audience in proximity to UF.
“I’m totally against smoking cigarettes, but I’ll smoke hookah all day long,” Lee, 20, said as she blew a plume of smoke from the watermelon-flavored tobacco from her hookah pipe inside Farah’s on the Avenue on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. “It’s very acceptable. Smoking hookah is far more acceptable than smoking a cigarette.”
According to Miller, Lee’s view is common.“When people smoke cigarettes, they feel like they have to hide it,” Miller said. “Hookah smoking is not the same.”
Jade Shue, a manager at Farah’s on the Avenue whose favorite flavor of hookah is lemon-mint, has also noticed an increased trend in college-aged students smoking hookah.
“Between [2005] and now, it has just skyrocketed,” she said.
Shue also noted the popularity with hookah smoking might be centered around the fact that hookah smoking is allowed in most restaurants where other forms of tobacco are not.
But not all people have noticed the same trend in hookah smoking.
Lawson Brown, assistant principal of Lincoln Middle School, said he doesn’t think the students at his school fit the profile of the 4 percent of middle school-aged children who had smoked hookah at least once, though he couldn’t be sure.
“Knock on wood, I feel pretty fortunate that [hookah smoking] is not an aspect of our discipline or school culture,” he said.
Anne Shaughnessy, assistant principal for curriculum at Gainesville High School, echoed Brown’s comments.
“I haven’t seen anything that would cause alarm for me,” she said. “I’m not aware of any trend. I hope I’m not wrong.”
Both school administrators mentioned their respective school’s focus on alcohol and tobacco use prevention measures as a reason for the apparent low instance of hookah use.
“We try to inundate our kids with positive messages about health and about positive social interactions,” Lawson said.
Although Miller acknowledged the cultural and social perception of hookah smoking as less harmful than cigarettes, she offered a suggestion to all hookah-smoking students of any age.
“It’s not a harmless activity,” she said. “There are other activities you can do to relax with your friends other than hookah smoking.”
Nov 16, 2009
Smokers Lighting Up Despite High Prices
Study Says Cigarette Smoking On Rise; Average Pack Costs $5
Prices of cigarettes may have gone up, but according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it hasn't stopped people from lighting up.
"I think it indicates some things are recession-proof, unfortunately," said Courtney Weatherby, with the American Lung Association.
In fact, according to a 2008 national survey, cigarette smoking rose slightly for the first time in almost 15 years to just under 21 percent.
"It's very interesting, but I think also in our tough economy right now with the recession it's not something that has to do with people just going out and buying them," Weatherby said. "I think it's still a habit. It's not something they're thinking, 'Oh, I need to quit this because it's expensive.' It's more so what they're doing to de-stress from their job or de-stress from financial trouble at home, things like that."
Longtime smoker Cayla Rawlins said she's tried to quit several times, but she admits one factor keeps getting in the way.
"I have children," Rawlins said. "We have a total of seven children between us. You try not smoking."
With the average pack of cigarettes now selling for $5, if a person buys one pack a day, they'll spend about $140 a month on cigarettes.
That's enough to cover the car insurance on a car plus have money left over for a monthly cell phone bill.
The study indicates those among the hardest hit are people with lower levels of education.
But for those like Rawlins who've seen their paychecks cut in half because of the economy, financial woes have her taking the extra puff.
"Jobs are down, money's short, especially if you have kids to take care of or just yourself," Rawlins said. "You have two people working. I just had a baby, got a granddaughter in the hospital. Between work and everything else, it's 'Get me a cigarette or I'm going to explode.'"
Nov 13, 2009
Coal company to keep headquarters in Southwest Va.
Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources chose to build a new corporate headquarters in Bristol for economic reasons and to stay close to its roots in rural Southwest Virginia, its chief executive officer said.
The company said yesterday that it plans to open a new headquarters building in Bristol's Sugar Hollow Business Complex by 2011, bringing 69 jobs to Virginia.
The decision stems from Alpha's $1.4 billion, all-stock acquisition in August of Linthicum Heights, Md.-based Foundation Coal Holdings. The deal, which created the nation's third-largest coal producer, also led Alpha to consider other locations, including sites in Tennessee and Maryland, for a larger headquarters space.
Alpha settled on the site in Bristol -- about 5 miles from its current home office in Abingdon -- because it could build there faster and at a lower cost than at about a dozen other locations it considered, said Kevin Crutchfield, Alpha Natural Resources' chief executive officer.
Crutchfield said the company resisted pressure to move its headquarters to a larger metropolitan area.
"In the end, we felt like our roots were here in Southwest Virginia, and it allows us to be proximate to our coal miners," he said. "We have a good many operations in Southwest Virginia and eastern Kentucky that we can access easily from here."
Alpha Natural Resources has about 6,200 employees and more than 60 coal mines in five states.
Also, Virginia is providing incentives through a $1 million grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund, while the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is providing $3.4 million in tobacco settlement money targeted for economic development projects. The money will be used for building costs, Crutchfield said.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's office said the new headquarters would create about 69 jobs. Crutchfield said those jobs will be a combination of new hires and transfers from Foundation Coal's Maryland office. Alpha has about 130 headquarters employees now.
Alpha is investing about $17.5 million in the new headquarters through a lease-buyback agreement. The project is expected to result in an additional $3.5 million in direct outlays. The new building will have about 100,000-square-feet of space versus the company's current 40,000-square-foot office.
The company said yesterday that it plans to open a new headquarters building in Bristol's Sugar Hollow Business Complex by 2011, bringing 69 jobs to Virginia.
The decision stems from Alpha's $1.4 billion, all-stock acquisition in August of Linthicum Heights, Md.-based Foundation Coal Holdings. The deal, which created the nation's third-largest coal producer, also led Alpha to consider other locations, including sites in Tennessee and Maryland, for a larger headquarters space.
Alpha settled on the site in Bristol -- about 5 miles from its current home office in Abingdon -- because it could build there faster and at a lower cost than at about a dozen other locations it considered, said Kevin Crutchfield, Alpha Natural Resources' chief executive officer.
Crutchfield said the company resisted pressure to move its headquarters to a larger metropolitan area.
"In the end, we felt like our roots were here in Southwest Virginia, and it allows us to be proximate to our coal miners," he said. "We have a good many operations in Southwest Virginia and eastern Kentucky that we can access easily from here."
Alpha Natural Resources has about 6,200 employees and more than 60 coal mines in five states.
Also, Virginia is providing incentives through a $1 million grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund, while the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is providing $3.4 million in tobacco settlement money targeted for economic development projects. The money will be used for building costs, Crutchfield said.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's office said the new headquarters would create about 69 jobs. Crutchfield said those jobs will be a combination of new hires and transfers from Foundation Coal's Maryland office. Alpha has about 130 headquarters employees now.
Alpha is investing about $17.5 million in the new headquarters through a lease-buyback agreement. The project is expected to result in an additional $3.5 million in direct outlays. The new building will have about 100,000-square-feet of space versus the company's current 40,000-square-foot office.
Nov 10, 2009
Altria to Expand Marlboro Snus Test
NEW YORK -- For the first time since early 2009, Altria Group's Philip Morris USA (PM USA) will expand the trial of its Marlboro Snus smokeless, spitless tobacco product to new markets this month.
Marlboro Snus will soon be available in select markets in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and Colorado, Altria spokesman Bill Phelps told CSNews Online late last week. This expansion plan was first hinted at by Michael E. Szymanczyk, chairman and chief executive of Altria Group, during the Barclays Capital Back-to-School Consumer Conference in September, where he revealed the product would enter new markets in the fall.
Snus has been in test market sine 2007, said Phelps, and the company has learned, received feedback and made some changes to the product as a result. New Marlboro Snus includes smaller packaging that contains six pouches, down from 12 pouches, along with a larger pouch size, according to Phelps.
The Marlboro Snus test was previously expanded at the beginning of this year when it entered Phoenix. It also expanded in March 2008 to cover Indianapolis, where the company's initial snus product -- Taboka -- was tested in 2007, and later discontinued when the Marlboro-branded product entered the market.
Marlboro Snus -- a pouch product designed for adult smokers who are interested in smokeless products as an alternative to cigarettes -- is also currently in test market in Dallas.
Meanwhile, new Copenhagen Wintergreen moist smokeless tobacco, by Altria's U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. (USSTC), hit shelves nationwide last week, Phelps told CSNews Online. The 200-year-old brand is banking this new product on the popularity of the wintergreen flavor, which is largest in the MST segment, at 40 percent, he noted.
And Altria's John Middleton will roll out a no-tip cigarillo style of its Black & Mild cigar in the Southeast U.S. this month.
Another new product hits shelves early this month -- L&M Bold -- which is a full-flavor menthol cigarette. This new product was also mentioned by Szymanczyk at the Barclays conference.
Also in Altria's cigarette business, there are plans for two line extensions under the Marlboro Special Blend brand that will be available nationwide early next year, Phelps said. Two new flavors will be "based on the classic Marlboro flavor," he added.
Marlboro Snus will soon be available in select markets in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California and Colorado, Altria spokesman Bill Phelps told CSNews Online late last week. This expansion plan was first hinted at by Michael E. Szymanczyk, chairman and chief executive of Altria Group, during the Barclays Capital Back-to-School Consumer Conference in September, where he revealed the product would enter new markets in the fall.
Snus has been in test market sine 2007, said Phelps, and the company has learned, received feedback and made some changes to the product as a result. New Marlboro Snus includes smaller packaging that contains six pouches, down from 12 pouches, along with a larger pouch size, according to Phelps.
The Marlboro Snus test was previously expanded at the beginning of this year when it entered Phoenix. It also expanded in March 2008 to cover Indianapolis, where the company's initial snus product -- Taboka -- was tested in 2007, and later discontinued when the Marlboro-branded product entered the market.
Marlboro Snus -- a pouch product designed for adult smokers who are interested in smokeless products as an alternative to cigarettes -- is also currently in test market in Dallas.
Meanwhile, new Copenhagen Wintergreen moist smokeless tobacco, by Altria's U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. (USSTC), hit shelves nationwide last week, Phelps told CSNews Online. The 200-year-old brand is banking this new product on the popularity of the wintergreen flavor, which is largest in the MST segment, at 40 percent, he noted.
And Altria's John Middleton will roll out a no-tip cigarillo style of its Black & Mild cigar in the Southeast U.S. this month.
Another new product hits shelves early this month -- L&M Bold -- which is a full-flavor menthol cigarette. This new product was also mentioned by Szymanczyk at the Barclays conference.
Also in Altria's cigarette business, there are plans for two line extensions under the Marlboro Special Blend brand that will be available nationwide early next year, Phelps said. Two new flavors will be "based on the classic Marlboro flavor," he added.
Nov 6, 2009
Did man steal $11K in smokes?
BANTAM —A New Hartford man who allegedly stole more than $11,000 in cigarettes was arraigned in Bantam Superior Court Wednesday.
Robert Cockcroft, 20, 26 Bel Air Drive, was ordered held on $15,000 bond by Judge Daniel Shaban and scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court on Nov. 17.
Cockcroft was arrested by New Milford police on Tuesday and charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny.
A New Milford woman told police she thought it was odd that her friend Thomas Collier had 15 packs of cigarettes when she knew he didn’t smoke. He reportedly admitted to her that he climbed through the window on Oct. 22 with Cockcroft and took the items. He said no one would recognize him because he wore a hoodie and a bandana on his face but when he found out police wanted to talk to him, he left the state, according to the arrest warrant. New Milford police said a video camera recorded a man entering the store wearing similar clothing. Cockcroft may not have entered the store, but was also trying to sell packs of cigarettes on the green in New Milford for $5 a pack. “‘I do what I gotta do to get money’,” Cockcroft told one of his customers.
The owner of the store told police the burglar stole 11 cartons of Marlboro Ultra Lights, 85 cartons of Newport, 60 cartons of Marlboro, two cartons B&H deluxe king, four cartons of Parliament, two cartons of Dunhill, four cartons of American Spirit, five cartons of Virgina Slims, four cartons of Kool, a smoking hookah, 40 Dutch Masters cigars, 25 Green Game cigars. The total retail value of the stolen items is approximately $11,403, police said.
Robert Cockcroft, 20, 26 Bel Air Drive, was ordered held on $15,000 bond by Judge Daniel Shaban and scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court on Nov. 17.
Cockcroft was arrested by New Milford police on Tuesday and charged with third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny.
A New Milford woman told police she thought it was odd that her friend Thomas Collier had 15 packs of cigarettes when she knew he didn’t smoke. He reportedly admitted to her that he climbed through the window on Oct. 22 with Cockcroft and took the items. He said no one would recognize him because he wore a hoodie and a bandana on his face but when he found out police wanted to talk to him, he left the state, according to the arrest warrant. New Milford police said a video camera recorded a man entering the store wearing similar clothing. Cockcroft may not have entered the store, but was also trying to sell packs of cigarettes on the green in New Milford for $5 a pack. “‘I do what I gotta do to get money’,” Cockcroft told one of his customers.
The owner of the store told police the burglar stole 11 cartons of Marlboro Ultra Lights, 85 cartons of Newport, 60 cartons of Marlboro, two cartons B&H deluxe king, four cartons of Parliament, two cartons of Dunhill, four cartons of American Spirit, five cartons of Virgina Slims, four cartons of Kool, a smoking hookah, 40 Dutch Masters cigars, 25 Green Game cigars. The total retail value of the stolen items is approximately $11,403, police said.
Nov 5, 2009
Man caught travelling with illegal cigarettes
A 24-year-old man from the U. S. side of Akwesasne, caught travelling on Hwy. 401 through Kingston shortly after 3 a. m. with a back seat full of illegal cigarettes, has been fined $11,050.
Matthew James Tarbell pleaded guilty in Kingston's Ontario Court of Justice to violating the Excise Act by possessing cigarettes without stamps to indicate that excise tax had been paid and to obstructing police by identifying himself with his brother's name.
Tarbell spent 13 days in jail before pleading guilty to the two offences and was ultimately sentenced to time served on the obstruction charge.
Federal Crown prosecutor David Crowe told Justice Rommel Masse that some erratic maneuvering on the highway, just west of the Division Street off-ramp on the morning of Oct. 16, initially attracted an officer's attention to the red Buick Tarbell was driving.
Tarbell disputes that claim but whatever first drew his attention to the car, Crowe told the judge the patrol officer subsequently noted its licence validation sticker had expired over a year earlier, on March 31, 2008. That gave him grounds to pull Tarbell over.
Crowe said Tarbell, when asked to identify himself, gave a name and New York State address that was only later learned to belong to his brother. His female passenger also misidentified herself.
While the officer was talking to Tarbell, however, Crowe said his attention was drawn to a pile of blankets and jackets in the back seat covering two large plastic bags. He told Masse that one of the plastic bags was torn and the officer could clearly see through the gap that it contained bags of loose cigarettes. He then arrested Tarbell for violating the Excise Act.
It was only while he was being booked on that charge, according to Crowe, that the lie underpinning his second offence was discovered. Tarbell was asked how old he was and responded to the booking sergeant that he was 23. The officer, however, looking at the birth date he'd provided, pointed out that it would have made him only 22.
Masse was told that when Tarbell's cargo was tallied, he was found to be transporting the equivalent of six cases of cigarettes, or 30 cartons of 200 cigarettes each. Crowe said Tarbell later told the RCMP that he'd anticipated receiving about $50 a case for a total of $300.
Ottawa lawyer Jeff Langevin, who represented Tarbell, told Masse that his client has no record and urged him "to be a bit creative here with your sentence."
Crowe, however, advised that this was not the first time Tarbell had been caught in Canada with a load of illegal smokes.
He was charged with the same thing in May, in Brockville, according to Crowe, and failed to show up for court there.
Crowe told Masse that he wasn't seeking more than the minimum fine under the Act, but argued that Tarbell was flaunting Canadian law, observing that he "lives in another country and chooses to come here and commit crimes."
In imposing the fine, Masse agreed that deterrence had to be a key component of his sentence.
"There's only one reason anyone would have that many cigarettes," he told Tarbell, "and that's the black market."
Matthew James Tarbell pleaded guilty in Kingston's Ontario Court of Justice to violating the Excise Act by possessing cigarettes without stamps to indicate that excise tax had been paid and to obstructing police by identifying himself with his brother's name.
Tarbell spent 13 days in jail before pleading guilty to the two offences and was ultimately sentenced to time served on the obstruction charge.
Federal Crown prosecutor David Crowe told Justice Rommel Masse that some erratic maneuvering on the highway, just west of the Division Street off-ramp on the morning of Oct. 16, initially attracted an officer's attention to the red Buick Tarbell was driving.
Tarbell disputes that claim but whatever first drew his attention to the car, Crowe told the judge the patrol officer subsequently noted its licence validation sticker had expired over a year earlier, on March 31, 2008. That gave him grounds to pull Tarbell over.
Crowe said Tarbell, when asked to identify himself, gave a name and New York State address that was only later learned to belong to his brother. His female passenger also misidentified herself.
While the officer was talking to Tarbell, however, Crowe said his attention was drawn to a pile of blankets and jackets in the back seat covering two large plastic bags. He told Masse that one of the plastic bags was torn and the officer could clearly see through the gap that it contained bags of loose cigarettes. He then arrested Tarbell for violating the Excise Act.
It was only while he was being booked on that charge, according to Crowe, that the lie underpinning his second offence was discovered. Tarbell was asked how old he was and responded to the booking sergeant that he was 23. The officer, however, looking at the birth date he'd provided, pointed out that it would have made him only 22.
Masse was told that when Tarbell's cargo was tallied, he was found to be transporting the equivalent of six cases of cigarettes, or 30 cartons of 200 cigarettes each. Crowe said Tarbell later told the RCMP that he'd anticipated receiving about $50 a case for a total of $300.
Ottawa lawyer Jeff Langevin, who represented Tarbell, told Masse that his client has no record and urged him "to be a bit creative here with your sentence."
Crowe, however, advised that this was not the first time Tarbell had been caught in Canada with a load of illegal smokes.
He was charged with the same thing in May, in Brockville, according to Crowe, and failed to show up for court there.
Crowe told Masse that he wasn't seeking more than the minimum fine under the Act, but argued that Tarbell was flaunting Canadian law, observing that he "lives in another country and chooses to come here and commit crimes."
In imposing the fine, Masse agreed that deterrence had to be a key component of his sentence.
"There's only one reason anyone would have that many cigarettes," he told Tarbell, "and that's the black market."
Nov 2, 2009
Tobacco Cessation Draws Audience to Tamarack
BECKLEY -- A variety of organizations are coming together to "Follow the Signs."
The Southern Coalfields African American Tobacco Prevention Network organized a training program to raise awareness about how tobacco affects the African American community. Groups came together Monday at Tamarack for an informational cessation session.
"The tobacco industry spends millions of dollars, first to target African Americans. They spend $35 million per day on marketing cigarettes in the United State. And a lot of that money is placed into the black community," West Region Director LaTanisha Wright said.
According to the National African American Tobacco Network, each year 47,000 blacks die from tobacco-related illnesses.
Additionally, the group says more African Americans die from lung cancer than any other race in the United States.
The Southern Coalfields African American Tobacco Prevention Network organized a training program to raise awareness about how tobacco affects the African American community. Groups came together Monday at Tamarack for an informational cessation session.
"The tobacco industry spends millions of dollars, first to target African Americans. They spend $35 million per day on marketing cigarettes in the United State. And a lot of that money is placed into the black community," West Region Director LaTanisha Wright said.
According to the National African American Tobacco Network, each year 47,000 blacks die from tobacco-related illnesses.
Additionally, the group says more African Americans die from lung cancer than any other race in the United States.
Oct 29, 2009
€50M Cigarettes Haul Intercepted
Two men from Co Armagh were among nine people arrested in Co Louth yesterday when a shipment of illegal cigarettes was recovered.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
The illegal cargo containing 120m cigarettes - one of the largest illegal shipments ever seen in Europe - was taken to Dublin this morning for unloading, a task that is thought to require the remainder of the day to complete.
Revenue officials, Gardaí and members of the PSNI - totalling almost 150 law enforcement officers - were involved in the interception.
The cigarettes, which originated in the Philippines, were destined for black market distribution across the Irish Republic and the UK.
Gardaí Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said it was a "significant strike against organised crime".
The ships cargo contained some 1,500 one-tonne bags and was described as the largest find of its type in Europe.
The news comes as the Dublin Government announced today the provision of a purpose-built customs boat to help reduce the amount of drugs and cigarettes being imported into Dublin and the rest of the country.
Speaking at the launch and naming of the new Custom Service vessel yesterday, Senator Martin Brady said he hoped the vessel would help curtail illegal smuggling via the Irish coastline.
"This is the second boat of its kind belonging to the Customs Service and hopefully it help in the fight against the importation of drugs," said Senator Brady.
"We all want a reduction in the amount of drugs on our streets and the best way of achieving that is to stop them from ever making our shores. I really believe that this vehicle will help to block some drugs from reaching Dublin and other parts of the country."
The RCC Faire is a 23.6 metre, purpose built vessel and is the second of its kind to be introduced by the Customs Service.
Oct 28, 2009
Occasional smoking is increasing and shouldn't get a pass
Smoking-cessation programs typically target frequent smokers with fairly hefty habits. But it may be time to also put some focus on occasional and social smokers, according to a commentary released today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
This group of intermittent smokers may not be studied as much as more prolific puffers, but the fact that they do smoke should be cause for concern, the authors say. They note that while daily tobacco smoking has decreased, nondaily smoking increased between 1996 and 2001 in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Younger smokers ages 18 to 29 were particularly at risk. They add that a 2009 study in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research showed that smoking bans in workplaces and other areas may be associated with a rise in light smoking.
The fact that many occasional and social smokers consider themselves nonsmokers and, therefore, not at risk for health problems makes it difficult for healthcare providers to treat them. Some studies have linked nondaily smoking to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
This intermittent smoking group differs from daily smokers in that they tend to be younger, better educated, better off financially, from minority backgrounds and are more often female. Intermittent smoking is also associated with drinking, particularly binge drinking, on college campuses.
A story we did in August 2008 focused on people who exercise regularly and also smoke. Some defined themselves as social smokers, saying that smoking usually took place when they were out with friends from whom they could bum cigarettes and that they rarely bought cigarettes themselves. Although all were aware that smoking carried health risks, not all were consumed with quitting.
The authors point out that there isn't much research on nicotine addiction among occasional smokers, and no studies they know of have examined results for stop-smoking programs targeted to intermittent smokers. In the commentary, they wrote: "Clinical education and training programs need to improve their screening and identification of nondaily and social smokers. Once identified, clinicians must recognize that nondaily smokers, especially social smokers, may be more motivated to quit by messages stressing the harm of secondhand smoke and by encouragement to break associations between social activities and tobacco use rather than by an emphasis on personal health risks."
Oct 23, 2009
Scariest Quit Smoking/Tobacco Signs and Promotional Materials
Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco can literally kill you because the chemicals it contains can literally burn your lungs away, among other things. That is why the most striking and scariest advertisements promoting quitting smoking cigarettes and tobacco focus on death.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
These advertisement materials usually contain few textual messages and are instead very visual in nature. They typically contain skulls and crossbones because these are the most common images associated with death and danger. There are many messages conveyed with these images, such as smoking is suicide, cigarettes are killers in packs and you can commit murder with smoking.
Among the strongest images in these advertisements are those that promote quitting smoking because of the inherent dangers of secondhand smoke. The proponents of these campaigns believe that while a smoker may ignore the dangers of smoking to his or her own body, the smoker will not be able to do the same when it comes to the health of his or her loved ones.
Oct 22, 2009
Will smoking bans at other universities affect policies at Eastern?
Kentucky is known for being one of the top states in the U.S. for tobacco production.
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
And as a result, Kentucky has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation. Cigarettes (real and electronic), snuff, dip and hookah are common substances that can be found all over the state, including college campuses.
In less than a month, though, one college campus will no longer allow any tobacco on its grounds-the University of Kentucky.
On Nov. 19, UK will join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke-Out initiative and will enact a completely tobacco-free policy. The policy will apply to all UK property within Fayette County, and to everyone on campus: students, faculty, visitors, etc.
The policy will eliminate all tobacco-related practices from the campus. People will not even be able to smoke a cigarette in their own cars.
"The goal is to promote a healthy environment so people can live, work and learn," said Ellen Hahn, the director of the Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy.
Hahn said the Board of Trustees at UK has been discussing the move for several years. Currently, smoking is prohibited in or within 20 feet of all buildings. Last year, the UK Medical Center became completely tobacco-free.
"There has been very little push-back," Hahn said. "There has been a lot of positive support."
Hahn said some people dislike the ban, but most know why the ban is being put into place.
"People get it," she said. "They understand there are several . . . problems, and that it is preventable."
Hahn said UK will inform its students and employees about the new policy in three different ways: signs posted around campus, letters and by providing access to smoking cessation treatments.
"UK is putting its money where its mouth is," Hahn said. "[The treatments] will be very discounted and affordable."
UK is not asking students to quit smoking, but rather to manage their habits, Hahn said. She said the policy would be enforced well. If a person is caught smoking on campus, he or she will be asked to put out their cigarette; however, if he or she deliberately disobeys the policy on several occasions, the student or employee would be suspended, expelled or dismissed.Hahn said UK's decision has caused "a lot of buzz" within the state. Other universities have thought about going completely tobacco-free, including the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University.
Eastern is currently not completely tobacco-free. Bryan Makinen, the director of Environmental Health and Safety, said tobacco is not allowed in or within 25 feet of any building.
Even though it is uncertain whether Eastern could possibly become tobacco-free, students have already formed their opinions about UK's policy.
Liz Mindel, a junior elementary education major from Walton, said she thinks the policy is "far out" and "un-enforceable."
"I agree with no smoking ...but how do you enforce it?" she said. "If you have problems, find a way to enforce the rules better."
Josh Taylor, a senior environmental studies major from Cynthiana, also said he thinks UK's policy is "overbearing."
"I don't feel like a public institution should be able to do enough to designate areas instead of banning [tobacco] completely."
Other students, like Becca Johnson, a sophomore social work major from Dry Ridge, said they think the policy is a good idea, and some said a similar policy would be beneficial at Eastern.
"I know Eastern has smoking policies, but most people don't follow them," Johnson said. "It would be more obvious if people break the rules."
Oct 16, 2009
Canadian tobacco firm destroyed evidence: researchers
OTTAWA — Researchers said Thursday they uncovered evidence that a Canadian tobacco company destroyed scientific data it had decades ago showing that cigarettes were addictive and caused cancer.
The three Canadian researchers published copies of 60 internal documents, shredded by Imperial Tobacco Canada in 1992 to avoid embarrassment or liability, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The copies were uncovered in the files of parent firm British American Tobacco subsidiary.
The documents detail evidence from scientific reviews prepared by British American Tobacco's researchers, as well as dozens of original research studies between 1967 and 1984, such as the examination of the biological activity and carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke.
They describe research on cigarette modifications and toxic emissions, including how consumers adapted their smoking behavior to these modifications, and depict a comprehensive research program on the pharmacology of nicotine and its central role in smoking behaviour.
Some studies found second-hand smoke on rats was dangerous. Other research cast doubt on the comparative benefits of low-tar cigarettes, as smokers simply compensated by inhaling more intensely.
All the while, Imperial Tobacco Canada executives had denied that smoking was addictive or a health hazard, even testifying such at a parliamentary committee hearing in 1987.
The records are now likely to be used in lawsuits by three Canadian provinces seeking billions of dollars from tobacco firms for smoking-related health care costs.
The three Canadian researchers published copies of 60 internal documents, shredded by Imperial Tobacco Canada in 1992 to avoid embarrassment or liability, in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
The copies were uncovered in the files of parent firm British American Tobacco subsidiary.
The documents detail evidence from scientific reviews prepared by British American Tobacco's researchers, as well as dozens of original research studies between 1967 and 1984, such as the examination of the biological activity and carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke.
They describe research on cigarette modifications and toxic emissions, including how consumers adapted their smoking behavior to these modifications, and depict a comprehensive research program on the pharmacology of nicotine and its central role in smoking behaviour.
Some studies found second-hand smoke on rats was dangerous. Other research cast doubt on the comparative benefits of low-tar cigarettes, as smokers simply compensated by inhaling more intensely.
All the while, Imperial Tobacco Canada executives had denied that smoking was addictive or a health hazard, even testifying such at a parliamentary committee hearing in 1987.
The records are now likely to be used in lawsuits by three Canadian provinces seeking billions of dollars from tobacco firms for smoking-related health care costs.
Oct 13, 2009
7-Eleven adding pizza, chicken wings as it expands hot foods program
Stepping up its forays into fast-food turf, 7-Eleven Inc. said Monday it's expanding its hot foods program to add items such as pepperoni pizza and chicken wings to 115 Dallas-area stores.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
The program is part of a nationwide rollout that is bringing ovens made by Carrollton's TurboChef Technologies to 1,400 7-Eleven stores this year.
7-Eleven has offered grilled hot dogs since the early 1980s, but a spokeswoman said this marks the first widespread use of the high-speed TurboChef oven that combines radiant heat, microwave and convection cooking technologies.
Stores with the new hot food program will be able to serve items such as four-cheese and pepperoni pizza (whole or by the slice), white-meat chicken tenders and three varieties of chicken wings – spicy, breaded; Asian; and barbecue.
For breakfast, stores chosen by the company to participate in the hot food program also will sell sausage, egg and cheese quesadillas and hash browns. Prices range from 79 cents for two hash browns to $9.99 for a large pizza.
The move marks a further escalation of 7-Eleven's move away from tobacco products and into food.
"Food service is our future," said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris, "We realized this in the 1990s with declining tobacco sales and rising tobacco regulation."
She said hot food – which began as a test in 2007 in Salt Lake City – accounts for 30 percent of the brand's food offerings, which also include fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches.
"Customers want speed, value and convenience, which is our niche," she added. "We see a big opportunity with hot foods."
For November and December, some stores will have a banner offering a whole pizza for $6.99. Starting next year, the company will have a menu board over the hot foods area inside the store.
Chabris said the company also is part of a 27-store test of fresh bananas wrapped and treated to double their "ripe life." 7-Eleven is working with Fresh Del Monte Produce to test the bananas, which are kept in special packaging that slows the ripening process and extends the green and yellow life of bananas for up to 5 days.
The test began Monday and will last about 60 days.
Oct 9, 2009
Pocono Thursday: Mt. Airy threatens lawsuit, Census jobs, cigarette tax
"Hey, that's not fair and we're going to sue."
Mount Airy and three other casinos who paid $50 million for slots licenses said the legislature is considering changing the rules to allow more machines at neighboring resorts. If that happens, the four casinos said they'll sue to get their money back. We have their letter.
The Census is coming. The Census is coming. Why should we care? It means big bucks for the Poconos. Monroe has had the second-highest growth rate among Pennsylvania counties this decade, but state and federal aid has been based on the 2000 or 1990 head counts. Yes, we're talking millions here.
The Census also means temporary jobs for a lot of people. Here's how to apply.
Today marks the 100th day without a state budget, but legislators are making some progress. Smokers will need to pay another 25-cent tax on cigarettes.
When a PFA needs to be served or gun needs to be confiscated, it won't wait until morning. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office pays overtime. Wouldn't it make sense to add a second shift? County commissioners should consider it.
In Local Sports, we have all the Pocono action and more.
In a late game, the Dodgers beat the Cards. The Yanks and the Phils also won the openers yesterday. We have a treat for Phillies fans who need to work instead of watching the game this afternoon. We're updating it here online so you can be "in the know" and still get your work done.
Speaking of knowing baseball, Mike Sadowski is always about the game so we put him to work. He's an avid Phillies fan, but he acknowledges that New York team and he's talking about all the teams in his new playoffs blog, Stuck in the Middle.
Mount Airy and three other casinos who paid $50 million for slots licenses said the legislature is considering changing the rules to allow more machines at neighboring resorts. If that happens, the four casinos said they'll sue to get their money back. We have their letter.
The Census is coming. The Census is coming. Why should we care? It means big bucks for the Poconos. Monroe has had the second-highest growth rate among Pennsylvania counties this decade, but state and federal aid has been based on the 2000 or 1990 head counts. Yes, we're talking millions here.
The Census also means temporary jobs for a lot of people. Here's how to apply.
Today marks the 100th day without a state budget, but legislators are making some progress. Smokers will need to pay another 25-cent tax on cigarettes.
When a PFA needs to be served or gun needs to be confiscated, it won't wait until morning. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office pays overtime. Wouldn't it make sense to add a second shift? County commissioners should consider it.
In Local Sports, we have all the Pocono action and more.
In a late game, the Dodgers beat the Cards. The Yanks and the Phils also won the openers yesterday. We have a treat for Phillies fans who need to work instead of watching the game this afternoon. We're updating it here online so you can be "in the know" and still get your work done.
Speaking of knowing baseball, Mike Sadowski is always about the game so we put him to work. He's an avid Phillies fan, but he acknowledges that New York team and he's talking about all the teams in his new playoffs blog, Stuck in the Middle.
Oct 7, 2009
Owners of Springfield, Chicopee businesses, deny defrauding Mass. of cigarette taxes
Two men have pleaded innocent in Hampden Superior Court in separate cases on charges they evaded state excise taxes by illegally selling unstamped cigarettes, collectively defrauding the state more than $300,000.
Jin Zheng, 30, formerly of East Longmeadow, faces charges of possession with intent to sell unstamped cigarettes, evasion of cigarette excise taxes, subscribing to false income tax and false sales tax returns, and failure to file sales tax returns.
Thomas Lesperance, 45, of South Hadley is charged with two counts of possession-sale of cigarettes not bearing required state excise tax stamp and tax evasion.
According to the attorney general’s office, the Zheng family sold unstamped cigarettes representing nearly $163,000 in unpaid taxes at their Springfield restaurant, the Fu Soun; while Lesperance is accused of selling cigarettes at his Neighbors Variety convenience stores in Chicopee and Springfield that were not properly stamped, representing more than $150,000 in unpaid taxes.
Each pleaded innocent Monday, and Zheng’s co-defendants, his sister Mei Zhen Zheng, 34, and her husband, Liang Fu Xu, 37, both of East Longmeadow, are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 4 on two charges each.
Jin Zheng, 30, formerly of East Longmeadow, faces charges of possession with intent to sell unstamped cigarettes, evasion of cigarette excise taxes, subscribing to false income tax and false sales tax returns, and failure to file sales tax returns.
Thomas Lesperance, 45, of South Hadley is charged with two counts of possession-sale of cigarettes not bearing required state excise tax stamp and tax evasion.
According to the attorney general’s office, the Zheng family sold unstamped cigarettes representing nearly $163,000 in unpaid taxes at their Springfield restaurant, the Fu Soun; while Lesperance is accused of selling cigarettes at his Neighbors Variety convenience stores in Chicopee and Springfield that were not properly stamped, representing more than $150,000 in unpaid taxes.
Each pleaded innocent Monday, and Zheng’s co-defendants, his sister Mei Zhen Zheng, 34, and her husband, Liang Fu Xu, 37, both of East Longmeadow, are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 4 on two charges each.
Oct 5, 2009
Bonfire was likely cause of fire
Jersey fire service described the fire at Val de la Mar reservoir as the largest furze fire of the year.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
The Fire Service have said an initial investigation suggests it was caused by a bonfire that got out of control.
Chief Fire Officer, Mark James, has called for islanders to be extra vigilant when having bonfires or disposing of cigarettes.
"The hedgerows and furze is very dry and at present there is a high risk of fires starting," Mark said.
"I would urge all Islander's to be extra vigilant and take extra care when disposing of cigarettes or having bonfires or barbecues."When a wildfire occurs in the countryside, the implications for the Fire and Rescue Service are great.
"We have a limited number of firefighters on the island and these types of fires require us to commit large numbers of our resources for days at a time.
"Although we are experienced and equipped to deal with these types of incident, our aim is to prevent fires before they start," Mark explained.
There are still a number of hotspots around the area that are continually flaring up due to the strong winds but the main fire has been put out.
"This incident has stretched the Service to its limit," said Chief Fire Officer Mark James.
Overnight arrangements had to be made for two families that were evacuated from there homes in the area.
The size of the fire meant that all of the islands full and part-time firefighters had to be called in to battle the blaze.
In addition the Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service specialist foam tender was used to drench the flames.
As well as the fire service, people from the community in the area also lent a hand with local farmers using their tractors and water bowsers.
At the height of the fire, 45 firefighters, States and Honorary Police Officers, States Ambulance Officers and the Ambulance Support Unit were also at the scene.
The States of Jersey fire service have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire will now be carried out.
The fire started at around 14:30 on 3 October and at its peak destroyed an area of around 200,000 sq metres.
"It's not the biggest furze fire we've ever faced. but the terrain and the wind has meant that we've been dealing with many fire fronts all at the same time," said Martin Allix, Fire Service Group Manager on site.
The fire crews at the site managed to save several properties in the area but a number of outbuildings and a garage have been damaged.
The States of Jersey Police are appealing for any information that might help them find out the cause of the furze fire.
Oct 1, 2009
Fire safety vital as weather turns cold
PARKERSBURG - With National Fire Prevention Week approaching and the start of fall forest fire season in October, officials are urging residents to be aware of fire safety as the weather turns cold.
"Carelessness is the number one cause of fires," said Parkersburg Fire Inspector Mike Beckett. "Under that would fall things like leaving candles burning unattended, leaving food cooking in the oven or on the stove, and accidents involving smoking."
In 2008, fire departments responded to a home fire every 81 second, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars, caused one of four home fire deaths last year.
Electrical fires also are common. Parkersburg Fire Department responded to a smoke scare last week after an extension cord plugged into a refrigerator overheated and melted, causing the house to fill with smoke, Beckett said.
"There are still some homes that do not have working smoke detectors in them," said Beckett. "Some people believe the myth that they will be alerted to a fire and wake up because they smell smoke, but that's just a myth. Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor and in every room where people sleep."
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms were not present in 40 percent of home fire deaths. National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10, is a good time to check the batteries on all smoke detectors in the home.
If there are senior citizens or disabled residents who cannot reach their smoke alarms to install them or change the batteries, Parkersburg fire officials will go to the homes and assist them free of charge, said Beckett.
Planning a fire escape route is crucial for fire safety, especially for families with children.
"Every family should have a plan. Go over them. Practice them," said Beckett. "Have children physically practice the escape plan to make sure they can open windows or climb down a ladder. That way if the time comes and there is an emergency, they'll know they are able to do it."
With fall forest fire season beginning today, burning restrictions are in place within Parkersburg city limits and statewide.
In order to burn outdoors, Parkersburg residents must call the fire department to obtain a permit, which is free of charge. The department will send a fire truck and officials will inspect the area to make sure the fire pit is 100 feet from structures, said Beckett.
Statewide, the ordinances are different regarding burning restrictions. The West Virginia Division of Forestry restricts burning from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, during fall fire season.
Division of Forestry regulations state all fires must be contained by a safety strip and never be left unattended. All fires must be completely extinguished before being left unsupervised.
"Carelessness is the number one cause of fires," said Parkersburg Fire Inspector Mike Beckett. "Under that would fall things like leaving candles burning unattended, leaving food cooking in the oven or on the stove, and accidents involving smoking."
In 2008, fire departments responded to a home fire every 81 second, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoking materials, such as cigarettes and cigars, caused one of four home fire deaths last year.
Electrical fires also are common. Parkersburg Fire Department responded to a smoke scare last week after an extension cord plugged into a refrigerator overheated and melted, causing the house to fill with smoke, Beckett said.
"There are still some homes that do not have working smoke detectors in them," said Beckett. "Some people believe the myth that they will be alerted to a fire and wake up because they smell smoke, but that's just a myth. Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor and in every room where people sleep."
According to the NFPA, smoke alarms were not present in 40 percent of home fire deaths. National Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10, is a good time to check the batteries on all smoke detectors in the home.
If there are senior citizens or disabled residents who cannot reach their smoke alarms to install them or change the batteries, Parkersburg fire officials will go to the homes and assist them free of charge, said Beckett.
Planning a fire escape route is crucial for fire safety, especially for families with children.
"Every family should have a plan. Go over them. Practice them," said Beckett. "Have children physically practice the escape plan to make sure they can open windows or climb down a ladder. That way if the time comes and there is an emergency, they'll know they are able to do it."
With fall forest fire season beginning today, burning restrictions are in place within Parkersburg city limits and statewide.
In order to burn outdoors, Parkersburg residents must call the fire department to obtain a permit, which is free of charge. The department will send a fire truck and officials will inspect the area to make sure the fire pit is 100 feet from structures, said Beckett.
Statewide, the ordinances are different regarding burning restrictions. The West Virginia Division of Forestry restricts burning from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, during fall fire season.
Division of Forestry regulations state all fires must be contained by a safety strip and never be left unattended. All fires must be completely extinguished before being left unsupervised.
Sep 29, 2009
High school students cited for selling, buying cigarettes
Two Stewartville High School students have been charged with selling and possessing tobacco.
Olmsted County Sheriff Detective Lee Rossman said a 15-year-old has been cited with a misdemeanor for selling cigarettes on campus. The 17-year-old, who allegedly purchased the cigarettes, has been cited with a petty misdemeanor for possession.
Rossman said it happened on Sept. 24. He said the 17-year-old was caught with a cigarette in his possession and said he bought it from the younger teen.
Rossman said that when deputies checked the younger teen's locker, they found more cigarettes inside, which were seized.
Olmsted County Sheriff Detective Lee Rossman said a 15-year-old has been cited with a misdemeanor for selling cigarettes on campus. The 17-year-old, who allegedly purchased the cigarettes, has been cited with a petty misdemeanor for possession.
Rossman said it happened on Sept. 24. He said the 17-year-old was caught with a cigarette in his possession and said he bought it from the younger teen.
Rossman said that when deputies checked the younger teen's locker, they found more cigarettes inside, which were seized.
Sep 25, 2009
NC Legislators Join Growing Opposition to Canadian Bill Banning Manufacture and Sale of 'American Blend' Cigarettes
North Carolina State Representatives Jerry Dockham and David Lewis, along with State Senator David Rouzer are expressing their concerns that the passage of Bill C-32 by the Canadian Parliament could impose irreversible damage upon the North Carolina agriculture industry by banning the manufacture and sale of American blend cigarettes in Canada.
The bill aims to address concerns regarding candy-flavored tobacco products that target minors, however, it imposes an overly-broad ban on all cigarettes manufactured with flavor additives, thus including "American blend" cigarettes that do not target minors and are not "fruity" or "candy" flavored.
The three legislators call on North Carolina's Congressional delegation to defend the jobs of many hard-working American tobacco farmers and manufacturers by encouraging the Canadian Parliament to consider the very negative effects of Bill C-32 and oppose it as currently written with such a broad and arbitrary ban. Additionally they are urging the state's federal lawmakers to weigh in with the appropriate U.S. trade officials.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble of the North Carolina's sixth Congressional district wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Mark Kirk on the issue, which Dockham said "shows that the Congressman is willing to stand up for our state's economy and for the many hard working people employed in our agricultural industry." Coble's letter, dated September 4th, 2009, cited concerns that the Canadian bill could "create repercussions for burley tobacco farmers", and that it would "negatively affect the tobacco manufacturing industry, as American blend cigarettes are often comprised of flue cured, oriental, and burley tobacco."
With the Canadian Parliament set for a September 30th hearing on C-32, Dockham said that "needlessly removing legitimate tobacco products that do not target youths would put many jobs at risk for American tobacco industry workers. I feel very strongly that C-32 would cause more problems than it solves, with the American tobacco industry receiving a blow from which it may be hard to recover."
While Lewis indicated his support for Canada's effort to curb youth tobacco use, he said he does not feel that placing a sweeping ban on all flavorings, such as those produced with American burley tobacco, is the answer. "I ask Canadian lawmakers to re-examine their objectives before placing trust in an across-the-board ban, and I encourage our two U.S. Senators and the rest of our Congressional delegation to ask the same of their Canadian colleagues," said Lewis.
Rouzer echoed the concerns of his two legislative colleagues. "Our tobacco farmers are once again under assault, this time by the Canadian government. If Canada is really serious about youth smoking, I've got a solution for them, and that's to get focused on tobacco contraband and enact stronger penalties for violators," said Rouzer. "That is where the real problem lies, and they know this. What they are really up to is a back door ban of tobacco products that include American tobacco, and North Carolina's Congressional delegation should stand up and call their hand on it."
The bill aims to address concerns regarding candy-flavored tobacco products that target minors, however, it imposes an overly-broad ban on all cigarettes manufactured with flavor additives, thus including "American blend" cigarettes that do not target minors and are not "fruity" or "candy" flavored.
The three legislators call on North Carolina's Congressional delegation to defend the jobs of many hard-working American tobacco farmers and manufacturers by encouraging the Canadian Parliament to consider the very negative effects of Bill C-32 and oppose it as currently written with such a broad and arbitrary ban. Additionally they are urging the state's federal lawmakers to weigh in with the appropriate U.S. trade officials.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble of the North Carolina's sixth Congressional district wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Mark Kirk on the issue, which Dockham said "shows that the Congressman is willing to stand up for our state's economy and for the many hard working people employed in our agricultural industry." Coble's letter, dated September 4th, 2009, cited concerns that the Canadian bill could "create repercussions for burley tobacco farmers", and that it would "negatively affect the tobacco manufacturing industry, as American blend cigarettes are often comprised of flue cured, oriental, and burley tobacco."
With the Canadian Parliament set for a September 30th hearing on C-32, Dockham said that "needlessly removing legitimate tobacco products that do not target youths would put many jobs at risk for American tobacco industry workers. I feel very strongly that C-32 would cause more problems than it solves, with the American tobacco industry receiving a blow from which it may be hard to recover."
While Lewis indicated his support for Canada's effort to curb youth tobacco use, he said he does not feel that placing a sweeping ban on all flavorings, such as those produced with American burley tobacco, is the answer. "I ask Canadian lawmakers to re-examine their objectives before placing trust in an across-the-board ban, and I encourage our two U.S. Senators and the rest of our Congressional delegation to ask the same of their Canadian colleagues," said Lewis.
Rouzer echoed the concerns of his two legislative colleagues. "Our tobacco farmers are once again under assault, this time by the Canadian government. If Canada is really serious about youth smoking, I've got a solution for them, and that's to get focused on tobacco contraband and enact stronger penalties for violators," said Rouzer. "That is where the real problem lies, and they know this. What they are really up to is a back door ban of tobacco products that include American tobacco, and North Carolina's Congressional delegation should stand up and call their hand on it."
Sep 23, 2009
Discarded cigarette causes 24-hour forest fire in Carrog
A DISCARDED cigarette sparked a 24-hour woodland blaze.
Fifty-five firefighters battled raging flames that engulfed 10 acres of cleared forestry in Carrog near Corwen.
The fire broke out just after 1pm on Monday and crews were still damping down the area last night.At the height of the fire, they had to shuttle water from the River Dee two miles away in their bid to bring the flames under control.
Yesterday, fire investigators said they believe a cigarette caused the inferno, which was tackled by teams from Corwen, Llangollen, Ruthin, Bala, Cerrigydrudion, Chirk, Prestatyn and Conwy, as well as a water carrier from Wrexham, and the Incident Command Unit from Rhyl.
The area affected was described as 10 acres of cleared forestry and brushwood.
A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: The fire appears to have been caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.
“Two four-wheeled vehicles and two appliances ferried water and damped down deep-seated hotspots.
“In total, approximately 55 firefighters attended the incident.”
An eye witness, who did not want to be named said: “Orange flames were peaking quite high causing really dense smoke. Everywhere looked like it was covered with thick black fog that started to sting my eyes after just a short while.
“The firefighters were frantically trying to bring the blaze under control.”
Gareth Griffiths, senior operations manager said: “The fire appears to have been caused by careless disposal of a cigarette. Fires like this place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control.
“These fires put the lives of the public and fire crews at risk and blight the countryside.”
He added: “We urge people to think again about the consequences of their actions – carelessly discarded cigarette ends and smoking materials can easily start fires which spread quickly and ferociously.”
Fifty-five firefighters battled raging flames that engulfed 10 acres of cleared forestry in Carrog near Corwen.
The fire broke out just after 1pm on Monday and crews were still damping down the area last night.At the height of the fire, they had to shuttle water from the River Dee two miles away in their bid to bring the flames under control.
Yesterday, fire investigators said they believe a cigarette caused the inferno, which was tackled by teams from Corwen, Llangollen, Ruthin, Bala, Cerrigydrudion, Chirk, Prestatyn and Conwy, as well as a water carrier from Wrexham, and the Incident Command Unit from Rhyl.
The area affected was described as 10 acres of cleared forestry and brushwood.
A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: The fire appears to have been caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.
“Two four-wheeled vehicles and two appliances ferried water and damped down deep-seated hotspots.
“In total, approximately 55 firefighters attended the incident.”
An eye witness, who did not want to be named said: “Orange flames were peaking quite high causing really dense smoke. Everywhere looked like it was covered with thick black fog that started to sting my eyes after just a short while.
“The firefighters were frantically trying to bring the blaze under control.”
Gareth Griffiths, senior operations manager said: “The fire appears to have been caused by careless disposal of a cigarette. Fires like this place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control.
“These fires put the lives of the public and fire crews at risk and blight the countryside.”
He added: “We urge people to think again about the consequences of their actions – carelessly discarded cigarette ends and smoking materials can easily start fires which spread quickly and ferociously.”
Sep 21, 2009
Cigarette sales to youngsters 'unacceptably high'
CIGARETTES remain easily available to people under 18 according to Devon Trading Standards. They say undercover operations found retailers selling cigarettes to underage youngsters.
A spokesperson said: “Despite the increase from 16 to 18-years-old for the minimum age for buying cigarettes in 2007, the operations found that youngsters were not asked their age and on occasions were even helped to buy cigarettes from vending machines, even though they were underage. “Operation Reality Check involved a series of test purchases across the South-West, using two female volunteers of a similar age. “One volunteer did not ‘dress-up’, or wear make up or lie about their age. The other dressed in more fashionable clothes and was able to wear make up, but was still not allowed to use any false identification.
“However, in both cases cigarette sales to the youngsters were unacceptably high -- 52 outlets out of 298 (17%) sold cigarettes to the first volunteer and 67 outlets from 298 (22%) to the second volunteer.
“Although there was a slight rise in sales with the more realistic scenario, the overall conclusion was that it appeared to make little difference as to whether a shop sold or not. “Far more important was the general attitude of the business towards underage sales in general.
“Neither of our volunteers were asked their age and on a few occasions where identification was requested a sale still took place even though none was shown.”
A spokesperson said: “Despite the increase from 16 to 18-years-old for the minimum age for buying cigarettes in 2007, the operations found that youngsters were not asked their age and on occasions were even helped to buy cigarettes from vending machines, even though they were underage. “Operation Reality Check involved a series of test purchases across the South-West, using two female volunteers of a similar age. “One volunteer did not ‘dress-up’, or wear make up or lie about their age. The other dressed in more fashionable clothes and was able to wear make up, but was still not allowed to use any false identification.
“However, in both cases cigarette sales to the youngsters were unacceptably high -- 52 outlets out of 298 (17%) sold cigarettes to the first volunteer and 67 outlets from 298 (22%) to the second volunteer.
“Although there was a slight rise in sales with the more realistic scenario, the overall conclusion was that it appeared to make little difference as to whether a shop sold or not. “Far more important was the general attitude of the business towards underage sales in general.
“Neither of our volunteers were asked their age and on a few occasions where identification was requested a sale still took place even though none was shown.”
Sep 17, 2009
Man faces charges after police say contraband found in vehicle
A 37-year-old man is facing several charges after Halifax RCMP say they found 7,400 packages of illegal cigarettes in his vehicle yesterday.
Police say they stopped the driver of a blue Pontiac Vibe on Beaver Bank Road at 2:30 a.m. after he showed signs of impairment. Police say the driver was then arrested for impaired driving.
Police then searched the vehicle and say they found the illegal cigarettes along with two bottles of liquor.
The man has been released with a notice to appear in provincial court Oct. 28 on charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle over 80 mgs and possession of illegal cigarettes.
Two other men in the car, aged 35 and 28, were also arrested and charged with breach of recognizance.
Police say they stopped the driver of a blue Pontiac Vibe on Beaver Bank Road at 2:30 a.m. after he showed signs of impairment. Police say the driver was then arrested for impaired driving.
Police then searched the vehicle and say they found the illegal cigarettes along with two bottles of liquor.
The man has been released with a notice to appear in provincial court Oct. 28 on charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle over 80 mgs and possession of illegal cigarettes.
Two other men in the car, aged 35 and 28, were also arrested and charged with breach of recognizance.
Sep 15, 2009
Fire And Smoke Damages From Cigarettes That You Could Learn To Live Without
It is not wise to smoke in the house. A cigarette can cause a fire at almost anytime. It can burn things, stain things, harm lives, and much more. You can fall asleep smoking and cause a house fire in the bedroom or in the living room. You can knock or drop the burning tip off the cigarette and cause it to land on the carpet. Cigarettes are one of the reasons people have house fires because they are being careless and not watching what they are doing.
Cigarettes are dangerous and people can lose everything they have including their health because of it. Not only can it do damage to yourself and your house, but it can also do damage outside as well by starting a fire there. If you do smoke in the house, you must make sure that the cigarette is put out all the way. Make sure that there is no smoke coming from the ash tray and the cigarette is not still burning. Do not throw away the cigarette butts until you are certain they are out. Placing them in a metal container with nothing else in it is the safest way to dispose of them.
Make sure the containers have metal lids on them and some sand in it just in case there is still an ember burning. Also, if you smoke outside, have a container with sand on the cement path walk or on the porch for the cigarette butts, so if it gets knock over it will not start something on fire. Nothing looks nastier in your yard than to have it covered with discarded cigarette butts. Never throw your cigarette butts out the window when you are driving. Other people certainly do not want them in their yard either and starting a wildfire or burning down the home of someone is always a possibility.
Smoking is not only bad for you, but for your family, and your homes. You really do not want to even smoke in your home because of second hand smoke you subject others to, but also cause it makes your home dingy looking and smell really bad. If you are a smoker and would really like to quit, talk with your family doctor about all of the many quitting options there are available today. You might find one way or a combination of several that will help you kick this habit once and for all.
Cigarettes are dangerous and people can lose everything they have including their health because of it. Not only can it do damage to yourself and your house, but it can also do damage outside as well by starting a fire there. If you do smoke in the house, you must make sure that the cigarette is put out all the way. Make sure that there is no smoke coming from the ash tray and the cigarette is not still burning. Do not throw away the cigarette butts until you are certain they are out. Placing them in a metal container with nothing else in it is the safest way to dispose of them.
Make sure the containers have metal lids on them and some sand in it just in case there is still an ember burning. Also, if you smoke outside, have a container with sand on the cement path walk or on the porch for the cigarette butts, so if it gets knock over it will not start something on fire. Nothing looks nastier in your yard than to have it covered with discarded cigarette butts. Never throw your cigarette butts out the window when you are driving. Other people certainly do not want them in their yard either and starting a wildfire or burning down the home of someone is always a possibility.
Smoking is not only bad for you, but for your family, and your homes. You really do not want to even smoke in your home because of second hand smoke you subject others to, but also cause it makes your home dingy looking and smell really bad. If you are a smoker and would really like to quit, talk with your family doctor about all of the many quitting options there are available today. You might find one way or a combination of several that will help you kick this habit once and for all.
Sep 11, 2009
Stings target cigarette sales
Stores risk heavy fines if they’re caught selling tobacco to any customers under the age of 18.
A teenager walked into a Snohomish County store and asked to buy a pack of smokes.While the teen shopped, health officials and tobacco regulators secretly monitored the transaction.The buy was a sting, part of an annual compliance check to ensure that retailers are abiding by state tobacco rules, which prohibit their sale to anyone under 18.
The cost to a teen who takes up a cigarette-smoking habit could be a lifelong addiction to nicotine, Snohomish County health officials said.
“Addiction to tobacco products often starts during adolescence. People pay a steep price for this addiction, with long-term illness and shortened lives,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, the head of the Snohomish Health District.
Officials checked 52 retail stores and found 84 percent were in compliance, about the same as the year before, said Suzanne Pate, a spokeswoman for the health district. Seven stores were found allegedly selling tobacco to minors.
Local health officials have for the past 15 years worked with agents from the Washington State Liquor Control Board, Pate said. Teen volunteers, both girls and boys, participate with their parents’ consent.
Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors can be individually fined $50 for a first offense. In addition, the business owner is fined $100 for a first sale to a minor, $300 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense plus a six-month suspension of the store’s tobacco license.
A fourth illegal sale within two years could cost the retailer $1,500 and a one-year license suspension. Further violations can result in the permanent cancellation of the store’s tobacco license.
Sep 9, 2009
Jinan Folks Fret about Floor-price on Cigarettes
Local residents in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, are complaining about a recent floor price imposed on cigarettes sold in the city, the Legal Daily reported on Wednesday.
The local tobacco authority of Jinan issued a regulation at the end of last year setting a minimum sale price for cigarettes, effectively driving brands that sell below five yuan a pack out of the local market.
The report quoted retailers as saying the rock bottom price for cigarettes sales will not impact their businesses that much, but will surely upset the city's migrant workers who can only afford cheaper smokes.
"My monthly income is only 900 yuan. Apart from my personal expenses, I have to save money to support my family. How can I afford cigarettes that sell at least five yuan each pack?" said a migrant worker from Southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Now, he and other migrant workers have to roll tobacco and make cigarettes themselves.
Sun, a retired Jinan citizen who kept buying cigarettes for two yuan each pack for many years, was angry about the regulation.
"How come you can still get cigarettes for two yuan in cites like Beijing and Shenzhen, while we have to buy cigarettes above five yuan in Jinan?" Sun argued.
Some local retailers disclosed that in the tobacco market, higher retail prices garner more profit for retailers and companies.
A professor in Shandong University's law department who preferred to remain anonymous said the introduction of the minimum price was illegal.
On one hand, the regulation deprives consumers of their right to freely choose cigarettes of different prices and brands. On the other, the price margin imposed is in fact a disguised price-hike, which only central government departments have the authority to issue, meaning the Jinan Tobacco Bureau has overstepped its authority, the law professor added.
The local tobacco authority of Jinan issued a regulation at the end of last year setting a minimum sale price for cigarettes, effectively driving brands that sell below five yuan a pack out of the local market.
The report quoted retailers as saying the rock bottom price for cigarettes sales will not impact their businesses that much, but will surely upset the city's migrant workers who can only afford cheaper smokes.
"My monthly income is only 900 yuan. Apart from my personal expenses, I have to save money to support my family. How can I afford cigarettes that sell at least five yuan each pack?" said a migrant worker from Southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Now, he and other migrant workers have to roll tobacco and make cigarettes themselves.
Sun, a retired Jinan citizen who kept buying cigarettes for two yuan each pack for many years, was angry about the regulation.
"How come you can still get cigarettes for two yuan in cites like Beijing and Shenzhen, while we have to buy cigarettes above five yuan in Jinan?" Sun argued.
Some local retailers disclosed that in the tobacco market, higher retail prices garner more profit for retailers and companies.
A professor in Shandong University's law department who preferred to remain anonymous said the introduction of the minimum price was illegal.
On one hand, the regulation deprives consumers of their right to freely choose cigarettes of different prices and brands. On the other, the price margin imposed is in fact a disguised price-hike, which only central government departments have the authority to issue, meaning the Jinan Tobacco Bureau has overstepped its authority, the law professor added.
Sep 7, 2009
Ask us: Is a clove cigarette addictive like a regular cigarette?
Q: I read the information on the differences between clove cigarettes and regular cigarettes, but am still wondering if clove cigarettes are addictive. I've heard they do not contain nicotine, therefore are not physically addictive. I've also heard that smoking one clove cigarette (such as the brand Black) is like smoking a pack of regular cigarettes. I've researched this online and found contradicting information. What's the truth?
A: The truth is that most clove cigarettes (kreteks) are made with 2/3 tobacco and 1/3 minced dried clove buds. The blend is flavored with fruit and spice essences, rolled and sprayed with a sweetener. The tobacco in clove cigarettes contains at least as much tar and nicotine as regular cigarettes. Testing reveals just as much nicotine and carbon monoxide in the blood of clove cigarette smokers as in regular cigarette smokers. Djarum Black cigarettes sold in Indonesia and available online actually contain much higher levels of tar and nicotine than the same brand sold in the Americas and in Europe. So the truth is that clove cigarettes are in fact both harmful and addictive.
A: The truth is that most clove cigarettes (kreteks) are made with 2/3 tobacco and 1/3 minced dried clove buds. The blend is flavored with fruit and spice essences, rolled and sprayed with a sweetener. The tobacco in clove cigarettes contains at least as much tar and nicotine as regular cigarettes. Testing reveals just as much nicotine and carbon monoxide in the blood of clove cigarette smokers as in regular cigarette smokers. Djarum Black cigarettes sold in Indonesia and available online actually contain much higher levels of tar and nicotine than the same brand sold in the Americas and in Europe. So the truth is that clove cigarettes are in fact both harmful and addictive.
Sep 3, 2009
Cigarettes Come In Different Varieties, But Trying To Quit Is Always The Same
What kind of cigarettes do you smoke? Do you smoke the full flavor, lites, or ultra-lites? There are several kinds of cigarettes with several different kinds of favors or strengths. It does not matter what you smoke, they all will give you the same health results. The only difference between these kinds of cigarettes is the filter. If you removed the filter from each of these different styles you would end up with the same full favor cigarette. So do not be fooled into thinking that one cigarette is any better than the other.
Almost all cigarettes are made by the same two or three companies with all of them using the same tobacco leaves. The only difference is where they are grown or the type of soil they happen to be grown in. These same leaves are then cleaned and dried with some maybe being cleaned better than some others. They might even pick some of these leaves to soon which might make a stronger smoking cigarette.
Most of you do not even think about where this cigarette was made, only the name. Most of the new smokers will use the same as their parents, but most will prefer what they call reds. This brand seems to be the most smoked brand, but there are several others that are preferred because you will find all of them still on the market. Each time the prices go up they might make another brand and sell them for less. How many times have you gone to start smoking these cheaper brands only to find that they taste awful. The really funny thing is now those brands cost almost as much as the rest.
When you find yourself really ready to quit smoking, then you should find someone to help if you can. You could get help from a neighbor or your best friend that has stopped smoking or a local support group. Support groups are even available on line. No matter who you find to help, they will have to be there for you no matter what. Since this person is there for you try to follow them in whatever they tell you. It will be up to you to stay with the program and try using all of the products on the market. You can even find some on-line that could really help too. The first step is deciding to quit. The rest is up to you and it is going to be hard to be ready for the battle.
Almost all cigarettes are made by the same two or three companies with all of them using the same tobacco leaves. The only difference is where they are grown or the type of soil they happen to be grown in. These same leaves are then cleaned and dried with some maybe being cleaned better than some others. They might even pick some of these leaves to soon which might make a stronger smoking cigarette.
Most of you do not even think about where this cigarette was made, only the name. Most of the new smokers will use the same as their parents, but most will prefer what they call reds. This brand seems to be the most smoked brand, but there are several others that are preferred because you will find all of them still on the market. Each time the prices go up they might make another brand and sell them for less. How many times have you gone to start smoking these cheaper brands only to find that they taste awful. The really funny thing is now those brands cost almost as much as the rest.
When you find yourself really ready to quit smoking, then you should find someone to help if you can. You could get help from a neighbor or your best friend that has stopped smoking or a local support group. Support groups are even available on line. No matter who you find to help, they will have to be there for you no matter what. Since this person is there for you try to follow them in whatever they tell you. It will be up to you to stay with the program and try using all of the products on the market. You can even find some on-line that could really help too. The first step is deciding to quit. The rest is up to you and it is going to be hard to be ready for the battle.
Sep 1, 2009
Burglar targets cigarettes
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Thieves took thousand dollars worth of cigarettes from a Dougherty County convenience store last night. Store workers suspect the thief was a regular customer.
Police were called to the Express Lane on Newton Road just before midnight.
Someone broke out a metal panel below a window on the side of the store, right by the cigarette display. The thief stole 66 cartons of cigarettes, worth nearly $2,700.
Store workers say they think someone had cased out the store before the break in.
Police were called to the Express Lane on Newton Road just before midnight.
Someone broke out a metal panel below a window on the side of the store, right by the cigarette display. The thief stole 66 cartons of cigarettes, worth nearly $2,700.
Store workers say they think someone had cased out the store before the break in.
Aug 25, 2009
Man Stabbed Friend Over Cigarettes
A teen is accused of fatally stabbing his childhood friend during an argument over a pack of cigarettes.
According to the arrest warrant, 19-year-old Justin Savage and his two friends picked up Stephen Soboleski, 19, at his home midday Sunday. The group drove around Waterbury before ending up in a parking lot on Taft Point, police said.
When one of the friends went inside an apartment, police said an argument broke out between Savage and Soboleski. Police said Soboleski told police that he grabbed Savage's cigarettes and wouldn't give them back. He then said that Savage threatened him with a fold-out knife, according to the arrest warrant.
"At some point during this fight, I got cut by the knife and that really pissed me off. This was when I grabbed him by the throat and started choking him. I was choking him with my left hand and I was trying to take the knife from him with my right hand. I was so pissed off at the moment that I took the knife and reached over toward Justin and just stabbed him in the chest. When I did it, I knew it went deep because a second later there was blood pouring out from his chest," Soboleski told police, according to the warrant.
Police said Soboleski and one of his friends drove Savage to Waterbury Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Soboleski was arraigned on murder charges in Waterbury Superior Court on Monday.
Minutes after seeing his only child walk into court, Soboleski's father Russell Sullivant fought to keep back the tears.
"My kid's not a murderer," he said. "When I found out it was Justin, it's his friend, I was shocked."
Friends of both Savage and Soboleski said the two have been friends since elementary school.
Soboleski remains held on a $1 million bond.
According to the arrest warrant, 19-year-old Justin Savage and his two friends picked up Stephen Soboleski, 19, at his home midday Sunday. The group drove around Waterbury before ending up in a parking lot on Taft Point, police said.
When one of the friends went inside an apartment, police said an argument broke out between Savage and Soboleski. Police said Soboleski told police that he grabbed Savage's cigarettes and wouldn't give them back. He then said that Savage threatened him with a fold-out knife, according to the arrest warrant.
"At some point during this fight, I got cut by the knife and that really pissed me off. This was when I grabbed him by the throat and started choking him. I was choking him with my left hand and I was trying to take the knife from him with my right hand. I was so pissed off at the moment that I took the knife and reached over toward Justin and just stabbed him in the chest. When I did it, I knew it went deep because a second later there was blood pouring out from his chest," Soboleski told police, according to the warrant.
Police said Soboleski and one of his friends drove Savage to Waterbury Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Soboleski was arraigned on murder charges in Waterbury Superior Court on Monday.
Minutes after seeing his only child walk into court, Soboleski's father Russell Sullivant fought to keep back the tears.
"My kid's not a murderer," he said. "When I found out it was Justin, it's his friend, I was shocked."
Friends of both Savage and Soboleski said the two have been friends since elementary school.
Soboleski remains held on a $1 million bond.
Aug 19, 2009
Oregon sues electronic cigarette maker
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Smoking Everywhere, alleging that the Florida-based “electronic cigarette” company made false health claims about its nicotine delivery device and targeted children with sweet flavors such as bubblegum, chocolate and cookies ‘n’ cream.
Electronic cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and some contain known carcinogens.
Oregon’s lawsuit alleges that Smoking Everywhere has marketed e-cigarettes as safe in general and safer than conventional cigarettes, alleging the company possesses no scientific evidence to support such claims.
Oregon’s lawsuit also alleges that Smoking Everywhere’s promotional efforts target adolescents and youths who may not already be addicted to nicotine. Although Smoking Everywhere claims e-cigarettes are “intended for use by adult smokers,” the lawsuit alleges that advertisements are designed to attract young people.
Oregon is the only state that has taken legal action against e-cigarette importers and retailers. Oregon recently reached legal settlements with three retailers prohibiting them from selling e-cigarettes in the state until they meet state and federal standards. Oregon also reached an agreement with another e-cigarette company, Sottera Inc., the national distributor of NJOY, which prohibits it from doing business in Oregon until local and national standards are met.
Smoking Everywhere refused a similar settlement offer.
Electronic cigarettes are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and some contain known carcinogens.
Oregon’s lawsuit alleges that Smoking Everywhere has marketed e-cigarettes as safe in general and safer than conventional cigarettes, alleging the company possesses no scientific evidence to support such claims.
Oregon’s lawsuit also alleges that Smoking Everywhere’s promotional efforts target adolescents and youths who may not already be addicted to nicotine. Although Smoking Everywhere claims e-cigarettes are “intended for use by adult smokers,” the lawsuit alleges that advertisements are designed to attract young people.
Oregon is the only state that has taken legal action against e-cigarette importers and retailers. Oregon recently reached legal settlements with three retailers prohibiting them from selling e-cigarettes in the state until they meet state and federal standards. Oregon also reached an agreement with another e-cigarette company, Sottera Inc., the national distributor of NJOY, which prohibits it from doing business in Oregon until local and national standards are met.
Smoking Everywhere refused a similar settlement offer.
Aug 3, 2009
Smokers face $20 cigarette packs
CIGARETTES could cost more than $20 for a packet of 30 and come in plain wrapping if radical proposals now under consideration by the federal government are accepted.
The government is considering a cigarette tax hike and a ban on all remaining tobacco advertising and sponsorship in response to its yet-to-be-released Preventative Health Taskforce report.
The landmark report, now being examined by Health Minister Nicola Roxon, urges the government to slash smoking rates over the next decade to nine per cent, reducing the number of people aged 14 and over who smoke daily from three million to two million.
Under the changes, some of which were canvassed in a discussion paper released late last year, cigarette packets would be generic and plain, with larger graphic health warnings taking up about 90 per cent of the front and 100 per cent of the back.
Tobacco companies also face a blanket ban on all sponsorship, Internet sales, public relations activities and "corporate responsibility'' donations, Fairfax Newspapers say.
The plan has been strongly backed by anti-smoking organisations such as the Public Health Association, the Cancer Council and the National Heart Foundation, but has alarmed cigarette companies, which claim it could be unlawful.
The government is considering a cigarette tax hike and a ban on all remaining tobacco advertising and sponsorship in response to its yet-to-be-released Preventative Health Taskforce report.
The landmark report, now being examined by Health Minister Nicola Roxon, urges the government to slash smoking rates over the next decade to nine per cent, reducing the number of people aged 14 and over who smoke daily from three million to two million.
Under the changes, some of which were canvassed in a discussion paper released late last year, cigarette packets would be generic and plain, with larger graphic health warnings taking up about 90 per cent of the front and 100 per cent of the back.
Tobacco companies also face a blanket ban on all sponsorship, Internet sales, public relations activities and "corporate responsibility'' donations, Fairfax Newspapers say.
The plan has been strongly backed by anti-smoking organisations such as the Public Health Association, the Cancer Council and the National Heart Foundation, but has alarmed cigarette companies, which claim it could be unlawful.
Jul 21, 2009
Store owners fear cigarette tax increase
CONCORD - Owners of grocery, convenience and retail distributor stores lobbied state senators Monday to cut - if not eliminate - a proposed increase in the cigarette tax. The House-approved $10.4 billion, two-year state budget plan relies heavily upon this tax, increasing it from 80 cents to $1.25 per pack. Gov. John Lynch had proposed the tax only be raised to $1.08 to finance his budget plan. John Dumais, president and chief executive officer of the New Hampshire Grocers Association, claimed his lobbying organization lost five small businesses that went under after the Legislature last raised the tax July 1, 2005. Even though the state took in more money from the higher tax, it sold six million fewer packs of cigarettes in 2006 compared to 2005, he explained. "We aren't talking about any small consequences for the state," he said. The grocer lobby claims that for every $1 in cigarette pack sales, the state receives another $3.40 in other purchases. Studies have concluded 40 percent of cigarette sales come from out-of-state residents. Massachusetts' residents make up the largest portion of that group. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has said he would oppose any increase in that state's tobacco tax, which is $1.51 per pack but doesn't include 20 cents that comes from applying the state's 5 percent sales tax. "Massachusetts sold more packs in 2006 and profited from our last increase so you can bet they are hoping to do even better if we make the same mistake again," Dumais warned. Supporters insist the state's retail sector would still profit from cigarettes sold at the higher price and that it would discourage teens from starting the addictive habit. Ray Tetu said the higher tax would force his business to post a larger bond to cover the payment of tax stamps onto all cigarettes sold from his Manchester Wholesale Distributors Inc. The firm employs 65 and has been in the family since 1939, but Tetu claims this latest proposed increase may put him under. "If MWD and the other independent distributor within the state of New Hampshire were to close its doors tomorrow, there would not even be a hiccup for a split second for cigarette supplies," Tetu said. Manchester Democratic Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, who is chairman of the Senate panel writing the budget, said it's too early to know how much of a tax increase is needed. The finance panel is spending all of this week making final decisions about spending priorities for its version of the 1,100-page budget bill. John Ganos, owner of the State Line Store on Route 13 in Brookline, said he attracts out-of-state purchases by advertising in daily newspapers as far removed as Worcester, Mass. "Is this tax increase a good bet for the state? I know it is not for my business," Ganos added in a written statement. "And when the state is finished taxing this source into oblivion, where will they turn next?"
Jul 14, 2009
Philip Morris to buy South African snuff maker
Philip Morris International Inc., maker of Marlboro and other cigarettes for sale overseas, has agreed to buy a Swedish company's South African snuff and pipe-tobacco operations for roughly $222 million.
Philip Morris International estimated that Swedish Match South Africa Ltd.'s products account for about 31 percent of total tobacco consumption in South Africa. The brands involved in the deal, announced yesterday, include Boxer, Best Blend and Taxi.
In March 2008, Philip Morris International, with offices in New York and Lausanne, Switzerland, was spun off from Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA.
Swedish Match also owns Swedish Match North America, a Chesterfield County-based maker of cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Spokesmen for Altria and Swedish Match North America said their operations are not affected by the deal.
The deal "represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," Jean-Claude Kunz, president of Philip Morris International's Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa reported sales of roughly $88 million last year.
Philip Morris International, the world's largest non-governmental cigarette seller, hopes to boost sales of smokeless-tobacco products to offset decreased demand for cigarettes because of concerns about health, smoking bans and price increases.
In February, Philip Morris International announced a 50-50 joint venture with Swedish Match AB to make and sell smokeless products such as snus -- teabaglike pouches that users stick between cheek and gum.
Philip Morris International said it expects to complete the acquisition of the South African company by the end of the fourth quarter, after approval by South African regulators.
"This agreement with Philip Morris International is in line with Swedish Match's strategy to focus on smoke-free tobacco, cigars and lights products," Swedish Match AB President and CEO Lars Dahlgren said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa will continue to distribute lighters, matches and cigars for Swedish Match, the company said.
Philip Morris International estimated that Swedish Match South Africa Ltd.'s products account for about 31 percent of total tobacco consumption in South Africa. The brands involved in the deal, announced yesterday, include Boxer, Best Blend and Taxi.
In March 2008, Philip Morris International, with offices in New York and Lausanne, Switzerland, was spun off from Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc., which owns Philip Morris USA.
Swedish Match also owns Swedish Match North America, a Chesterfield County-based maker of cigars and smokeless tobacco.
Spokesmen for Altria and Swedish Match North America said their operations are not affected by the deal.
The deal "represents an excellent strategic fit for our business in South Africa," Jean-Claude Kunz, president of Philip Morris International's Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa reported sales of roughly $88 million last year.
Philip Morris International, the world's largest non-governmental cigarette seller, hopes to boost sales of smokeless-tobacco products to offset decreased demand for cigarettes because of concerns about health, smoking bans and price increases.
In February, Philip Morris International announced a 50-50 joint venture with Swedish Match AB to make and sell smokeless products such as snus -- teabaglike pouches that users stick between cheek and gum.
Philip Morris International said it expects to complete the acquisition of the South African company by the end of the fourth quarter, after approval by South African regulators.
"This agreement with Philip Morris International is in line with Swedish Match's strategy to focus on smoke-free tobacco, cigars and lights products," Swedish Match AB President and CEO Lars Dahlgren said in a statement.
Swedish Match South Africa will continue to distribute lighters, matches and cigars for Swedish Match, the company said.
Jul 13, 2009
Putting Loved Ones At Risk Of Secondhand Smoke With Cigarettes
Once upon a time, a cigarette could be smoked just about anywhere. There were no rules or regulations regarding where someone could smoke a cigarette or whom they were around when smoking. Then there came the concerns with tobacco use and how it could affect one's health. Soon, interest groups and concerned citizens were calling for cigarettes to be banned.
Although cigarettes today are not banned or illegal in any form, they are no longer allowed to be used indoors at restaurants, theaters, or other venues. In fact, if a driver is smoking with a child in the car and was pulled over for a non-smoking citation, the officer can issue a ticket for tobacco usage in the car. Millions upon millions of people around the world are now aware of the many side effects associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes.
What could have been done by a teenager for rebellious reasons could now be a full-fledged addiction to the nicotine found in the cigarettes and could even become a lifelong habit that will only result in an illness that kills the person. By now, many are aware of the illnesses associated with smoking cigarettes. Heart and lung disease, cancer, and respiratory problems are just the beginning. Lethargy, a lack of strength, and shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity are all symptoms that a smoker can feel as well.
In addition, when someone is smoking a cigarette around anybody, that person is being exposed to secondhand smoke. In some cases, the secondhand smoke is actually worse than smoking the cigarette itself because the person who is smoking the cigarette is used to the experience, and his body has adapted to the nicotine, tobacco, and chemicals that are being inhaled. On the other hand, the person who normally does not smoke and is exposed to the toxins found in the cigarette smoke occasionally might have a worse reaction because their body is not used to it.
It is not uncommon to hear of a spouse of a smoker who contracted lung cancer as a result of being exposed to the smoke for prolonged periods of time. It is not uncommon to hear of a non-smoking black jack dealer working in a casino who feels the side effects of tobacco usage around him. The results are varied, and the side effects are serious. Protecting family, friends, and colleagues from secondhand smoke is as easy as smoking a cigarette on your own time when they are not around.
Although cigarettes today are not banned or illegal in any form, they are no longer allowed to be used indoors at restaurants, theaters, or other venues. In fact, if a driver is smoking with a child in the car and was pulled over for a non-smoking citation, the officer can issue a ticket for tobacco usage in the car. Millions upon millions of people around the world are now aware of the many side effects associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes.
What could have been done by a teenager for rebellious reasons could now be a full-fledged addiction to the nicotine found in the cigarettes and could even become a lifelong habit that will only result in an illness that kills the person. By now, many are aware of the illnesses associated with smoking cigarettes. Heart and lung disease, cancer, and respiratory problems are just the beginning. Lethargy, a lack of strength, and shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity are all symptoms that a smoker can feel as well.
In addition, when someone is smoking a cigarette around anybody, that person is being exposed to secondhand smoke. In some cases, the secondhand smoke is actually worse than smoking the cigarette itself because the person who is smoking the cigarette is used to the experience, and his body has adapted to the nicotine, tobacco, and chemicals that are being inhaled. On the other hand, the person who normally does not smoke and is exposed to the toxins found in the cigarette smoke occasionally might have a worse reaction because their body is not used to it.
It is not uncommon to hear of a spouse of a smoker who contracted lung cancer as a result of being exposed to the smoke for prolonged periods of time. It is not uncommon to hear of a non-smoking black jack dealer working in a casino who feels the side effects of tobacco usage around him. The results are varied, and the side effects are serious. Protecting family, friends, and colleagues from secondhand smoke is as easy as smoking a cigarette on your own time when they are not around.
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