MINOT ON THEIR MINDS It's been nearly a year since the peak of the Souris River flood hit, but Minot and its residents are still on the minds of others around the country. The latest example is Reed Grumann, a seventh-grader in Yardley, Pa. Grumann's father, Steve, grew up in Minot and attended Erik Ramstad Middle School. Reed and other students at William Penn Middle School held a "Penny?Wars" competition to raise money for Ramstad. The students eventually raised $2,600, which will be sent to Ramstad officials. It's another reminder that others across the country with or without ties to Minot are still helping in any way they can.
BIG GULP BAN? New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed a ban on sugary sodas and other drinks that would limit sales to 16 ounces or less, both in bottled drinks and fountain drinks. But the proposal has so many exceptions that's is essentially pointless. We're not against raising awareness of rising obesity and diabetes risks, but Bloomberg's latest attempt to limit consumer choices makes little sense. Under the ban, delis, restaurants, movie theaters, sports arenas and food carts could not sell sweetened drinks larger than 16 ounces. Diet soda and any calorie-free drinks would be exempt, and the ban would not apply to drinks sold in grocery stores or convenience stores that don't serve prepared food. Would such a ban make a difference? We doubt it, considering someone could simply order two 16-ounce drinks instead of one 20-ounce drink, and consumers could still get all the drinks they wanted at the grocery store or grab their favorite Big Gulp at the local convenience store. More government meddling with little or no actual effectiveness.