By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail

    A good student turnout and seasonal activities is keeping the three area school SADD chapters active in promoting responsible choices.
    At Drug Free Indiana’s monthly meeting Thursday, the Columbia City High School chapter reported a record attendance at their first meeting. They are working on a variety of activities to coincide with homecoming, including selling “chains of life” and key chains. They will also be doing balloons at the girls’ “pink” soccer game on Wednesday. CCHS advisor Rob Bell said he is looking into bringing a national group called “Save a Life” to the school around prom time.
    Whitko had 120 students sign-up for SADD and they can be seen in the South Whitley Fall Festival parade this weekend.
    Churubusco had 45 students sign-up and they are planning a walk-a-thon Oct. 11th to support their scholarship fund.
    The Addictions Recovery Center (ARC), with offices on Van Buren St. in Columbia City, presented a report on local efforts. Funded through DFI monies, the center provides intensive outpatient and educational services related to substance abuse.  Specifically in Columbia City, ARC reported they have 67 percent of outpatients successfully complete the program.  The majority of cases are alcohol related, with 45 percent of the participants being at or below 200 percent poverty level. The DFI money helps to reduce the fees the center charges.
    Regional Community Consultant Kelly Sickafoose announced that the annual DFI meeting will be Nov. 10 at the Eagles Nest.  The Center in Columbia City has been nominated for the outstanding program in the region.  Results will be announced that evening. Sickafoose also noted that several new drug-related products have surfaced, including ShotPaks, which contain hard beverages but resemble foil juice pouches. Digital drugs, or eye dozers, are another concern. They involve web-downloaded music to earphones. She also showed a picture of an operational lighter that has a hidden compartment to store drugs.  She asked everyone be aware of these items.
    Patty Weybright of Whitley County Tobacco Free said they are working with Smith-Green Schools to change the language in their tobacco policy so the school could be designated as smoke-free.  She added the Quit to Win contest is wrapping up, with approximately 40 contestants locally.  The winner will receive $2,500. A new Web site is also up and running, www.dropthesmokescreen.org
    “Membership is important, especially when we vote on distribution of funds,” noted committee member Matt Rentschler. In order to vote, individuals must be DFI members.   The committee added 12 new members, removed eight and maintained 26.                                                                                                                                            It was announced that the deadline for submitting grant requests from DFI is Oct. 16.  Applications can be obtained by contacting Nancy Prickett at 244-6331.