Campaign takes aim at underage drinking

PESHTIGO - As we count down to the state's gun deer hunt, an effort to stop what could be common at some camps -- underage drinking.

A group is trying to use "Sticker Shock" to stop it.

The campaign takes aim at those buying alcohol, and then providing it to minors.

With the season just two days away, members of the Healthy Youth Coalition are moving quickly.

At the Eagle Express in Peshtigo, there are signs of the season.

But one sign has the attention of the Healthy Youth Coalition of Marinette and Menominee counties.

“Especially around the hunting season. When there's going to be cabin parties, and people celebrating maybe their first buck,” said Sarah Hanson, Healthy Youth Coalition.

Wynter Truesdell is a senior at Carney High School in Michigan. She says underage parties are common.

“Usually a younger person, who isn't old enough to buy alcohol, has friends who are old enough to buy alcohol. Those friends attend that party, with the alcohol, and all the people who are old enough to have alcohol, bring the alcohol,” said Truesdell.

The Sticker Shock campaign is covering Marinette County. 2,200 little yellow warnings to anyone buying alcohol.

“It's a good way to draw awareness to this issue, and inform the adults of this. When we ask the youth they say that the number one place they're getting their alcohol is either from parents or from other adults,” said Hanson.

The penalty for selling or providing alcohol to a minor can reach $500. The Eagle Express is on board.

“It helps the young kids realize that we're watching you. That you're not going to be getting beer underage. And that older folks are going to take note that hey, it's not a good idea to give this beer out to these teenagers,” said Monica Halverson, assistant manager at the Eagle Express.

Peshtigo police agree.

 “I think it's a good idea all the way around. Just to make sure you're not putting alcohol in the hands of a minor,” said Peshtigo Police Chief Kent Kline.

The coalition also brought its message to Coleman on Thursday.

The group plans to canvass the two county region again before Christmas.