Smokers make a wheezing run for the border

Small town convenience stores on the Iowa border appear to be benefitting from the 75-cent-a-pack cigarette tax that the Minnesota Legislature passed recently. The Associated Press reports stores in Saint Ansgar and Lake Mills are selling cases of cartons to Minnesotans who travel from as far away as the Twin Cities looking for a cheaper nicotine fix. At Casey's General Store in Lake Mills, assistant manager Jamie Troe finds both major and off brands are flying off the shelves, with a noticeable appreciation for Dorals. With gas prices at area Super America stores topping out at $2.49 a gallon, one would think the price of driving to Iowa would negate any savings.