CHAMPAIGN – Sales for a Scout program that sends popcorn overseass to American soldiers is down this fall, but it's not just the economy.

It's a combination of two things that have been getting us all down: H1N1 and endless drizzly days.

The Prairielands Boy Scouts Council said it has raised $40,000 less in popcorn sales this fall, says Executive Director Tim Manard. Buyers have the option of having the popcorn sent to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The good news is that the popcorn sales, which are usually limited to October, have been extended to the end of November, Manard said.

If you can't find a Cub Scout or Boy Scout on your block, you can call the Prairielands Boy Scouts Council at 356-7291 extension 213, or mail to: Boy Scout Popcorn Sale, PO Box 6267, Champaign 61826-6267.

Manard said Scouts last year sold $598,000 worth of popcorn products; there are 5,000 Scouts in the local council.

But this October was dreary.

"It rained 23 days in October, plus a lot of schools were closed because of the H1N1 virus," Manard said. "We wanted to send more than actually came in; we were really disappointed. Last year $300,000 of popcorn were sent nationwide to the troops, including caramel corn, microwave and cheese corn."

The Trails End Co., which makes the popcorn, started including the military option three years ago, Manard said, sending 3 tons a year.