News From the Nation's Counties

ALABAMA
A new policy approved by commissioners in MOBILE COUNTY July 28 will see slightly less than half of the county's 1,700 employees subjected to random drug and alcohol tests. The new policy, which goes into effect Oct. 1, applies to drivers of county vehicles and heavy equipment operators; those who suffer an on-the-job injury and lose worktime as a result; and those who are suspected of drug or alcohol abuse.

(For more information, contact Barbara Drummond, public affairs, at 334/690-5088.)

GEORGIA
FULTON COUNTY is participating in a pilot program to reduce polluting emissions from county vehicles by purchasing 12 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.

Ground-level ozone in metro Atlanta now exceeds federal safety standards, but the emissions from the CNG vehicles will be 90 percent lower in ozone-forming reactive hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide than emissions from cars using conventional fuels.

(For more information, contact Keith Troutman at 404/730-6336.)

ILLINOIS
COOK COUNTY and the Province of Bologna, Italy have agreed to develop a partnership to develop economic and cultural exchanges. The agreement came after Cook County Commissioner John Stroger led a delegation to five cities in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy July 20-26.

The county plans to establish an Italy trade desk, where county and Italian businesses can receive information and assistance, in English and Italian.

MARYLAND
MONTGOMERY COUNTY has introduced a public education campaign designed to call attention to unattended children in libraries and other public facilities. The program was a response, in part, to two women being taken by force while waiting for rides after hours outside a public library.

A resource brochure lists books, organizations and information for parents about child care, and sources of after-school activities, such as activities at elementary schools, and classes available at county recreation centers.

(For more information, contact Rita Gale, who chaired the task force, at 301/217-3849.)

MONTANA
The Administration on Aging recently announced that the GALLATIN COUNTY Nutrition Program has been chosen to offer breakfast to senior citizens. Dubbed Morning Meals-on-Wheels, the pilot will run for six months and then be evaluated by the National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging. The county program is one of 20 programs to be chosen (see OHIO).

(For more information, contact Jean Lloyd at 202/619-0011.)

OHIO
STARK and WAYNE counties' Meals on Wheels programs were recently chosen by the Administration on Aging to serve as pilot programs to offer morning meals to older citizens. After six months, the program will be evaluated.

PENNSYLVANIA
BUTLER COUNTY recently completed the first in a series of elemental mercury collections from area households. Three dozen households serviced by the program, conducted at no charge, generated nearly 65 pounds of liquid mercury for processing.

Mercury is a silver-colored metallic liquid once used in thermometers and other instruments. It is now recognized to be a hazard and can pose serious health risks with exposure. Mercury should never be disposed of with regular garbage.

(For more information, contact Mark Burd, county recycling director, at 412/284-5305.)

VIRGINIA
LOUDOUN COUNTY has become home to the Ahrens National Recreation and Park Association Institute, a new state-of-the-art facility designed to advance park, recreation and environmental conservation efforts. The land on which the institute was built was provided by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and Loudoun County.

WASHINGTON
Six members of the National Assembly of Nicaragua met July 22 with three members of the Washington State Association of Counties staff to discuss how local government issues are developed and presented in the legislature. The tour was sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency.

The group included the head of the Nicaraguan anti-drug program, the second vice president of the National Assembly, and the head of the Communications, Transportation and Energy Ministry.

(News From the Nation's Counties is compiled by Mary Ann Barton, senior staff writer.)