IN BRIEF

County Seeks Comments On Bus Service Report

An assessment of Howard Transit is underway to determine how to expand and improve the county bus service. An interim report by a county consultant is available online at http://www.howardcountymd.gov under "What's New" or in print at all Howard County libraries and senior centers and at the Department of Planning and Zoning. The transportation board encourages comments on the report to be e-mailed to ffravel@kfhgroup.com. The board will discuss the report during a meeting at 7 p.m. July 22 at the Department of Planning and Zoning, 3430 Court House Dr., Ellicott City.

Plans Underway for More Spots at Park and Ride

After the Howard County and Maryland state governments received a petition with 140 signatures this month, both governments agreed to expand the capacity of the Park and Ride lot on Snowden River Parkway. Short-term plans by county engineers are under review by state transportation and environmental offices. County and state leaders also plan to implement a long-term solution to the overcrowded parking lot.

Parking Fines Increased For Handicapped Spaces

County parking fines for misusing handicapped spaces have been increased from $150 to $350. Stickers indicating the new fine will be posted in public and government lots.

Property owners with handicapped signs on their private property are responsible for affixing stickers to their signs. Free stickers are available at the Northern District police station in Ellicott City and the Southern District police station in Scaggsville, or by calling the Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division at 410-313-2430.

Community College's Athletic Director Honored

Diane Schumacher, athletic director at Howard Community College, was one of 30 athletic directors to be named athletic director of the year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. Winners have been athletic directors for at least five years and have demonstrated a commitment to higher education and student athletics.

Junior Division Winners At National History Day

Murray Hill Middle School students Ayushi Aggarwal and Laura Migasiuk recently won a Junior Division prize in the National History Day Competition. Their exhibit, "Conflict and Compromise Between Labor and Mine Operators," was awarded the prize for Outstanding State Project for the state of Maryland. The exhibit won top prizes at regional and state levels before moving on to the national competition.

For more information about the competition, call 410-313-6622 or visit http://www.nationalhistoryday.org.

Blockbuster Launches DVD Drive for the Troops

Blockbuster is collecting new or used DVDs and games at participating stores nationwide through July 14 to send to U.S. troops. Donations must be purchased from Blockbuster. The company will match donations with up to 20,000 DVDs and distribute them to troops worldwide through the United Service Organizations. The stores will also sell American flag antenna and pencil toppers for $1, donating all proceeds to the USO. Donations may be made during regular business hours.

'Prepare for Success' School Supply Drive

The Volunteer Center Serving Howard County is working with Howard County public schools and several nonprofit organizations to collect donated school supplies for low-income students. The Prepare for Success drive runs Monday through Aug. 8. Drop-off boxes will be set up in county government office buildings, libraries, Columbia Village community centers, Columbia Association health centers and the Columbia Art Center. For a list of requested donations, call 410-715-3172 or email info@volunteerhoward.org.

-- Compiled by CARRIE DONOVAN