With childhood obesity on the rise in the United States, Carbon County is hoping to educate children on how to make better lifestyle choices that will curb this rising trend.

On Thursday, the county commissioners voted to declare Wednesday, May 11, as county "Pop-out" day, a day to substitute sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks and juices for water.In the proclamation, it states, "The youth of Carbon County is one of the county's most valuable resources. One out of every five children in the United States is obese or at the risk of becoming obese ... data has proven that there is a direct relationship between increased soft drink consumption, inactivity and overweight children. It is further understood that high sugar beverages provide limited nutritional value and should be consumed on a limited basis as per the food guide pyramid."Therefore, the Carbon County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 11, 2011, as 'Pop-out' day in Carbon County and urge all children, their parents and the citizens of Carbon County to restrain or restrict their consumption of empty calories as in soft drinks, iced tea and sports drinks.""Pop-Out" day is part of a wellness project created by the Wellness Council.In other matters, the board voted to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidders for the home rehabilitation project, which helps low income families receive necessary home updates to their house.There are five projects that will be completed during this round of funding.The commissioners also voted to enter into an agreement with Jim Thorpe Auto Rentals for the rental of two 15-passenger vans for the period of May 23 through Aug. 12. The vans, which will cost $6,600, are for the Liquid Fuels Summer Program.Commissioner Charles Getz also recognized the county Department of Solid Waste for its electronic recycling events and commended the company who collects the electronics at no cost to the county.He suggested he sends letters of thanks to both entities.