Pick Up Trash Along Byways

A group of concerned citizens are working together to try to clean up trash pick-up along Jasper County scenic byways.

Besides the need to always beautify our county, this time was chosen in anticipation of a visit next week by representatives of the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The AAA writers plan to travel from Madison down the scenic byway, Hwy. 83, into Monticello, and have lunch, then head north on another scenic byway, Hwy. 11, and go to Social Circle.

Members of the Scenic Byway Committee, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Mentor Program, 4-H, RVI, FBLA, and other students, and the Development Authority are joining in the clean-up activities, and asking everyone that can to help.

Anyone wanting to join in the group effort to pick up trash is asked to meet at the COC office on the Square at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 7, to get trash bags, vests and gloves, as well as a destination so that as much of the road as possible can be covered.

A positive write-up in the travel association’s magazine could result in increased tourist dollars for Monticello and Jasper County.
In addition to the obvious removal of litter and junk along these routes, residents who live there are asked to try to take their trash cans in as soon as they are emptied, decorate mailboxes, increase floral displays along the way, and just “spruce up.”

Elementary school students in the mentor program and in Clover Buds for young 4-H-ers drew pictures encouraging people to pick up litter. The pictures are displayed on the window at the Chamber of Commerce on the Square.

Students whose work is displayed include Josh Hendricks, Cheyenne Blackwell, Hannah Fisher, Jaylan Sands, Siarra Ross, Chasity Thomas, Carigan Goen, Katlynn Sharich, Cameron Hallman, Morgan Leach, Haley Tyler, Morgan Caldwell, Levi Ford, Matti Smith, and Ben Davis.