Oftentimes the only way for a group to overcome a challenge is to have a united front. That is exactly what prosecutor Brigham Anderson is asking for when it comes to littering.

After going on vacation Anderson returned to notice the trash and refuse that literally litters Lawrence County roadways.

So the prosecutor has asked all county law enforcement agencies to step up enforcing these laws, something that has historically been mostly ignored or treated about as seriously as jaywalking.

Anderson has also instructed his office to seek the maximum fines and community service sentences for those who break the law.

This is certainly a positive step but we hope to see it go a step farther.

For this truly to be effective, everyone must get on board. That includes all of the county’s judges, the sheriff, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the county’s civic organizations that include the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District, Ironton In Bloom and Operation TLC, which have been working hard to beautify the community for years.

Keeping Lawrence County clean and beautiful is a tall task, one that will require constant and consistent effort.

But this is certainly a step in the right direction.