COAL GROVE – Village residents can take advantage of Coal Grove’s annual spring cleanup this week.

Monday, May 08, 2000

COAL GROVE – Village residents can take advantage of Coal Grove’s annual spring cleanup this week.

Cleanup activities began May 1, with dumpsters placed at the water plant on Riverside Drive and free pickup available for the disabled and elderly, but residents are encouraged to keep cleaning this week, Mayor Tom McKnight said.

Residents may dump trash and debris free of charge 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. today through Friday.

The village cannot accept tires, air conditioners, refrigerators, batteries or any kind of fuel tank, McKnight said.

The cleanup will help improve the village’s image and keep streets clean, he said.

"The village needs cleaned up, not just for ourselves but for if we ever want to attract industry in here," McKnight said.

Picking up trash and debris also builds pride and gives everyone a truer sense of community, the mayor said.

"When you’re proud of where you live, everybody works better together," he said.

McKnight hopes the cleanup will serve as a reminder to those who toss trash out of car windows or leave garbage in their backyards to not do those types of things.

Disabled or elderly residents may contact the village for help to remove debris, trash or junk by calling 532-7447 or 532-8921.

The cleanup ends Friday.

McKnight said he wants to start another type of cleanup campaign after this week – the enforcement of junk vehicle laws.

Junk vehicles have become an eyesore and ordinances exist that allow only the village to stop certain activities involving junk vehicles, he said.

The mayor plans to ask police to notify residents face-to-face that they have 10 days to comply with ordinances or face fines.

Ironton Junior High School job shadowers Shane Kerns and Tyler Knipp contributed to this story.