If old dogs can't be taught new tricks, then start with the puppies.

The Ironton Beautification Committee is trying to restore pride in the community, beginning with its children.

The committee, in association with the Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste District and the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, developed the littering/recycling education program, to educate students at Ironton city schools, targeting third- and fourth-graders.

"We're doing all we can to restore pride in our community," Judy Sanders, an Ironton Beautification Committee member, said. "The best place to do it is with children while they're young."

Children were informed through the program about the harmful effects of littering and not recycling.

Sanders said one goal of the committee is to educate the citizens.

"A beautification committee can't concern itself with picking up other peoples' trash, we must educate," she said. "We're hoping this will not only educate the children but the communication back and forth will get to the parents."

Twelve classrooms participated in a 10-day paper recycling contest which began May 6 from Kingsbury, Whitwell and West Ironton elementary schools.

A likely place for children to get newspapers and magazines is their houses but some are going far and beyond the homestead.

"We get them from our house, friends and family," said Malea Harris, a Whitwell Elementary third-grader. "I get some from my karate instructor."

Joe Jenkins, director of the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, said 1,560 pounds have been collected so far, but the final pick-up will be Wednesday.

"We were just amazed at the response," Sanders said.

Dominos is supplying the room winner from each school with a free pizza party. Of course a pizza party may be plenty of an incentive for students to recycle, but one student wanted to impress others.

"Your classmates can be amazed by how much you've got," said Ashton McNackin, also a Whitwell third-grader.