Litterers and illegal dumpers beware: Trips to court and fines are becoming more commonplace as county officials crack down on dirty habits.

Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District Director Dan Palmer said several cases are pending now in the county’s municipal courts; others have been resolved and the offenders ordered to clean up their messes.

Julie Pritchard, 32, 153 Township Road 1117, was cited to Lawrence County Municipal Court earlier this year for open dumping, an unclassified felony, as well as a misdemeanor count of violating the prohibition against throwing filth in lakes and streams. When she failed to appear in municipal court to answer those charges, Judge Donald Capper issued a bench warrant for her arrest.

Pritchard was arrested last week and was in court Friday to answer the bench warrant and the other charges. She must return to court Friday for a status hearing.

“We appreciate Judge Capper’s support,” Steve Hileman, solid waste enforcement officer, said.

Evelyn Clay, of 20417 State Route 775, Scottown, was cited to municipal court for littering on Crabtree Hollow.

Palmer said solid waste officials and Perry Township trustees are working closely to eradicate frequent illegal dumping and littering on Crabtree Hollow.

Trudy Fry, of 18280 State Route 243, Chesapeake, was cited to court March 9 for open dumping on her property and was ordered to clean up the mess. Capper placed her on probation and fined her $250.

He also scheduled a review hearing in October, “to see if she keeps it clean,” Hileman said.

One resident on North Kenova Road in Chesapeake was ordered to clean up his property or face a citation and trip to court. Palmer said the resident did clean up his property.

Palmer said while some people may be guilty of littering and illegal dumping, other Lawrence Countians are becoming fed up with the filth and are calling his office with valuable information to help catch the culprits making these messes.

“More people are calling with license numbers and we appreciate this,” Palmer said.