Councils, mayors join cleanup

A high-traffic area with a large amount of trash received VIP treatment Saturday as members of Cape Girardeau and Jackson city government grabbed bags and picked up litter around the Interstate 55-Highway 61 interchange.

The group of about 15, which included non-government volunteers too, cleaned up an eighth of a mile from the I-55 overpass to the beginning of Cape County Park.

Equipped with plastic bags and some with gloves, the crew until the most obvious litter was gone. Going for the top layer of trash was the most efficient approach, since mowers had shredded a substantial amount into small pieces. About eighteen bags resulted from a little over an hour's work.

"Keeping it clean is the best incentive to keep people from continuing to litter," said Loretta Schneider, Cape Girardeau city councilwoman.

Mayor Paul Sander said progress on the war on litter has been made but a never-ending effort needs to be made to win. The goal is not realistic if the effort's not ongoing, he said.

Efforts in Jackson have included 12 new trash cans placed throughout the city and more community service by those appearing in municipal court.

"Last I heard, 100 hours had been sentenced by the city judge," Sander said.