Community, Latest News, Preston County

Preston Solid Waste Authority learns people aren’t paying fines, showing up for litter detail

KINGWOOD — County Litter Officer Jay Sowers said he “has a whole book full” of names of people supposed to help with litter clean-up in lieu of paying fines.  He said he has contacted the individuals and they did not show up.

“I talked to the prosecuting attorney’s office and Aaron Yoho (assistant prosecuting attorney) said he was going to get everyone who don’t show up.  He’s also going to go after the citations that are being ignored,” Sowers said. “Forget the fines, I want help to be out here cleaning up.”

“I’ve been driving around the county getting the big items I can pick up myself.” he said. “I see cardboard boxes in the middle of the road. If I get a name on it I’m going to start writing tickets.  I’ve told everyone if you see littering help me out.”

Sowers said he wrote three tickets while he waited for the meeting to start.

He said groups and individuals that would like to help clean up Preston County can call him at 304-698-5594 to volunteer.

In other business, a small 8×12 solid waste building in Bruceton Mills was washed off its foundation during the recent flooding. Sowers said the building is used to store cardboard discarded by Pizza Hut.

“All it needs is the corner lifted up and put back,” he said. “If you (board members) approve it, I have someone with a Bobcat who volunteered to lift it up on its foundation”

Sowers said the Solid Waste Authority has a number of these small buildings that are used for cardboard collection in different towns around the county.

The annual countywide Preston County e-cycle event has been scheduled for Aug. 21.  The event is held at the Kingwood Civic Center.  The date and time of the event will be announced later.

Don Smith, who represents the county commission on the board, said he will be sending bid proposals for the event out in May, and is waiting for prices on signs to direct traffic.

At their last meeting board members discussed purchasing arrow signs to help direct traffic.  Last year, 226 vehicles dropped off electronics and other items.  The city provides employees to help with traffic flow and check identification.

Only residents of Preston County are eligible to participate in the event.

James Tasker of Terra Alta asked the board for big bins that are needed for recycling in his area.  Smith asked Tasker to get quotes and let the board know what type and size bins are needed at the recycle center.

“I can get quotes and when next year comes around we will put in [for] a bigger grant,” Smith said.

TWEET@DominionPostWV