BOND COUNTY BOARD TALKS RECYCLING
The Bond County Board met earlier this week, and received suggestions from the recycling committee. In 2008, a tipping fee was imposed on landfills in the county, and this money is intended for use on recycling programs or other environmental projects inside the county. The recycling committee has been meeting for almost a year to voice ideas and possibilities for that money and how it can be best used. So far, the money collected from the tipping fee has been on average just over $8,000 per quarter.
Linda Peters and Mark Jenner were on hand from the recycling committee to discuss four possible directions for the monies. The first is to purchase new recycling collection bins, replacing the former green fiber and blue shark bins for the purpose of taking fibrous recyclables such as cardboard and paper. The second was a carport style recycling center to collect materials. It was suggested that the first, of the carport style collection centers, could be placed in Sorento since no recycling collection centers are in Sorento at this time. The third option would hire a part-time coordinator for recycling in the county. This position would give the recycling drive a head person that could further recycling education, projects, meetings and grant writing. The fourth suggestion would use the money for education, with part of the focus being on what can and cannot be recycled.
The board discussed all possibilities and decided to bring up the topic again at the next meeting. They also thanked the recycling committee for their work throughout the last year. Many comments were made about the desire of Bond County residents to recycle, and how the recent downturn in the economy has forced some recycling companies out of business and reduced opportunities for local residents to recycle.
ANNUAL GREENVILLE EASTER EGG HUNT
Bond County is celebrating Easter with a traditional game of hide and seek. Easter egg hunts will be taking place all over the county. Keyesport American Legion Post 1994 will host an egg hunt Saturday, April 11, at 10:30 AM. There will be prizes and food and Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be there too. A Sorento Easter egg hunt will be Sunday, April 12, at South Park for children 10 and under. The annual egg hunt in Greenville, sponsored by the Greenville Optimist Club and the Greenville Commercial Club, will be Saturday, April 11, at Patriot's Park, at 2:00 PM for children 9 and under. 2,400 eggs, donated by Alan Young will be filled with money or candy. Come and celebrate the season at these community events.
MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE
Are you getting ready to spruce up your yard or garden this spring? On Saturday, April 18, the Clinton County Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale. This group, which is part of the University of Illinois Extension program, helps local residents become more knowledgeable in all aspects of horticulture. This plant sale will feature mostly perennials and will be held at the east pavilion at Breese City Park from 8:00 AM until noon on Saturday, April 18. If you have questions or want to donate plants, call Chris Hemken at 588-7249.
