Pettis County Commission Launches Two Initiatives
The Pettis County Commission recently announced two important initiatives aimed at enhancing the beauty and cleanliness of Pettis County.
These initiatives represent a collaborative effort between the Pettis County Commission, the Road & Bridge Department, and the Smithton R-6 School District.
Eastern Commissioner Israel Baeza who spearheaded the initiatives, stood alongside several distinguished individuals who were instrumental in these efforts, including Smithton R-VI School District Superintendent David Bray, Smithton High School Principal Patrick Treece, Road & Bridge Superintendent James Hill, Western Commissioner Jim Marcum, and members of the Smithton High School Science Club.
The 'Keep Pettis County Beautiful' initiative takes center stage as illegal dumping has been a persistent issue in Pettis County, tarnishing its landscapes and threatening its infrastructure. In his remarks, Commissioner Baeza addressed those in attendance and highlighted his administrations goals through these programs. “Through these initiatives, the county is taking proactive steps to address our illegal dumping problem. By educating the youth about the consequences of illegal dumping and empowering them to act, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the younger generation”.
One of the key components of this initiative is the Adopt-A-Road program. Commissioner Baeza explained “I'm proud to announce that the Smithton High School Science Club is leading the way by example as the first organization to Adopt-A-Road through our program. They have set the goal of cleaning a portion of Rattlesnake Hill Road 2-3 times a year. Their commitment sets a commendable standard for community involvement.”
Secondly, he discussed the 'Litter Free School Zone' initiative. “While our schools are educational institutions; they should also be beacons of cleanliness and pride within our communities. Through this initiative, we are fostering a culture of cleanliness and responsibility among our students. By creating litter-free environments within our schools, were not only improving the quality of our educational spaces but also cultivate a sense of local pride and ownership. The Smithton School District is leading the charge as the first district to participate in this initiative, demonstrating their dedication to creating civic minded and community centered students and staff.” Commissioner Baeza stated.
Following Commissioner Baeza’s remarks, Pettis County Road & Bridge Superintendent James Hill spoke about the importance of bringing awareness of this issue to the public and thanked the Commission for championing these programs. “When the community understand the importance of not littering, it directly impacts the workload and resources needed for road maintenance. Less litter means less time and money spent cleaning up debris, allowing us to focus on other crucial infrastructure needs.”
Commissioner Marcum spoke about the issues he hears from constituents on westside and showed his support for work being done by Smithton students “We have such a hard time on the western side with the landfill trucks blowing trash into our roads. It’s a terrible thing to see when we have such beautiful country as we have around here. With this initiative it’s safe to say we are ready to talk trash anytime”
Smithton R-6 School District Superintendent David Bray expressed his enthusiasm in this partnership by expressing “When Commissioner Baeza approached me about three months ago about starting this initiative in Smithton, I knew that with the pride our students have and our community, that we would not have any problem finding a group that would step forward. We are proud to be a flagship for this initiative”. Lastly Smithton High School Principal Patrick Treece concluded the remarks portion sharing his excitement for the long-term impact of these initiatives “partnerships like these are vital, in ensuring our future is secure, getting our youth involved, and the appreciation for what beautiful country we have in this county. Smithton is very proud to support this initiative and be a part of this”
Together, these initiatives represent a multi-faceted approach to addressing the issue of littering and illegal dumping in Pettis County. Commissioner Baeza concluded “while we are launching these initiatives here in Smithton, our goal is to encourage more organizations to join our efforts and engage all the schools throughout Pettis County. By combining education, community engagement, and practical clean-up efforts, we seek to foster a culture of pride in preserving Pettis County Beautiful for generations to come.”
To Adopt-A-Road: Visit the Road and Bridge Department at 1511 N Ohio Ave, Sedalia, MO
or apply online at www.pettiscomo.com (under the Road Department tab) or by call the Road & Bridge Department at 660-286-7187.
For more information, please contact the office of the Pettis County Commission at
826-5000 Ext. 406 or email baezai@pettiscomo.com.
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