The area is looking a lot neater than it used to thanks to a focus on cleaning up the area with events like Portsmouth Cleanup Day.
County Commissioner Bryan Davis thinks some credit should go to inmates on work release and folks on probation performing community service.
The improvement is especially noticeable in the winter. “Usually this time of year is when we notice the worst trash,” Davis said at Tuesday’s County Commissioners Meeting. “Because the foliage has disappeared and a lot of the weeds and stuff has died down.”
However, he said it’s no time to get complacent. Instead, the area should redouble its efforts and really stay after the problem. “There are plenty of places that are really bad, too. Unfortunately, we have individuals dumping furniture on the sides of the road. It’s a real eyesore.” And also a challenge for the county to keep up with. He said inmates participating in Scioto County’s work release program have been a big help.
“I don’t think there’s been any issues. They like to get out and work. It’s better than staring at some walls and bars all day long.”
Davis said everyone benefits from programs like this. “I think it’s better for the community that we get people out there working to work off their sentences. We’re seeing some of that with our probation as well. They’re getting out there and doing community service.
He says that’s what taxpayers want. “They want something put back into the system to help offset those costs…”
Commissioner Cathy Coleman agreed. “I can see just from walking around the courthouse and them working here there’s been some major improvements in the cleanliness of the building.” She said the workers were very polite. “I think it’s working great.”