ELKHART —
The City of Elkhart has recently joined the affiliate program Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB), a statewide community improvement organization that opens the doors for grants and supports beautification projects in the city.
As one of the program’s more that 360 cities and county affiliates, Keep Elkhart Beautiful now joins the mission “to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment.”
“We first heard about the program over a year ago at an e-waste recycling event we held,” Elkhart City Secretary and KEB Director Donna Surber said Wednesday. “We began the application process and were recently notified about our acceptance.”
Surber reports that, as part of the application process, city officials were required to write bylaws and appoint board members and more.
“It was a lot of work,” she said. “But we are excited. We recently got our new signs that will be posted on the city limit signs on U.S. 287.”
KTB helps Texas communities organize volunteers and implement cleanup and educational programs that address their three focus areas of litter prevention, beautification and waste reduction.
Affiliate requirements include establishing and maintaining a local citizen based organization, participating in one litter prevention, beautification, waste reduction or community improvement program annually, attending an annual training session, and submitting an annual report.
“The program will allow us to get grants to improve our city,” Surber said. “It also helps us in educating the community on litter prevention and recycling.”
One of the city’s first projects is the cleanup and founding of a city park. Another e-waste recycling event for all county residents has also been scheduled for April.
“We want to try to do two recycling events per year and hope to get the schools involved in litter and recycling education programs,” Surber said. “In the future we hope to host an annual festival, and hope that being part of this program will help us being some attention to Elkhart.”
KTB, a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, sponsors and coordinates education and cleanup programs such as the Great American Cleanup and the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation.
KTB provides its affiliates with free promotional materials, volunteer souvenirs, program training, and additional resources to implement activities in the community — making it a cleaner, more beautiful place to live.
Other KTB programs include Waste In Place, a youth program that emphasizes responsible solid waste handling; three distinct awards programs that recognize the contributions of youth, individuals, businesses and communities; and an extensive training program that covers a range of topics pertaining to local initiatives and programs.
“We are excited,” Surber said again. “It is going to be a lot of work and we will need a lot of volunteers to get things done.”
For information on upcoming events and how to get involved, contact Donna Surber at 903-764-5657. Erroll Tatum is the KEB program president.
For more information on how to help keep Texas beautiful in your community, call 1-800-CLEAN-TX or visit www.ktb.org.
Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com
Local News
City of Elkhart named Keep Texas Beautiful affiliate
- Local News
-
-
West Nile case confirmed in Anderson County
The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile illness of the season — occurring in Anderson County — on Friday, and is urging residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the mosquito-borne illness.
-
County judge honored for education efforts
Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has been honored by the Texas Judicial Academy for going the extra mile to be prepared to handle his duties as county judge.
-
Salute to Armed Forces event re-invented
The Texas State Railroad’s 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event Saturday at the Palestine Depot has been re-invented this year on Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to all branches and all eras of the U.S. military service through its 15th Annual Salute to the Armed Forces event.
-
Police investigating robbery
Palestine Police are continuing to investigate the armed robbery of a local convenience store involving multiple suspects that occurred late Tuesday evening.
-
Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
A boil water notice has been issued for City of Elkhart residents. It reads as follows:
Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
-
Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
-
Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
-
Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
Steps of Faith Dance Center will hold its annual production at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
Chamber sets photo contest
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking shutterbugs to participate in its second annual photo contest — portraying structures, landmarks and memorable locations in the Palestine/Anderson County area.
- More Local News Headlines
-
West Nile case confirmed in Anderson County
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
