Putnamville crew cleans Indiana roadsides

Thursday, April 26, 2012

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF) has collected 1,121 bags of trash from Indiana roadsides this month during the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) annual "Trash Bash."

Over a 10-day period April 10-19, Putnamville Sgt. Robert Evans, Officer Ryan Nicholson and four to six offenders assigned to the local facility's outside work crew walked 27.5 miles picking up trash and debris in Putnam County.

They started at U.S. 231 and Interstate 70, continued east to the Little Point exit of I-70, then headed west to U.S. 231 and I-70, and on to State Road 243, ending at the 33.5-mile marker on I-70 west.

"You'd be surprised what people throw along roads," Evans emphasized. "We picked up tires, tire rims, bumpers ... a little bit of everything. It was very rewarding seeing an area that was filled with trash (become) clean because of our efforts."

PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight applauded the effort.

"We strive to instill a sense of pride and responsibility of community in the offenders," Knight said. "What better way to afford them that opportunity than to assist in the beautification of our roadways."

As summer approaches, Indiana will see an increase in travel along interstates like I-70. The Indiana Department of Correction is committed to aiding INDOT in maintaining litter-free roadways that can be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike as they travel through Indiana.

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