Moses Lake cleans up

MOSES LAKE - A group of onlookers watched as a Lakeside Disposal volunteer compacted a couch cushion, cardboard and other various items found around Moses Lake Saturday morning.

Caitlin Ferry from Moses Lake Job Corps found herself unloading several vehicles as they pulled in with large loads of debris. "This is fun," she said smiling. Moments later she was seen making a disgusted face as she threw a load of garbage into the back of the Lakeside Disposal truck.

Hundreds turned out for the city-wide clean-up. The numbers were composed of various local businesses, families and even a girls softball team.

Vision 2020 Chairman Alan Heroux said he was very happy with the turnout, and a little surprised at the numbers because of other events that were taking place at the same time.

This year's clean-up was larger than past years, said Heroux. "There was a lot more garbage on the roads. We didn't cover as many areas, but we picked up a lot more garbage."

Certain areas around the city had a larger concentration and required more attention than others. "Stratford Road was a disaster," said Heroux.

The area surrounding Fairchild Cinema was the focus of around 60 Moses Lake Job Corps volunteers. "Everything has blown into the weeds in that direction," said Heroux. "Job Corps did a great job picking that up."

Genie Industries received the "Traveling trash can" award. "They by far picked up more trash than anyone," said Heroux. The event helped pick up around 50 to 60 yards of loose trash, said Heroux.

The event came to a close with a barbecue at McCosh Park provided by Michael's On The Lake. Volunteers ate hamburgers and hot dogs while reminiscing about the day's work.

"My favorite part was probably picking up beer bottles," smiled a young Taya Merrell. "We picked up a lot, but I don't know how many."