send a message that we support them,” said Jones. “And when we do the next budget, we can look and see where our finances are and see if we can provide more support or maintain some level of support for the board.” The motion to appropriate the funds to the two organizations passed unanimously.

Pike County is taking proactive steps to invest in cleaning up the community and supporting organizations dedicated to environmental conservation.

In a recent Pike County Fiscal Court meeting, the court unanimously approved the appropriation of $5,000 to the Pike County PRIDE Clean Community Board and $5,000 to the Friends of the Tug Fork. The Pike County Clean Community Board had previously approached the court with a request for annual funding, as they had been operating solely on donations.

Pike Judge-Executive Ray Jones emphasized the importance of investing in programs that help keep the county clean, such as the Pike County PRIDE Clean Community Board and Friends of the Tug Fork. Jones believes that cleaning up the county is crucial for the development of tourism, as people are unlikely to visit a place filled with garbage. He expressed concern over the significant number of people who continue to litter, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to combat this issue.

Robert Helvey, a member of the Pike County PRIDE committee, shared the committee’s ambitions, including creating a partnership with the Breaks Interstate Park and county parks, as well as bringing environmental clean-up education to local school systems. Commissioner Clinard “Bubby” Adkins expressed his support for appropriating funds to the board, commending their work. Commissioner Ronald Scott also voiced his desire to see the county cleaned up and offered his assistance.

Jones recommended not only providing funds for the Pike County Clean Community Board but also for the Friends of the Tug Fork. While the allocated amount may not be substantial, Jones believes it can go a long way in showing support for these organizations. He also mentioned the possibility of increasing support in future budgets.

Overall, Pike County’s decision to appropriate funds for cleaning up the community demonstrates their commitment to environmental conservation and the development of a clean and welcoming image for Eastern Kentucky. By investing in these organizations and their initiatives, the county aims to tackle the ongoing issue of littering and promote a cleaner and healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.