Ronan volunteers help clean up their town

A group of dedicated volunteers scoured the city of Ronan May 14 to clean up debris and trash.

Kathleen Cheff, of Valley Bank in Ronan, strolled along the grassy, winding path at Ronan City Park collecting bits and pieces of trash.

“I just wanted to pitch in, Cheff said. “And the kids get to play in the park at the same time.”

Cheff was one of several volunteers who participated in the annual event.

Ronan Chamber of Commerce Board Members Brandy Chisholm, Brennin Grainy and his eight-year-old daughter Vivian Grainy, and Jamie Buhr stood at a table stacked with donuts, coffee, trash bags and gloves.

The board members, all of whom have volunteered for several years in a row, helped the efforts from the front table while additional volunteers wandered up to the starting point.

Ronan residents Willard and Julie Moore walk Ronan City Park every day, escorting their dogs through the beautiful scenery around them. Participating in the clean up was an easy decision.

The Moore’s said they are working in and along the stream that runs through the park and under several roads. Their finds were interesting.

“We find and pick up stuff all the time,” Julie Moore said.  

But during the May 14 clean up, the Moores found blue jeans, a back pack, a child’s arrow toy and a collection of common trash. 

As Willard Moore threw his trash over the edge of the Ronan debris dumpster donated by a private party, city employee, Dan Miller rolled up in his giant yellow front loader full of trash.

Miller’s job for the day was to travel around to the residents who called and scheduled a free home pick up of trash and debris.

Miller made more than half a dozen trips full of trash during the clean up. 

Marie Cheff, 5, walked up to the dumpster with her mother, Kathleen Cheff. Marie said she had fun during the clean up with mom. She played on the park toys, wandered around with mom and helped her clean up the park.