Boo River Sweep a success

  • The county Fire and Rescue team focused on cleaning up a local lake in Butler, removing large items that includes a wooden boat ramp, canoe and jon boat that had been in the lake since 1989.
    The county Fire and Rescue team focused on cleaning up a local lake in Butler, removing large items that includes a wooden boat ramp, canoe and jon boat that had been in the lake since 1989.
  • Alison Moore, left, daughter Ava Moore and son Wyatt Moore clean along a roadway in Butler, with Patrick Clore in the background, during the First Annual Boo Project River Sweep and Roadside Cleanup. Photo by Mason Taylor.
    Alison Moore, left, daughter Ava Moore and son Wyatt Moore clean along a roadway in Butler, with Patrick Clore in the background, during the First Annual Boo Project River Sweep and Roadside Cleanup. Photo by Mason Taylor.
  • Tires collected from roadways and pulled from the river are stacked for recycling. Collected Saturday were 36 passenger tires, plus three on rims, four semi tires, 1,000 pounds of scrap metal, 1,250 pounds of mixed recycling, plus 1,250 pounds trash for the landfill.
    Tires collected from roadways and pulled from the river are stacked for recycling. Collected Saturday were 36 passenger tires, plus three on rims, four semi tires, 1,000 pounds of scrap metal, 1,250 pounds of mixed recycling, plus 1,250 pounds trash for the landfill.

    By Tami Vater

    County Tourism

     

    BUTLER—The inaugural Boo Project River Sweep and Roadside Cleanup made a powerful impact this past Saturday, drawing more than 100 volunteers to the streets, creek beds and roadsides surrounding Butler.

    Organized as part of a larger initiative to honor the legacy of Robert “Boo” Singleton, the event brought together local residents, civic groups, small groups and families for a day of environmental stewardship and community pride.

    Volunteers collected bags of trash, removed debris from local creek beds, and participated in roadside cleanup efforts throughout the area.

    All collected materials were sorted, and organizers estimate that more than half of the items gathered were recyclable — significantly reducing the amount of waste heading to the landfill.

    In addition, even the food containers, utensils and other event-related items were recycled.

    “The turnout exceeded all expectations,” organizers said. “It’s clear that the spirit of Boo Singleton lives on through the people of Pendleton County.”

    The River Sweep is part of The Boo Project, which includes plans to build a walking path, outdoor educational classroom, and public boat ramp at Butler Community Park—transforming the space into a destination for recreation, learning, and reflection.

    Organizers expressed their gratitude to all who donated their time and energy and look forward to building on this momentum for future events.

    They offered special thanks to Harrison Memorial Hospital, Pendleton County 109 Board, Pendleton County Cooperative Extension, Butler Lions Club, Pendleton County Fiscal Court, Solid Waste and Economic and Tourism Development, the City of Butler, Three Rivers Health District, Trinity Baptist Church, Resource Mobility and so many others who helped make this day a success.