Dumping still an issue at local cemetery

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March 9, 2013

Dumping still an issue at local cemetery

Latasha Everson CNHI The Tifton Gazette Sat Mar 09, 2013, 08:04 PM EST

TIFTON — Since the recent complaint from local citizens concerning the dumping of garbage and furniture at Greenwood Cemetery last month, more trash and tires have been dumped on the property.

Local men Charles Howard and Andrew Wright Sr. with the Greenwood Cemetery property committee told The Tifton Gazette in February that they were concerned that the cemetery would eventually become a dump site. And with the recent overwhelming amount of trash that has been dumped there, it seems it’s becoming just that.

Greenwood Cemetery, located near J.T. Reddick Elementary School on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, has been a controversial issue for years and the upkeep of the property has been under the legislation of the community.

Howard and Wright discovered in February a loveseat, sofa, television, broom, tires and other items thrown in the back area of the cemetery.

Tift County Commissioner Donnie Hester, who’s also a volunteer on the Greenwood Cemetery property committee, said the recent dumping had to have occurred last Saturday night or Sunday night. He said 27 tires were found, including a dead dog. He said he feels this is being done intentionally.

There are rumors the Tift County recycling drop-off site on South Central may close its dump site. The site is still available to the public free of charge. Citizens can drop off household items but not tires and roofing shingles.

Hester and Tift County Commissioner Melissa Chevers told The Gazette last month, “The city and county are working together trying to come up with the best solution to fit all citizens.”

Carl Fortson with Tift County Code Enforcement, who is the director of Tift County Development Support Services, provided some information on illegal dumping in February by saying, “It’s illegal to dump anywhere.”

He noted yard debris can be taken to the local inert landfill on Armour Road, off Highway 82 East. There is no curbside pickup outside the city limits. His advice to citizens if they see someone illegally dumping garbage and other items in the county, contact Tift County Code Enforcement at 386-7991. For the city, contact Tifton Code Enforcement at 391-3950.

He said word-of-mouth is the best way they can check into the situation. He also said getting the person’s tag number, if possible, will help.

A “No Dumping” sign has recently been put up at the cemetery.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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Dumping still an issue at local cemetery

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