Here in 2025 just like in the past, I have always thought that one of the best planning and economic policies should be keeping a town litter free. In 2021, 2022, and 2023 North Carrollton won first place for planning and economic development municipal excellence population under 10,000 for our efforts. Working hard with projects like street signs, decorative lamps, murals, and decorative fences makes a difference that leads to this statewide recognition. Keeping a community litter free is essential for these good works in making a difference. The inmates from the Carroll/Montgomery Correctional Facility have been a tremendous help with our litter efforts. Back in 2022 North Carrollton partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful with a litter cleanup day. It was a very effective partnership where KMB provided the bags, and flyers with the KMB logo and the town of North Carrollton information on them. I remember I placed these flyers throughout the town leading up to our cleanup day. I’m working on another one of these efforts in the Spring of 2025.
A few years ago, Marshall Elementary School and the town of North Carrollton teamed up with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to have a litter awareness program. The program took place on the steps outside Marshall Elementary School Gymnasium. The elementary school in my hometown is the very school my mother, Vallie Strachan, worked for almost 30 years before retirement. I have always known it’s important for municipal government to be involved with the schools.
While litter is a nationwide problem, not just limited to one town, county, or one state, it takes all of us, from all walks of life. Back to the presentation we had at Marshall Elementary a few years ago, the presentation from MDOT was "Myrtle the Turtle: Don't Trash Mississippi". This is where MDOT offers educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of litter. Through this effort MDOT provided workbooks, stickers, and other accessories. I have always encouraged involvement in the schools; it’s always encouraging when our local governments work with state agencies like MDOT and the schools. These types of programs benefit the students, and through these educational opportunities raise awareness to adults as well.
Keeping a clean litter free environment for all to enjoy is a group effort.
As we plan for more cleanup days in 2025, and with another litter program on the horizon, this helps make communities litter free with teamwork that makes a difference in making our community and state better for everyone. I look forward to more of these efforts in the future.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and serves on the MML education committee
