Over the years, North Carrollton has teamed up with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to have a litter awareness program. The program back in 2023 took place on the steps outside Marshall Elementary School Gymnasium. Here at the elementary school in my hometown, the very school my mother, Vallie Strachan worked for almost 30 years before retirement, I remember through the years how much she enjoyed preparing children for the future. It’s important for officials of municipalities and counties to be involved in the schools.
As we will begin the new 2025-2029 municipal term next month on July 1 it is in the works to have more programs here with MDOT and also Keep Mississippi Beautiful.
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. The presentation from MDOT was "Myrtle the Turtle: Don't Trash Mississippi" this is part of where MDOT offers educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of litter. Through these efforts MDOT, provided workbooks, stickers, and other accessories. When we partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful in the past KMB provided trash bags for our cleanup day along with posters with the KMB logo and we inserted Town of North Carrollton. These types of programs benefits the students, and through these educational opportunities raises awareness to adults as well. Keeping a clean litter free environment for all to enjoy is a group effort.
It’s rewarding making a difference in our community and state better for everyone. Over the years we appreciate our programs with MDOT and Keep Mississippi Beautiful and them working with us, and look forward to more of these efforts in the future as the 2025-2029 municipal term is on the horizon.
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.
