Over 200 volunteers turn out for annual Laurel Lake cleanup

Laurel County regained the Cleanup Cup from Whitley County, turning out more volunteers, but it was Laurel Lake and the local environment that were the big winners in the 26^th annual Laurel Lake Cleanup Saturday.

More than 200 volunteers turned out at the spillway and at the boat ramp on Ky. 312 in the annual effort, removing more than 6,000 pounds of trash and debris from around the lake.

After holding onto the cup for a year and breaking an 11-year winning streak by Laurel County, Whitley County officials were forced to surrender it as Laurel County turned out 11 more volunteers at the pickup.

A total of 203 volunteers turned out, including 97 from Laurel County, 86, from Whitley County and 20 from other counties including Boone, Clay and Jessimine.

Though he was forced to return the cup, Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr., was all smiles about the results.

“We just appreciate everyone that did turn out,” White said.

Officials said the number of volunteers was down significantly, citing other activities as well as the excellent weather.

However, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, who included the JROTC cadets from Corbin and Whitley County High schools, was not lacking.

Betty McDaniel brought her husband, grand daughters and one of their friends to the cleanup.

“I have been coming since it started,” McDaniel said. “I take pride in my community.”

McDaniel said she makes it a point to participate in order to set a good example for the next generation.

“I want them to understand how important it is to take care of our community and our environment,” McDaniel said.

In addition to competing for door prizes, volunteers were invited to keep and register some of their more unique finds in the “Catch of the Day” contest.

Entries this year included, a color television set, the remains of a bicycle wheel, a squirt gun, a mannequin torso that was used for target practice and a 5 gallon water seal can, also riddled with bullet holes.

The winning item turned in by the one the Grove Marina employees that volunteered was the remains of a Barbie doll.

“She had sticks and other lake debris sticking out of here head where her hair should have been,” said Amber Owens, one of the event organizers.

Anyone interested in helping the area and the environment will have another opportunity on May 17.

The annual Cumberland Falls Cleanup will take place beginning at 9 a.m.

Volunteers may sign up beginning at 8 a.m. at the falls viewing area off of Ky. 92.