Group Helps to Clean Up Bradford

About 30 people showed up to help pick up the streets around Bradford on Saturday, including Mayor Tom Riel, and City Police Chief Mike Close.

The event was organized by Josh Hatcher from Open Arms Community Church. "We really wanted to invite the community to come out and help out. This isn't just an Open Arms thing."

In fact, while a lot of people picking up trash were from Open Arms, several people from Grace Lutheran, and even a few from the community came to help out.

"I've had a lot of people thank me for putting this together. To be honest, it's not about that. I just thought that cleaning it up is better than complaining about it, and we worked together to make that happen," said Hatcher.

The group filled a dumpster that the Department of Public Works had provided within an hour, and continued to gather trash along Maplewood, Jackson Avenue, Bedford Street, and others.

"Our hope is that we can continue to keep these clean-up efforts going," said Hatcher, who referenced the May 2nd cleanup on Main Street and in the Project Pride Area. "I think that the Main Street and Project Pride programs are doing a great job, and I'd love to see the community come out and support these clean up efforts."

Hatcher also gives credit to Mayor Tom Riel for a lot of the effort in last weekend's clean up. "He really helped with a lot of the organization and planning, and he also spent all morning knee deep in Bradford's trash. Not many mayors across this country would do that kind of thing," said Hatcher.

Hatcher said that they are hoping other citizens in the community are willing to help continue the clean up efforts "I know that there are a few people that want to do it this coming Saturday as well," said Hatcher. Anyone willing to help clean up trash can meet again in the Grace Lutheran Parking Lot at 9AM Saturday Morning.