District expands recycling promotions

Jay County Solid Waste Management District is continuing to make efforts to reach out to the community in order to encourage recycling.

The district’s board on Tuesday made plans regarding its sponsorship of one of the Stars in the Park talent competition quarterfinals and other upcoming events.

The board will sponsor the June 21 Stars in the Park quarterfinal at Hudson Family Park. It will have an informational booth and recycling containers set up, and will make a brief presentation before the competition. Attendees who bring household batteries to the event for recycling will receive discounted admission.

This summer, the district will participate in the Glass Days, Pennville Legion-Lions Fair and Fourth of July parades. And district educator Bettie Jacobs will visit summer camps and local libraries to present educational programs.

Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman, who also serves as district president, offered his thanks on behalf of the city for help with its recent clean-up week.

The district provided a recycling trailer for tires, with the city collecting more than 500.

In other business, board members Chuck Huffman, Mike Leonhard, Barry Hudson, Bill Gibson, Bob Vance and Geesaman, absent Gene Ritter:

•Was encouraged by Geesaman to look at applying for a grant for a recycling-related program through Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The deadline to apply is June 22.

•Agreed to sponsor a hole for the Jay County Special Olympics Golf Outing at a cost of $100.

•Discussed investing another $100,000 into a certificate of deposit. The board initially invested $100,000 in January, and plans to review quotes for another CD at its June meeting.

•Heard the initial 2019 budget will be ready for review at the June meeting.

•Paid claims totaling $27,053.36. The district brought in $20,517.81 in tipping fees of 11,842.89 tons dumped at Jay County Landfill in April. The district’s total balance, including investments, is $415,886.93.