City crews clearing the way

SOAP LAKE - The first phase of the Soap Lake cleanup effort begins Monday in the alleyways.

Mayor Wayne Hovde said the city work crews are removing debris and junk from the alleys. Citizens received notification with their utility bills, he added.

Items left in the city right-of-way within the alleys will be deemed unwanted and thrown away, Hovde said. He said people need to remove anything of value because it could be hauled away.

The purpose for the clean up is due to the difficulty city crews have while trying to drive through the alleys while dodging junk, abandoned vehicles, vehicle parts and broken glass.

He said the employees will make an attempt to contact the possible owner if there is something left in the alley and appears to be of significant value, but there are no guarantees.

"If it's in the alley, it's fair game and it might be gone," Hovde said.

The next cleanup phase involves removing abandoned vehicles throughout the city. The third phase concerns cleaning private lots.