Bonner County Democrats turned out on Earth Day for a successful highway cleanup event, the first of two yearly cleanup efforts. The group has maintained a one-mile stretch of U.S. 95 in Sagle since 2006. This year, the spring cleanup attracted nearly two dozen volunteers, an increase over previous years.

“Thanks to all the local Democrats who generously donated a part of their Saturday to help make this happen," organizer Cheryl McKee said. "We filled 35 bags this year, and it was very impressive to see all the orange driving back up 95.”

McKee said the weather was good for the event, and after a brief safety and organization meeting, volunteers broke into groups to spread out over both sides of the highway to fill ITD-provided trash bags for collection. Volunteers collected cigarette butts, broken glass, plastic, metal, and a variety of other debris from the shoulder as well as the bike path on the east side of the highway.

“I’m so glad to see members of our community come out to help maintain it,” Linda Larson, Bonner County Democrats chairperson, said. “That’s what we’re all about, really: community. This is our home, we love living here, and we want to do our part to help take care of it.”

The group intends to continue to maintain this stretch of the highway and is planning a second community cleanup event at City Beach in July.