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They were "falling into the new" in Giles County today—literally It was all part of a massive cleanup effort on the New River.
Two teams totaling 200 volunteers set out to clean 10 miles of the river. Kyle Higginbotham is a Boy Scout and took part in the event. “As as Boy Scout, it makes me feel good since you're helping out the environment and making the scenery a lot better for other people,” he said.
Officer Troy Phillips of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, took us along as participants pulled tires and all other kinds of stuff from the river. We ran into some divers who pulled some debris from the river and put it in our boat for disposal.
Sgt. Charlie Mullins of the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries was pleased to take part in the project. “What a success. We have over 200 volunteers—three generations of people-- and just clearly making a difference on our river. It's not nearly polluted as it once was,” he said.
Sheriff Morgan Millirons of Giles County echoed those sentiments. “The New River is very important to the citizens of Giles County. It promotes tourism in the county. Thousands of people come here every year,” he said.
Even inmates took part in the cleanup and they showed us all the garbage they found. “I think it's excellent. I think it's a very good thing for the New River Valley and for the river,” said Mike Perdue, an inmate.
Ann Goetty of “ReNew” said she thinks of the river the same as some people would think of a family member. “Because at least in this part of the country it's, I think, our greatest gift. It's something we want to hand to our children and grandchildren,” she said
The group “ReNew” is serious about protecting the New River. In fact, members of the group have been actively trying to convince lawmakers to make penalties for littering more enforceable. A similar cleanup project will take place in the spring.
The group ReNew also presented Sheriff Morgan Millirons with the Lawman of the year award.