Storey cleanup effort looking for volunteers

Storey County residents can pitch in to help clean up their communities by joining "Clean Sweep," a program designed to clean up unsightly areas.

Lorraine Du Fresne, Storey County clerk-treasurer, said the program is being started in conjunction with Free Dump Days, times when county residents can take junk and other debris to the county dump at no cost.

The county is looking for volunteers to join the cleanup and build pride in their communities, as well as help their neighbors.

Storey County Fire Chief Gary Hames said the firefighters union and sheriff's department union have agreed to help.

"Mostly we are focusing on the elderly or people who don't have the means to haul things away," he said. "If people need help hauling things like tires, batteries, car parts, other debris, we'll get it hauled to the driveway."

After that, he said, workers from the Public Works Department will bring a vehicle and take the items to the dump.

Du Fresne said the Clean Sweep program will last through Free Dump Days, when county residents can take debris to the dump for free.

For Virginia City and Gold Hill residents are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and May 16, 18 and 19.

Virginia City Highlands residents can haul debris to the drop boxes at the Virginia City Highlands fire station on the same dates.

Tree limbs, grass or sagebrush clippings should be dumped to the east of the fire station.

For Mark Twain residents, Free Dump Days will coincide with Dayton's, where debris can be hauled during the month of June to the Dayton Transfer Station. Residents will have to show a driver's licenses or proof of residency.

Lockwood, Painted Rock and Rainbow Bend residents can haul debris to the Lockwood Landfill for free Monday through Sunday and May 14-20.

Regular household garbage and hazardous materials of any kind are not included in Free Dump Days.

Du Fresne said joining Clean Sweep is designed to raise and maintain the quality of life in the community and may even increase property values.

To participate, contact the Storey County Clerk-Treasurer's Office at (775) 847-0969 or e-mail vdixon@storeycounty.org.

For hauling assistance, call Storey County Fire Chief Gary Hames at 847-0954.

Free dump days

Virginia City/Gold Hill residents: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and May 16, 18 and 19 to the Virginia City Transfer Station.

Virginia City Highlands residents: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and May 16, 18 and 19 to the Virginia City Transfer Station or drop boxes at the Virginia City Highlands Fire Station.

Mark Twain residents: Month of June to the Dayton Transfer Station.

Lockwood, Painted Rock and Rainbow Bend residents: Monday through Sunday and May 14-20 to the Lockwood Landfill.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.