MAYOR ACCEPTS PLAQUE: Mayor Craig “Bob” Hensgens, center, accepts the First Place Award for District Cleanest City from the La. Federation of Garden Clubs, from left, Kathy Tell of Lake Charles, State Chairman Jean Gilstrap, Mayor Hensgens; Laura Broussard of Baton Rouge, and Kathy Bedenbaugh of Hammond.
It is hoped by the example of this contest they can accomplish this goal. The contest is over 50 years old.
Louisiana was the first state, and is still the only one to have such a contest.
As part of the contest, volunteer judges visit participating cities and rate them on cleanliness. Cities are categories by population.
There are eight districts, and 24 cities won their respective categories.
This contest isn’t the only response to Louisiana’s litter problem. Many cities have begun “Trash Bash” days with great results. The community to these events has been exceptional; but, communities cannot do this alone. Louisiana needs stricter enforcement of our litter laws.
In the past this has not been a high priority. Louisiana’s litter problem became glaringly apparent recently when we lost several new businesses due to litter. With national awareness to keeping our environment green it is hoped our litter problem will not longer be a problem. It was an honor to be here, in Gueydan and have you participate in the LGCF Cleanest City Contest.
We wish you good luck. The LGCF State Cleanest City Chairman is Jean Gilstrap. The judges were Kathy Bedenbaugh of Hammond, Laura Broussard from Baton Rouge, and Kathy Tell of Lake Charles.
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