First Cleanup Day since the pandemic held in Newport

Newport, Arkansas – At Lockwood Park, the city of Newport organized a day of community cleanup.

The city of Newport only offered three days’ notice, according to Newport Mayor Derrick Ratliffe and Cherry Johnson, chair of the Newport City Beautiful Committee, yet the community showed up in droves because of social media.

“I personally am stunned. I have a picture of the parking lot this morning before we all dispersed, and I just can’t believe the young people that got out,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, the city used to perform cleanups on a regular basis, but the pandemic stopped that.

She claimed that as the city grew, it was important to maintain its cleanliness.

“We need to clean up this area, especially because Highway 367 runs right through the heart of Newport and we need to make our community more presentable to those that travel through,” she said.

In spite of the short notice, the city was pleased with the community’s response. Later this month, both leaders added, they’ll hold another cleanup day.