FROM ADA ICON - Residents of McGuffey and students at Upper Scioto Valley High School High School kick started the clean-up of their village Friday by working from 9 to 4 cleaning up trash along the railroad bed that runs through McGuffey.

Thanks to football coach Dustin Price and other school faculty over 40 students showed up to help according to village council member Richard Spradlin.

Spradlin shared how they worked hard all day and filled the biggest dumpster that was available.

“We pulled out everything imaginable, even a couple kitchen sinks. It’s been a challenge keeping the abandoned railroad bed clean over the years, but hopefully we can keep it clean now. It’s a beautiful walking trail that needs to be maintained. We are hoping people will use it now and keep it looking good,” he said.

The trail is a hidden gem for McGuffey and anyone who enjoys nature. You can walk from McGuffey to the Scioto River and beyond.

It is the hope of the village that in the future McGuffey can work with CSX to make better use of this abandoned railroad bed as it does in Marion County to the east as it is paved.

Also, villages to the west use it for their parks and bicycle and walking trails.

“The goal for now is to keep it clean. So, come and walk it sometime. You will be surprised,” said Marianna Watts.

Organizers of the cleanup  thanked  Jimmie Lee Lightner for contacting Fall & Son to assist in the project.

“We sincerely appreciate Joey for his generous donation to help our cause,” Watts said. “He paid for the dumpster as well as the landfill cost. He went above and beyond anything we expected.”

Spradlin added:  “This is a special year for McGuffey and future events are in the planning stage. We are meeting regularly to discuss this summer‘s activities.”

The next meeting is sat 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 3, at The McGuffey Freewill Baptist Church. Interested persons are invited to join group 567-295-9060.