During the Pike County Treasury Court session on April 20, Pike County’s Judge Ray Jones stated that the county’s problem with illegal dumping is playing a role in the advancement of the county’s adventure tourism industry.

“All the talk, all the good intentions, all the money we spend won’t work as long as the people of this county tolerate rubbish and illegal dumping,” said Jones. “People are not going to come here and visit us, pay to stay here and drive the trails when they see rubbish and illegal dumps on the way.”

People won’t be coming to East Kentucky while we have problems with trash and illegal dumping, ”said Jones. “There is absolutely no reason for it and there is no excuse for it as we are collecting solid waste.”

Judge Jones explained how the solid waste police officers are tackling the problem.

“We hired a new waste officer a few weeks ago,” said Jones. “In 10 days he has issued 62 subpoenas and is preparing to do so. Think about it – 62 people an officer charged in about two weeks. “

Jones enacted a new law, sponsored by Senator Phillip Wheeler and signed by Governor Andy Beshear, to help counties fight and clean up illegal landfills.

“Well, the law says the county gets all of the money that is generated when one of our officials quotes someone. We get 100 percent of the fine back to help us clean up illegal dumps,” Jones said. “If it’s the sheriff’s office or the state police or some other agency writing the ticket, that agency gets 40 percent and the county gets 60 percent.

“We cannot and will not be able to handle adventure tourism. We will not be successful unless people care about Pike County and are proud of their community,” said Jones.

Jones asked Pike County’s attorney Kevin Keene to pick out some of the 62 cases and try them in court as an example.

“When someone spends 30 or 90 days in the Pike County Detention Center and that is a Class A offense that can be punished with up to two years in prison,” said Jones. “If we send a few people to jail for illegal dumping, people may have a change of heart.”

Jones urged people if they knew someone dumped illegally or sees it, take pictures and mail them in and that person will be prosecuted.

“Be ready to take a stand if you love Pike County,” said Jones. “The future is in our hands and what we make of it.”