Tamaqua high school student creates ‘tired’ of litter project

Litter is a big problem, especially when it involves large items like tires that usually have a fee associated with proper disposal.

Emily Barrett, a Tamaqua Area High School senior, and Schuylkill Township resident is taking part in a “TIREd of Litter” service project that aims at upcycling discarded tires that have been found and picked up by township road crews.

Barrett’s first attempt at a decorative item made from the tires is currently on display at the Schuylkill Township building.

Remember When Video sponsored the paint supplies to help Barrett create the cheerful snowman that greets visitors to the township building.

Colleen Barrett, the township secretary-treasurer and Barrett’s mother, said that more projects are planned and the project is seeking more sponsors to contribute paint, potting soil and flowers to create planters this spring.

Barrett said township road crews also have another pile of tires ready for upcycling.

In other business, supervisors have received a spotted lanternfly informational sign, including numbers to report sightings. It will be posted at the sport field complex in Mary D. Supervisors will look into obtaining another sign for the playground in Tuscarora.

The township received $67,839.62 in liquid fuels payment. Supervisors approved the purchase of 5 tons of patching material, and an additional 5 tons after that, if needed, to start working on patching potholes. It was noted that this winter has been particularly rough on roads and there are many areas in the township that will need extensive work when construction season starts.

There was a brief discussion regarding burn barrels, which have been outlawed in the township, and fire pits, which should only be used to burn wood, not paper or cardboard.

Supervisors held an executive session to discuss hiring a part-time police officer.