Lori Reid dumps her newspapers and cardboard boxes into one of two new recycling bins at the Morgantown Convenience Center in Dayton, Tenn. Photo by Kimberly McMillian

DAYTON, Tenn. - Officials are offering residents who live east of U.S. Highway 27 in Dayton assistance to help keep the area cleaner, City Manager Frank Welch said.

"It's a pilot program," Welch said about the planned delivery of nearly 500 recycling bins to residential areas off state Highway 60 up U.S. 27.

He said the bins are to encourage residents to recycle nonfood items such as plastic, paper and cardboard.

Earlier this year two containers were put out, one in Evensville, Tenn., and one in the Frazier community off state Highway 30. Rhea County Executive George Thacker had said the bins would deter landfill overflow and could contribute up to $300,000 in annual revenue to the county.

Christine Ralph, with the Rhea County United Way, said she has used the Morgantown Convenience Center's recyclables containers.

"It's great ... less trash now," she said.

At the recent Rhea Economic and Tourism Council meeting, Bill Pryor with the tourism committee passed out copies of the Rhea County Revealed magazine published by the Dayton Herald-News.

"We're proud of it," Pryor said, adding officials think it's good information for tourists. The committee will distribute copies to the Dayton Chamber and area hotels, he said.

Executive Director John Payne, with the economic and tourism council, said the county has gotten the state's Three-Star program approval and will receive a reimbursement grant of $15,000.

He said a portion of that will help pay for marketing campaigns for MainStreet Dayton and the cities of Graysville and Spring City, Tenn. The remainder of the money will cover the costs for workshops, website updates and webinars, he said.

Payne said officials are developing Retire TN brochures, and that their focus incorporates community livability and recruitment of retirees.

He also encouraged all city and county leaders to participate in a Tennessee Valley Authority economic workshop Monday to review best practices and ways for uniting in their efforts.

Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.