News : River R.A.T.S. continue tradition; find unique trash (and a few treasures)

Matt Purdy and Jay Lash arrive with some trash and a barrel they found in the river.

Among the items piled in the back of the flatbed truck at Benton City Park by noon on Saturday were things traditionally associated with cleaning, although they were removed as trash along the Cedar River bed.

A package of baby wipes, stained and muddy on the outside, but with the contents inside still pristine white and fresh-smelling. A shovel. Even a sign announcing the need for a sanitation worker, and a trash barrel, were among the items the volunteers removed.

Those ironic items were among several that the group of 50 volunteers found as they slowly headed downstream.

The group met at the boat ramp near Riverside Park in Vinton at 9 a.m. In several motorboats, a few canoes, and even one Jet Ski, the volunteers slowly headed south, stopping to remove whatever items they could lift.

"This is an awesome turnout," said organizer Tami Stark.

Benton County Conservation personnel were among the volunteers. Conservation Director Matt Purdy said that while many other counties have similar river-cleaning efforts, the Vinton one is unique in that it's volunteer-led.

The group enjoyed lunch at Benton City, then headed back into their vessels to finish the route which ended at Wildcat Bluff.

Metal the group found will be recycled. Some of the wood found will become craft projects. One man claimed a nearly brand new tire, saying he believed it would work on his truck.

As they have in years before, the volunteers also found the anchor-shaped styrofoam wreath covered with flowers that is lowered into the river each Memorial Day in honor of Navy sailors who died while serving our country.

See more photos HERE.