Locals express concern over trash on 7th Street stairs

Since Mike Tolson’s return to Pawhuska a little over a year ago, he has become a strong volunteer advocate for beautifying the City.

At last Monday’s City Council meeting, Tolson brought up his concerns about the litter defacing the 7th Street stairs leading from Kihekah up to Grandview.

Citizens for Pawhuska Cleanup Co-Chair Jenna Hague reinforced Tolson’s concerns when she said, “Several years ago I used to run up and down the 7th Street Stairs. The litter on the steps was so bad I decided to leave a broom at the top and bottom entrances with a note that said ‘Sweep me on your way up or sweep me on your way down.’ I did this twice and then my brooms disappeared.”

In asking if the city had any authority to enforce littering on the 7th Street stairs by virtue of an easement, Tolson said, “Volunteers gather the first of each month to clean areas all over town. Steve Easley and I have worked on the 7th Street stairs and were happy to do it. But, it didn’t take very long for the cigarette butts at the top of the stairs to accumulate to the point it was very unsightly. It really looks bad. As we know, quite a few visitors to Pawhuska come to enjoy the stairs, bird watch, rest, and take pictures. We say a lot about our community when we allow it to look as trashy.”

City Attorney Jesse Worten interjected, “If we were going to consider non-smoking areas, we should consider it for all city properties.”

Following additional comments, Worten recommended putting Tolson’s concerns on the agenda for the next City Council meeting on Oct. 21.