Thompson Falls to beautify town with help of community

THOMPSON FALLS – The town of Thompson Falls will be busy sprucing up lawns, picking up junk vehicle pickups and working on surrounding trails in an effort to beautify the town.

The 11th annual Beautification Days will take place Thursday, April 11 through Saturday, April 13.

According to director Rita Lundgren between 140 and 150 volunteers from throughout the city and the county, will hit the streets in an effort to spruce up the town. And that number does not include the countless elementary, junior high, and high school students who take part in the project.

“The goal is to improve the appearance of the Thompson Falls area, homes, businesses, properties, and parks,” said Lundgren.

Lundgren said the primary purpose is to help the elderly and disabled city residents in any beautification needs they might have – from raking to light pruning to removing debris.

Along with community help, some of the manpower will come from the alternative school programs in the county who will help on Thursday and Friday.

The volunteers will work on Wild Goose Landing, the rose garden and the rose line hedge, the community center among other areas of the town.

Blackfoot Communications will also be out on Thursday to do extensive pruning on the city trees.

“The city helps with providing city crews and equipment for us on Thursday and Friday,” said Lundgren.

Last year the city council provided mounds of garbage bags needed for beautification and this year they are also providing fertilizer for the two main rose areas in town.

The students in the Thompson Falls School District will be in charge of cleaning up the streets, which will be divided into segments where different groups can take on the project. The alternative school programs will also be cleaning debris off roadways leading into Thompson Falls.

First Security Bank, Whitefish Credit Union and Valley Bank have a big impact on the projects, helping with funding.

First Security Bank even allows the entire staff to come work on a project.

“Each year they have chosen a project and worked very diligently to bring it to completion,” said Lundgren.

A Thumbs Up Award will be awarded to a property, business or residence, which has had the best on-going maintenance and/or upkeep of the property and also for the site with the most improved overall appearance. The awards will be voted on by the public.

“We have a wonderful community that will come together for a cause,” said Lundgren. “They take great pride in keeping up with the area.”

Anyone who is interested in volunteering should meet in front of the Sanders County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on the morning of Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday.