Plains Beautification Days kicks off with sunshine and service

Saturday morning couldn’t have started off better, weather-wise, for the 2025 Plains Beautification Days event. Under clear skies, volunteers armed with shovels, rakes, and weed eaters gathered early at the Plains Volunteer Fire House for the third annual event. 

A total of 14 cleanup projects were scheduled for the day, ranging from basic trash pickup to lawn mowing and tree trimming. Some tasks even required the town’s heavy equipment, operated by town employee Brad Kinzie. Volunteers tackled everything from weeding and raking to collecting old tires — occasionally breaking out chainsaws for the tougher jobs. 

During the morning briefing, event coordinator Scott Johnson assigned volunteers to various locations, with the day concluding at the grounds of the Plains Public Library. 

Generous donations helped fuel the day’s efforts. McGowan’s Grocery supplied hot dogs and buns, Studd’s contributed trash bags, weed eaters, and chainsaws, while Anita March, a Home Visitor for Head Start, donated bottled water. Longtime supporters Henry and Laura Raber not only cooked for the volunteers, but also brought along their portable 406 Chuck Wagon kitchen, a familiar sight at every event. 

“Freely we receive and freely we give,” said Henry Raber, who, along with Laura, is also known for providing free food at other community events, including the farmers market at Fred Young Park. 

Despite the sunny weather and generous support, volunteer turnout was lower than expected. Twenty-one people had signed up through the online portal, but only 11 showed up for the morning briefing. 

Organizer Lana Dicken reflected on the turnout.

“I feel good that we have committed people showing up each year. But I’m disappointed with the numbers this time. We’re not seeing the same level of community support we had over the last two years," she said.

"This is not about us, it’s about doing the work.” 

The largest group to participate this year were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Volunteer DeDe Johnson, when asked how the day was going, replied, “It’s going good — we could use a little more help.” 

Fellow volunteer Scott Dicken added that he found items left behind since the 1970s. 

Throughout the day, Plains Mayor Joel Banham was seen pitching in, even helping collect old tires. 

“Sometimes it feels like a drop in the bucket,” he said, “but it all helps.” 

    Plains Beautification Days youngest member Maggie Boon helps out for her 3rd year as a volunteer. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Henry and Laura Raber owners of 406 Chuck Wagon volunteering their cooking skills and portable kitchen during Plains Beautification Days. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Plains Mayor Joel Banham collects tires for recycling during Plains Beautification Days. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)