Polk County residents may not be able to carry uncovered trash in the back of pickup trucks any longer, and anyone found littering may face steeper fines.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners recently took formal steps to crack down on litter and to make Polk County a cleaner place.

The board set a public hearing for March 17 at 7 p.m. for its plans to increase the county&squo;s littering fine from $50 to $250.

Commissioners also proclaimed the importance of enforcing all laws that will reduce litter, including laws that require open loads in trucks to be covered.

The Polk County Appearance Commission says it found that much of the litter in the county has come from uncovered loads.

The current North Carolina anti-litter law includes fines and community service for both intentional and unintentional littering.

Following a request from Joe Cooper, chairman of the Polk County Appearance Commission, Polk County Manager Ryan Whitson announced that county employees adopted the section of Hwy. 108 from Fox Mountain Road to Mill Spring.

Commissioners also approved a proclaimation declaring the week of April 19 through May 3 as Spring Litter Sweep encouraging all citizens to take an active role in the N.C. Department of Transportation roadside cleanup week. (see proclamation page 5).