CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The state Department of Environmental Protection has recognized seven West Virginia communities for efforts to beautify and clean up their towns.
The Make It Shine Program has awarded annual Clean Community Awards to Beech Bottom, Bluefield, Chester, Fayetteville, New Cumberland, Wardensville and Wellsburg. Each will receive road signs designating them as clean communities.
Communities are judged in categories including cleanup, recycling, youth participation and beautification efforts.
Fayetteville earned the grand prize and will receive $500 to apply toward additional projects.
Berkeley and Braxton counties were recognized with Clean County Awards. As the grand prize winner, the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority will receive $2,000 for cleanup and other projects, while the Braxton County Solid Waste Authority will receive $1,000.