OTTUMWA — The City of Ottumwa is proud to announce that the annual Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event will take place from July 18-22, 2024. This event typically coincides with Earth Day, but this year will take place the weekend before Ottumwa hosts an overnight stop for RAGBRAI.

Individuals, families, and businesses are invited to volunteer to adopt and tidy an area of Ottumwa. Locations can be adopted by visiting www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine. Volunteers can pick up bags and gloves for collecting litter at the temporary City Hall on the Second Floor of the Ottumwa Train Depot, the Recycling Center, and Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress on July 18, 19, and 22.

“Hosting RAGBRAI is an important responsibility and an economic opportunity for Ottumwa,” said Mayor Rick Johnson. “Combining Make Ottumwa Shine with the preparations for hosting the ride is a great way to put our best face forward as we welcome over 20,000 riders to Ottumwa.”

For more information on the Make Ottumwa Shine litter cleanup event, please visit www.ottumwa.us/about/make_ottumwa_shine or contact Janice Bain at the Recycling Center at 641-683-0685.