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Retired University Recycling Manager Steps In As City Litter Control Officer

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While Athens’ litter control officer Tyler Craig has taken another position within city government, Athens residents — including Ohio University students who live off campus — can expect that litter regulations will continue to be strictly enforced.

Craig, who was hired by the city’s code enforcement office in April 2011, has taken a job as a water meter reader, according to Athens Code Enforcement Director John Paszke. Craig stepped into his new role on July 15, filling a vacancy in the water department.

According to Paszke, the city will be looking to hire a replacement for Craig, but hiring has been a bit of a challenge since the city’s human resources director, Claudia Reagan, also left her job on Aug. 8 to move back to the Cleveland area.

Until a human resources director is hired for the city, hiring for other city departments could be at a standstill. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be someone patrolling the city’s streets looking for trash.

Paszke said Ed Newman stepped into the litter control officer position on Wednesday on at least an interim basis. He said Newman will have the opportunity to apply for the position full time once the job is actually posted.

Newman is no stranger to dealing with trash in the city of Athens. He retired last year as Ohio University’s recycling and refuse manager after 22 years. He also currently serves on the board of Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers Inc., the nonprofit organization that oversees the solid waste district’s recycling center.

Much of the city litter control officer’s job involves patrolling neighborhoods to keep litter in check. This includes many of the city’s student neighborhoods. As a former employee of Ohio University, Newman is well-versed in dealing with students and has a real passion for recycling, Paszke said.

Students are currently moving into the city, as OU's fall semester begins Monday.

Mayor Paul Wiehl said that Newman will be a good fit for the job, even if it’s just on a temporary basis.