Lawn Care and Street Safety: A Seasonal Note from Elkins’ Operations Team
We all have noticed how quickly Elkins shifted from winter to summer-like weather. With that rapid change in seasons comes the return of regular lawn mowing and the common but avoidable challenge of grass clippings ending up in city streets.
While they may seem harmless, grass clippings on pavement will reduce tire traction, particularly during morning dew or after rainfall. For motorcycles and bicycles, even a thin layer of clippings can increase stopping distance or cause a wheel to slide. To that end, the City of Elkins encourages all residents to treat clippings like any other street debris—something to be removed, not ignored.
Our wastewater system faces risks, too. When grass clippings wash into storm drains, they can add excess organic material that must be filtered or treated—adding strain to this system. While Elkins conducts regular street sweeping, sweeping cannot remove 100% of material from every curb line. Resident cooperation absolutely makes a meaningful difference.
Here’s what residents can do:
- Do your best to mow so that clippings discharge onto the lawn, not the street.
- Please sweep the pavement in front of your home after mowing.
- If possible, collect clippings for yard waste disposal.
The City of Elkins thanks residents for taking a few extra minutes after each mow. Small actions add up to safer streets and a more efficient wastewater system for everyone in Elkins.
City Council and Mayor Honor Water Distribution Department for Winter Response
Last week, City Council and Mayor Jerry Marco together honored Water Distribution Department employees for their hard work during a particularly brutal winter. Throughout the season, the department responded to numerous emergency calls. The City issued at least 20 WENS alerts related […]
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Your Voice, Our Future: Comprehensive Plan Public Session, April 16
Note: The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. This Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Elkins City Council and the City’s Planning Commission will discuss Elkins’ next Comprehensive Plan. The public is welcome to attend this meeting, […]
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Elkins Stands with Military Kids: Mayor Marco Proclaims ‘Purple Up!’ Day
They don’t wear uniforms. Many are too young to salute. Nevertheless, military children serve alongside their parents in ways many civilians never see. This April, the City of Elkins is making sure they feel seen, and recognizes the sacrifices of military children […]
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City Hall News: Week of April 12, 2026
Elkins, WV — April 11, 2026: Street sweeping resumes this Monday, April 13. Parking enforcement will start on Monday, April 20. The street sweeping schedule is unchanged from last year and can be viewed online here: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/street-sweeper. Sign up for Emergency Alerts […]
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Why Donate Life Month Matters
Earlier this week, Mayor Jerry Marco declared April as Donate Life Month in Elkins, standing alongside the Skinner family and public officials from North Central West Virginia. For the Skinner family, this isn’t only a calendar date. It is their lived reality. Cody Skinner […]
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Proclamation from Mayor Jerry Marco for Gold Star Spouses Day
WHEREAS, on April 5 of each year, our nation observes Gold Star Spouses Day to recognize the enduring sacrifice and resilience of the husbands and wives of United States service members who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms; The term […]
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