The deadline to sign up for the annual Great American Cleanup is fast approaching and those interested will need to sign up by Friday to participate.

Recently Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful reported an increase in litter on Newton County roads for the first time in seven years. One reason the group cited in its report may be because of budgetary cuts to the Department of Transportation, which has not been cleaning up roadways as frequently as they have done in past years.

KCNB is looking for groups or individuals interested in helping to beautify Newton County. Those interested can meet at one of the kick-off spots at Kroger on U.S. Highway 278 or Kroger on Salem Road at 8 a.m. March 27 in order to pick up supplies. Registration forms are available from KCNB and those groups who do not have planned assignments can receive one at their kick-off spot.

"If people would give us a call ahead of time and let us know they are planning on coming, that would be great," said Executive Director of KCNB Connie Waller. "But if they just want to walk up the day of, that would be fine too."

Along with picking up trash, groups are also encouraged to paint and repair houses and buildings, plant flowers and trees and start a recycling program as part of the Great American Cleanup. Recycled paint is available for free to residents of the county.

Along with the Great American Cleanup, KCNB has several programs that will help beautify the community, including Adopt-a-Mile, Neighborhood Cleanups and the GREATways Grant, which will help fund signage and landscaping at the entrances to subdivisions, schools, organizations, churches and towns.

"We’re all excited," said Waller. "We have at least 400 to 500 volunteers and we are looking for more. We feel like it’s going to be a great cleanup and we’re hoping for great weather."

For more information on any of these programs or to register to participate in the Great American Cleanup, visit www.kcnb.biz, call (770) 784-2015 or e-mail newtonclean@co.newton.ga.us.