While we are not having this severe a problem here, everyone needs to keep in mind that the local garbage haulers, government and private, provide a service that we tend to ignore until there is a problem. We should be thanking them for their commitment to helping keep the county neat, and remember that they do have a hazardous job.

I think they all need hazmat suits and should receive hazardous duty pay. There is no easy and quick way to determine what pathogens or other harmful materials may be lurking in garbage, even garbage that is neatly bagged.

The garbage men that I interact with are courteous and helpful. I would like to thank them for being that way and for the service they provide to the county.

Joyce M. Coomer, 270-384-4495