At a time when government agencies — at a local, state and national level — continue to be plagued with inefficiencies and ineffectiveness due to politics and other factors, the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District sets a sterling example of what can be accomplished with hard work and a focus on improving our community.

The solid waste district recently outlined its plans for 2012 and shared some of the successes from last year.

In addition to its daily efforts to promote recycling and stop illegal dumping, the district puts together a variety of events each year that help clean up Lawrence County.

From prescription take backs to hazardous waste cleanups to a countywide effort to make our region shine, Dan Palmer and his staff make the most of their funding and accomplish so many good things.

This is a government agency that does not seem to get mired in the politics and favoritism games that seem to plague some other agencies.

Receiving minimum funding, primarily from the $12 per year assessed on property owners’ taxes, they make this go a long way.

For all that the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District has accomplished in 2011, and all that it hopes to accomplish this year, we recognize them with this week’s “Good News, Good Neighbor” spotlight.

As exemplified by its Caught Green-Handed award to recognize citizens who make a recycling effort, the district can lead the way, but it is ultimately up to Lawrence Countians to take pride in the region we call home.