Cleaning at the Riverfront Park

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo Members of a youth missionary group work to place a large tree limb into a burning fire Friday afternoon. The group of 31 missionaries was part of a group of about 300 from across the state who worked on community service projects in Southeast Kansas on Friday. The effort is part of a collaboration between statewide Assembly of God churches.

Members of a youth missionary group work to place a large tree limb into a burning fire Friday afternoon. The group of 31 missionaries was part of a group of about 300 from across the state who worked on community service projects in Southeast Kansas on Friday. The effort is part of a collaboration between statewide Assembly of God churches. Steve Bell, pastor of the Lifepoint Assembly of God Church, said the youth group included four youth from local church assemblies, 22 from Pittsburg and some from Russell. Bell said three local churches and 25 churches in the region are represented in the effort. The group cleared rocks and brush on both sides of the Marmaton River prior to the mowing and landscaping season. Small trees and brush were cut to improve visitors' view of the river. Bell said the park project was chosen after communication with city officials and the Riverfront Park committee.