If you were out Saturday morning and saw a group of folks cleaning the roadsides of Clanton, then you probably saw a new program in action. District Judge Rhonda Hardesty is coordinating a community service program one Saturday morning each month to allow those who have been fined for minor offenses to work off their penalties.

For example, a person is facing a relatively small fine of $250 in District Court. He or she can choose to pay the fine or do community service.

This is a good program. With the economy being like it is, some folks may not be able to pay the fines, but they can do the work. And doing the work might allow a person to take more pride in their community.