Two stories have provided light on a division quickly growing wider in this area and it has little do with race, but rather litter.

While one story highlights their investment of both hard work and dollars into the revitalization of downtown, the other talks about the need for stronger illegal dumping, littering and ordinances in unincorporated areas of the county, including Selmont.

While on the one hand Dallas County Environmental Management Department director Larry Friday touts the results of a “20-year battle” against illegal dumping and littering in Selma’s city limits, he says much work remains on Selma’s immediate neighbor to the east, Selmont.

As the work in downtown — and in other areas of Selma — continues, those making the investment in time, energy and money must also start being concerned with the areas leading into the city and what those coming into our city will see before they even get here.

Will they see mounds of trash, crumbling buildings and scrap yards rusting away in the mid-day sun or will they see an area taking pride in itself and improving?

Must we hope visitors close their eyes until they get over the bridge or should we be proud of our entire area and showcase everything we have to offer?

The investment in Selma is making a difference.

The fight against litter in Selma has made a difference.

We need to make sure we make a difference in those areas in desperate need of attention.