Bold souls pry mysteries from cold, wet Big Muddy teeth

The Missouri River was yielding its secrets Saturday - mysteries coaxed from the muddy waters and shores by hardy volunteers undaunted by hostile weather.

It was the latest cleansing pass at the river and it drew an estimated 150 to 200 diligent volunteers bent on prying the junk from the teeth of the Mo.

Missouri River Relief stitched together the framework of the cleanup project and teamed with partners and volunteers with a goal of wresting "tons of trash from the banks for the river."

And there's more than wind-blown litter to collect. Saturday morning's take included a calculator, a football and a cell phone. One woman said she found a bicycle.

The troops were ferried into the waiting waters from boats that launched from Lewis & Clark Park. Once afloat, the grab was on.

Organizers said, "volunteers will receive a free boat ride on the Big Muddy, trash bags, and gloves. Participants will also receive a reusable water bottle and a t-shirt to keep."

That was apparently enough of a lure to draw a big crowd to help with the riverbank withdrawals - that and an appreciation lunch after a morning of collections.

The trash was handed off to Missouri River Relief crews for sorting and disposal.