Progress continues with debris cleanup

Citizens Reminded Not to Place Private Property Debris in Right-of-Way

From staff reports

With cleanup efforts continuing in hard-hit Leelanau County, the Office of Emergency Management/9-1-1 is reminding citizens not to place fallen tree debris on road shoulders for pickup.

Fallen tree debris on private property is the responsibility of homeowners and not the Leelanau County Road Commission. Citizens should not expect debris deliberately placed on road shoulders to be picked-up by county crews.

“If you are cleaning up fallen trees, limbs and brush on your property, please take it to our drop-off location,” said Matt Ansorge, Leelanau County Emergency Management Coordinator. “We appreciate the hard work and long hours everyone has been putting in to clean up our county. Be mindful and exercise caution as our road commission crews continue to clear the right-of-way of our roads.”

To accommodate citizens cleaning up their property, debris can be dropped off at the following location:

• Myles Kimmerly Park, 1397 W. Burdickville Road, Maple City

Use of this site is FREE for Leelanau County citizens. Only organic debris—like trees, limbs and brush—will be accepted.

Commercial trucks, contractors and dump truck operators can drop off their debris at the following location:

• Kasson Sand and Gravel, 10282 S. Pierce Road, Maple City

Kasson Sand and Gravel has agreed to offer large discounted rates for disposal into their pits at $6 per cubic yard. Open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about debris drop-off locations, visit http://www.leelanau.cc/.

Severe thunderstorms possible for Northwest Michigan

Stay safe during cleanup. Be Aware of Hanging Tree Debris

From staff reports

With severe thunderstorms possible later today, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is reminding residents and visitors in northwest Michigan to be aware of hanging tree debris that could pose a danger during a storm.

The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes throughout the northern Lower Peninsula between noon and 7 p.m. today.

“With storms possible, citizens need to be mindful of any loose or hanging tree debris caused by the severe storms a couple of weeks ago,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Be extra careful when working outside and take the appropriate precautions if a storm occurs.”

To prepare for severe weather:

• Remove hanging trees and branches that could fall on your home or vehicles with strong winds.

• Postpone outdoor clean-up activities until the storm has passed.

• Secure outdoor objects that could be blown around, such as tarps, trash cans and other cleanup materials.

• Sign up to receive text or email alerts from your local media or local emergency management agency to stay informed before and during severe weather.

• Prepare for a power outage by charging phones and other electronic devices.

Free Assessments Available for Storm-Damaged Homes and Businesses

The Leelanau County Construction Codes Department is reminding home and business owners that the county is offering free assessments to storm-damaged properties in need of repair.

“If you have damages from the severe storms, please don’t hesitate to give us a call,” said Steve Haugen, Leelanau County Building Official. “Our office can assess structures, provide information about work that needs to be done and advise about any necessary permits. We can also determine if you need to call an engineer.”

There is no cost associated with the assessment. Anyone with minor to major structural damage is encouraged call (231) 256-9806 to make arrangements. For more information, visit http://www.leelanau.cc/.