Special to the Kansan

Storm cleanup continues in Newton, with the City’s tree contractor, Alfred’s Superior Tree Service, collecting downed limbs in Area 1 and City crews working in Area 2. They are working 12-hour shifts beginning at 6:30 a.m. and making slow but steady progress.

The streets in yellow on the attached map were picked up by City crews as of Wednesday evening. City crews have collected 2,123 cubic yards of debris so far.

Alfred’s will continue working Friday and Saturday in Area 1, and City crews will be working Friday and Saturday in Area 2. No cleanup work is planned for Sunday or Monday. All crews will return Tuesday to finish the cleanup.

Staff anticipates the majority of the cleanup will be complete by the end of next week. Crews may then have to make a second pass through some areas at the end.

Residents should pile limbs at the curb, avoiding mailboxes and trees. Limbs should be cut to a manageable size, approximately 10 feet long and three feet wide. Limbs larger than that might be left behind, but the City will work with the resident to get them removed.

Parks staff completed storm cleanup at Greenwood Cemetery Wednesday afternoon and staff began mowing for Memorial Day weekend. Park staff then moved to Athletic Park to clear downed trees and trim hanging branches from the storm. Today staff is weed-eating parks, removing hazardous trees at Washington Park, and mowing Restlawn Cemetery.