Trees, branches won't be picked up until next week

Cape Girardeau street crews probably won't begin cleaning up trees and branches felled by this week's ice storm until next week, public works director Tim Gramling said Wednesday.

"We're still basically working on the streets," he said.

With today's high temperature expected to reach 52 degrees, the city wants to take advantage of the respite before temperatures dive again later in the week, Gramling said.

The city will pick up branches and trees residents cut up and bring to the curb. Gramling said residents who want a pickup should call the Public Works Department at 334-9151 to put their name on a list. He said the city transfer station on South Sprigg Street also will accept tree debris for free.

If cable, telephone or power lines are involved, the city has to wait until the company frees the lines before disposing of trees. An AmerenUE line is preventing the tree blocking the 200 block of Independence Street from being cleared, Gramling said.

Jackson announced Wednesday that it will accept storm debris -- tree limbs, brush and yard waste downed by the ice storm -- at curbside immediately. The debris must be placed within 10 feet of the pavement or curb. Residents also can haul the debris to a special location near the Jackson Recycling Center at 508 Eastview Court during normal business hours Monday through Saturday.

The city's regularly schedule solid was collection will resume today. Phone the Public Works Department at 243-2300 for more information.