With sunny skies, temperatures reaching the balmy mid 60s and not a speck of ice in sight Friday, the Shocktober ice storm is already a distant memory.

As long as you don’t look at the mounds of tree limbs and debris scattered in nearly every yard and field.

Local municipalities and the county are working on debris removal and collection plans to help area residents in the cleanup process.

City of Kingfisher

Curbside debris collection is expected to begin Wednesday for residents living within the city limits, City Manager Dave Slezickey said.

Branches need to be cut into lengths of four feet or shorter.

“If branches are too large for the crews to pick up and haul off, they will be left on site for property owners to take care of,” Slezickey said.

Crews will only pick up limbs, brush and vegetation, no trash, furniture, appliances or other items.

A debris collection site has been approved at the city’s convenience center and is expected to be open at noon Tuesday. Extended hours will be announced at a later date.

The collection site will be open to county as well as city residents, but anyone utilizing it will have to have a valid Photo ID.

Debris cleanup is ongoing on city property and parks may have limited access until that process is completed, Slezickey said.

Town of Hennessey

Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman said a temporary limb disposal area has been set up at the lagoons south of the dump grounds on Cemetery Road.

Kingfisher County

A spokesperson in District 2 County Commissioner Ray Alan Shimanek’s shop said the district survived the ice storm in relatively good shape with all roads open or accessible.

There were a few places where tree limbs had to be removed from roadways and county crew members assisted at sites where Cimarron Electric crews removed ice-laden lines from alongside county road right-of-way but most of the district survived the unexpected early ice storm relatively unscathed.

District 3 Commissioner Heath Dobrovolny said the biggest problem encountered thus far has been numerous instances where trees have fallen across roadways. They are actively being cleared, he said.

District 1 Commissioner Jeff Moss reported widespread tree damage and many utility poles and lines down belonging to various providers.

He said the problems were being taken care of and the district came through the storm in good condition.

Other than that county crews and residents are dealing with sloppy roads left by the ice and rain.

Beware of Scammers

Kingfisher Police Chief David Catron warns residents to beware of fly-by-night companies offering tree-trimming or removal services.

“My advice is don’t use anyone you don’t know personally or who hasn’t been recommended by someone you trust and never pay in advance,” Catron said.

Out-of-town companies also are required to have a permit issued by the city.

“Please keep an eye out for elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure they aren’t being targeted,” Catron said.

Be Kind to Rural Neighbors

Catron also reminds residents that dumping limbs on rural property is not only unfriendly, it is illegal.

“Be kind to your neighbors and use the dump site the city is providing,” he said.