Children help neighbor clean up storm debris

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The storm that rolled through Northeast Kansas on Wednesday, June 26, caused lots of tree damage.

Topeka resident, Darin Weier had a tree fall in the yard next to his house. Weier said the house has been abandoned, so he called the city to get the tree removed.

 "All they did was cleaned up the part that was sticking halfway out in the road here." Weier said.

Weier said he asked the crew if they could clean up the rest of the tree, but they said the could not because it was a private tree. That is when Weier decided to take matters into his own hands and clean up the tree himself.

"I like to be able to do what I can to keep a neighborhood looking good." Weier said.

Weier was working in the yard when he got some unexpected help from a couple of his young neighbors. Two brother's, who were riding their bikes when they decided to help out.

"I helped one of my neighbors because it looked like he needed help and I like to keep the neighborhood clean." said older brother Aiden Clennan.

Younger brother Michael Clennan said it made him feel good to help out one of his neighbors.

Weier was grateful for the extra help he received.

"They just stopped over and asked hey can we help? And I said well yeah sure, come on over. I got plenty of these branches that need to be picked up and piled up onto this pile here and I'd greatly appreciate any help you're willing to give." Weier said.

27 News reached out to the city and they told us that they will clear up debris when it is on the road or blocking sidewalks or public property. They said that if the debris is part of private property, it is up to the owner to handle the situation.

The city also said if you think a property has been abandoned, they encourage neighbors to contact their Property Management Division so an inspector can come out and investigate.

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