Midwest City business owner left with tree debris on property weeks after storm

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. ( KFOR ) — The storm that rolled through Oklahoma in late June is still taking a toll on one business owner, leaving behind a mess that wasn’t hers to begin with.

Jessie Dolezel is the owner of Ascend Studios in Midwest City and she said OG&E cut down trees in order to restore power after the storm, but left her property a mess.

“I have all of this debris alongside my building. Nothing’s been done,” said Dolezel. “They sent out contractors to trim the trees, all of the trees that were trimmed and to restore the power are actually growing on the other side of the fence, so they’re not on my property. But much of the overgrowth was hanging over onto my property.”

Dolezel said as the OG&E contractors were cutting, the debris fell into her businesses property.

“I mean the contractors left a huge mess,” said Dolezel. “They covered the manhole cover on the side of the building, the meter, and some of that was still hanging over the fence. They just cut it and wherever it fell, it just stayed.”

Dolezel was told the mess would be picked up within a couple of weeks, but two weeks quickly turned into four.

It has now been a month.

“As a small business owner, it’s been one hit after another for years, so it just is frustrating,” said Dolezel.

Dolezel said she is beyond frustrated. She, along with with her husband and landscaper spent their entire Saturday trying to get rid of what they could.

“We took six truckloads and we are not finished,” said Dolezel.

Dolezel said she’s had to go through most of the summer with the debris on her property.

“They’re aware that this is not a great way to treat their customers and their small business customers and they can help out with the cleanup,” said Dolezel.

OG&E sent News 4 this statement:

OG&E is aware of the issue regarding tree limbs left on the customer’s property. We have prioritized the removal of the debris and are working diligently to address the concern. We appreciate the patience and understanding of the customer as we work to resolve this issue.

OG&E Spokesperson

Dolezel said she’s getting ready to start fall classes in August and she’s hoping the mess is cleaned up before then.

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