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Mount Vernon is beginning a communitywide storm‑debris cleanup following Friday’s windstorm, which brought gusts topping 70 mph across Central Ohio and caused widespread damage throughout the city. The March 13 storm left hundreds of thousands without power statewide and created extensive debris in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces.
According to Public Works Director Tom Hinkle, city crews responded to 16 blocked streets caused by fallen trees and large limbs. Multiple traffic signals and street signs were damaged, and two utility poles along Coshocton Avenue were snapped by the force of the wind. Parks and city facilities also saw structural impacts, including downed trees at Ariel‑Foundation Park, roof damage at several park buildings, and blown‑out windows at the Curtis Building on North Main Street.
To help residents clear storm‑related yard waste, the city will conduct a one‑time debris pickup beginning Monday, March 23. Residents are asked to place small branches, sticks, limbs, and similar storm debris in the tree lawn or right‑of‑way area in front of their property. Collection will follow the city’s leaf‑pickup routes, and crews will make only one pass through each neighborhood.
Debris must be loose, not bagged or bundled, and limited to pieces no larger than roughly four inches in diameter. Items such as bagged leaves, grass clippings, lumber, trash, furniture, stumps, and construction materials will not be collected. Larger limbs or oversized debris can be taken to the Knox County Yard Waste and Compost Facility on Thayer Road, or handled through private removal services.
Residents are asked to keep debris clear of fire hydrants, mailboxes, sidewalks, and storm drains, and to avoid placing materials in alleyways where equipment cannot safely operate. Vehicles should be moved off the street when possible to give crews room to work.
The city is encouraging neighbors to help spread the word so crews can move efficiently through all areas of Mount Vernon. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 740‑393‑9501 or Questions@MtVernonOH.gov.