Gouging feared in storm cleanup effort

(McAlester-AP) -- Price gouging and unscrupulous cleanup contractors are becoming a concern in storm-ravaged southeast Oklahoma.

A Christmas Day ice storm toppled tree limbs and utility polls in the McAlester area, knocking out electrical and telephone service to thousands of residents.

Randy Green is the city manager in McAlester. Green says at least 16 debris removal contractors from several states are working in the McAlester area, mostly at private homes.

Green says some are charging up to $2,700 to remove three trees. Green says authorities are trying to crack down because some old people are being cheated.

Green says police have heard complaints about price gouging on such items as kerosene and chain saws.