Just after 11 a.m. Sunday Westar Energy spokesperson Gina Penzig confirmed the company was making progress dealing with power outages caused by freezing rain. The number of outages in Geary County was down to about 2,000 and in Riley County the total was approximately 1,800.

In Junction City local officials met at the Geary County Emergency Management Office where Director Garry Berges reported the city manager and assistant city manager, public works, sheriff, police department, and the City of Grandview Plaza were represented at the meeting. “With the amount of power that’s out and with the cool temperatures were are in the process of working with the Red Cross to open up a shelter in Junction City. ”

Once the Red Cross arrive and get their equipment set up the location of the shelter will be announced. That is expected by mid-afternoon.

On damage, Berges said a lot of tree limbs and power lines are down. Trees are touching power lines and arcing.

“We’re in the process of making contact with the Geary County Commission to get a local ( emergency ) declaration signed, especially since we’re going to be opening up a shelter. That just gives us a little bit more authority should this get worse. County and city crews are out checking for places where there are downed power lines, getting them off the roadways.”

Berges said officials want people to stay off the roadways. “Especially when it gets dark these tree limbs are over hanging the roads, the sidewalks, could be power lines down, so people just need to stay off the roads as much as possible.  If you need to go to the grocery store to pick up some medicine get that done, but get back home. Don’t be out sightseeing. ” Berges added that just impedes the workers.