Law enforcement and emergency management personnel from multiple counties and the state have converged on the area just west of Chapman. A huge twister damaged, and in some cases destroyed rural homes.

As of late Wednesday night no injuries have been reported!

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said a command post has been set up west of Chapman at the landfill site. “We are unaware of any injuries. There are several houses that have been damaged, leveled.” Berges added, “They know of one house right now, house is missing along with all the implements that were out in the yard.”

Berges noted the storm skirted to the west of the City of Chapman and all the homes damaged were in the rural area. He did say power lines and trees were down on some of the side roads and K-18 in Dickinson County.

Kansas Highway Patrol trooper Ben Gardner said the area of great concern extended from the south side of Chapman going northwest to the city of Talmadge. “Up to 20 homes that have been impacted, some that that are damaged completely, no longer in existence.”

Gardner said some people have lost their homes, and authorities are trying to provide them with assistance, as well as identifying others who need help. A command center was set up to help identify those affected and align them resources they might need.

The slow moving storm rumbled through northern Dickinson County on an easterly track and then gradually veered southeast. At one point Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf estimated the tornado was about one-quarter of a mile wide at the base. The tornado appeared to dissipate after crossing into southwest Geary County.

by:  DeAngela McDougald

The Kansas Highway Patrol is reporting that approximately 20 homes have been damaged following the storm.

At this point there are no immediate reports of injuries after a tornado touched down outside Chapman.

Trooper Ben Gardner, a spokesman for the patrol, says troopers were checking a rural area in Dickinson County where it is believed 20 homes were damaged, some significantly.

The National Weather Service warned people to take cover as what it called a “catastrophic” tornado approached Chapman.

A tornado watch is in effect for much of Kansas until 11 p.m. This includes the counties of: Geary, Wabaunsee, Lyon, Morris, Clay, Cloud, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Riley.

–photo courtesy of @TrooperTodKHP

A TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED AND IS IN EFFECT UNTIL9:00 PM FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARTON               BUTLER              CHASE

CHAUTAUQUA           COWLEY              DICKINSON

ELK                  ELLSWORTH           GEARY

GREENWOOD            HARVEY              LINCOLN

LYON                 MARION              MCPHERSON

MORRIS               OTTAWA              RICE

RUSSELL              SALINE              SEDGWICK

SUMNER               WABAUNSEE

Krista Blaisdell has filed for election to the Geary County Attorney’s post.

Blaisdell will run on the Republican ticket. She had announced her intention to run for the positiion last week. She is currently the Junction City Municipal Court prosecutor.

Democrat Chris Biggs has said he also plans to file for county attorney.

by:  DeAngela McDougald

Approximately two weeks from now, 500 young men, from the state of Kansas, all of whom will be entering their senior year of high school this fall, will be amongst the participants in the 2016 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy.

The ALBSKLA provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that works to develop self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the local, county and state levels. This provides opportunity for the boys to learn to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team.  This also is a opportunity for the young men to gain pride and respect for government and the learn to value the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

This is the 79th year for the event held Sunday, June 5th through Friday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

Senator Jerry Moran will deliver keynote remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Seitz Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Junction City.

According to a release from the Senator’s office the ceremony is scheduled from 9 – 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4 at 1169 Southwind Drive. The new clinic will be located just west of US 77 Highway on the south side of Junction City.

The ceremony will honor the life of Lieutenant General Richard J. “Dick” Seitz. He was a Leavenworth native and a World War II veteran who served nearly 37 years of active duty in the U.S. Army, and received numerous awards including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

After retiring from the military, Lt. Gen. Seitz settled in Junction City where he lived until his passing in June 2013. Following his death, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to name the Junction City CBOC in honor of Seitz. The legislation was signed into law in December of 2014.

Update:

Water main repairs have been completed.

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Utility crews are currently repairing a water main break in the 1600 block of North Monroe St.  Residents can expect periods of low water pressure or no water  affecting the 1600 – 1800 blocks of North Monroe for the next 6-8 hours for repairs.

Another round of scattered severe storms is likely late this afternoon and evening across all of northeast Kansas. Timing for storms to initiate is in the 4 to 6 PM period with storms becoming more widespread towards the evening. Large hail, Damaging Wind Gusts, and Localized Flooding are the main hazards. An isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out. A second round of more widespread severe storms is forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening as the dryline pushes further east into the area. Confidence is increasing for all severe weather hazards on Thursday.

Wednesday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night  A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 10 mph.

Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.