While many in Marion County and surrounding areas experienced some damage on Dec. 15 from the extreme winds, the damages paled in comparison to what western Kansas faced when the storm caused fires to spread throughout the central and western part of the state. According to the Kansas Forest Service, 400,000 acres burned in 11 counties in western Kansas with smaller fires in other counties. Many in Marion County are doing something about it. Jonas Frantz and Kelly Novak of Tampa, KS have gotten together and organized efforts to get supplies and money to those who need help in western Kansas, and they will take help from anyone who wants to contribute. “I just thought our fellow farmers could use help, contacted Kelly about donating some hay and we started working together to get something done,” said Frantz.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
