County volunteer organizations announce resource center

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The Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) group announced a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Abbyville Community Church (201 W. Ave G,  south of the Abbyville Rodeo Grounds) from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 and again from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May  21, as a response for the affected persons or households following the tornado that occurred Sunday night in Plevna and surrounding areas in Reno County. 

The MARC will allow affected persons the ability to connect with resources to meet basic immediate needs, such as water, power and medical needs, and to begin the process of accessing and addressing longer-term needs, like replacing documents and housing needs.

The American Red Cross has established a 24-hour emergency shelter for affected persons and households at the Abbyville Community Center (311 E. Ave. F, Abbyville, KS). Food, water and the ability to access power are available at the shelter. For needs related to the shelter specifically, please call: 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) and mention the Abbyville Community Center emergency shelter. 

For those looking to help: 

To volunteer for cleanup efforts: Community members hoping to help with cleanup efforts are asked to call the Reno County Volunteer Center and mention the Plevna disaster relief efforts: 620-665-4960. 

To donate goods: At this moment, the greatest needs are for specific donations of gift cards to Dillons or Walmart for use on basic needs. Other items in need include new phone chargers and new, unopened hygiene items. These items can be donated to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson (700 N. Walnut). 

To donate financially, visit: www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/disaster or call the United Way of Reno County: 620-669-9329 and mention the Plevna Disaster Relief Fund. 

The Reno County VOAD’s mission is to meet the needs for ongoing coordination in Reno County by providing volunteer, financial, spiritual, physical and/or psychological support for people whose lives have been affected by a declared disaster in our community. Community organizations and partner institutions include: 

United Way of Reno County 

Reno County Emergency Management Dept. 

Reno County Health Dept. 

City of Hutchinson 

The American Red Cross 

The Salvation Army 

Interfaith Housing and Community Services 

The Volunteer Center 

Covenant Presbyterian Church 

Kanas Mennonite Disaster Services 

Trinity United Methodist Church 

Kansas Association of Chaplains

The Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) group announced a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Abbyville Community Church (201 W. Ave G,  south of the Abbyville Rodeo Grounds) from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20 and again from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 

Plevna struck by tornado, resources available

CAPTION: A tornado struck the city of Plevna in Reno County early Monday morning. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE

By Michael Glenn

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PLEVNA – A tornado ripped through the City of Plevna, a town of about 85 in Reno County, at roughly Midnight Monday.

The city received significant tree damage with multiple destroyed homes and structures. No deaths or injuries were reported following the tornado.

The American Red Cross set up roughly six miles east of Plevna in the Abbyville Community Center. Regional Shelter Program Lead Jerry Conyers said the place is open for those who need assistance in Plevna or who need to get out of the heat or possibly poor weather conditions this afternoon and evening.

Conyers said he has been at the community center since around 3 a.m. Monday, and that the Red Cross would be in Abbyville through the evening for those who need them.

“We’re here so people can come if they need resources, charge their phone,” Conyers said. “The Red Cross is kind of short-term to get you to that motel room or back on your feet. It’s the process of what the Red Cross does.”

Conyers said the Red Cross will first start with an on-site assessment of damage with the Distribution of Emergency Supplies (DES). The DES will bring rakes, shovels, tarps, buckets and other tools to help residents clean up and salvage the area.

Once the damage has been assessed, possible financial assistance can be distributed based on need. Those who need help can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800–733–2767) and calls will be directed to the shelter in Abbyville.

Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst was present at the shelter and said he was watching the storm from about three miles north of Plevna. He said he is grateful to individuals and businesses who have stepped up to help clean the city and brought in special equipment to deal with the damage.

“There was one house that was really damaged,” Hirst said. “Neighbors are there, assisting [with what] they can. It’s a great turnout for everyone around.”

Hirst said Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall also called him this morning and asked if they could be of any assistance. Senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also released a statement this morning as well as U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann.

Editor’s note: More information about this story will be published when it is released.

CAPTION: A tornado struck the city of Plevna in Reno County early Monday morning. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE By Michael Glenn PLEVNA - A tornado ripped through the City of Plevna, a town of about 85 in Reno County, at roughly Midnight Monday. The city received