Kansas Klips

Two hospitalized after a thunderstorm overturns semi on I-70

RUSSELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9th, in Russell County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021Volvo semi, driven by Joseph G. D. Camachoa, 33 of Beaverton, Oregon, was westbound on I-70 near the Wilson exit. Strong winds from a thunderstorm overturned it. EMS transported Camachoa and a passenger, Vhan H. Buyllecer, 31, Lauderdale, Lakes, to the Russell Regional Hospital. (Hays Post)

Church struck by lightning, burns to the ground in Cheyenne County

ST. FRANCIS—The Salem Lutheran Church in Cheyenne County was destroyed during the storms on Monday, June 8th. Nancy Walraven, the president of the Salem Lutheran Church Council, said that about 4:00 p.m., lightning struck the steeple of the church. At that time, structural damage was observed on the steeple, but no other damage was visible. Three breakers had been flipped. Members of the church planned to call an electrician on Tuesday morning, but another storm passed through around 10:00 p.m. Shortly after, members were informed that the church had more damage. The Cheyenne, Sherman, and Rawlins County Emergency Manager said the fire is believed to have been started by a lightning strike. Fire crews were called to help at around 11:00 p.m., but they found the church completely engulfed by flames. The crews went defensive, fighting the fire from outside the building to protect the surrounding structures. Fire crews were unable to save the church, which is now considered a total loss. Although the building burned down, no one was hurt in the incident. (KWCH)

Driver hospitalized after SUV crash in NW Kansas

GRAHAM COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Honda HRV, driven by Paul Eisenkramer, 82, Coronado, California, was northbound on U.S. 283 one mile south of Hill City. The SUV veered across the lanes and struck the north guardrail of the bridge. EMS transported Eisenkramer to the Graham County Hospital. He was properly restrained according to the KHP. (Hays Post)

Rolling Hills Zoo closed due to storm damage

SALINE County—As of Friday, June 12th, utility crews were still working to restore power to some portions of Saline County following the storms that rolled across the state on Tuesday, June 9th. On Thursday, June 11th, Rolling Hills Zoo announced on social media that it was still closed until further notice while utility crews worked to restore power throughout the Zoo. The Zoo asked that visitors call ahead at 785-827-9488 before planning a visit and follow the Zoo Facebook page for updates.

(Hays Post)