WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 20 counties in Kansas as natural disaster areas because of losses caused by drought, excessive heat and high winds this year. Those include Anderson, Linn and Coffey counties. Farmers and ranchers in the neighboring counties in Kansas also qualify for natural disaster assistance, including Franklin, Miami and Osage counties. They can qualify for low-interest loans to replace or rebuild.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 5 p.m.