TOPEKA – Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a state disaster declaration for flooding this month in several counties including Franklin, Miami, Douglas and Johnson counties. Rains from six to nine inches caused record flooding in northern Franklin County last week. More than 13 water rescues were made over two days, said county emergency management director Alan Radcliffe. Several county roads and two bridges were heavily damaged, he said. The Centropolis sewer network, which is operated by the county, was under water and received some damage. The declaration also includes some western Kansas counties pelted by hail and high winds by severe thunderstorms at the first of the month. The governor’s office said other counties could be added to the declaration. The declaration makes it easier for the counties to receive financial aid to repair flood damage. Because of tree limb damaged caused by last week’s storm, the Ottawa public works department will collect tree limbs and brush beginning Sept. 5. Pick up will be from curbside only and not from alleys because of space limitations for equipment. They ask you to stack all limbs parallel and close to the curb. If you don’t want to wait and wish to haul your own limbs, the city has a free collection site at the intersection of North Cherry and Enterprise roads. A sign is posted at the dump site area.
Tuesday, Aug. 29, 4 p.m.
