Hundreds still without power from ice damage

Crews worked through the night to restore power -photo courtesy Victory Electric

FORD COUNTY -Crews continue working around the clock to restore power to thousands of residents in central and western Kansas.

Energy companies estimate some 16,000 customers are still without electricity due to the ice storm that brought down trees, damaged homes and snapped power lines.

In addition to 29 linemen, an additional 40 linemen and tree trimmers are on site and helping to restore power for Victory Electric, according to a social media report.

At 6 a.m. Tuesday, crews came in for a hot breakfast and returned to work.

Officials opened the Dodge City Community College Dome on Monday as a warming station. The Red Cross is assisting residents there.

Crews fed a hot breakfast on Tuesday morning-photo Victory Electric

Late Monday, Power was restored in the Hodgeman County community of Hanston, according to the sheriff’s department. Officials were checking the water well to confirm it was working correctly. Power had been off to the entire community.

Stafford County Emergency Management opened up a temporary shelter at the First Christian Church, 100 block of North Boston in Stafford. They encouraged residents to bring blankets and snacks.

Victory Electric serves Ford and Gray Counties and parts of seven other counties, Kiowa, Edwards, Hodgeman, Finney, Haskell, Meade, and Clark.