PLEVNA, Kan. — After touring tornado destruction across central and western Kansas, former Governor Jeff Colyer and a delegation of rural state lawmakers are publicly calling on Governor Laura Kelly to immediately issue a disaster declaration for Gove, Reno, Pratt, and Stafford Counties.
Gov. Colyer and the delegation spent the weekend on the ground, meeting with families who lost everything and assessing the extensive damage left behind. Stops included Great Plains Alfalfa in Pratt County, the Zink family farm in Stafford County, the town of Plevna in Reno County — where they spoke with Mayor Hand at the emergency donation center — and, the Combs family farm—also in Reno County—where recovery and rebuilding efforts are still in early stages.
“This is a moment for leadership and compassion,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer. “Our neighbors are hurting. I’ve walked their shattered fields and seen the wreckage of a lifetime—generations of work destroyed. It’s time for the state to step up—not with red tape, but with real help. Governor Kelly should visit these communities herself and issue a disaster declaration now to open doors for impacted families and farms. The destruction will shock her—but so will the strength of Kansans rebuilding together.”
The request includes the following immediate actions:
- Declare a state disaster for Gove, Pratt, Reno, and Stafford Counties;
- Deploy mobile workforce centers to support workers and employers affected by the storms;
- Activate the Kansas National Guard to assist with clearing debris and environmental hazards;
- Suspend certain regulations temporarily to speed up cleanup and rebuilding, including those affecting disposal, permitting, and temporary housing;
- Provide emergency housing resources for displaced residents; and,
- Promote use of property tax relief authorized under K.S.A. 79-1613, which allows homeowners to apply for tax abatement or credits if their home and outbuildings are destroyed or substantially damaged in a disaster.
Joining Gov. Colyer on the tornado disaster recovery tour were State Senator Michael Murphy, and Representatives Kyle Hoffman, Kevin Schwertfeger, Joe Seiwert, Samantha Parshall, and Brett Fairchild. Representative Jim Minnix, who represents Grinnell in Gove County, has also signed on to the call for Gov. Kelly to issue a disaster declaration, stressing additional opportunities from non-profits and associations once a disaster is declared. According to county emergency management officials, formal requests for state assistance have already been submitted.
The group is urging use of the tax abatement process defined by state law. Under K.S.A. 79-1613, enacted in 2022, Kansans whose homesteads suffer damage exceeding 50% of market value due to tornadoes or other disasters declared by the governor may apply to their county commission for a property tax credit. The law—championed by Rep. Lance Neelly and Rep. Tim Johnson—was successfully used following tornadoes in Leavenworth and Douglas counties.
Tornado Incident Reports
On the night of May 18, 2025, a large EF3 tornado ripped across Pratt, Reno, and Stafford Counties, carrying peak winds of 155 mph. At its widest point, the tornado spanned one mile and stayed on the ground for 32.5 miles. The town of Plevna and several businesses took a direct hit, with homes, barns, shops, and businesses leveled.
Earlier that same evening, a separate EF3 tornado struck Grinnell in Gove County, with estimated winds of 140 mph, a path of 7.7 miles, and a maximum width of 230 yards. It passed through the western edge of town, damaging homes, downing power lines, and tearing the roof off the local Catholic church. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
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In case you missed it, last week, Gov. Colyer received a major, early boost in his campaign for Governor with the endorsement of national conservative icon and original Trump Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson. “Jeff Colyer is the kind of bold, principled leader Kansas needs — and exactly the kind of true partner President Trump can count on. I’ve seen his courage, his conviction, and his heart for service
first-hand.” said Sec. Carson. Link to release.
On May 15, Gov. Colyer held a campaign kickoff rally at Lee Aerospace in Wichita, where he was introduced by State Representative Susan Estes. Link to video.
On May 14, Gov. Colyer released an announcement video outlining his vision for the state. Link to video.
Gov. Colyer served as the 47th Governor of Kansas, where he earned praise for restoring stability to state government, balancing the budget, and delivering results without raising taxes. In 2019, President Trump appointed Colyer to a five-year term as Chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health & Human Services, later serving as President Trump’s 2024 Kansas Chairman. He has also served as Lieutenant Governor and as a White House Fellow under President Ronald Reagan. In addition to his public service, Colyer is a surgeon who has treated patients in over 25 countries and has been recognized for humanitarian work around the globe.
