WICHITA, KS. January 19, 2022 – KWCH and KSCW are partnering with the Kansas Livestock Foundation to raise funds for farmers and ranchers affected by December’s windstorm and wildfires.

On December 15, 2021, Kansas experienced a historic and unprecedented weather event. The National Weather Service classified it as the first derecho in December in the United States. Extreme winds fueled wildfires that tore through Western Kansas, burning homes, property, livestock, cropland and more. The four Kansas counties of Russell, Ellis, Osborne, and Rooks were the hardest hit. The event has been dubbed the “Four County Fire.”

“After seeing our reporting on the farmers, ranchers, and families rebuilding after the wildfires, we knew we had to do more,” KWCH/KSCW Vice President & General Manager Brad Moses said. “Partnering with the Kansas Livestock Foundation made sense. After the Greenwood County fire a few years ago, they were instrumental in collecting and distributing funds to farmers, ranchers, and ag producers affected by that fire. That’s why we’re dedicating the bulk of our news efforts on January 24th to sharing the stories of those affected by the wildfires and helping to raise money for the KLF’s Four County Fire Relief Fund.”

On Monday, January 24th, KWCH will be live in Russell County sharing the stories of those impacted and those trying to make a difference. Live coverage starts at 6:00 a.m. on Eyewitness News this Morning and will continue in newscasts on KWCH and KSCW through 7:00 p.m. Coverage will be field anchored by Michael Schwanke, Chief Meteorologist Ross Janssen, and host of Eye on Agriculture Brityne Rucker. Additional coverage will air throughout the week during the Eye on Agriculture segments.

Now through the end of the month, 100% of cash donations made to the KLF relief fund will go to farmers and ranchers impacted by the “Four County Fire.” Donations can be made online at kla.org or on the KWCH app.

Applications for relief grants are available at kla.org and must be submitted by January 31, 2022.