Tough times continue for Plevna woman
May 30, 2025
After what the National Weather Service has categorized as an EF3 rating tornado hit Reno County, Jessica King of Reno County has experienced another tragedy.
When the tornado covered nearly 33 miles of ground, King took cover in a basement on her family's property. Once the tornado was gone, she and her family discovered that the roof and porch of their home outside of Plevna, had been torn off.
After assessing the damage, King, along with her dog and cat went to the camper in which she had been staying prior to the storm. After falling asleep, the camper caught fire and eventually exploded.
"The camper I stay in with my cat and dog caught on fire while I was asleep inside with the animals," she explained.
In an effort to save her pets, King became trapped inside. She was then knocked unconscious by the blast and has sustained second-degree burns on her hands, foot, knee, shoulder, and face.
"I was knocked out the door by an explosion and was not able to save either animal," she said. "I lost everything but my life. Now I'm struggling to get to and from the hospital, appointments, and getting meds, and I have no clothes at all."
For those wishing to help King, a GoFundMe page has been created. You can find more details here.
According to Director of Reno County Emergency Management Adam Weishaar, nine homes were destroyed and about 20 others sustained damage on May 18. Roughly half of the affected homes were uninsured. Despite on Wednesday, the Reno County Commission unanimously approving a State of Local Disaster Emergency, there is a lot of people in need.
Residents impacted by the storms in Reno County can now contact the Kansas Department of Insurance if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said.
“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”
If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division 785-296-3071, or by email KDOI.complaints@ks.gov or visit the Department online at insurance.kansas.gov for any claims-related questions or concerns.
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