Convoy to Kansas leaves Friday

By JAN TUCKER

jantuck@jamadots.com

Bruce Crossing — On Friday, a caravan of large trucks bringing relief are heading out from Bruce Crossing to Kansas to assist farmers and cattlemen devastated by fires that have burned farms, killed livestock and charred cattle feed. The trucks are lining up at the Settlers Co-op feed mill from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday. According to a source at the co-op, the co-op is taking a percentage of the price of purchased items and donating it to the relief effort.

Marty DeHann, Mass City and Jan Strieter, Lake Linden, are heading the rescue event. Local farmers started organizing to bring hay and other badly needed supplies together, and as of Sunday, had organized seven trucks with loads of hay and one covered vehicle with fencing and other equipment.

The group is accepting donations at the feed mill to help with fuel and lodging for the drivers.

DeHann noted that as of a recent estimate, approximately 2 million acres have burned, tens of thousands of cattle and other livestock have died, and six people perished trying to save their livestock in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

Other individuals not making the trip are helping as much as they can. For example, Julie Linna of Bruce Crossing is making cookies for all the drivers. The funding effort is listed on Facebook and Go Fund Me.