Kelly declares drought watch or warning for most of Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has declared 87 of the state’s 105 counties under a drought watch or warning. Kelly said Thursday encouraged state residents to minimize the risk of fires. Fourteen counties were placed under warnings and 73 are under drought watches. The 18 counties not affected are all in southeast Kansas. The governor said counties in the northwest, central and south-central regions have received less than 60% of their normal precipitation so far this year. Connie Owen, director of the state’s water office, said drought-like conditions are expected to continue into the fall, particularly in the northwest region.