SEDGWICK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer has issued a state of disaster declaration because of rains that soaked much Kansas this week.

As of Wednesday, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management says it has not yet received requests for assistance from any counties, but the emergency declaration will speed the state's response if local governments need help with response and recovery operations.

Many roads are closed as rivers and creeks overflow their banks across the state.

The Arkansas River in Wichita is closed to all recreational activities for a week after the rains brought more t...