Areas of Butler County were hit hard Friday morning as a spring storm that ripped through the area. Large trees were uprooted, branches and limbs were split and ripped from the trunks, rooftops were torn off and some buildings were even flattened.

In Benton, residents thought it would take weeks before the debris would be cleared away, but thanks to neighbors helping each other, streets and yards are already cleared just one day later.

"It's all a community effort," said Fred Hopkins, a Benton, KS resident. "It's what you get in a small town where everyone knows everyone else," he said.

The Benton United Methodist Church opened its doors to the entire community. People there are preparing hot meals for the entire town to enjoy.

Helping each other is why people in Benton said a two week job only took one day.

"That's just one of the things about a small community," said Rob Schmutz, Pastor of the Benton Church. "You have a connection and care about each other," he said.

The Benton Police Department has increased its nighttime patrols. Three officers work the overnight hours to protect the homes and businesses. A 10 p.m. curfew was even established.

"Nothing has happened yet," said James Welsch, a Benton Police Officer. "We're just making sure people don't come in town and prey on the citizens who don't have power."

Westar Energy crews are working around the clock to restore power. They've brought in additional crews from across the state to help with the effort, but officials still say it will be late Tuesday before all of the lights are back on.