Rachel Schnelly

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado went right through the middle of Joplin, killing 158 people in its path.

A local organization, Operation Barbecue Relief, was born out of the idea that competitive barbecue cooks could help their community by cooking meat and serving it to those in need.

Stan Hayes is the CEO and co-founder.

The organization is holding an event at a park in Joplin to commemorate the tornado victims.

It will feature their signature smoked pulled pork sandwiches and snacks.

For NPR News, I'm Rachel Schnelly in Joplin, Missouri.

But last night, there was a violent gunfire.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touchdown in Columbus, Kansas.

Residents reported severe damage and scattered debris.

Two energy companies report that as many as 700 residents in the area are without power.

The school district for Columbus has canceled school due to road closures.

Columbus, Kansas is a town with a population of 3,000 in southeast Kansas.

For NPR News, I'm Rachel Schnelly.