Kansas
Kansas organizations share tips to prevent fireworks injuries on July 4
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of the State Fire Marshal (KSFM) and Safe Kids Kansas are sharing tips to prevent fireworks injuries on July 4.
According to Safe Kids Kansas officials, in 2023, there were a total of 146 injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas. The person igniting the firework was most likely to be injured, and the hands were the most common body part to be injured. Over half of the injuries that occurred from fireworks that happened on July 4th were from burns. There was a 43 percent increase in reported injuries from 2022.
Safe Kids Kansas said with the exception of two age groups, all saw an increase. Injuries more than doubled for the 14-18 year old age group. The highest incidents of injuries were caused by mortars or artillery fireworks and other fireworks like parachutes, fountains and spinning items. This data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“Sparklers are often thought to be safe for young children, but they account for roughly one-quarter of all emergency room visits related to fireworks,” said Cherie Sage, director of Safe Kids Kansas. “Children should not light fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers and leave the rest to grownups.”
Safe Kids Kansas officials said grilling is another favorite part of many summertime gatherings. Make sure grills are used outdoors only, away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.
“Enjoy a safe and happy July 4th,” said Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshal. “Always follow firework safety guidelines: keep spectators at a safe distance, never relight malfunctioning fireworks, and have a fire extinguisher or water source ready. When grilling, ensure the grill is on a flat, stable surface away from structures and flammable materials. Let’s celebrate responsibly and protect our community. If possible, go to a public fireworks display.”
Safe Kids Kansas shared tips to keep your celebrations safe on July 4:
- Have adults supervise children and pets around grills and fireworks.
- Designate a child-free safety zone around grills and areas where fireworks are being lit.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Adults should only handle fireworks. Consider giving children glow sticks, which also help you see little ones after dark.
- Have a water supply ready, such as a bucket of water or garden hose.
- Dispose of used fireworks carefully, as they may reignite.
- Keep a first-aid kit available and nearby.
- Ignite fireworks outdoors on a flat surface.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never stand over fireworks when lighting or holding a firework in your hand when lighting the fuse and wear eye protection.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never attempt to make your own fireworks.
Safe Kids Kansas indicated bottle rockets are illegal and M80 type of “fireworks” are considered explosives, and it is a felony in Kansas to possess, manufacture or use, as well as being extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks and explosives is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.
Safe Kids Kansas said always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types. Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.
Safe Kids Kansas noted in addition, out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress (PTSD) your activities may cause near VA facilities.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit firemarshal.ks.gov/216/ or SafeKidsKansas.org.
Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith recalls his 2021 NFL Draft experience
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith has emerged as one of the best guards in the league with his consistent and intimidating play.
The two-time Pro Bowler appeared on former Chiefs center Mitch Morse’s live podcast, In Good Company with Mitch Morse, last Thursday. He responded to a special guest question from Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. regarding his 2021 NFL Draft night memory.
“What I remember about my draft night was terrible, to be honest. You know, night one, I knew I wasn’t going. Day two, I thought I was gonna get picked, but I didn’t, and I remember being a little emotional with my dad, just upset,” said Smith, “Just like, Dang man. You know it’s gonna happen. You came back to college for another year, but you had blood clots. Still, you’re not getting drafted where you thought you would. On that third day, you’re legit. It was just like, Okay, I’m being drafted, but I have one opportunity, and I don’t care. It could be anywhere. It’d be the worst team in the league, as long as I get one opportunity to prove myself, and when I’m working, that’s all I want. That’s all I needed.”
Smith was selected in the 6th round, 226th overall, due to concerns about his health history. The Chiefs looked past that as he described the emotional phone call moment.
“I remember getting that phone call from Kansas City. Was one of the doctors just like, “Hey, Trey, I told you I’ll call. I remember telling, blunt, straight up. Like, yeah, what’s up? He chuckles. He’s just like, well, we’re gonna make you the newest member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s our owner, Clark Hunt, Mr. Hunt, popped on the phone. I snapped out of the funk, right? Oh, it’s real. Is this happening? Like, oh, it’s happening,” said Smith. “So I remember just being so excited, like, no one was in my house except for my sister, so I’m celebrating with her in the living room. I call my dad. He’s like, Man, I’m so proud of you. It’s unbelievable, Kansas City, man. He’s like, “Hey, I’ll be home in 10 minutes. I got chicken tenders on. I’m bringing home lunch. So it was like a calamity, but it was amazing. At the same time, I wouldn’t change a thing about it.”
Smith continues to be an impactful part of the team’s success, becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion and ranking among the NFL’s elite interior offensive linemen.
Kansas
St. John’s beats Kansas at buzzer in March Madness thriller to reach first Sweet 16 since 1999
SAN DIEGO — Church Bells arrived at the perfect time.
Dylan Darling, the Idaho State transfer in the midst of a massive shooting slump, sent St. John’s to the Sweet 16 with a buzzer-beating, right-handed layup at the horn after the Johnnies had blown a 14-point lead.
Darling strutted after it dropped and was immediately mobbed by his teammates after clinching this dramatic 67-65, second-round victory over Kansas at Viejas Arena.
Darryn Peterson had pulled the Jayhawks even with 14.1 seconds left, and they were able to use four fouls to stall St. John’s because it was under the limit.
With 3.8 seconds left, St. John’s inbounded the ball to Darling, and he drove in for the game-winning basket. They were his only points of the game.
In mid-February, after Darling hit a game-winning 3-pointer at Xavier, Pitino joked that he had “balls the size of church bells.”
Boy, was he right.
St. John’s will meet Duke in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Washington, D.C., its first trip to that round since 1999.
Zuby Ejiofor led St. John’s with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and Bryce Hopkins also had 18 points.
Ian Jackson had 10 off the bench.
Peterson scored 21 for Kansas.
The Red Storm have won 21 of their past 22 games.
For the first time in five games, St. John’s didn’t start on a big run.
The Red Storm reeled off an 11-0 run to take an early eight-point advantage.
They made three of their first four 3-point attempts, but then went ice-cold.
St. John’s went 5:45 without a point, and Kansas tied the game on the strength of a 9-0 burst.
Hopkins ended the drought with a 3-pointer that hit off the back rim and fell through.
Joson Sanon and Ruben Prey added 3s to help the Red Storm take an eight-point lead into halftime.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST BIG EAST STANDINGS AND ST. JOHN’S STATS
Against bigger Kansas, St. John’s let it fly from deep, making 7 of 23 in the opening half.
They average 21 per game this season.
A major factor in the opening half was Bidunga being limited to 12 minutes due to two early fouls.
Defense carried the Johnnies over the first 20 minutes.
They held Kansas to 34.5 percent shooting and forced nine turnovers, which led to 12 points.
Peterson hit his first two 3-point attempts but scored only nine points in the first half on 2-for-6 shooting.
St. John’s methodically pushed the lead to 10 by the under-12 timeout as it continued to handcuff Kansas.
The Jayhawks had as many turnovers (four) as made field goals over the first 8:21 of the second half.
When Mitchell scored on back-to-back possessions, St. John’s lead had ballooned to 14.
Only 8:51 remained between the Johnnies and a Sweet 16 berth.
They didn’t know at the time how dramatic those final minutes would be.
Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas, women’s leadership panel focuses on building future leaders
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) – Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Christal Watson and local leaders gathered at Nebraska Furniture Mart Saturday for a women’s leadership panel.
The event brought together women leading in different lanes. The panel featured Watson, CEO and creative entrepreneur Jess Rogers, DJ Dawna, Katie Wedekind and homebuilder Fran Sutton.
Organizers said they wanted the truth about the work behind the wins.
“It’s something we are very passionate about. Being a female leader myself, being a mother of a daughter it’s very important that we help inspiring and lead the way for other women,” said Nastasia Williams, store director at Nebraska Furniture Mart and event organizer.
The panel focused on what comes next for women’s leadership. Watson said meeting people where they are is key to success.
For women juggling work, family and bills, the takeaway was permission to ask for help, to take up space and to learn as you go.
“You can lead with grace and love and still be the power in the room and be the power at the table,” Rogers said.
Ticket proceeds benefit Win for KC, an organization empowering girls and women through sports.
Watson was also recognized at the event, receiving the “Lift Her Up Award” for her work in the community.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
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