Kansas
Lawmaker and Topeka woman who fought for Good Samaritan Law in Kansas proud to see it finally take effect
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Until Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 419 in May, Kansas was one of two states without Good Samaritan Laws, which overlook drug possession charges for those who call for help during life-threatening situations.
This changes starting July 1, thanks to the efforts of various lawmakers and advocates.
Since her daughter Kaylee Burger passed away from an accidental overdose in August, Amber Saale-burger has worked tirelessly to ensure no other family feels that pain, through advocacy and by passing out Narcan and fentanyl strips, but she knew more had to be done and felt Kansas needed to implement laws recognizing the value of a life despite drug-related struggles.
” There’s this big stigma, you know, ‘You’re a junkie, you’re an addict. You’re not worth saving,’ but absolutely they are,” Saale-burger said. “ They’re somebody’s mom, or sister, or brother. “
Losing four family members in the past two years to fentanyl, this crisis became personal for Saale-burger. She believes her loved ones would still be here today had someone not been too scared to dial 911 immediately.
“My sister-in-law was 36 and her three kids are missing their mom because she’s not here because they were afraid to call,” Saale-burger explained. “My 16-year-old son-in-law: the same situation. He took a Percocet, he thought and he didn’t wake up. “
She reached out to Kansas State Representative Pat Proctor, knowing he already had one foot in the door trying to get new legislation passed. Seeing the uptick of deaths at home in Leavenworth, he was fully on board.
“This fentanyl epidemic has just hit us like a tsunami,” Proctor said. “These drugs are put into pills that look like Oxycontin or look like Percocet or look a hundred other drugs.”
Saale-burger and Proctor were among several to give testimony in favor of the bill.
Proctor emphasizes a government official’s responsibility for the well-being of their citizens and says you can’t save someone’s life that’s already dead.
“When somebody’s in the middle of an overdose incident,” Proctor said. “You know, none of that philosophical stuff matters. We need to get them help immediately revive them and then we can concentrate on getting them help for their addiction.”
Both encourage future bystanders in that situation to take action without fear.
“If this saves just one life it’ll all have been worth it,” Proctor said.
Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Farmer receives support from community after Kansas wildfire destroys home
KISMET, Kan. (KWCH) – Last month, wildfires in southern Kansas raged, destroying farmer Randall Thorp’s property, tools and 960 acres of land.
As he handles the massive cleanup project, he knows he is not alone.
“It’s about the greatest show of love I’ve ever seen,” Thorpe said. “I didn’t realize that I would have all this support in my greatest time of need.”
The two main contributors to Thorp’s optimism are the community around him and his faith.
“I’ve seen a lot of darkness that, because of my faith in Jesus, I can see the light in my heart,” Thorp said. “And that’s what keeps me going.”
Throughout the past few weeks, friends, family and neighbors have come to his property to help sort out and clean up the debris.
“I come out here and I’m by myself and I find it hard to do anything, but when a group of people all shows up and they’re wanting to work, then I’m ready to get to work with them, and they’re all ready to help me,” Thorp said.
Even with all the uncertainty following the fire, Thorp has been able to feed the 150 cattle he has, a number that is now growing since it is calving season. Friendly helpers are providing free hay for his animals to eat.
There’s a long way until things will be back to normal, but Thorp is determined to get there.
“You know, I can see some light at the end of the tunnel, but I’ve got to stay strong and keep it going and make it through,” Thorp said.
The powerful show of dependability from fellow Kansans is something he will never forget.
“I’ve been shown lots of love,” Thorp said.
You can still donate to Thorp’s GoFundMe here.
Copyright 2026 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com
Kansas
Kansas City International Airport reopens after ‘threat’ prompts FBI, cops to swarm terminal
Kansas City International Airport in Missouri was partly evacuated over a “threat” Sunday afternoon but has since resumed “normal operations,” officials said.
“The security incident at [Kansas City International Airport] is now clear and normal operations are resuming,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X.
“I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response. The safety of our passengers, airport staff, and crew members is always our number one priority.”
Airport representative Jackson Overstreet told The Associated Press in an email that the threat was reported at 11:50 a.m. local time, at which point an entire terminal was evacuated.
He said planes that landed after the threat were being held on the taxiway until it could be fully investigated.
FBI rep Dixon Land said the bureau was “aware of the incident” and worked with “law enforcement officials to determine the credibility of a threat.”
Passenger Logan Hawley, 29, told the outlet he was getting ready to board a flight to Texas when he saw police and K-9 units swarming the terminal.
“Suddenly there was an airport worker saying ‘immediately evacuate,’ people got up fast and rushed out of there,” Hawley said.
Roughly 2,000 people were ushered out of the terminal and onto the tarmac, he said.
Photos and video from the airport circulating online show large groups of passengers being led onto the tarmac or funneling out of the terminal.
With Post Wires
Kansas
Kansas family stranded in Iran with critical medical need makes it home through congressional intervention
SHAWNEE, Kan. – A Kansas family said a call to their congresswoman’s office helped bring their daughter and son-in-law home after they were stranded overseas with an unmet critical medical need.
Janet Fulgham said her daughter Laura and Laura’s husband Adam had been traveling in the UAE when an attack on Iran disrupted their plans to return home.
With their trip delayed and Laura facing a medical need that could not be met there, Fulgham said she contacted the office of Rep. Sharice Davids.
Fulgham said Davids’ office worked with the State Department to flag the emergency and secure a flight for the couple.
“The first thing that went through my mind was her medication. It is such a big part of her life. And then how do we get them out safely? How on earth do we get them out?” Fulgham said.
She said the experience prompted her to share a message with other families.
“Very often things are out of your control. But what I want everyone to know is, no matter what state you’re in, there are services to the American public that we may not know about,” Fulgham said.
Davids, who represents Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District, said the situation reflects the real-world impact of international crises.
“This is one of those areas where you really see how much we’re talking about real people. You know, Laura and Adam are real Kansans who are stuck in a situation that they did not ask to be in. I’m just so relieved and glad that they’re back home,” Davids said.
Fulgham said the relief of her daughter’s return is tempered by awareness of others still waiting.
“Happiness and my delight that they’re home. Mixed with my total exhaustion. But then there’s so many other parents and friends and family members who are waiting for their loved ones. It’s hard to really celebrate when you know there’s such a big need,” Fulgham said.
Davids is expected to visit the family later this week. Her office said it is still working to help other Kansas families who remain stranded.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
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