Kansas
Proposed legislation in Kansas fights for more justice for K-9 officers injured or killed on the job
OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) – Proposed legislation in Kansas aims to create stiffer punishments for people who injure or kill K9 officers. It’s called Bane’s Law and is named after a Sedgwick County K9 killed in the line of duty in November of 2023.
KCTV met up with K9 Units of the Olathe and Kansas City, KS Police Department and both of them have noticed when a police dog is called to a scene it usually stops things from escalating to the point of someone being killed because suspects surrender more often. But with all the service comes a risk to the K9s and they say, more protection is needed under the law.
First, meet Kodi of the Olathe Police Department. For two years he’s served with Officer Kyle Clausius. “The dogs are working with us day in and day out and they go home with us to be a part of our family life as well,” Officer Clausius said.
Thanks to Kodi and the other K-9s on the force in Olathe, Clausius believes the city is much safer when they’re on the job because they can respond in ways human officers can’t.
“If a violent subject who’s on the run hiding in a business or residence,” Officer Clausius explained, “that’s when the critical patrol side of that dog in detecting that bad guy for officer safety tells us where he’s at before an officer is in harm’s way. They are really the tip of the spear for the search.”
READ MORE: Man charged in death of KCPD officer, K-9 and pedestrian pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter
Right now in the state of Kansas, anyone who harms or kills a police dog faces 30 days to a year in prison with a maximum fine of $5,000. Bane’s law would triple the prison time to a 90-day minimum sentence to prison and increase the fine to at least $10,000.
Because of all K9s do to protect people, KCK Police Officer Jeff Gardner feels they deserve better justice.
“Even when an officer goes before anyone else to try and help somebody those dogs will do the same thing for us,” Gardner said. “To go around that corner or go in that room first and risk their lives at the drop of a hat by just asking them to.”
Bane’s Law is named after a K9 from Wichita who was strangled while trying to capture a suspect. If passed it would also allow police to seek restitution to replace any police dog injured or killed so the department doesn’t face setbacks in services they provide from a vital part of their department.
“To get a K9 and starting the process of getting it, training it, getting the handler certified, getting the K9 certified you’re talking about $15,000,” Capt. Joshua Messick of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department told KCTV. “That’s a lot of money and getting the equipment to go along with it.”
Both Kansas and Missouri saw one police dog die in the line of duty in 2023. Recently, the Missouri House of Representatives also showed approval for a bill that would increase the maximum prison time from four to seven years for anyone guilty of injuring or killing police dogs or horses.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. 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.
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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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