Kansas Klips

Kansas fishermen's catch broke record that stood for more than 50 years

PRATT—On April 18th, 2026, Michael Barnett of Baxter Springs landed a 33.6-pound, 63-inchlong longnose gar while bow fishing the Spring River near Baxter Springs. Barnett's catch broke the previous Kansas state record for a longnose gar—a 31.5-pound fish caught in 1974 by Ray Schroeder of Topeka below the Perry Reservoir using a rod and reel with a yellow beetle lure. (Hays Post)

Good Samaritans assist during an arrest at Hays restaurant

HAYS—Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said 56-year-old Mark Alan Dawson, an employee at Old Chicago, 383 Mopar Drive, allegedly assaulted his manager on Sunday, May 31st. Greenwood said officers were dispatched at about 6:30 p.m. to a disturbance in progress. When officers arrived, they found the manager with minor facial injuries. Greenwood said Dawson allegedly became disruptive in the kitchen, and when his manager attempted to address the behavior, Dawson allegedly punched and head-butted him. As officers attempted to take Dawson into custody, Greenwood said the suspect allegedly resisted and battered a law enforcement officer. During the struggle, Greenwood said Dawson allegedly tried to take the officer to the ground. The officer deployed a Taser, but it was ineffective because the encounter was too close for the probes to deploy properly. Greenwood said the incident occurred outside the kitchen in the dining area. Greenwood said two bystanders offered assistance, which the officer 'greatly appreciated.' Dawson was taken to the ground by the officer and the two bystanders and subdued until additional law enforcement officers arrived on the scene. Greenwood said alcohol was believed to be a factor, and no officers were injured. Dawson was charged with alleged battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with law enforcement. Greenwood said he was grateful for the assistance provided by the good Samaritans who helped the officer. (Hays Post)

Police seize homemade fireworks, explosives from Kansas home

SALINE COUNTY—On Tuesday, June 2nd, police and fire investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Salina, according to a media release. During the search, police seized numerous chemicals and devices suspected of being homemade fireworks and explosives. Those devices and chemicals were removed from the scene by Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and disposed of. The State Fire Marshal, Riley County Police Department Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Salina Fire Department HazMat assisted in carrying out the operation. Police arrested 33-year-old Christopher Leger of Salina at the scene. Leger was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Arson. He is also suspected of damaging an unoccupied residence by fire or explosion, associated with separate incidents. (Hays Post)