AGP Executive Report

Kansas Wheat: K-State Research and Extension released the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026, urging growers to use yield data plus disease and insect resistance when choosing fall varieties; the guide adds new variety profiles (including KS Tradition and KS Flintlock) and points to the 2026 disease/insect ratings PDF. Wildlife Research: Kansas State University researchers are using Council Grove as a base to study greater prairie-chickens in the Flint Hills, tracking how woody encroachment, prescribed burning, and residual grass cover affect habitat and movement. Water Safety: Great Bend updated a boil water advisory after a contractor bore strike damaged a water main; crews repaired, flushed, and collected required samples while waiting for KDHE confirmation. State Environment Policy: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved several regulation changes. Clean Fuel for Sorghum: National Sorghum Producers welcomed long-awaited IRS guidance and updated U.S. DOE modeling that clears the way to use the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, explicitly recognizing distillers sorghum oil in clean fuel pathways. Heat & Climate Pressure: A new report finds Hispanic and Black homeowners are hit hardest by rising home insurance premiums, with climate-driven disaster risk playing a major role.

Water Safety Alerts: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for part of Sedgwick County’s Rural Water District #4 after a water main break caused a pressure loss and raised bacterial contamination risk; customers must boil water for one minute (or use bottled water) until KDHE rescinds the order. Local Water Quality & Habitat: Winfield is considering a $4.5 million Island Park lagoon upgrade, including dredging for the first time since the late 1970s, plus filtration and bank improvements, aiming to restore depth, clarity, and oxygen levels. Agriculture Resilience Research: Kansas State University graduate research is using drone imagery, air temperature, and soil moisture with machine learning to detect crop stress early—before it shows up visually—by tracking stomatal conductance. Wildlife & Public Education: Topeka Zoo’s Wildlife and Nature Festival (Sept. 19) will feature native pollinator seed sales and hands-on booths focused on plants, animals, and local ecosystems. Drinking Water Policy: KU Law will host environmental law scholar James Salzman for a public lecture on drinking water conflicts, including climate change and emerging contaminants (Sept. 14).

Water Safety Alert: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure and raised the risk of bacterial contamination, affecting customers east of U.S. 281. Public Health & Infrastructure: Salina-area partners say cleanup work at the former Schilling Air Force Base was paused but they’re committed to finishing environmental remediation and protecting the community. Wildlife & Conservation: Rolling Hills Zoo welcomed its first spotted hyena cub, a milestone tied to AZA cooperative breeding and genetic diversity goals. Native Habitat & Education: Topeka Zoo’s Sept. 19 Wildlife and Nature Festival will feature native pollinator seed sales with proceeds supporting tiger conservation, plus hands-on activities for families. Agriculture Research: Kansas State University graduate research aims to detect crop stress early using drone imagery, weather, and soil data to predict stomatal conductance before problems show up visually. Drinking Water Policy: KU Law will host environmental law scholar James Salzman for a public lecture on drinking water conflicts, including climate change and emerging contaminants. Local Governance: Hutchinson city leaders say a hostile work environment drove the abrupt resignations of the city manager and city attorney, tied to concerns around the Recreation Commission. Healthcare Access: Five Kansas hospitals announced Astra Health, a partnership to share resources while staying independent, targeting rural access. Animal Care & Community: Kansas City Zoo is reviewing architects for a new $12.5 million bear exhibit with connected outdoor spaces and naturalistic features.

Data Center Backlash: A new national push against data centers is reshaping campaigns ahead of the November midterms, with a recent survey finding about 61% of US adults oppose new data centers near them. Local Water Impacts: In Olathe, officials are investigating a natural fish kill at Frisco Lake, with reports of up to 4,000 dead fish (mostly bluegill) likely tied to low oxygen during hot weather; lab testing is underway. Prairie Restoration Research: Kansas State University researchers report that restoring grazing with native bison at Konza Prairie boosted native plant richness—up 103% locally and 86% across catchments—an effect that persisted for decades and survived an extreme drought. Aquifer Project Timeline: Shenandoah city leaders say bidding for parts of the Fremont Channel Aquifer Project is set to move forward after USDA completes an archeological and environmental review, with well and well-house work targeted for October. Wildlife/Health Monitoring: Kansas agencies are coordinating on fish-kill testing and public safety guidance while monitoring conditions as temperatures cool.

Rural Waste Planning: Douglas County commissioners will consider adopting a new joint Solid Waste Management Plan after a public hearing, updating how trash and diversion are handled over the next decade for the Douglas-Jefferson region, including growing reliance on the Republic/Hamm Landfill as other area sites are expected to close. Water & Health Access: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services issued an RFP to build a coordinated statewide behavioral health crisis transportation system, aiming to move people in crisis to appropriate care without defaulting to law enforcement or emergency departments. Ag Water Research: Kansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for its FY27 Crop & Livestock Research Grant Program, funded through the State Water Plan Fund, with priorities including drought-tolerant crops, better nutrient use, runoff reduction, and improved water efficiency. Rural Healthcare Collaboration: Five independent Kansas hospitals announced Astra Health, a new partnership with shared quality metrics and tools to strengthen rural access and reduce costs while keeping local identities. Public Health Research: A University of Kansas study finds common vaping additives can soften lung surfactant in a lab model, raising concerns about vaping safety. Climate Context: The National Weather Service is emphasizing how forecasts and drought conditions are shaping regional planning and public messaging.

Kansas Wildlife Action Plan Update: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved the 2025 update to the state’s 10-year wildlife plan, a key step for guiding conservation work and unlocking federal State Wildlife Grants. Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the Walnut Grove, LLC public water supply near St. George in Pottawatomie County, with precautions for drinking, ice, and food prep until bacterial risk is resolved. Drought Resilience in Farming: Kansas farmers are turning to perennial grains as extreme weather worsens, aiming for crops that can stay in the ground longer and reduce replanting stress. Local Health & Data: Greenwood County Hospital could receive about $840,000 from a COVID-era Employee Retention Credit claim, while a separate Kansas data-center proposal near a psychiatric hospital is raising concerns about noise and sleep impacts on patients. Agriculture Innovation Event: A “Chef’s Table/Day on the Farm” in Moorhead highlights Kansas-style farm innovation, from robotic weed control to perennial sunflower research and pollinator-friendly planting.

Proposed Data Center Near Psychiatric Hospital: A Kansas City-area proposal called Project Catalyst would sit just a few hundred yards from Osawatomie State Hospital, raising concerns about construction and ongoing noise, light, and vibration disrupting patient sleep and treatment. Public Health Water Alerts: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Walnut Grove, LLC near St. George in Pottawatomie County, with specific steps for drinking, ice, and food prep; it also rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing showed no bacterial contamination and manganese below health advisory levels. Wildlife Conservation Update: Kansas’ State Wildlife Action Plan (2025 update) was approved, setting 10-year guidance for protecting priority species and habitats and supporting federal funding eligibility. Kansas Nature Notes: Monarchs are moving through Kansas, and the Kaw Valley Almanac highlights seasonal cycles and what local observers are seeing. Rural Search Outcome: The body of a missing 62-year-old Great Bend man was found in Ellsworth County; cause of death remains undetermined and no foul play is suspected.

Wildlife Conservation: Kansas’ State Wildlife Action Plan got formal approval for the 2025 update, setting 10-year guidance for protecting priority species and habitats and keeping Kansas eligible for federal wildlife funding. Public Health & Water Safety: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink Order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing showed no bacteriological contamination and manganese levels below health advisory limits. Water Disruption: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8 after a waterline break caused pressure loss and raised the risk of bacterial contamination. Climate & Agriculture: Kansas farmers are weighing resilience options as extreme weather strains yields; one report highlights growing interest in perennial grains to better handle drought and intense rainfall. Extreme Heat: A Kansas heat advisory warns of continued triple-digit heat and high heat index readings, with local air-conditioning repair demand spiking.

Water Safety Updates: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink Order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing found no bacteriological contamination and manganese below health advisory levels. Public Health Alert: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Reno Co. RWD #8 after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure and raised risk of bacterial contamination; residents should boil water for one minute and follow KDHE guidance. Heat & Resilience: A Kansas heat advisory/extreme heat warning continues into Tuesday, with air-conditioning repair demand spiking as temperatures hover near 100 and heat indexes top 100–104. Agriculture & Climate: Kansas farmers are turning to perennial grains as one way to cope with extreme weather, but adoption is slow due to lower yields and developing markets. Wildlife Monitoring: Monarchs were tagged and released in Kansas as part of a migration-tracking effort tied to University of Kansas–linked Monarch Watch methods. Local Infrastructure: Lawrence’s Municipal Services and Operations staff moved into a new campus to improve productivity and morale after years of operating from scattered, aging buildings.

Water Safety Updates: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink Order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing found no bacteriological contamination and manganese below health advisory levels. Public Health Alert: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Reno Co. RWD #8 after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure and raised the risk of bacterial contamination. Extreme Heat & Community Impacts: A dry heat stretch is continuing past Labor Day, with heat advisories/warnings prompting heavy demand for air conditioning repairs. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Kansas farmers are increasingly looking at perennial grains as extreme weather worsens, though adoption is slowed by lower yields and developing markets. Local Infrastructure: Lawrence’s Municipal Services and Operations staff moved into a new campus, boosting productivity and morale while dealing with aging, spread-out facilities. Wildlife & Hunting Rules: Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to hunting regulations and Kansas State Park fees, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Food Safety Concern: A new report warns dangerous salmonella strains in poultry are increasing and becoming more resistant to antibiotics.

Drinking Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink Order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing found no bacteriological contamination and manganese below health advisory levels. Public Health & Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Reno Co. RWD #8 after a waterline break caused a pressure loss that can reduce chlorine and raise bacterial risk. Extreme Heat Impacts: A dry heat pattern is set to keep temperatures near or above 100 through midweek, with heat advisories/warnings in parts of central Kansas and local HVAC crews reporting heavy demand. Outdoor Event Safety: SantaCaliGon Days in the Kansas City area added cooling and first-aid stations and introduced a curfew for teens during the hottest hours. Wildlife & Weather Outlook: Southern Plains fall conditions may shift as a major pattern change approaches, offering potential relief for drought-stressed Kansas and nearby wheat/pasture areas. Environmental Cleanup Watch: Salina public entities say progress on Schilling Air Force Base cleanup is temporarily paused while KDHE completes a data gap analysis, with results expected in October.

Data Center Fight in Kansas: A Johnson County judge dismissed Edgerton residents’ lawsuit aimed at blocking a hyperscale data center petition, a setback for neighbors raising health and environmental concerns. Local Enforcement: Riley County is weighing much higher penalties for unlicensed short-term rentals, with fines rising from $500 to $1,000 if violations aren’t fixed within 30 days. Wildlife & Public Lands: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to hunting regulations and Kansas State Park fees, including higher nonresident restrictions for some waterfowl seasons and a re-established fall turkey season for residents. Water & Cleanup Watch: Salina public entities say KDHE has paused parts of the Schilling Air Force Base cleanup pending a “data gap” review expected by October 2026, while monitoring continues. Heat & Agriculture: A major heat advisory hit Kansas with heat index values up to 106, while farmers across the Plains weigh drought relief hopes and turn to perennial grains to better handle extreme weather.

Wildlife & Hunting Policy: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to hunting regulations and Kansas State Park fees, including higher state park costs, new nonresident waterfowl timing rules, and a re-established fall turkey season for Kansas residents starting Oct. 31, with details on permit limits and closures. Water & Public Health: A car driven into the Kansas River on July 4 remains submerged as officials question who will remove it; the case is under Shawnee County’s purview and the vehicle isn’t needed for evidence. Behavioral Health Access: Kansas is seeking a contractor to build a 24/7 crisis transportation system across all 105 counties, aiming to get people in mental health or substance use crises to care without defaulting to police cars or emergency rooms. Environmental Cleanup: Salina public entities say progress on the Schilling Air Force Base cleanup is temporarily on hold while KDHE completes a data gap analysis, with KDHE expected to deliver results by October 2026. Climate & Agriculture: With drought and extreme heat stressing Kansas producers, a weather outlook points to a possible pattern shift later in September, while Kansas farmers and researchers continue pushing perennial grains as a longer-term resilience strategy. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Unified Government commissioners approved the 2027 Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas budgets, including funding for bridge reopening, fire station upgrades, pool work, and street repaving.

Kansas Water & Outdoors: Kansas Public Radio’s “Take the Off Ramp” spotlights Deep Creek Falls at Pillsbury Crossing in Riley County, a rare, publicly accessible natural waterfall. Local Governance & Data Centers: In Edgerton, a city lawsuit targets residents who launched a petition effort to block a hyperscale data center, with neighbors citing environmental and health concerns plus transparency issues. Wildlife & Conservation: Monarch Watch says monarch butterflies should increase across Kansas this fall as drought in other states makes Kansas nectar habitat more important; sightings can be submitted to Journey North. Community Science: Colorado Bat Watch shows how volunteers count bats at mine roosts to help track species affected by white-nose syndrome. Agriculture & Markets: The Kansas Department of Agriculture appointed four Kansans—including an Ellsworth teacher—to its Marketing Advisory Board, covering workforce, local foods, trade, and ag education. Rural Health: Stormont Vail says federal health changes are a net positive, citing Rural Health Transformation Program grants for rural care.

Data Center Court Fight (Edgerton): A Kansas City-area case is heading to court over Edgerton’s proposed hyperscale data center, after the city sued two Johnson County residents who launched a petition effort to require voter approval for “High Impact Data Center” projects. Neighbors cite environmental impacts, health concerns, and transparency worries. Cybersecurity & Public Records (Eudora/Douglas County): Officials in Eudora and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are still tight-lipped about a cybersecurity incident, including whether residents’ personal financial data was exposed; the sheriff’s office says systems were hit by “suspicious activity,” while the city says only a limited number of systems were impacted. Wildlife Watch (Monarchs): Kansas is expected to see increased monarch butterfly activity this fall as drought in other states makes nectar harder to find, with researchers urging sightings and tagging reports. Agriculture Policy (Beef Tariffs): USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins says tariff changes on ground beef imports underscore the need to keep more U.S. food production on-shore, as ranchers push back. Heat & Weather: A late-summer heat wave is stressing the region’s growing season, with farmers facing a split between wetter eastern areas and hotter southern plains. Solar Energy Governance (Kansas): Kansas Department of Agriculture named new members to a marketing advisory board, reflecting ongoing state support for agriculture workforce and education.

Data Center Fight (Kansas-adjacent): A Kansas City man’s podcast highlights how data centers are reshaping local politics, with complaints about noise and pollution, strain on the electricity grid, and loss of local control to big tech. Public Health (Kansas): Kansas COVID-19 cases are “likely growing,” but emergency department visits remain very low, with wastewater monitoring also showing low levels. Water Safety (Kansas): KDHE opened applications for CPR training and AED funding for schools and other groups with approved emergency plans, aiming to expand rural access to lifesaving equipment. Wildlife (Kansas): A first confirmed western massasauga sighting was reported in Jewell County, offering a rare update for Kansas snake watchers. Community Safety (Emporia): Emporia accepted nearly $1.2 million for Safe Routes to School upgrades near five USD 253 schools, including sidewalks, ramps, beacons, and safer crosswalks.