AGP Executive Report

Transportation & Trails Funding: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $37.2M in federal Transportation Alternatives grants for 33 projects, including Lawrence Loop trail work and Safe Routes to School sidewalks/crossings, plus Eudora’s Wakarusa boat ramp park connection. Endangered Species Act Fight: Barton County commissioners discussed ballot questions on whether the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition should join federal litigation over a broadened “harm” definition under the Endangered Species Act—raising concerns about landowners facing unintentional impacts. Heat & Water Stress: A Kansas Health Foundation/K-State effort highlights the 40 Gallon Challenge as both drought relief and mental health support, aiming to reduce chronic anxiety tied to long-term climate stress. Outdoor Education: K-State Research and Extension plans a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays with hands-on beef management sessions, including prescribed burning and fly/tick control. Wildlife-Friendly Community Art: Girl Scouts in Lawrence unveiled a “Endangered, Not Forgotten” mural in a pollinator garden featuring Kansas vulnerable species. Public Safety Note: Authorities recovered a submerged vehicle from Montgomery County State Lake; the investigation into how/when it entered the water remains ongoing.

Rural Water & Wastewater: Keats (near Manhattan) broke ground on a $5.06M sanitary sewer project to replace failing septic systems, adding a gravity collection system, lift station, and a three-cell lagoon treatment facility. Local Conservation & Land Use: Kansas Natural Resource Coalition members are asking counties to back participation in federal litigation over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s broadened “harm” definition under the Endangered Species Act—Barton County commissioners debated how it could affect landowners. State Parks & Recreation: Iola opened Lehigh Portland State Park, a former quarry turned state park with 14 miles of trails, a swimming/paddling lake, and new campgrounds. Soil & Food Systems: Douglas County Food Policy Council urged updates to the regional solid waste plan to prioritize organic waste diversion to protect soil health and reduce landfill pressure at the Republic/Hamm site. Extreme Heat Context: NOAA reported July was the hottest on record for the Lower 48, with impacts felt across the Northern Plains and other regions. Beef & Livestock Pressure: Tyson announced it will close or sell multiple beef facilities as a shrinking cattle supply tightens production.

Rural Funding Push: Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland announced a new $250,000 round of SEED grants for communities in 78 eligible counties (pop. 5,000 or fewer), with up to $25,000 available for childcare/senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail access, and library upgrades. Local Wildlife Legal Fight: Barton County commissioners weighed ballot questions on whether the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition should join federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rule changes—supporters say it protects landowner rights, while opponents warn the definition could broaden liability. Heat Stress on Livestock: Kansas dairy producers are dealing with extreme summer temperatures that reduce milk output and quality, adding pressure to already tight farm economics. Drought Outlook: Barton County’s drought monitor shows moderate drought spreading, with forecasts calling for hotter-than-normal conditions and only a modest chance of precipitation. Food Waste Diversion Plan: A Douglas County Food Policy Council report urges updates to regional solid waste plans to prioritize composting and organic waste diversion to protect soil health as landfill demand grows. Beef Supply Squeeze: Tyson says it will close or sell multiple beef facilities as a shrinking cattle supply keeps tightening availability and raising costs.

Heat Records: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record for the Lower 48, topping the Dust Bowl-era benchmark—an ominous sign for Kansas and the Plains as extreme heat spreads. Drought Watch: A Kansas drought update reports moderate drought expanding across much of Barton County and nearby areas, with forecasts leaning hotter and only a modest chance of rain. Local Land & Wildlife: Barton County commissioners are weighing whether to let the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition join federal litigation over changes to the Endangered Species Act definition of “harm,” with landowners warning the broader standard could criminalize everyday activities. Waste & Soil Health: The Douglas County Food Policy Council is urging updates to regional solid waste plans to expand composting and organic waste diversion as landfill demand grows. Data Center Backlash: Protect Kansas held a Montara meeting focused on a proposed large data center, where residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, pollinators, and strain on water and local costs. Livestock Under Pressure: Kansas dairy producers are dealing with heat stress that can cut milk output and quality, while Tyson announced additional beef plant closures tied to ongoing cattle shortages. Community & Learning: K-State is promoting hands-on beef “Cow Camp” training in Hays, and Kansas’ SEED grant program is opening $250,000 for small communities to fund childcare, libraries, and food retail upgrades.

Climate Heat Record: NOAA says July was the hottest month on record for the Lower 48, beating the Dust Bowl-era mark—an alarming signal for Kansas summers and drought risk. Drought Watch: A Barton County update reports moderate drought spreading, with forecasts leaning hotter and only a modest chance of rain. Livestock & Heat Stress: Kansas dairy producers are seeing heat cut milk output and quality, pushing farms to adapt fast as heat events intensify. Beef Industry Shakeup: Tyson plans to close or sell multiple beef facilities amid cattle shortages, with Kansas positioned as part of the company’s reshaped footprint. Data Center Backlash: Protect Kansas is organizing around environmental concerns tied to a proposed Burlingame Road data center, while Edgerton is suing to void a citizen petition seeking a ban. Local Conservation Fight: Barton County commissioners consider ballot questions on joining federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rules. Community Grants: Kansas’ SEED program is opening $250,000 in funding for small communities (up to $25,000 each) for childcare, libraries, food retail, and community projects. Education Policy: Kansas will keep its vaccine schedule aligned with major medical groups, despite a Trump executive order.

Data Center Fight in Johnson County: Edgerton is suing a citizen group and residents to void a petition that would ban high-impact data centers, arguing the proposal is “legally and factually deficient” and that the city was required to either adopt the ordinance or send it to a vote. Local Environmental Governance: Barton County commissioners are weighing ballot questions on whether the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition can join federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rule changes that could affect landowners. Water & Wildlife Health: KDHE lifted a blue-green algae warning for Emporia State University’s King Lake, but the Melvern Outlet River pond remains under an algae watch. Heat & Climate Context: An AP report says the contiguous U.S. just logged its hottest month on record, with July breaking Dust Bowl-era records—another reminder of Kansas’ rising heat risk. Rural Resilience: Kansas’ SEED grant program is opening $250,000 in funding for small communities (up to $25,000 each) for projects like childcare, libraries, and food retail. Agriculture Education: K-State is hosting a two-day Cow Camp in Hays (Sept. 9–10) covering herd health, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control.

Odor & Livestock Impacts: Hyrum residents say persistent stink tied to JBS operations and composting of paunch manure is driving quality-of-life complaints and even affecting home decisions. Beef Industry Reshuffle: Tyson announced it will close or sell multiple beef plants, including a Kansas anchor plan that shifts production toward Holcomb, Kansas amid historic cattle shortages. Harmful Algae Update: KDHE lifted a blue-green algae warning for Emporia State’s King Lake, while the Melvern Outlet River pond remains under an algae watch. Drought & Heat Pressure: A Kansas drought outlook shows worsening dryness in parts of southwest and south central Kansas, with above-normal heat likely and only a chance of precipitation. Local Conservation Governance: Barton County commissioners weighed ballot questions on whether the Kansas Natural Resource Coalition can join federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rule changes that could affect landowners. Rural Health & Food Access: Newman Regional Health received state-linked funding to expand community health workers and “food is medicine” support for rural Kansans. Data Center Fight in Edgerton: Edgerton sued to block a citizen petition that would ban high-impact data centers, arguing the petition is legally and factually deficient. Community Learning for Producers: K-State announced a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays with hands-on training on herd health, reproduction, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control. School Policy: Kansas’ HB 2299 takes effect, requiring public and accredited private schools to ban student electronic devices all day.

Endangered Species Act fight: Barton County commissioners backed Kansas Natural Resource Coalition participation in federal litigation over a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife “harm” definition, warning it could broaden what counts as unintentional harm to landowners. Public health: KDHE says Kansas cyclosporiasis cases have jumped to 748, with 32 hospitalizations, and urges people to help health officials trace exposures. Water & infrastructure: A portion of the Bowersock Dam’s inflatable bladders failed near Lawrence, dropping Kansas River water levels and affecting how the city draws water for treatment. Rural drought outlook: Barton County’s drought monitor shows moderate drought expanding, with forecasts leaning hotter and drier but with some chance of precipitation. Lead cleanup support: The EPA is partnering with the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department to expand lead education and sampling help in Iola as soil remediation continues. Energy transition in small business: Fort Scott’s Sekan Printing finished a solar-plus-battery system aimed at cutting high demand charges. Climate context: An AP report says the Lower 48 just logged its hottest month on record, underscoring the heat pressure Kansas communities are already feeling. Food/ag policy: Kansas Farmers Union leaders say the U.S. farm bill stalled after the Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move it forward. Wildlife & habitat: Kansas is surveying anglers about common carp management, including what size makes carp “trophy” fish.

Public Health: Kansas KDHE says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 748 statewide, up from 138 a week earlier, with 32 hospitalizations and dozens of potential cases still awaiting interviews. Water & Infrastructure: A debris-filled failure of one of the inflatable bladders at the Bowersock Dam has dropped Kansas River water levels near Lawrence’s water plant, raising local concerns for operations even though flooding isn’t expected. Local Environmental Cleanup: The EPA and the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department are teaming up in Iola to expand lead education and case management tied to decades-old smelter contamination; cleanup is planned to continue through 2027. Drought Watch: Kansas drought conditions are worsening again, with guidance urging residents to adjust watering for trees, lawns, and gardens as heat and dry winds return. Land Use & Growth Pressure: Leavenworth County officials have slowed a proposed hyperscale data center near Tonganoxie after votes failed to extend a data-center moratorium, but commissioners agreed to revisit a hold after new leadership takes office. Agriculture & Training: K-State is offering a hands-on Cow Camp in Hays (Sept. 9–10) covering herd health, reproduction, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control.

Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA says July was the hottest on record for the Lower 48, beating the Dust Bowl-era mark—an alarming backdrop for Kansas’ own drought and wildfire-risk concerns. Drought Update (Kansas): Barton County reports moderate drought spreading, with forecasts leaning hotter and only a modest chance of rain. Public Health (Water & Food): KDHE rescinded two boil-water advisories in Jackson and Jefferson counties after pressure or chlorine-residual problems were fixed and tests showed no bacterial contamination. Waterborne Illness (Kansas): KDHE reports cyclosporiasis at 748 statewide cases, with Sedgwick County reaching 100; officials stress avoiding recalled items tied to the outbreak. Wildlife & Land-Use: Barton County commissioners weigh joining federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” rules—local landowners worry the definition could criminalize everyday grazing. Rural Community & Environment: Kansas’ SEED grant round adds $250,000 for small communities (pop. 5,000 or fewer), including projects that can boost food access and community infrastructure. Local Recycling Trial: Allen County starts a limited recycling pilot and faces questions about cost, scope, and whether it can expand. Beef & Land Stewardship Education: K-State plans a Sept. 9–10 Cow Camp in Hays covering herd health, prescribed burning, and fly/tick control.

Heat & Storm Impacts: A “heat burst” can rapidly spike surface temperatures when a weakening thunderstorm’s downdraft drops hot, dry air to the ground—one more reminder that Kansas summer extremes can shift fast. Public Health: KDHE reports cyclosporiasis is still climbing, reaching 748 statewide cases, with Sedgwick County hitting 100; officials say recalled items are the key risk, not salads in general. Water & Land Management: Kansas drought conditions are worsening in parts of the state, with forecasts pointing to hotter-than-normal weather and only a modest chance of rain. Wildlife & Habitat Policy: Barton County commissioners discussed a ballot question on whether Kansas Natural Resource Coalition should join federal litigation over Endangered Species Act “harm” definitions—local officials warn the broader standard could affect landowners’ day-to-day practices. Prairie Conservation & Infrastructure: A critique of Evergy’s Buffalo Flats transmission route argues the plan is again cutting new prairie corridors north of Highway 166, threatening tallgrass habitat and archaeological sites. Community & Environment: Douglas County’s Outdoors Unscripted announced small grants for art projects tied to wetlands and prairie ecology, with public showings planned in December.

Extreme Heat Watch: NOAA says July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with every Lower 48 state running at least 1°F above the 20th-century average—another reminder that Kansas’ drought-and-heat stress is part of a bigger pattern. Drought on the Ground: A Kansas drought update reports moderate drought spreading across much of Barton County and nearby areas, with forecasts leaning warmer and only a modest chance of precipitation. Farm Bill Stalls: Kansas Farmers Union leadership says the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the farm bill forward, raising the odds of no farm bill this year—an issue that can ripple into conservation and farm resilience planning. Blue-Green Algae Alerts: KDHE keeps Lone Star Lake under a Watch Advisory for harmful algal blooms, urging people to avoid contact and keep pets/livestock from drinking affected water. Humane Livestock Handling: K-State Extension and the Humane Handling Institute are pushing practical, on-farm training—covering everything from vaccine handling to fly/tick control and humane facility design. Data Center Backlash (Regional): A broader national story on data center buildouts highlights growing political and community pushback over power demand and environmental impacts.

Blue-Green Algae Watch: KDHE kept Lone Star Lake in southwest Douglas County under a Watch Advisory after Aug. 3 testing found harmful blooms. Officials say don’t swim, wade, or let pets/livestock drink from affected areas; boating and fishing are considered safe, but inhaling spray may bother some people, and KDHE plans to retest Aug. 17. Heat and Climate Signals: NOAA reports July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, with every Lower 48 state running at least 1°F above the 20th-century average—another reminder of how fast conditions are shifting. Drought Pressure in Kansas: A drought update from Barton County says moderate drought is spreading, with forecasts pointing to warmer-than-normal conditions and only a chance of precipitation. Local Water Cleanup: Salina approved agreements for ongoing monitoring tied to contamination from the former Schilling Air Force Base, including groundwater, residential wells, and indoor air checks. Farm & Ranch Learning: K-State Extension announced a two-day Cow Camp (Sept. 9–10, Hays) focused on herd health, reproduction, fly/tick control, and prescribed burning.

Public Health: Kansas reported cyclosporiasis cases rising to 289 over the past week, tied to a national outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, with KDHE noting most cases are still being classified. Water & Cleanup: Salina’s former Schilling Air Force Base contamination cleanup moved forward as city commissioners approved agreements for ongoing groundwater, residential well water, and indoor air monitoring. Drought & Farms: Barton County’s drought outlook remains mostly unchanged but is worsening in southwest and south-central Kansas, with hotter-than-normal temperatures likely and only a modest chance of rain. Agriculture Policy: Kansas Farmers Union leader Nick Levendofsky said the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s failure to advance the farm bill threatens passage this year, pointing to SNAP-related divisions and tight voting margins. Animal Health: K-State Extension says Kansas producers shouldn’t panic after a scrapie case in Oregon, stressing biosecurity and animal identification. Education & Tech: Lawrence schools approved a bell-to-bell cell phone ban under a new Kansas law, requiring devices to be stored away during the school day.

Public Health: Kansas reported 289 cyclosporiasis cases over the past week, tied to a national outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, with KDHE noting most cases are still being classified and no deaths reported. Water Safety: A boil-water advisory was issued for Lakeside Village in Jefferson County near Lake Perry, with KDHE directing residents to boil water before drinking or cooking until conditions improve. Climate & Weather: A Stacker roundup highlights the coldest Augustes in Kansas since 1895, while separate reporting points to record-breaking heat nationally—U.S. just logged its hottest month on record. Agriculture & Drought: Barton County’s drought outlook remains mostly moderate to worse, with forecasts leaning warmer and only a chance of precipitation. Livestock & Biosecurity: K-State sheep and goat specialists say Kansas hasn’t seen scrapie in over 10 years, but the Oregon case is a reminder to keep animal ID and biosecurity tight. Energy & Land Use: Residents are pushing back on a proposed 500-megawatt solar farm in Jackson County, raising environmental and lifestyle concerns. Research & Mapping: MSU researchers used satellite data and high-performance computing to better map complex landscapes for biodiversity studies.

West Nile Alert: KDHE says the entire state is now at high risk for West Nile virus, urging Kansans to cut mosquito exposure—especially during outdoor time in tall grass and summer events. Blue-Green Algae Warnings: KDHE and KDWP issued a public health advisory for harmful blue-green algae, listing multiple Kansas lakes under active warnings and advising people (and pets) to avoid suspicious water and report any suspected exposure. Heat Stress on Livestock: Kansas dairy producers are dealing with intense summer temperatures that reduce milk output and quality, pushing farms to manage heat stress to keep herds productive. Drought Watch: A drought update from western Kansas shows moderate drought expanding, with forecasts leaning hotter and drier—raising pressure on crops and rangeland. Farm Bill Roadblock: Kansas Farmers Union leaders say the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee failed to move the farm bill forward, leaving uncertainty for Kansas agriculture as SNAP funding disputes stall progress. New Kansas State Park: Lehigh-Portland State Park is set to open, adding trails, camping, and outdoor recreation on former quarry land. Wildlife Safety: Johnson County officials reported a bobcat in a neighborhood and warned residents not to approach or feed wildlife.