AGP Executive Report

Kansas Climate & Water: A new Kansas climate update says El Niño is strengthening and could bring a wetter winter, while a separate drought snapshot shows some improvement in parts of northeast and north-central/northwest Kansas but continued moderate to severe drought in much of the west and south-central areas. Extreme Weather: Severe storms tied to Hurricane Polo brought tornadoes across Kansas, with heavy rain and flood watches following. Agriculture & Soil Health: A practical explainer highlights why soil moisture matters for moderating soil temperatures and supporting crop growth—especially after a dry stretch. Public Lands & Wildlife/Research: Fort Hays State University says it will close the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to the public in mid-December due to $2.4 million in Kansas Legislature budget cuts, raising concerns for the Great Plains fossil and specimen collection. Local Community Impacts: KU’s Hilltop Child Development Center is set to close Oct. 30, prompting a scramble for childcare and a new KU work group to find longer-term solutions.

Data Center Debate in Finney County: A proposed Triple Oak Power-linked data center in southwest Kansas is drawing scrutiny over water use, with estimates cited at about 600 million gallons a year—set against roughly 3.2 billion gallons currently used for irrigation on the project’s 6,000 acres. Local Governance & Growth: Former state Sen. Jeff Longbine warns Emporia’s proposed 10-year data center moratorium could “take [the city] out of the game,” arguing it may block a major property-tax expansion opportunity. Flood Watch: Gov. Laura Kelly issued a disaster emergency proclamation as remnants of Hurricane Polo and an early fall storm system raise flash-flood risk across Kansas; state response teams and swift-water rescue task forces were prepositioned. Wildlife & Ethics: Lawrence officials say a 12-week-old bobcat will live at Prairie Park Nature Center as an ambassador animal, but some advocates question the ethics and logistics of keeping a purposely bred animal in captivity. Food Prices & Climate Signals: El Niño is expected to push up prices for tropical foods like coffee and chocolate, with developing regions facing the biggest strain. Community Impact: KU’s Hilltop Child Development Center is permanently closing, leaving more than 100 Lawrence families facing a sudden childcare cliff.

Disaster Response: Gov. Laura Kelly issued a verbal state disaster emergency as Hurricane Polo remnants and an early fall storm system bring heavy rain and flood risk to Kansas, with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management activating the State Emergency Operations Center and pre-positioning swift-water rescue teams. Wildlife & Ethics: Lawrence officials say a 12-week-old bobcat will live at Prairie Park Nature Center as an ambassador animal, but local advocates are raising concerns about the ethics and logistics of keeping a purposely bred animal in captivity. Local Waste Planning: Dickinson County continues exploring landfill options, including reopening an old site or hauling waste elsewhere, while staff weigh space, groundwater/air monitoring, and cost. Community Health & Access: Kansas launched a new Medicaid Community Supports Waiver (starting Oct. 1) to reduce wait times for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who don’t need 24-hour paid care. Education & Care: KU’s Hilltop Child Development Center is permanently closing, leaving more than 100 families scrambling for childcare. Climate Watch: A new look at Kansas October temperatures finds the state has seen its hottest Octobers since 1895, underscoring warming trends.

Landfill lawsuit (California): Residents near a California landfill sued Waste Connections, alleging toxic gases and odors made life “unbearable,” with claims of health impacts tied to overheating and possible underground fires. Radon health (national): Ecosense® says its consumer radon monitors are now eligible for HSA/FSA spending, aiming to make indoor radon testing more accessible. Kansas water alerts: KDHE rescinded boil-water advisories for Eskridge (and Lakeside Village in Jefferson County), after earlier advisories were issued and later lifted. Kansas environment & wildlife (local): Wichita middle school students are dealing with bats as KDHE warns about potential rabies exposures, highlighting ongoing public health and wildlife risk management. Public lands & outdoors (Kansas angle): A KU Field Station visitors’ day invites the public to see behind the scenes and talk with researchers, tying community engagement to local ecology. Southeast Kansas history: A feature revisits “Big Brutus” in West Mineral, a reminder of coal-era impacts and the region’s environmental legacy.

Water & Public Health: KDHE lifted a boil water advisory for Eskridge after testing found no bacteriological contamination and the pressure issue was resolved, following an equipment failure that risked chlorine loss. Wildlife & Disease Risk: Wichita-area educators are dealing with bats more often, after KDHE warned of increased rabies exposure concerns; the story highlights how quickly people may need to respond when bats show up in schools. Local Governance & Clean Energy: A Jay, Kansas select board workshop is being planned for a proposed six-site solar project, with officials seeking guidance on state environmental rules and site selection requirements. Community Safety: Parents in Leavenworth say they’re still waiting for answers after a student brought a gun to Leavenworth High School; the district said a lockdown wasn’t necessary after law enforcement found the weapon. Data Privacy: IDScan.net says a hacker accessed part of its VeriScan system for up to five months, potentially exposing driver’s license and passport details for millions.

Water & Public Health: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for Lakeside Village Improvement Dist. in Jefferson County after testing found no bacteriological contamination and the pressure-loss issue was resolved. Local Conservation & Education: The KU Field Station will open to the public Oct. 3 for a guided 1.5-mile loop tour and Q&A with researchers, highlighting ongoing ecological work. State Budget Pressure on Science: Fort Hays State University says it will close the Sternberg Museum of Natural History to the public in mid-December due to state budget cuts, while collections work continues. Kansas Wildlife & Zoos: The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas received AZA accreditation, joining Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium and Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina as accredited facilities. Food Access: A Galena church launched a growing food pantry, doubling monthly boxes to 21 households as costs and gas prices strain rural families. EV Policy Debate (Lawrence): An opinion piece questions why Lawrence promotes electric vehicles more than it offers charging access, especially for renters. Immigration Enforcement Protest (Wichita): Wichita city leaders urged a resolution to block 287(g) agreements that would let local police assist ICE. Agriculture & Environment: A feedlot expansion story warns of environmental strain from massive cattle operations.

Water Safety Updates: KDHE rescinded boil water advisories for Lakeside Village Improvement Dist. in Jefferson County and for Lakeside Village’s system after a waterline break; testing found no bacteriological contamination and risks were resolved. KDHE also rescinded a stream advisory for Salt Creek and the South Fork of the Ninnescah River after cleanup of a 100,000-gallon wastewater discharge, deeming the water safe for secondary contact and livestock. Local Conservation & Research: The Kansas Forestry Association will host its 2026 Forestry Field Day Oct. 22 at Woodland Ranch near Courtland, with sessions on woodland management and conservation. The KU Field Station will open to the public Oct. 3 for a 1.5-mile research-area tour and Q&A with scientists. Climate & Politics: Kansas U.S. Senate candidate Adam Hamilton faced fresh scrutiny over a 2020 sermon urging “repentance” for climate impacts tied to fossil fuels and cattle. Community & Food Security: In Galena, a church launched a growing food pantry to tackle rural food insecurity, expanding to 21 households in September. Industry & Materials: Pittsburg-based MCPU Polymer Engineering will present “biocongruent chemistry,” a soy/lignin-based approach that removes a halogenated flame retardant from insulation foam while improving biodegradation.

Sustainable Materials in Kansas: MCPU Polymer Engineering (Pittsburg) will unveil “biocongruent chemistry” at CPI 2026, swapping soy/lignin-based additives for halogenated flame retardant TCPP in polyurethane insulation foam—aiming to keep performance while boosting biodegradation. Water Safety: KDHE expanded a boil water advisory to all of Eskridge after pressure loss spread; the advisory stays until testing confirms safety. Wildlife & Education Funding: Fort Hays State University will close public operations of the Sternberg Museum on Dec. 18, 2026, citing a $2.4M recurring state funding cut and further reductions; the Kansas Herpetological Society urges preservation of collections and research roles. Community Science Access: KU Field Station will open its core research area to the public Oct. 3 for a guided loop tour and talks with researchers. Local Governance & Growth: Overland Park unanimously approved plans for Black & Veatch’s new world headquarters and surrounding development. Public Health Incident: Authorities are investigating four inmate overdoses at Greenwood County Jail in Eureka, with Narcan used and the jail evacuated over contamination concerns.

Water Safety in Focus: KDHE expanded a boil water advisory to cover all of Eskridge, Kansas after pressure loss proved more widespread than first reported, raising concerns about loss of chlorine and possible bacterial contamination until testing clears the system. Public Health Emergency: Greenwood County authorities are investigating after four inmates overdosed on an unknown white powder at the Greenwood County Jail in Eureka; the jail and courthouse were evacuated and Narcan was administered. Kansas Politics & Climate Messaging: A Kansas Senate race has turned into a culture-and-climate fight after reports that Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton urged “repentance” over beef and cattle’s carbon footprint in a 2020 sermon. Agriculture Innovation: Kansas State researchers are working on more accurate agricultural sprayers that could cut chemical waste and reduce drift—potentially saving 30–85% of chemical costs while lowering pollution risk. Wildlife & Education: KU Field Station will host a public Visitors’ Day Oct. 3 with a 1.5-mile loop letting people see research areas and learn about environmental stewardship.

Water Safety Alerts: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Eskridge’s Lake Hill area after an equipment failure caused a loss of pressure and raised the risk of bacterial contamination; residents are told to boil water for one minute and follow KDHE guidance until testing clears the system. Water Safety Alerts (Jefferson County): A separate boil water advisory went out for Lakeside Village Improvement District after a waterline break led to pressure loss and possible chlorine residual drop. Kansas Climate & Agriculture Politics: A Kansas Democratic Senate nominee, Adam Hamilton, is drawing fresh attention after past sermons tied cattle and climate change to calls for “repentance” over carbon footprints—fueling GOP criticism ahead of the race. Wildlife Conservation (National, with Kansas ties): Walmart’s Acres for America program says it has helped permanently protect 2.2 million acres of wildlife habitat nationwide, supported by NFWF, with new 2026 grants announced. Agriculture & Drought Resilience (National): Reporting highlights sorghum’s role as a drought-tolerant grain that could expand in U.S. diets, with implications for Kansas-style dryland farming.

Water Safety in Jefferson County: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the Lakeside Village Improvement District after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure and raised concerns about chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination; residents are told to boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking, avoid ice from automatic makers, and flush lines if water looks dirty. Local Governance & Environment: A Kansas town hall in Emporia put data centers and their potential environmental effects on the table, with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher calling for a pause on new data center development while safety questions are addressed. Community & Health Services Leadership: KDADS Secretary Laura Howard announced Seth Kilber as the new Commissioner of Long-Term Services and Supports, a shift that could affect how home- and community-based services are overseen across Kansas. Wildlife & Land Use Concerns: In Shawnee County, residents and advocates are pushing for more transparency and local input on proposed data centers, warning about impacts to farms and native wildlife.

Water & Governance: Hays lawmakers and city leaders are pushing House Bill 2433, saying it locks in statewide control over water appropriations and transfers to protect projects like the R9 Ranch water purchase, after local authority disputes left supplies in limbo. Public Health & Water Safety: More boil-water advisories are in play across Kansas, including West Mineral and Cherokee County RWD 4, with testing results expected soon. Data Centers & Land Impacts: In Shawnee County, residents and advocates are challenging proposed data centers through the “AI Data Center Revolt Bus,” warning about transparency, wildlife habitat loss, and community control over where facilities go. Climate Extremes: A new look at hurricanes Polo, Nolo and Odalys shows a heightened heavy-rain and flash-flood risk for parts of the Desert Southwest that could reach into Kansas and nearby states. Wildlife & Disease: Fall insect season is ramping up, with Kansas-area readers reminded about mosquito and tick risks, including West Nile and tick-borne illnesses.

Kansas Water Watch: Park City’s Bear Hill subdivision is still under a boil water advisory while crews finish required bacterial testing; officials expect results Saturday and say KDHE will lift the notice once standards are met. Local Water Governance: Cherokee County’s RWD 4 also faces a boil water advisory after a pressure loss tied to an equipment malfunction, with KDHE requiring testing before it can be rescinded. State Water Policy: In Hays, Rep. Barb Wasinger highlighted 2026 HB 2433, saying it strengthens statewide control over water appropriations and transfers—aimed at protecting access to R9 Ranch water. Cybersecurity & Utilities: New research warns an underground market is making it easier to buy access to industrial systems, including water and wastewater infrastructure, as utilities face rising cyber scrutiny. Wildlife & Conservation: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed a new Kansas-born gorilla leader from Sedgwick County Zoo, after a prior troop leader died. Community & Culture: Washburn hosted a Kansas Book Festival with expanding year-round programming, including a Kansas Kids Book Parade.

Water Policy in Hays/Russell: Rep. Barb Wasinger’s HB 2433 is meant to tighten statewide control over water appropriations and transfers, a move tied to keeping “R9 Ranch” water flowing to Hays and Russell as local R9 plans face pushback. Boil Water Alerts: Park City’s Bear Hill subdivision remains under a boil-water advisory while KDHE-required bacterial testing is completed; Cherokee County’s RWD 4 also issued an advisory after a pressure-loss equipment malfunction. Cybersecurity for Kansas Water: New research warns an “underground economy” is making it easier to buy access to industrial systems, including water and wastewater networks—raising the stakes for utilities’ basic defenses. Public Health Research: KU won $5.8M from NIH for Phase 3 of its Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease center, expanding regional work on antibiotic resistance. Wildlife & Conservation: San Diego Zoo Safari Park received a new Kansas-born gorilla (Matumaini) to lead a troop, highlighting ongoing captive breeding and transfer efforts. Kansas Climate Context: A report flags historic drought conditions in Kansas (July–August 2026 as driest since the Dust Bowl), underscoring pressure on water supplies.

Water Safety Alerts: KDHE issued boil water advisories for Park City’s Bear Hill subdivision and for Cherokee County’s Cherokee Co. RWD 4 after water-pressure problems; crews are collecting mandatory bacterial samples and results are expected Saturday evening, with rescission only after lab confirmation. Cybersecurity for Utilities: New research warns criminals are buying access to industrial systems, urging water and wastewater utilities to tighten basic defenses as more attacks target internet-connected control equipment. Kansas Health & Research: KU received $5.8 million (NIH COBRE Phase 3) to expand chemical-biology work aimed at fighting antibiotic resistance across KU, K-State, Wichita State and partners. Wildlife & Conservation: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed a new 33-year-old gorilla, Matumaini, transferred from Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas, after quarantine and introductions. Kansas Climate Context: A report flags historic drought conditions in Kansas, with July and August 2026 among the driest since the Dust Bowl. Local Governance: Wyandotte County parks officials say storm damage is being assessed and Garland Park is set to close for several months starting in October.

Foster Care Crisis in Wichita: Kansas foster care officials say the state must be “laser focused” on Wichita’s placement failures, where court-standards are repeatedly missed and most “failure to place” nights are concentrated in Sedgwick County. Drought Strain on Agriculture: Oklahoma opened new drought mitigation funding after drought-driven losses across Kansas and the region topped $23 billion from 2020-2024, highlighting how water shortages ripple into hay, forage, and farm viability. Water & Infrastructure: Riley County approved a nearly $20,000 change order for the Keats sanitary sewer project after groundwater was found much closer to the lagoon cells than expected, prompting an under-drain trench. KU Earth, Energy & Environment: KU merged geology, environmental studies, and geography/atmospheric science into a new Department of Earth, Energy & Environment, aiming to strengthen work on water, energy, and climate resilience. Biodiversity Research: A KU-led effort won an NSF grant to build a U.S. hub for biodiversity genomics, sequencing wildlife DNA to track ecosystem health and protect at-risk species. Monarch Monitoring: Kansas-linked monarch tagging and migration tracking continues, with volunteers helping feed the Monarch Watch effort. Wildlife Education Under Threat: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History faces closure amid Kansas budget cuts, prompting a petition to keep the museum and its live-animal learning programs open.