AGP Executive Report

Climate & Weather: Illinois hit a record pace for tornadoes in 2026, with at least 147 so far—far above its historical average—highlighting how extreme storms are reshaping risk planning across the Midwest. Water Quality: Douglas County launched free, voluntary private-well testing to find how often local wells exceed health benchmarks, screening for nitrates and bacteria like coliform and E. coli. Aquatic Life & Heat: Kansas fisheries staff stocked La Cygne Lake, Pomona Reservoir, and East City Lake with wiper fingerlings, adjusting for heat stress and using local conditions like cooling water from the La Cygne Generating Station. Public Health & Infrastructure: LMH Health is moving ahead with heart-care capacity upgrades as demand grows, aiming to keep services “beating as one.” Local Land & Wildlife: The Kaw Valley Almanac highlights what’s blooming now across Kansas prairies, tying plant sightings to seasonal cycles.

Data Center Debate in Hutchinson/Reno County: Hutchinson and Reno County are weighing proposals for new data centers, with residents pushing for tougher review over electricity and water use, noise, and public incentives—some officials suggest using conditional-use permits instead of blanket bans. Private Well Water Testing in Douglas County: Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is offering free, voluntary private well testing to property owners, screening for nitrates and bacteria like coliform and E. coli, after national data suggests many wells may exceed health benchmarks. Kansas Lakes Get Fish Stocking: KDWP stocked Pomona Reservoir, La Cygne Lake, and East City Lake at Pleasanton with wiper fingerlings, with biologists timing deliveries to avoid heat stress. World Cup Climate Backlash: Environmental groups are criticizing FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s private jet travel across host cities, arguing it clashes with climate concerns. Feral Chickens Question: A Kansas outdoors column revisits the problem of illegally fed feral chickens and argues enforcement should target the human “enablers,” not just the birds. Public Safety Tech at the World Cup: A report highlights how public safety AI is being used to handle crowd surges and emergency call spikes during the tournament.

Climate Accountability: Environmentalists are calling out FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s heavy private-jet travel during the expanded 2026 World Cup, estimating 300–500 tons of CO2 from his flights alone. Water Safety: Douglas County is offering free private-well testing, aiming to learn how common nitrate and bacterial contamination (including E. coli) is locally. Aquatic Habitat: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks stocked La Cygne Lake, Pomona Reservoir, and East City Lake at Pleasanton with wiper fingerlings. Community Health & Infrastructure: LMH Health is planning a Heart Center renovation to expand cardiac services as demand grows. Data Center Concerns: Douglas County Data Center Watchdogs will hold a public info session on potential energy, water, noise, and utility-bill impacts from future data center development. Outdoor/Ag Tech: Spray drones are being promoted for targeted crop protection, especially where ground equipment struggles.

Blue-Green Algae Alerts: KDHE says 12 Kansas lakes now have blue-green algae hazards, with some at “warning” level where people should avoid all contact; the list was updated June 18 ahead of the June 20–21 weekend. Local Governance & Data Centers: Douglas County Data Center Watchdogs will hold a public info meeting June 23 in Lawrence after residents pushed for a moratorium over concerns about energy and water use, noise, and higher utility bills. Weed Control for Homeowners: Kansas State research highlights that healthy, properly watered lawns can crowd out invasive weeds—especially by avoiding scalping and shallow, frequent watering. Agriculture Tech: A Kansas-focused explainer looks at how spray drones can help with targeted crop protection in tough terrain and wet conditions, potentially reducing environmental impacts. Wildlife & Health Risk: Texas screwworm cases are prompting shelters to tighten wound checks and increase parasite-prevention routines as the outbreak spreads. Community & Youth Entrepreneurship: NetWork Kansas’ Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is expanding across Kansas to help students spot business opportunities in their hometowns.

Blue-Green Algae Alerts: Kansas officials issued new public health advisories for blue-green algae at a dozen lakes, including Pomona Lake (Osage), Clinton Lake (Douglas), and Lake Afton (Sedgwick). Local Water Monitoring: The advisories warn people to avoid contact with water during “warnings” and to stay out near visible blooms during “watches,” since algae mats can reduce oxygen and release toxins harmful to people and pets. Ogallala Aquifer Survey: In southwest Kansas, Groundwater Management District 3 and the Kansas Geological Survey are using an airborne electromagnetic survey to better map Ogallala Aquifer conditions, with the project expected to finish by July 31. Community Pushback on Data Centers: Douglas County Data Center Watchdogs plan a public info meeting June 23 at the Lawrence Public Library to discuss concerns about potential data center development, including energy and water use, noise, and utility bill impacts. Weed-Proof Lawns: Kansas State University horticulture experts say homeowners can reduce invasive weeds by mowing at proper height, avoiding scalping, and watering deeply but less often to strengthen turfgrass.

Drinking Water Alert (Thomas County): KDHE rescinded a “do not drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water system after tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection equipment issues were fixed, but nitrate levels remain elevated—KDHE still says don’t boil (boiling can concentrate nitrates) and warns infants under 6 months not to use tap water. Harmful Algae (Statewide): Kansas officials issued blue-green algae watches and warnings for a dozen lakes, advising people to avoid contact with water near visible blooms because toxins can harm people and pets and blooms can deplete oxygen. Community Cleanup (Kansas River): In Topeka, Evergy Green Team and Friends of the Kaw joined volunteers to clean trash along the Kansas River, highlighting impacts on drinking water and wildlife. Weed Prevention (Home Lawns): Kansas State University guidance says the best defense against invasive weeds is healthy, vigorous turf—avoid mowing too short and water deeply rather than shallow, frequent watering. Wildlife Exhibit (Sternberg Museum): The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rain-forest themed exhibit with live animals from around the world.

Water Safety Update: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink order for Qwik Fuel, LLC’s public water system in Thomas County after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection equipment issues were fixed, but the agency still warns residents not to boil because nitrates can’t be reduced that way—infants under six months are urged to avoid tap water. Harmful Algae Alerts: Clinton Lake was added to a blue-green algae watch list, while Pomona Lake’s Michigan Valley Park swim beach closed due to toxic blooms; KDHE and KDWP also list a dozen Kansas lakes under algae watches and warnings, with guidance to avoid contact and keep pets away. Community Cleanup: Evergy Green Team and Friends of the Kaw joined volunteers to clean trash along the Kansas River in Topeka, highlighting impacts on drinking water and wildlife. Invasive Weed Prevention: K-State extension advice says healthy lawns can outcompete invasive weeds—avoid scalping, water deeply but less often, and keep mowing practices turf-friendly. Local Environment Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals and habitat-focused learning.

Public Health: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water system in Thomas County after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection issues were fixed, but the agency still warns residents not to boil due to persistently elevated nitrates (boiling can concentrate them), with extra cautions for infants. Community & Environment Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals and bilingual interpretive displays through fall. Weed Prevention: Kansas State University extension guidance highlights that healthy, well-maintained lawns can outcompete invasive weeds—avoid mowing too short and use deeper, less frequent watering. Local Development Tension: A proposed hyperscale data center in Emporia is drawing pushback from residents over transparency and potential impacts as the city annexes land for the Flint Hills Digital Campus. Water & Safety: Jefferson County authorities are investigating after a body was recovered from Perry Lake near Slough Creek Boat Ramp; no foul play was reported. Youth & Stewardship: Kansas communities continue funding and programming focused on youth opportunity and safe outdoor play, including shaded play areas and playground safety upgrades.

Drinking Water Safety: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for Qwik Fuel, LLC in Thomas County after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection issues were fixed, but the agency still warns residents not to boil because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced that way—infants under six months face the highest risk. Local Water Updates: KDHE also lifted a boil water advisory for the City of Columbus, Kansas, after a pressure-loss issue was resolved and testing showed no bacterial contamination. Wildlife & Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals and Spanish/English interpretation through fall. Weed Control Tips: Kansas State University extension guidance highlights how mowing height, deep/less-frequent watering, and strong turf can help prevent invasive weeds. Community Health & Outdoors: HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement is partnering on a $1.1M Lifelong Vitality Project to build an outdoor, ADA-accessible fitness and play space for all ages. Rural Healthcare Pressure: A new report says Kansas has 69 rural hospitals at risk of closure, with financial strain and limited reserves driving vulnerability.

Water Safety Update: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink order for Qwik Fuel, LLC in Thomas County after tests found no bacteriological contamination, but the agency still warns customers not to boil because elevated nitrates can’t be fixed that way. Local Water Relief: KDHE also lifted a boil water advisory for the City of Columbus after a pressure loss; lab results showed no bacterial contamination. Public Health & Climate: A new look at the 2026 World Cup flags heat, infectious disease spread, and food safety risks, noting many matches in Kansas City and other host cities face dangerously hot, humid conditions. Kansas Environment & Health Policy: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged the EPA to treat mifepristone as a water contaminant, arguing it contaminates supplies after ingestion. Wildlife Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals and a focus on habitat loss. Community Lawn Care: K-State extension highlights healthier lawns as a practical defense against invasive weeds, stressing proper mowing and deeper, less frequent watering.

Drinking Water Safety: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water supply in Thomas County after lab results found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection equipment issues were fixed, but the agency is still warning residents not to boil due to persistently elevated nitrates (boiling can concentrate nitrates). Local Land-Use Fight: A proposed $1 billion data center plan in Osawatomie is drawing heavy pushback as the footprint reportedly expanded to 283 acres, raising concerns about land use and utilities despite promised local economic benefits. Soil Health & Profits: Kansas State University research suggests farms with higher soil health scores tend to be more profitable, but the “right” practices depend on local conditions and how well they fit each operation. Invasive-Weed Prevention: K-State extension highlights lawn care steps that can reduce invasive weeds, including mowing at proper height and watering deeply but less often. Wildlife Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit featuring live animals and habitat-loss context. Weather Watch: East-central Kansas faces a hot, humid Wednesday with a cold front that could bring severe storms, including damaging winds, large hail, and a brief tornado risk.

Water Safety Update: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for Qwik Fuel, LLC’s public water system in Thomas County after tests found no bacteriological contamination, but the agency is still warning residents not to boil because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced that way—infants under six months are urged to avoid tap water entirely. Local Land Use & Waste: Great Bend is cracking down on illegal dumping at its compost site, warning that mattresses, tires, lumber, and other trash are driving extra hauling costs and could lead to changes. Community Health & Outdoors: HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement is partnering on the $1.1 million Lifelong Vitality Project, aiming to build a free, ADA-accessible outdoor fitness and play space for all ages. Wildlife/Environment Education: The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit featuring live animals and Spanish/English interpretation through fall. Agriculture Lawn Care: K-State Extension highlights that healthy turfgrass—mowing at the right height and watering deeply—can help homeowners prevent invasive weeds without constant chemical use.

Drinking Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water system in Thomas County, but it’s still warning customers not to boil because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced by boiling; KDHE also issued a boil-water advisory for the City of Burden (Cowley County) after waterline breaks caused pressure loss, and another boil-water advisory for the City of Columbus (Cherokee County) for the same reason. Wildlife & Livestock Health: USDA confirmed 12 New World screwworm cases in the U.S., with infested zones concentrated in parts of Texas and one case in New Mexico, prompting calls for rapid reporting to protect cattle and beef prices. Soil & Farms: Kansas State University research links higher soil health scores (including no-till and cover crops) with better farm profitability, but stresses matching practices to local conditions. Community Water/Outdoor Life: Hays is moving ahead with a $1.1 million “Lifelong Vitality” outdoor fitness project, and local lawn-care guidance highlights mowing height and deep, less-frequent watering to prevent invasive weeds. Local Notes: A body was recovered from Perry Lake in Jefferson County; authorities say there were no apparent signs of foul play.

Public Health Alert: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water system in Thomas County after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection equipment issues were resolved—but KDHE is still warning customers not to boil water because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced by boiling; infants under six months are especially at risk. Water Safety: A separate boil water advisory remains in effect for the City of Columbus in Cherokee County due to a loss of pressure that can reduce chlorine residuals and raise contamination risk. Community & Wellness: Hays is moving ahead with a $1.1 million “Lifelong Vitality Project” at HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement, aiming for free, accessible outdoor fitness and gathering spaces. Soil & Land Stewardship: Kansas State University research suggests soil health practices can pay off, but profitability depends on how well practices like no-till and cover crops fit local conditions. Weather Watch: Kansas City area visitors are being warned about hot, windy, and potentially severe storm conditions ahead, with guidance to stay safe during fast-changing weather.

Public Health Alert (Nitrates): KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for Qwik Fuel, LLC’s public water system in Thomas County after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and disinfection issues were fixed, but the agency is still warning residents not to boil water because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced that way; KDHE also reiterates strict infant precautions. Severe Weather (Kansas City): England’s World Cup training base in Kansas City faced tornado and severe storm warnings, with sirens and shelter instructions issued as damaging winds and hail threatened the area. Wildlife & Education (Hays): The Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit with live animals and bilingual interpretive displays running through fall. Invasive Weeds (Home Lawns): Kansas State University extension guidance says homeowners can prevent invasive weeds by maintaining vigorous turf—avoid mowing too short and use deeper, less frequent watering. Community Wellness (Hays): HaysMed’s Center for Health Improvement is partnering on a $1.1 million Lifelong Vitality Project to build an outdoor, ADA-accessible fitness and recreation space for the whole community.

Drinking Water Alert (Thomas County): KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for the Qwik Fuel, LLC public water system after tests found no bacteriological contamination, but it still warns residents not to boil water because elevated nitrates can’t be reduced that way—infants under six months are told not to use tap water. Severe Weather & Public Safety (Kansas City): Storms and tornado warnings hit England’s World Cup training base at Swope Soccer Village, with sirens and guidance to shelter as damaging winds and flying debris were possible. Heat Risk for Workers (World Cup): Labor advocates warn that extreme heat could endanger tournament workers across host cities, calling for stronger protections. Invasive Weeds (Home Lawns): Kansas State University extension advice emphasizes mowing height, deep-and-less-frequent watering, and turf strength to prevent invasive weeds without constant chemical use. Wildlife Education (Sternberg Museum): Hays’ Sternberg Museum is hosting “Under the Canopy,” a rainforest-themed exhibit featuring live animals and habitat-loss context. Outdoor Health (Hays Wellness Project): HaysMed’s Lifelong Vitality Project aims to build an outdoor, ADA-accessible fitness and recreation space for the whole community. Ticks & Disease Prevention (Barton County): Health officials urge tick-bite prevention—repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, trail safety, and prompt checks after outdoor time.