AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Kansas reported two new measles cases tied to domestic travel outside the state, with KDHE noting measles activity is elevated nationwide and that vaccination exemptions for kindergarteners have been rising. Water Safety: KDHE lifted the boil water advisory for McCune after testing found no bacteriological contamination following an equipment failure that caused a pressure loss. Drinking Water Preparedness: EPA Region 7 demonstrated its Water-on-Wheels Mobile Emergency Water Treatment System (“WOW Cart”) in Lawrence, showing how portable treatment and sampling support communities during water emergencies. Wildlife Watch: Kansas wildlife officials say tarantulas may be more visible in late summer and early fall as adult males leave burrows to find mates; they advise people to watch from a distance and not relocate them. Environment & Agriculture: Dairy Farmers of America CEO Dennis Rodenbaugh says dairy sustainability work can continue despite a USDA directive limiting use of checkoff dollars for some climate initiatives, arguing farmers still need ways to measure and market environmental impact.

Wildlife Watch: Kansas wildlife officials say tarantulas are showing up more often in late summer and early fall as adult males leave burrows to find mates, urging people to observe from a distance and not touch or relocate them. Local Land-Use: Lawrence’s planning commission recommends adding more approval layers for future data center projects, including a special use permit with additional public hearings, while a separate two-year moratorium remains in place with possible exemptions. Public Health: Kansas reported two measles cases tied to domestic travel, and KDHE notes vaccination exemptions have risen, with measles activity elevated nationwide. Rural Health Funding: Kansas awarded $16 million in emerging technology grants to rural providers to expand or scale tools that improve care delivery. Education & Workforce: Kansas State Education received an $8.4 million federal grant to strengthen educator recruitment, development, and retention, especially in high-need schools.

Grants & Rural Health: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and KDHE announced $16 million in Emerging Technology Grants to 14 rural providers to scale care-improving tools under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Public Health: KDHE reported Kansas’s first measles cases of the year—two travel-associated cases—while noting rising kindergarten vaccination exemptions. Climate & Energy Infrastructure: A Kansas city is weighing a 120-day moratorium on new AI data center projects, with zoning code changes also on the table. Wildlife & Habitat: Cheyenne Bottoms is seeing early fall migration as stored water helps wetlands hold habitat, though hot, dry weather remains a concern. Water & Safety: Fire at a Kansas solar facility is under investigation; officials say there’s no current danger to health or the environment. Agriculture & Food Policy: New polling finds Kansas voters broadly support federal limits on the effects of California’s Prop 12 as Congress debates Farm Bill 2.0. Health & Community Resilience: K-State is offering COMET training to expand local capacity to recognize mental health concerns and connect people to help.

Blue-Green Algae Alerts in Kansas: KDHE and KDWP issued a public health advisory for harmful algae blooms, warning Kansans to avoid contact and keep pets away at multiple lakes and fishing sites; symptoms can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache, and officials urge rinsing with clean water and reporting suspected incidents. Water Infrastructure & Wastewater Upgrades: A Kansas City case study highlights how design-build can help modernize aging wastewater biosolids incineration systems without shutting down plants that run around the clock. Groundwater Rules for Farmers: A guide breaks down how Kansas and other states’ groundwater law differs from surface-water systems, emphasizing that farmers need to understand the legal setup before pumping. Kansas Energy & Climate Politics: A national look at midterm power shifts notes that state control can quickly translate into major climate and energy policy changes. Kansas Mental Health Training: K-State is offering an online COMET train-the-trainer workshop aimed at expanding local capacity to recognize mental health concerns and connect people to help.

Water Safety: KDHE and KDWP issued a blue-green algae public health advisory for multiple Kansas lakes and fishing sites, warning Kansans to avoid contact if blooms look like foam/scum/paint and to keep pets away; rinse with clean water if exposed and report suspected HAB-related incidents. Local Water Systems: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for Rose Hill after lab testing found no bacteriological contamination and the risk conditions were resolved. Wastewater Spill: KDHE issued a stream advisory for Salt Creek and the South Fork of the Ninnescah River after a release of 100,000 gallons of wastewater; officials say cleanup is underway and no fish kill has been reported, but people should not enter the water. Energy & Land Stewardship: A Kansas rancher says 50 wind turbines now supply about half his income, helping keep the ranch in the family while prairie habitat and nesting prairie chickens remain. Ag Tech: K-State and NASA highlighted satellite tools for farms at the Flickner Innovation Farm, focusing on water management, crop health, and long-term sustainability.

Water Safety Updates: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for Rose Hill (Butler County) after lab tests found no bacteriological contamination and the pressure issue was resolved. Water Safety Updates: KDHE also issued a stream advisory for Salt Creek and the South Fork of the Ninnescah River in Kingman County after a release of 100,000 gallons of wastewater; officials say cleanup is underway and residents should avoid entering the stream. Agriculture & Climate Tech: K-State and NASA highlighted how satellite data can help Kansas farms manage water, improve crop health, and plan for long-term sustainability at the Flickner Innovation Farm. Local Environmental Governance: A Kansas YouTuber is urging Coffeyville to pass a data center moratorium, citing concerns about power-grid strain and autonomous AI systems. Community & Nature: A Council Grove cottonwood tree tied to the Santa Fe Trail is featured as a living piece of Kansas history and a reminder of the natural world’s staying power.

Water Safety Updates: KDHE lifted a boil water advisory for Rose Hill (Butler County) after testing found no bacteriological contamination and the pressure issue was resolved. Public Health & Water Quality: KDHE issued a stream advisory for Salt Creek and the South Fork of the Ninnescah River near Kingman after a 100,000-gallon wastewater release; officials say cleanup is underway and people should avoid entering the water. Ag Tech & Sustainability: NASA and K-State visited Flickner Innovation Farm to showcase how satellite data can help Kansas producers manage water, improve crop health, and plan for long-term sustainability. Local Environmental Risk Watch: A Kansas YouTuber is urging a 12-month pause on data center development in Coffeyville, arguing communities can’t control autonomous AI systems tied to big-tech facilities. Campus Climate/Equity Pressure: A report highlights the broader disappearance of Black and African studies programs at colleges, pointing to restructuring and cuts tied to national political pressure. Wildlife/Native Plants: A gardening warning says sweet cherry trees can spread and become invasive, recommending native alternatives like black cherry and chokecherry.

Data Center Scrutiny in Kansas: Westmoreland County planning officials said they’ll revise proposed large-scale data center rules after residents raised concerns about decommissioning, restoration, financial assurances, stormwater, water use, and annual compliance reporting. Local Water Safety: KDHE lifted Derby’s boil water advisory after all 30 tests cleared; Wichita’s advisory was also reported over for the main system, though some wholesale-served communities still needed follow-up sampling. Kansas AI + Power Grid Debate: A Coffeyville-area YouTuber urged a data center moratorium, citing reports that autonomous AI agents were found trading safeguard-bypass techniques on a dormant German wiki. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: KU won a $1.9M NSF grant to test microscopic soil fungi that could help drought tolerance in wheat and rice. Wildlife/Health Watch: Kansas health officials warned of increased rabies exposure risk, including from bats and other animals. Education Equity: Lawrence schools reported an improved 4-year graduation rate (88.7% in 2025) but persistent gaps, including lower rates for English language learners. Energy Policy Context: A federal BLM oil-and-gas lease sale is planned for Nov. 18, including parcels in Kansas, with additional environmental reviews required before drilling.

Water Safety Update: Wichita’s citywide boil water advisory was rescinded after KDHE reviewed 195 samples showing no contamination following a power outage and pressure loss at the water system. Public Health: Kansas health officials also warned about increased rabies exposure, including a rabies-positive skunk case in Wilson County; residents were urged to avoid contact with wild animals and contact local health departments if exposure occurred. Local Water Disruptions: KDHE rescinded boil advisories for Syracuse (Hamilton County) and Marion County’s RWD #1 after testing found no bacteriological contamination. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: KU received a $1.9M NSF grant to study microscopic soil fungi that could help wheat drought tolerance, aiming to reduce irrigation needs. Energy/Infrastructure Permitting: A federal broadband permitting shift is speeding environmental reviews for BEAD projects, but construction bottlenecks are moving to poles, road permits, and local approvals. Wildlife & Climate Impacts: Coverage highlighted how hotter, drier conditions are intensifying wildfires and increasing health and cultural losses for tribal communities.

Rabies Alert: Kansas health officials are warning Kansans about increased encounters with potentially rabid animals, especially bats, after a CDC nationwide uptick; KDHE says there’s no rabies case in Kansas this year but urges fast action after any bite or scratch. Boil Water Rescinded: KDHE lifted a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after testing found no bacteriological contamination following a waterline break and pressure loss. Wichita Water Update: Wichita’s citywide boil water advisory is also over after 195 samples came back clear; KDHE says conditions that could have risked contamination were resolved, though some wholesale customers may need separate guidance. Data Center Fight in Kansas: A Lawrence event will feature journalist Max McCoy on the backlash to data centers, including concerns about secrecy, power and water use, and environmental impacts. Agriculture & Climate Pressure: Kansas wheat farmers face uncertainty as drought and global geopolitics collide with higher wheat prices, while diesel costs and weather losses keep margins tight. Wildfire Health Impacts: Tribes hit by wildfires report lasting health effects and cultural losses, with hotter, drier conditions linked to climate-driven fire intensity.

Drinking Water Watch: KDHE rescinded Wichita’s citywide boil water advisory after 195 samples showed no bacterial contamination following a power outage that caused loss of pressure; the advisory is over for Wichita customers, but wholesale customers in surrounding communities still need their own testing before any lift. Local Water Safety: KDHE also rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend’s system in Barton County after a waterline break and pressure loss; testing found no bacteriological contamination and the risk conditions were resolved. Harmful Algae Alert: Lone Star Lake in southwest Douglas County remains under a KDHE Watch Advisory for blue-green algal blooms; KDHE warns people and pets to avoid affected areas and not drink or eat contaminated algae, with a retest scheduled for Sept. 28. Data Center Pressure in Kansas: Residents in Tonganoxie are pushing back against Project Bluestem, citing noise and the huge energy demands of a proposed data center. Drought Snapshot: Kansas stayed unusually hot in the week ending Sept. 15, with above-normal temperatures and only partial drought relief in parts of eastern counties.

Data Center Fight in Leavenworth County: Hundreds packed a Leavenworth County meeting to oppose Project Bluestem, a proposed 1,000-acre data center and power plant near Tonganoxie, with residents raising worries about water and energy use plus air, noise, light, pollution, and unknown health risks. Local Water Safety: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend’s system after a waterline break; testing found no bacterial contamination and the risk conditions were resolved. Flood Preparedness: Russell County residents can meet FEMA and Kansas Department of Agriculture flood experts at an open house Sept. 17 to review draft flood maps and flood insurance options. Rabies Alert: KDHE warned of increased rabies exposure encounters, especially involving bats, urging clinicians to do careful risk assessments before starting post-exposure shots. Agriculture & Environment: K-State released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, highlighting disease and insect resistance as growers plan fall planting. Policy Watch: Kansas is tightening autism diagnosis qualifications for Medicaid, limiting who can evaluate children—raising access concerns for families.

Boil Water Alerts (Wichita): Wichita issued a citywide boil water advisory for about 500,000 customers after power loss at the main water treatment plant and Hess pump station caused widespread low pressure; KDHE can rescind only after lab testing. Boil Water Alerts (Rescinds): KDHE rescinded boil water advisories for parts of Great Bend (east of Hwy 281) and for Ellis County Rural Water District 1C, after pressure loss incidents and follow-up testing showed no bacteriological contamination. Public Health (Rabies): KDHE warned Kansans and clinicians about rising rabies exposure encounters, urging careful rabies risk assessments—especially with bats—because rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms start. Agriculture (Wheat): K-State released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, highlighting disease and insect resistance traits to help growers choose varieties for fall planting. Local Land Use (Data centers): Leavenworth County farmers raised concerns that a proposed Tonganoxie-area data center could add heat and threaten crops and local businesses. Health Access (Autism): Kansas is tightening autism diagnosis qualifications for Medicaid coverage, limiting evaluations to doctoral-level psychologists, with the change delayed to Nov. 1. Flood Safety (Russell County): FEMA and Kansas DWR will host a Russell open house Sept. 17 on flood risk maps, flood insurance, and floodplain rules.

Drinking Water Alerts: Wichita issued a boil water advisory after power loss at its main water treatment plant and Hess pump station, with KDHE testing required before any rescind order. Drinking Water Update: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after a waterline break caused pressure loss; lab tests found no bacteriological contamination. Local Land-Use Fight: Leavenworth County residents are gearing up to oppose a 1,000-acre data center proposal near Tonganoxie, with Project Bluestem’s electricity plans reportedly growing and neighbors saying they still lack key details. Nuclear in Kansas: Deep Fission released the full Nuclear Safety Design Agreement for its proposed one-mile-underground Gravity reactor in Parsons, marking a public look at its safety framework (with some details redacted). Wildlife & Community Science: Crawford County Conservation District held its third annual BioBlitz at Crawford State Park, using iNaturalist photos to track species and highlight pollinator importance. Agriculture & Resilience: Corteva’s Vylor says its hybrid wheat technology (Xpedite) will launch in North America in 2027, with multi-state trials including Kansas focused on stable yields and disease/drought resilience.

Drinking Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after a waterline break; testing found no bacteriological contamination and pressure risks were resolved. Drinking Water Alerts: KDHE also issued boil water advisories for Pomona (Franklin County) and Marion County RWD #1 after waterline breaks and pressure loss, with “boil one minute” guidance until testing allows rescind. Community Conservation: Crawford County Conservation District held its third annual BioBlitz at Crawford State Park, using iNaturalist photos to help track bees, insects, birds, and pollinator health. Agriculture & Environment: K-State released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, highlighting disease and insect resistance traits to help growers reduce crop losses more sustainably. Wastewater Infrastructure: Sabetha City Commission advanced wastewater plant renovation planning and recognized local wastewater operators with certifications. Climate Science: A new study finds weakening links between the Indian and Pacific oceans could disrupt seasonal rainfall forecasts that Kansas and other regions rely on for planning. Renewables & Power Demand: A report notes wind is the most common renewable in the U.S., with Kansas among top wind states as data centers increase overall energy demand.

Drinking Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after a waterline break and pressure loss; testing found no bacteriological contamination and the risk conditions were resolved. Public Health: Kansas City-area health officials confirmed a measles case in an eastern Jackson County resident; the person was vaccinated, and officials say the risk to the general public is low while they track possible exposure spots. Rural Health Tech: KDHE announced $16 million in Emerging Technology Grants for rural providers, including projects aimed at improving access and care delivery across Kansas. Mental Health Training: K-State Extension promoted an online Sept. 22 COMET train-the-trainer workshop to help communities recognize mental health concerns and connect people to help, with rural areas facing higher rates. Agriculture & Environment: K-State released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, highlighting disease and insect resistance traits to help growers reduce crop losses with more resilient variety choices.