AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry: Elanco says it has finished a $120M expansion of its Kansas biologics plant in Elwood, boosting monoclonal antibody capacity for dermatology product Befrena and planning another $30M through 2028. Manufacturing & Jobs: Vice President JD Vance is set to visit an Olathe manufacturer with Sen. Roger Marshall, highlighting Kansas’ metal fabrication ties to aviation ground support, mining, rail, trucking, and data centers. Ag & Food Supply: USDA cut 2026 sorghum expectations sharply, citing drought-hit yield and acreage, while Kansas producers also get new guidance from K-State’s 2026 wheat variety guide. Utilities & Public Health: KDHE rescinded a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend’s water system after lab testing found no bacteriological contamination. Local Business Growth: Añejo Modern Mexican is taking over space at Oak Park Mall in Johnson County, aiming for an early-2027 opening with a bar, patios, and live-music stage. Community & Safety: SafeRide returns at KU after a budget-driven pause, and Kansas State Fair opens in Hutchinson with Sept. 11 memorial tributes.

Agribusiness & Rural Services: K-State Research and Extension released the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2026, helping growers weigh yield plus disease and insect resistance as fall planting decisions near. Construction & Local Tourism: A Barton County couple, Jim and Katie Homolka, received a Kansas Department of Commerce Tourism Office BARN grant to restore their 1900 limestone barn and turn it into an events space. Workforce & Education: Mark Cuban Foundation and JE Dunn Construction are bringing a free AI Bootcamp to Kansas City teens, with applications due Sept. 30. Energy & Logistics Costs: Diesel prices jumped above $6 a gallon nationwide for the first time, driven by global supply disruptions—an input that hits trucking, farming, shipping, and construction. Public Safety: Topeka police are investigating a double homicide in the NOTO Arts District and are asking for help identifying a person of interest. Rural Livestock: K-State will host its 27th annual Beef Stocker Field Day Sept. 24 in Manhattan, focusing on practical ways to adapt to recent beef industry changes.

Kansas Agriculture & Food: K-State released the 2026 Kansas Wheat Variety Guide, adding new variety profiles and updated disease and insect ratings to help growers pick fall wheat with better resistance and agronomic fit. Beef Industry: K-State set a Sept. 24 Beef Stocker Field Day in Manhattan, with producer-focused sessions on cattle health, corn silage use, mineral nutrition, and stocker performance strategies. Local Infrastructure: KDOT says an I-70 mill-and-overlay project in Russell County starts the week of Sept. 14, with one-lane traffic and lower speeds through late October. Education & Facilities: Hays USD 489 voted to close the Rockwell Administration Center and move offices to the former Wilson Elementary site, budgeting $3.15 million over four years for phased renovations. Workforce & Business: Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Olathe and tour Webco Manufacturing, tying the stop to Kansas manufacturing growth and Sen. Roger Marshall’s reelection push. Public Safety: A pursuit in Gray County ended with a semi crash into a tree; the driver was hospitalized.

Public Safety: Shawnee County deputies were injured during a search for a wanted suspect, ending with Roger D. Box Jr. taken into custody after an extended manhunt. Tragedy & Fire Safety: Topeka identified a 9-year-old killed in a Labor Day mobile home fire; investigators say an accidental electrical fire started it, and the home lacked working smoke detectors. Food & Manufacturing Deal: Sauer Brands agreed to sell its spice and seasonings business to Watkins, including brand rights and production sites in Virginia and California, as Sauer sharpens its focus on condiments. Kansas Agriculture Research: Arkansas State University leads a $2.2M NSF project on drought-resilient rice and wheat, partnering with KU, UNL, and Kansas State. Workforce & Adult Literacy: A Wichita-area report highlights how reading comprehension affects safety in meatpacking and other industrial jobs, pushing adult literacy as a practical industry need. Energy & Environment: Kansas WEALTH Coalition calls for a data center moratorium until stronger health and safety guardrails are in place. Local Business & Hospitality: Lawrence’s Cocktail Trail kicks off with a people’s choice contest to raise money for hospitality workers.

Agritech Innovation: Kansas State University researchers unveiled work to detect early crop stress by measuring stomatal conductance using drone imagery, air temperature, and soil moisture plus machine learning—aimed at catching problems before they show up in the field. Public Health & Water Safety: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for part of Great Bend after a waterline break caused pressure loss, warning residents east of U.S. 281 to boil water before drinking or cooking. Airport Operations: TSA expanded “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved non-ticketed visitors pass security at select airports, including Wichita’s ICT, to meet arrivals or wait at the gate. Trade & Manufacturing Pressure: The U.S. escalated its Canada trade war with new bans and tariff shuffles, with Kansas aerospace manufacturer Bombardier repeatedly in the crosshairs. Workforce & Education: JCCC broke ground on “A New Hub for Healthcare,” a youth- and workforce-focused education building meant to expand health training capacity. Local Infrastructure: Great Bend voters will decide a three-quarter cent sales tax plan tied to wastewater upgrades plus property tax relief and an Expo Complex STAR Bond project.

U.S.-Canada Trade War Hits Kansas Politics: Trump’s latest tariffs and threats tied to Canada are putting Kansas Republicans in a bind, with reporting that Sen. Roger Marshall’s state could face about 1,200 job losses tied to Bombardier. Aerospace Supply Chain Pressure: Bombardier says its U.S. footprint already spans thousands of suppliers and workers, including Kansas, as the dispute escalates over whether aircraft sales require more domestic manufacturing. Airport Operations & Commuter Disruptions: Roadwork near the I-70/I-435 area is backing up morning traffic, while TSA’s new “Gateside” policy is expanding access for some non-flyers at select airports. Ag Health Watch: Kansas State University highlights risks from farm dust, including organic dust toxic syndrome, urging better safety practices around grain bins and hay barns. Kansas Agriculture Leadership: The Kansas Department of Agriculture named four Kansans to its Marketing Advisory Board, focusing on agriculture marketing, workforce, and local foods. Business Growth in Kansas City: CRB named Helga Margrethe Salling Chief Growth Officer to expand global growth strategy across life sciences and food and beverage markets.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: President Trump escalated pressure on Canada with orders to remove Canadian-origin products from U.S. government procurement lists, as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in on about $20B of U.S. goods—hitting sectors like steel, dairy, appliances, electronics, and more. Aerospace & Kansas Jobs: The Bombardier fight is now front and center for Kansas, with Trump threatening to block Bombardier sales unless it builds in the U.S.; Bombardier says its U.S. supply chain spans thousands of companies and supports major employment, including in Kansas. TSA Airport Access: TSA PreCheck launched “Gateside” at select airports, letting eligible non-ticket holders pass security and reach airport gates for meetups and layovers. Kansas Infrastructure: KDOT crews begin a U.S. 59 and K-47 asphalt overlay in Neosho County starting Sept. 14, with one-lane pilot-car traffic and delays up to 15 minutes. Local Community & Youth: Topeka’s Touch-A-Truck returns downtown Sept. 12, spotlighting fire, emergency, and construction vehicles with career-focused Q&A for kids. K-State Innovation: K-State recognized 36 inventors and breeders tied to patents and plant variety protections, including new wheat varieties and agricultural engineering advances.

Trade War Watch: President Trump escalated the U.S.-Canada fight by threatening to block Bombardier aircraft sales in the U.S. unless the company builds stateside, just as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods took effect Tuesday—covering steel, aluminum and dairy. Kansas Impact: The move put Wichita’s Bombardier footprint in the spotlight; Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran pushed back publicly, saying Bombardier supports more than 1,000 Kansas workers and a broader supply chain. Ag Safety: Harvest season is underway, and Kansas Highway Patrol and agriculture safety groups urged drivers—especially on rural roads—to slow down, watch for farm vehicles, and avoid assuming turn signals or speed mean a clear path. Farm Resilience: With drought pressure building, some Kansas producers are exploring perennial grains as a longer-term hedge, even as yields and markets remain uncertain. Local Business: Trash Daddy Dumpsters expanded roll-off dumpster rentals with flat-rate pricing and multiple container sizes across more states.

Aerospace & Trade: President Trump escalated the U.S.-Canada fight by threatening to block Bombardier sales unless the company builds in America, a move that could ripple through Wichita’s defense/aerospace workforce (about 1,500 jobs tied to the company there). Agriculture: Kansas cattle producers are adjusting to extended heat with sprinkler and fan cooling systems, saying most herds are holding up better than expected. Public Finance: Kansas collected $35M in severance taxes in 2024, down sharply from $71.3M the prior year, as overall state tax revenue totaled $13.1B. Local Industry & Growth: A proposed Kansas data center near a psychiatric hospital is drawing safety and mental-health concerns from former staff over noise, light, and vibrations. Community & Rural Economy: In Solomon, rural leaders shared practical ways to strengthen local connection using existing community assets. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Kansas cities with reported losses in July, with Wichita leading statewide.

Workforce & hiring in Kansas: South Central Kansas Workforce Centers spotlight “positions out of the city,” including a Haysville park worker role, Maize USD technology specialist jobs, and an El Dorado appliance service technician listing on KansasWorks. Agriculture policy pressure: A new look at taxpayer-funded farm subsidies finds record support for U.S. farmers, while critics question whether the money is helping mostly wealthy operations. Kansas conservation update: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved Kansas’ 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan update, setting 10-year guidance for vulnerable species and habitat work tied to federal funding. Local public safety & community impacts: Marion County’s small-town newspaper settlement ends a federal lawsuit tied to a 2023 police raid, reigniting press-freedom concerns. Fraud watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Valley Center tied for 28th in Kansas cities with one scam report in July, as fraud losses remain a national worry. Food & protein markets: Weekly protein coverage points to poultry strength from consumer shifts toward lower-cost options, while beef and pork pricing signals stay mixed.

Kansas Consumer Watch: Valley Center and Augusta each logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July, tying for 28th among 79 Kansas cities; Wichita, Overland Park and Topeka led the state with the most reports, while the FTC says fraud losses topped $12.5B in 2024. Aviation & Travel Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible non-ticketed visitors pass security at 13 airports, including Wichita, with free passes that require advance application. Local Public Safety: A vehicle vs. buggy crash in Coffey County left a horse euthanized and seven people transported, including a mother flown out with traumatic injuries. Kansas Economy: Kansas tax collections ran above estimates early in fiscal year 2027, with total receipts up 10% over projections for July and August. Workforce & Public Works: Lawrence moved its Municipal Services and Operations staff into a new campus, boosting productivity and morale after years in scattered, aging facilities. Agriculture Resilience: Beloit wheat growers are weighing perennial grains as drought strains yields and researchers push slower, longer-term crop upgrades. Tech/Logistics: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery could reach nearly 500 U.S. communities by end of 2026, expanding beyond its current launch sites.

Airport Access Reform: TSA is testing “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and 12 other airports, letting approved non-ticketed visitors pass security to meet loved ones sooner. Food Safety Watch: A new report warns dangerous salmonella strains are rising in chicken and turkey flocks and may be more resistant to antibiotics. Kansas Economy: Kansas tax collections for July–August are running above estimates, with individual income taxes up while corporation taxes lag. Local Government & Efficiency: Lawrence says its new Municipal Services and Operations Campus is boosting productivity and morale after years of cramped, scattered facilities. Healthcare Transparency: A Lawrence pharmacy owner says Kansas’ new PBM transparency law is already squeezing pharmacy revenue. Kansas Agriculture Resilience: Beloit farmers are turning to perennial grains as drought stress worsens, even as adoption hurdles remain. Hemp Industry Pressure: Wichita’s Kanna Next conference highlights fears of a looming federal crackdown on some hemp-derived products. Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for a Saline County system, while issuing a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8. Public Safety: Great Bend police report a fatal shooting case with suspect Keegan Martens taken into custody in Salina.

College Sports & Local Economy: Kansas State opens the Collin Klein era Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium against Nicholls, with 58 newcomers on the roster and QB Avery Johnson returning as the starter. Public Safety & Utilities: 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; KDHE also issued a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8 after a waterline break caused pressure loss. Community Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Emporia tied for 28th among Kansas cities with one scam report in July 2026, as Wichita and Overland Park lead the state list. Infrastructure Update: The Kansas Turnpike Authority says Emporia’s service exit redevelopment is moving into utility work now, with foundation work in Oct–Nov and a planned August 2027 opening. Workforce & Growth: Maryville leaders heard about Nodaway County job training and workforce plans, including tuition-free rapid training in high-growth industries funded by a $3.8 million grant. Housing Compliance: Riley County commissioners discussed higher penalties for unlicensed short-term rentals, aiming to push owners toward licensing.

Stablecoin policy fight: A Kansas senator says he won’t back the CLARITY Act as written, warning a “yield” loophole could drain deposits from community banks that fund many farm loans. AI data-center backlash: Both parties are pouring money into ads targeting data centers, arguing they bring tax breaks and higher power bills—an issue voters are increasingly fed up with. Sports sponsorships with Kansas ties: Ripple’s XRP branding is now landing at the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in a reported $5M-a-year deal, following its Kansas Jayhawks partnership. Local enforcement: Riley County is weighing higher penalties for unlicensed short-term rentals, aiming to push owners into compliance. Kansas agriculture innovation: Drought-stressed farmers are looking at Kernza, a perennial grain with deep roots that can keep producing year after year. Manufacturing workforce push: The State Department’s Foundry School initiative is rolling out to train millions of skilled workers for advanced manufacturing, with Kansas named among participating universities. Infrastructure updates: Lawrence reopened Ninth Street after storm-sewer work, and the Kansas Turnpike Authority is advancing Emporia Service Area redevelopment toward an August 2027 opening.

Infrastructure & Local Economy: Lawrence reopened Ninth Street to traffic after the Jayhawk Watershed project shut it down in December 2025, with a new one-lane-per-direction layout and near-term lane shifts still expected. Turnpike Modernization: Kansas Turnpike Authority crews are advancing the Emporia Service Area redevelopment, targeting an August 2027 opening with upgraded restrooms and expanded food options. Construction Watch: Kansas City metro projects are resuming after a World Cup pause, and one Westport business says the slowdown is already hitting lunch traffic and staff morale. Public Works Funding: Kansas City Council approved Phase One funding for Roy Blunt Luminary Park, with shovels expected by year-end and a first block featuring paths, play areas, art, and food-truck space. Workforce & Industry Training: The State Department launched Foundry School to train about 3.8 million skilled manufacturing workers by 2033, partnering with Stanford on curriculum and coordinating international participants. Beef Industry Labor: Workers at National Beef in Dodge City ratified a five-year UFCW contract covering 2,500+ employees, including wage increases, bonuses, improved healthcare, and more time off. Behavioral Health Logistics: Kansas is seeking a contractor for a statewide 24/7 crisis transportation system to keep mental health and substance-use patients out of police cars and emergency rooms. Retail & Food: Lawrence’s Massachusetts Street bus stop upgrades are getting a $50,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas grant, tied to the corridor reconfiguration later this fall. Cyber & Safety: Concordia police arrested Lyle Dejmal in an Internet Crimes Against Children case after a search warrant and device seizures.

Aviation & Manufacturing: Boeing paid a $3.1M FAA fine tied to “hundreds” of quality-system violations at its 737 operation in Renton and Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, renewing scrutiny of safety culture as the payment wasn’t disclosed publicly until this week. Energy & Transportation Costs: Americans head into Labor Day with gas prices near record highs (about $4.14/gal nationally), driven by Middle East supply worries and tighter inventories—pushing up trucking and food costs too. Kansas Consumer Watch: The Kansas Department of Insurance reported 3,000+ insurance complaints in 2025, with auto claims handling the biggest share (34% of complaints). Ag Policy & Workforce: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture named four new members to its Marketing Advisory Board, including an Ellsworth teacher, as the agency pushes agriculture workforce development and local food strategies. Education & Facilities: Olathe Public Schools recommended closing one middle school and five elementary schools after 2026-27, citing enrollment shifts and too many elementary buildings for today’s student numbers. Workforce Training Push: The Trump administration launched the “Foundry School” initiative to train millions of skilled workers for advanced manufacturing needs, including semiconductors and defense.