AGP Executive Report

TSA Airport Access Update (Kansas): TSA’s new “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” pilot lets eligible PreCheck/Known Traveler Number holders enter participating airports without flying, and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) is included in the initial 13-airport rollout—apply ahead and use an approved ID at PreCheck lanes. Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA reports Americans face the most expensive Labor Day gas prices on record, with the national regular average topping $4. Local Water Alert (Pottawatomie County): KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the Walnut Grove, LLC public water supply near St. George, effective Sept. 7, with one-minute boiling guidance until the risk is resolved. Rural Community Building (Solomon): Kansas Sampler Foundation’s Do-Alogue brought leaders from 13 communities to Solomon to share practical ways to strengthen connection and pride using local “third spaces” like the municipal pool. Kansas Agriculture & Heat: Farmers and schools across the state are adjusting to extreme heat and dry conditions as harvest continues and outdoor schedules shift. Route 66 Travel Talk: A Route 66 centennial segment highlights the Mother Road’s history and the motel revival trend in the Southwest.

Airport Access Update: TSA’s new Gateside by TSA PreCheck lets eligible, non-ticketed visitors pass security at 13 airports (including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport) to meet arrivals or visit gateside shops/restaurants—apply online at least a day ahead. Travel Safety Watch: A busy Labor Day weather setup across the Plains and Midwest brings strong to severe storms, with lightning risks even after rain eases. Kansas Tourism Angle: Monarch tagging events tied to the University of Kansas’ Monarch Watch continue to draw families—great for fall travel plans. Local Road News: A Wichita-area driver was injured after falling asleep at the wheel in a Russell County I-70 crash. Sports & Travel: The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport mention also lines up with Kansas City-area game-week travel buzz, while Kansas City Royals’ playoff-position drama adds to the region’s visitor draw.

Airport Access Update (Kansas): TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved, non-ticketed visitors pass security to meet travelers at the gate or visit airport shops and restaurants—initially including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Travel Disruption Watch: Southwest added LOT Polish as an international partner, but Southwest.com can’t book those partner itineraries yet. Kansas Tourism & Nature: Kansas-linked science tourism gets a boost from the Monarch Watch-style “Flutter Into Fall” monarch tagging event, using coded stickers to track migration paths. Road Safety (Kansas): A Wichita man was injured after falling asleep at the wheel in a Russell County I-70 crash, according to Kansas Highway Patrol. Local Water Alerts (Kansas): KDHE rescinded a “Do Not Drink” order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County, while issuing a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8 after a waterline break.

Toll Travel Upgrade: Kansas Turnpike Authority says KTAG is now compatible with 19 toll agencies across multiple states, letting drivers use one transponder farther on trips. Roadside Stops Update: Work is progressing on the Kansas Turnpike’s Emporia Service Area redevelopment, with a new facility expected to open in August 2027 and upgrades including modern restrooms, expanded food options, and a dog park. Labor Day Fun (and Heat): Grinter Farms in Lawrence expects big Labor Day crowds for its sunflower fields, but warns Kansas summer heat and dry conditions could affect insects and flower longevity. Local Safety for Travelers: Wichita man Brandon Dennis Wuolukka was injured after falling asleep at the wheel in a Russell County I-70 semi crash. Airport Welcome Change: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” allowing eligible PreCheck members to pass security to meet loved ones sooner. Haunted House Timing: Kansas City’s Edge of Hell and The Beast will run only in October 2026 (13 nights) due to unsafe heat in their historic buildings. Water Alerts: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County, and issued a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8 after a waterline break.

Kansas Turnpike Travel Upgrades: The Kansas Turnpike Authority is pushing ahead with Emporia Service Area redevelopment, with utility work underway and a planned opening in August 2027—new restrooms, expanded food and beverage options, and even a dog park. Toll Convenience: KTAG is now compatible with 19 toll agencies across multiple states, letting travelers use one transponder farther on the road. Water Safety Alerts: KDHE rescinded a Do Not Drink order for Sundowner, Inc. in Saline County after testing showed no bacteriological contamination and manganese below health advisory levels. Boil Water Notice: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Reno County’s RWD #8 after a waterline break caused a pressure loss risk; residents should boil water for one minute and follow KDHE’s dish/ice precautions. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA Kansas expects busy Labor Day travel despite higher gas prices, and Kansas officials are also warning about heat. Family Fun in Lawrence: Heartland Community Health Center is hosting a free “It Takes a Village” baby shower Sept. 12 at Panda Pediatrics, with local resources, raffles, and giveaways.

Kansas Travel & Tourism: Grinter Farms in Lawrence is gearing up for big Labor Day weekend sunflower crowds, even as scorching heat and dry conditions could affect blooms and insects. Road Trips & Tolling: The Kansas Turnpike Authority says KTAG is now compatible with 19 toll agencies across multiple states, letting travelers use one transponder more easily (no action needed beyond normal use). Lodging & Local Rules: Riley County is weighing higher penalties for unlicensed short-term rentals, proposing a $500 fine that could rise to $1,000 if not fixed within 30 days. Family Travel & Community: Lawrence is hosting a free “It Takes a Village” baby shower Sept. 12 at Panda Pediatrics, with local health and parenting resources plus giveaways. Outdoor Recreation: Kansas Wildlife and Parks approved changes to state park fees and several hunting rules, including new nonresident waterfowl timing limits and a fall turkey season for residents starting Oct. 31. Travel Infrastructure: Construction is advancing on the Emporia Kansas Turnpike service area redevelopment, with a planned opening in August 2027 and upgraded restrooms, food options, and parking.

Kansas Travel Watch: Great Bend’s new Ignite Innovation Center is on track for a fall opening, with a fire marshal walk-through planned mid-September and GBED moving in around September/October; the Chamber of Commerce is set to be the first tenant starting Nov. 1, and more community programs are already scheduled. Homeless Services & Local Impact: Wichita’s Second Light shelter received a one-time $5 million city grant from the Stabilization Reserve, but with a condition to expand bed capacity—an issue tied to how many people can be served year-round. Family-Friendly Stop: Lawrence is hosting a free “It Takes a Village” baby shower on Sept. 12 at Panda Pediatrics, with local health and parenting partners, raffles, and giveaways including a Graco Travel System. Outdoor Planning: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to hunting rules and Kansas State Park fees effective Nov. 1, 2026, including higher park fees and new nonresident waterfowl timing rules. Road Trip Reality Check: Labor Day travel demand is expected to stay high despite rising gas prices, with AAA Kansas warning drivers to plan for busy routes and backups.

Extreme Heat Warning: The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Douglas County and much of Kansas through Tuesday evening, with Lawrence expected to hit a heat index near 106°F Friday—officials urge lighter clothing, fewer strenuous outings, and extra precautions. Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA Kansas expects a busy Labor Day weekend despite higher costs, with gas averaging $3.78 as of Sept. 3 (about 90 cents higher than last year) and travelers still heading out for family and trips. Road-Trip Disruptions: KDOT warns of delays on I-70 and U.S. 77 in Geary County around Kansas State home games, citing lane reductions and bridge/patching work—drivers should leave early and plan for backups. Local Safety Services: Johnson County officials and advocates are planning Kansas’ first family safety center, aiming to reduce the need for survivors to travel between multiple agencies. School Travel Scrutiny: A Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools board member is questioning high hotel costs for employee conferences, including rooms reported at $700–$900, and pushing for more transparent records. Rural Health Funding: Stormont Vail says federal health changes have been a net positive, pointing to Rural Health Transformation Program grants while debating how much goes toward primary care.

Kansas Travel & Tourism: Kansas AAA expects another big Labor Day travel push, with costs up but demand holding steady as people squeeze in one last summer trip. Road Trips & Getting There: KDOT warns I-70 and U.S. 77 in Geary County could slow during K-State home games, with lane reductions and possible back-ups near the K-18/I-70 interchange and bridge work on U.S. 77. Airport Convenience: TSA’s “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” lets approved non-fliers access parts of the terminal beyond security at select airports, including Salt Lake City, making gate-side hellos and goodbyes easier. Nature Watch: Monarch butterflies are expected to increase in Kansas this fall as they migrate south, with nectar conditions playing a key role. Kansas City Events: Downtown Kansas City will host a star-studded red-carpet premiere for “Don’t Move” at the Midland Theater on Sept. 8, with traffic impacts likely. Community Support: Shelter KC is critically low on hygiene essentials and is asking for travel-size soap, toothpaste, body wash, detergent, underwear, shower shoes, and toilet paper.

Road-Trip Reality Check (K-State game day): Manhattan-area construction could slow fans heading to Bill Snyder Family Stadium, including I-70 lane reductions near Junction City, a long I-70 closure in Topeka for bridge work, and US-77 bridge delays near Lyon Creek. International Sports Tourism: Kansas Athletics is leaning into a “guinea pig” global push after hosting Algeria during the World Cup, and is preparing the Union Jack Classic at Wembley next month. KU Reads + Space Tourism Vibe: NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara (KU alum) will return to Lawrence for a free KU Reads event Oct. 8, with a livestream option. Family Travel Safety: Emporia won $1.199M for Safe Routes to School upgrades near five USD 253 schools, adding sidewalks, ramps, crosswalks, and beacons. Health Access (Maternity Care): A new fact brief says 48 Kansas counties are maternity care deserts, meaning many families may face long drives for obstetric care. Local Fun Stop: Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo highlights its free, daily raptor-focused programming and rehab work.

Labor Day Travel Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol is urging drivers to buckle up, plan ahead, check road conditions at kandrive.org, and keep an emergency kit as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and premium deals popping up in parts of Kansas, including Cherokee County midgrade at $3.95 and Franklin County premium at $3.97 (week ending Aug. 22), plus diesel lows like Kingman County at $4.84. Local Tourism & Culture: Kansas City, Kansas kicks off its first-ever Black Restaurant Week (Sept. 7–13) with 11 Black-owned spots and $9.13 specials tied to 913 Day. Family-Friendly Fun: The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo highlights behind-the-scenes animal care, including raptor rehab and slow introductions for animals like KuneKune pigs. Access to Care: A Kansas fact brief says 48 of 105 counties are maternity care deserts, with longer travel times and higher risk for mothers and babies. Community Improvements: Emporia approved nearly $1.2 million for Safe Routes to School, adding sidewalks, ramps, crosswalk upgrades, and beacons near multiple USD 253 schools.

Heat & Safety: Triple-digit heat is expected to hit Salina again to start September, with heat indices above 100 and added fire danger, plus a hazardous weather outlook for much of northeast Kansas. Road-Trip Prep: The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging drivers to plan ahead for Labor Day with extra enforcement, reminders to buckle up, and guidance on checking routes and vehicle readiness. Kansas Outdoors Updates: Kansas Wildlife and Parks approved changes to hunting regulations and Kansas state park fees, including higher vehicle permit and overnight camping fees and the elimination of an annual camping permit starting Nov. 1. Family Travel Fun: Topeka’s library is hosting Elmo for a special “Great Elephant Adventure” preview on Oct. 10, with story time, activities, and a sneak peek screening. Local Tourism & Community Health: Dickinson County’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program is bringing paramedicine-style support into homes, aiming to prevent emergencies before they start. Travel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports show Kansas fuel prices shifting week to week, including low diesel deals in several counties.

Kansas Wildlife & Parks: KDWP says the Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to hunting regulations and Kansas State Park fees, including higher vehicle/overnight camping/utility fees, ending the annual camping permit, new nonresident waterfowl hour limits, and bringing back a Kansas resident fall turkey season (Oct. 31–Jan. 31, with a Thanksgiving-week closure). Family Fun in Topeka: Elmo is set to visit the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Oct. 10 (10 a.m.–noon) with story time, activities, and a sneak peek of “The Great Elephant Adventure,” premiering on KTWU/PBS Oct. 14. Olathe Parade: The Johnson County Old Settlers Parade returns downtown Olathe Sept. 12 (10 a.m.–noon), with live TV coverage on KSMO-TV and a live stream on KCTV5+. Nature & Learning: The Land Institute’s Prairie Festival 2026 celebrates 50 years of perennial agriculture Sept. 25–27 in Salina. Travel Practicalities: GasBuddy reports show Kansas fuel prices vary by county this week, with some of the lowest regular and diesel deals landing in places like Grant ($3.89 regular) and Ness ($5.08 diesel).

Heat & Fire Risk: Hutchinson is bracing for triple-digit temperatures to start September, with highs around 103–104°F through Sept. 3 and heat indices staying above 100 all week; the National Weather Service also flags elevated fire danger, including gusty winds and “very high” fire risk in Reno County. Local Veterinary Leadership: Severson Ahart Community Clinic in Minot, ND named Dr. Amanda Doll its new director of Veterinary Medicine, bringing Kansas State DVM training and rural animal-care experience. Road-Trip Reality Check: A Kansas writer reflects on taking “roads less traveled” to visit family in northern Kansas, highlighting how small-town change affects travelers. Student Safety on the Move: Hickman Mills C-1 added professional crossing guards at key intersections for the new school year, tied to district boundary and route changes. Crime & Travel Safety: Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty in a Kansas “jackpotting” ATM scheme targeting Manhattan and Wamego; the group failed to cash out but was caught on surveillance. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Chautauqua County at $3.94 (week ending Aug. 22) and midgrade lows like Lyon County at $3.74 and Leavenworth County at $3.94. Construction Alerts for Drivers: Lawrence’s Jayhawk Watershed project is set to reopen 9th Street (Mississippi to Louisiana) by Sept. 3, with remaining work continuing nearby. Game-Day Travel: KDOT warns I-70 and U.S. 77 in Geary County could slow traffic during K-State home football weekends due to lane reductions and bridge repair.

Road Safety: A 43-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man died after his car left I-35, hitting a KDOT signpost and a Lone Elm Road bridge pillar in Johnson County. Game-Day Traffic: KDOT warns I-70 and U.S. 77 construction in Geary County could slow travel for K-State home football starting Sept. 5, with lane reductions and temporary traffic signals. Local Tourism Spotlight: Ellinwood is getting national “hidden gem” buzz for its historic underground tunnel network and nearby wetlands and grasslands—an easy Kansas stop for history lovers and birdwatchers. Outdoor & Family Fun: Logan’s 48th Annual Hansen Museum Labor Day Celebration is set for Sept. 6 with a car show, kids’ activities, and a tractor pull. Community Connections: Pitt State hosted a campus community fair linking students with local health and career resources. Travel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Wyandotte County midgrade price at $3.99/gal (week ending Aug. 22), with Kansas averages still shifting week to week. Public Safety (Lawrence): Police say a suspect is in custody after a fatal downtown Lawrence stabbing near 7th and Massachusetts.

Kansas Travel & Outdoors: The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved changes to state park fees and hunting rules, including higher vehicle permits and overnight camping fees (plus the elimination of the annual camping permit) starting Nov. 1, 2026, and the return of a fall turkey hunting season for Kansas residents running Oct. 31 through Jan. 31 with a 12-day closure period after Dec. 2. Hunting Hours: Nonresident waterfowl, coot, rail, and snipe hunters will need to stop before noon and be off KDWP lands by 1 p.m. starting with fall 2026 seasons, with specific exceptions. Local Travel Practicalities: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Ellis County’s RWD 1C after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure; residents should boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking until the risk is resolved. Road Trip Watch: Two Ohio residents were hospitalized after a Kansas Turnpike crash in Shawnee County when a Nissan changed lanes into a semi-truck; the truck driver reported minor pain. Gas Prices (for drivers): GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Jackson County at $4.34/gal (week ending Aug. 22) and the lowest diesel in Kearny County at $4.99/gal.