AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Saline County is searching for escaped inmate Phoenix Ryan Leonard after he removed an electronic monitoring device and fled a treatment center; his location is unknown. Health & Environment: KDHE rescinded a “do not drink” order for Qwik Fuel’s Thomas County water system after tests showed no bacteria, but it still warns residents not to boil water because nitrates remain elevated—especially for infants. Agriculture: Kansas wheat harvest is uneven after drought and scattered storms, with some fields down sharply while others beat expectations; producers are also watching for New World screwworm and federal farm policy developments. Crime & Courts: Riley County police are investigating a fraud scheme tied to online job applications and gift cards, with an estimated loss of $1,153; Sedgwick County also has a preliminary hearing set for Devin Bemis in the alleged child abuse death of his 5-month-old son. Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly announced 18 Kansas communities secured more than $13.7 million for airport and energy grid resilience projects. Sports: Kansas Baseball coach Dan Fitzgerald was named Perfect Game College Coach of the Year after a historic season.

College Sports Policy: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz hosted a roundtable on the Protect College Sports Act, pushing for national rules on transfers, eligibility, tampering and NIL to curb what he calls “litigation-driven” chaos. Kansas Agriculture: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf, with K-State and state animal health leaders stressing monitoring for the larval stage and readiness plans. Public Health: KDHE rescinded a “do not drink” order for Qwik Fuel’s Thomas County water system, but nitrate levels remain high, so infants are still warned not to use tap water. Infrastructure & Roads: Gov. Laura Kelly announced $13.7M in airport and energy grid resilience grants for 18 Kansas communities, while KDOT starts a K-4 culvert extension in Rush County next week with lane reductions and delays up to 15 minutes. Local Safety: Authorities are searching for an escaped Saline County inmate after he removed an electronic monitor; and Shawnee County issued a Silver Alert for a missing Topeka woman with dementia.

Tuition Equity Fight: A federal court order in Nebraska shows how the legal fight over “tuition equity” for undocumented students is still wide open, with the U.S. government arguing states can’t offer in-state tuition benefits based on residence. Local Public Safety: Shawnee County issued a Silver Alert for missing 81-year-old Ann Selders, last seen in Ellsworth County, and Lyon County investigators are probing a fatal crash in rural Lyon County. Drugs & Arrests: Multiple Kansas traffic-stop cases led to meth and other drug charges, including a Montgomery County stop where deputies found more than two pounds of suspected crystal meth. Rural Health & Community: Kansas leads the nation with 28 rural hospitals at immediate risk of closing, while United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in grants to five Barton County nonprofits. Weather & Roads: Severe storms and tornado reports hit the Midwest, and KDOT is starting culvert work on K-4 in Rush County with short delays.

Big 12 Basketball: The conference released the 2026-27 men’s and women’s scheduling matrix, setting up a slate of heavyweight matchups for Kansas fans. Kansas Sports: Kansas Baseball coach Dan Fitzgerald was named the 2026 Perfect Game College Coach of the Year after a historic season that included Big 12 titles and a Lawrence regional/super regional. Public Safety: Shawnee County is asking for help locating 81-year-old Ann Selders, last seen June 10 near Ellsworth County; she has dementia and Alzheimer’s. Drugs & Crime: Multiple Kansas-area traffic stops led to arrests and drug charges, including a Montgomery County case involving more than two pounds of crystal meth. Health & Community: United Way of Central Kansas awarded $2,600 in May Impact Grants to five Barton County nonprofits supporting youth, family stability, and safer play spaces. Road Work: KDOT will start a culvert extension on K-4 in Rush County the week of June 15, with daylight delays up to 15 minutes. Agriculture: Kansas Wheat Harvest reports say storms and humidity are still delaying combines in parts of central and eastern Kansas.

Missing Person Alert: Shawnee County asked for a statewide Silver Alert for 81-year-old Ann Selders of Topeka, last seen June 10 near Ellsworth County; she has dementia/Alzheimer’s and was believed to be driving a red 2016 Toyota RAV4 (tag 0848AHE). Local Crime: Montgomery County deputies arrested James Sims and Sherry Hester after a K-9 sniff led to more than two pounds of suspected crystal meth found in their vehicle. Another Drug Case: Jackson County authorities arrested Michael Moore, 59, after a traffic stop led to meth, THC and drug paraphernalia charges. Road Work: KDOT will extend a culvert on K-4 in Rush County near Bison starting the week of June 15, with daylight lane-width limits and delays up to 15 minutes. Weather & Harvest: Kansas Wheat reported Day 2 of harvest is slowed by storms and humidity, with some areas seeing below-average yields and combines parked while producers wait out more rain. Capital Punishment: Kansas AG Kris Kobach urged Gov. Laura Kelly to deny clemency requests from death-row inmates. Sports (KU): Kansas Baseball coach Dan Fitzgerald was named Perfect Game College Coach of the Year after a historic 2026 season.

Transportation & Roads: KDOT will start a K-4 culvert extension near Bison in Rush County the week of June 15, with daylight flaggers/pilot car and up to 15-minute delays; the project is set to finish this fall. Agriculture & Weather: Kansas wheat harvest is stalled in parts of central and eastern Kansas after violent storms, with combines parked by rain and humidity; producers are waiting for warm, dry stretches to resume. Livestock Health: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf, saying the state’s risk is low but response plans are ready. Public Safety: “Operation Zero” begins June 6, stepping up enforcement on speeding, unrestrained driving, aggressive driving and impaired driving through summer. Politics & Policy: Sen. Jerry Moran is pushing for stronger Conservation Reserve Program flexibility so ranchers can hay and graze CRP during drought and reduce wildfire risk. Local Crime: Jackson County authorities arrested a Hoyt man after a traffic stop tied to meth, THC and paraphernalia allegations. Sports: Kansas Baseball coach Dan Fitzgerald was named Perfect Game College Coach of the Year after a historic 2026 run.

Severe Weather & Road Safety: Strong storms and dangerous heat are back across Kansas, with another hot, muggy day and a fresh severe risk later today into southeastern areas, plus reports of wind damage and power outages in northeast Kansas. Local Crime & Courts: In Shawnee County, police arrested a Wichita woman after a traffic stop tied to a stolen Lexus and drug distribution allegations; in Sedgwick County, prosecutors filed aggravated battery counts against former Wichita officer Jayce Bennett after an April crash. Public Safety & Health: Kansas officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, while local law enforcement also investigated multiple drug-related stops and a fatal train-and-farm sprayer crash in Marshall County. Topeka Area Infrastructure: KDOT announced $5.9 million in spring 2026 Cost Share Program awards for nine projects statewide, and Topeka-area viaduct work is reshaping I-70 and nearby closures. Sports: Kansas baseball’s season ended with a 13-2 loss to Oklahoma in the Lawrence Super Regional.

College Sports Fallout: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility ruling, setting off outrage across the Big 12 and beyond. Severe Weather & Safety: Storms in Kansas left at least one Shawnee County family without a roof, with residents reporting major damage and cleanup needs after high winds and heavy rain. Kansas Agriculture Watch: K-State and state officials are urging vigilance after New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf, stressing monitoring for open wounds and the pest’s larval stage. Local Community Support: United Way of Kaw Valley is backing Parents as Teachers so early learning help stays free for Topeka-area families, with a Day of Giving set for June 10. Public Works/Planning: Topeka is revising I-70 and nearby road closures tied to viaduct removal, with updated detours affecting drivers through mid-to-late June. Business/Local Economy: A 10-megawatt data center has been operating in Pittsburg since January, boosting city revenue while some residents question future expansion.

Court & Public Safety: A Wichita man, Ishara Samson, was sentenced to 36 months in state prison plus 12 months in Sedgwick County jail after pleading guilty to battery and an offender registration violation tied to an attack on two women in downtown Wichita. Child Safety: Saline County investigators are looking into a case after hospital staff reported an 8-month-old baby may have been exposed to meth; 27-year-old Tiara Heitman was booked on charges including aggravated endangerment of a child and possession of drugs. Agriculture Watch: Kansas animal health officials are urging vigilance after a New World screwworm infestation was confirmed in a calf in Texas, stressing monitoring for wounds and the pest’s larval stage. Weather & Power: Severe storms hit northeast Kansas, leaving more than 65,000 Evergy customers without power early Tuesday, with restoration slowed by downed lines and hazardous conditions. Local Politics: A Kansas Supreme Court selection ballot measure is drawing attention ahead of an Aug. vote, shifting vacancies from a nominating commission to direct voter elections. Business & Community: Country Stampede Kansas is moving to Gilley’s in Park City for the 2027 edition, expanding capacity and amenities.

Severe Weather & Travel: A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska until 9 p.m. Monday, with Denver-area storms prompting a ground stop at Denver International Airport. Kansas Agriculture: Kansas officials say the state remains at low risk after a New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf, urging vigilance for open wounds and the pest’s larval stage. Topeka Infrastructure: Major Interstate 70 work is set to close the Topeka Boulevard to 8th Avenue stretch until early December, with revised detours starting Monday. Politics & Courts: Kansas Supreme Court selection could change under a ballot measure discussed in Great Bend, moving from a commission-and-governor process to direct voter elections. Sports (KU): Oklahoma swept Kansas in the Lawrence Super Regional, ending the Jayhawks’ season and sending OU to the College World Series. Public Safety: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launch “Operation Zero” to crack down on speeding, impaired driving and unrestrained occupants through summer.

Kansas Weather: Strong to severe storms are expected later today, with damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain moving into northern Kansas after 1 p.m. and reaching the Wichita area after 7 p.m. Super Regional Baseball: KU’s Game 2 vs. Oklahoma was suspended by lightning with the Sooners leading 8-1 in the third; it resumes Monday on ESPN2. Local Public Safety: A Topeka woman was arrested after a traffic stop in Jackson County turned up suspected meth, ecstasy and marijuana; in Wichita, police are investigating a shooting that injured two men, with a suspect booked on multiple assault and weapons charges. Transit Funding: Hays city commissioners backed forming a task force after ACCESS Public Transportation said it will end Sunday rides July 1 due to a projected budget shortfall. Agriculture & Water: A new report warns the Ogallala Aquifer is being depleted faster than it can recharge, raising alarms for Kansas farmers. Business & Community: A new Hays boutique, ThyWovenPeacock, is opening with handwoven jewelry and plans to become a creativity hub.

NCAA Baseball: Oklahoma jumped on Kansas early and won Game 1 of the Lawrence Super Regional 8-1, setting up a must-win Game 2 for the Jayhawks. Weather Impact: Rain delayed Game 2 in Lawrence, with start times shifting as the teams chase a College World Series berth. KU Football Recruiting: Kansas added commitments over the weekend, including cornerback Nazir Pitchford, defensive end C.J. Johnson, wideout Tavares Powell and linebacker Elliott Neff, pushing the 2027 class to 14 players. K-State Recruiting: Kansas State landed its first running back for the 2027 class, Correll Buckhalter Jr., a three-star tailback from Texas. Public Safety: Sedgwick County prosecutors say Jared Michael Mendez was sentenced to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Local Health: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for the City of Goff after a tank integrity issue raised contamination concerns. Traffic Enforcement: Kansas Highway Patrol and partners launched “Operation Zero,” stepping up enforcement to cut fatal crashes through summer.

Local Infrastructure: Gov. Laura Kelly and KDOT announced $40.5 million for 31 Kansas local bridge projects, with matching local funds bringing the total project value to nearly $44.5 million. Transportation Funding: Kelly also announced $5.9 million for nine KDOT Cost Share Program projects, leveraging more than $3.7 million in community money. Public Safety & Justice: Sedgwick County DA says Jared Michael Mendez, 38, was sentenced to 25 years to life for aggravated indecent liberties with a child, plus additional concurrent time for attempted rape and criminal threat. Food Assistance: A new report says nearly 22,000 Kansans lost SNAP benefits after the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including about 10,000 children, raising fears about people “falling through the cracks.” Kansas Sports: Kansas baseball’s Super Regional opener ended with an 8-1 loss to Oklahoma; the Jayhawks must win Game 2 to stay alive. Energy Policy: Two Kansas lawmakers asked federal regulators to protect competitive bidding on transmission projects after a southcentral Kansas line was awarded without a formal bid process.

NCAA Baseball (Local): No. 15 Kansas hosts Oklahoma in the Lawrence Super Regional at Hoglund Ballpark, with Game 1 Saturday at 6 p.m. and a best-of-three series that could send the winner to the College World Series. Public Safety (Kansas): The Kansas Highway Patrol says two adults died and a 7-year-old was seriously hurt in a Friday I-70 semi crash near Paxico/Wabaunsee County. Health & Community (Topeka area): NAMI Kansas held a mental health awareness walk at West Ridge Mall in northeast Kansas. Agriculture (Kansas): Kansas officials are warning ranchers about a New World screwworm case found in Texas and what it could mean for livestock. Courts (Kansas): The U.S. Senate confirmed Great Bend attorney Jeff Kuhlman as a federal judge for Kansas. Housing Funding (Native communities): Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka opened a $4 million Native housing grant application window through July 10. Local School Board: Russell County USD 407 will meet Tuesday, June 9, with bids, policy updates, and executive sessions on the agenda.

NCAA Baseball in Kansas: Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence is hosting its first super regional as No. 15 Kansas takes on Oklahoma in a best-of-three starting Saturday, with KU chasing its first College World Series trip since 1993. Super Regional Schedule: Day 2 matchups include Kansas-Oklahoma (ESPN2), plus Georgia-Mississippi State, Texas-Oregon, and Alabama-St. John’s, with more series opening across the bracket. Federal Courts: The U.S. Senate confirmed Great Bend attorney Jeff Kuhlman to a Kansas seat on the U.S. District Court, while two other Kansas nominees (KBI director Tony Mattivi and Solicitor General Anthony Powell) head to the full Senate. Immigration Law: Senate Republicans passed a $70 billion immigration bill aimed at funding Trump’s crackdown through the rest of his term, after internal GOP pushback. Kansas Utilities: A gas line rupture in Chetopa shut off service for east-side residents; police said no evacuations were needed while Atmos Energy repaired the line. Energy Costs: A national look at residential power prices shows Kansas among states with notable year-over-year increases.

NCAA Baseball Super Regional (Lawrence): Kansas hosts Oklahoma in a best-of-three with a College World Series berth on the line, starting Saturday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2 at Hoglund Ballpark; KU’s Dominic Voegele faces OU freshman Cord Rager, with Sunday and a potential Monday game also set for 5 p.m. Local Sports Spotlight: KU’s Tyson LeBlanc and K-State’s Dee Kennedy were named NCBWA District 6 co-Players of the Year, capping standout seasons for both Big 12 shortstops. Energy & Utilities: Kansas lawmakers Dan Hawkins and Leo Delperdang urged federal energy regulators to protect competitive bidding for transmission projects after objecting to a southcentral Kansas line being steered to Evergy without a formal bid process. Local Development: Ellis County approved a permit for a 1,200-acre solar farm near Hays, projected to create jobs and generate ongoing tax revenue. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado in Riley County on June 4, with max winds around 120 mph and no reported injuries. Public Safety: KBI and local agencies arrested a Ness City man after a search turned up meth, cocaine, LSD, marijuana, mushrooms, firearms, and explosive materials.