AGP Executive Report

Local Attractions & Events: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is back on a limited summer schedule, with plans to expand into a permanent regional attraction as organizers keep fundraising for their own projector, sound system, restrooms, and concessions. Music & Outdoors: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6-8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities—now in its ninth year. Family Travel & Health Access: HaysMed and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital are expanding a shared prenatal care model so routine pregnancy visits can happen closer to home in Larned, while still delivering with the HaysMed OB team. Road-Trip Reality Check: Kansas City businesses along a four-mile stretch of I-70 are bracing for an 11-month closure, betting regular customers and detours will keep them afloat. Public Health Alert: KDHE reports 55 cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas in 2026, with a sharp rise in domestic infections since late June; officials urge precautions and prompt medical care if symptoms hit. Travel Infrastructure: KCI logged record outbound travel—24,266 screened on July 12—showing how World Cup crowds are still reshaping summer airport traffic.

Health Alert: Kansas health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are rising, with KDHE reporting 55 cases statewide this year (37 likely domestic), and guidance urging people to wash produce well and contact a provider if they develop “explosive diarrhea” symptoms. Local Tourism & Events: Great Bend is moving ahead with a $56 million STAR Bond Project Plan, including Phase 1 upgrades at the SRCA Dragstrip and plans for a new Hampton Inn plus restaurants—aimed at drawing visitors and boosting sports tourism. Outdoor Fun: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6-8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities for its ninth year. Community Travel/Access: A shared prenatal care model lets some expectant parents in Larned handle routine visits locally while still delivering with the OB team at HaysMed. Family-Friendly Summer Nights: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is running a limited summer schedule while fundraising for permanent projection, sound, restrooms, and concessions. Safety on the Road: Kansas Highway Patrol reports a fatal Phillips County rollover on K-383, underscoring the importance of seat belts.

Kansas Tourism & Events: Wichita will host the 2027 and 2028 NCAA Men’s Basketball Opening Rounds at INTRUST Bank Arena, with three games per day for two days—another big draw for sports travelers. Family Travel & Health: Children’s Mercy opened a new Wichita clinic with 30 exam rooms, aiming to keep specialized pediatric care closer to home for families. Road Trips & Summer Fun: The Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities. Local Attractions & Upgrades: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan clears the first hurdle, including Phase 1 improvements at the SRCA Dragstrip and plans for a new Hampton Inn and restaurants. Food Safety: Kansas is among states reporting cyclosporiasis; health officials point to lettuce and salad greens as a possible source and urge careful washing and avoiding bagged mixes. Travel Logistics: Kansas City International is preparing for Thanksgiving-level crowds after the World Cup, with outbound travel expected to be comparable to peak holiday travel.

Travel & Tourism: Kansas City International Airport is rolling out a new cellphone lot as World Cup crowds thin out, with officials expecting outbound travel levels comparable to Thanksgiving and about 20,000–24,000 fans arriving between Sunday and Monday. New Flights: Frontier Airlines adds a new nonstop Kansas City–Orlando route starting Nov. 20, four times weekly with fares from $69 each way—another easy option for warm-weather getaways. Local Infrastructure for Visitors: Great Bend’s city council approved moving ahead on a $56 million STAR Bond Project Plan, with Phase 1 including an 80-room Hampton Inn and restaurant development near the Events Center plus SRCA Dragstrip improvements—aimed at boosting sports, entertainment and tourism. Health & Safety for Travelers: Kansas health officials reported 22 cyclosporiasis cases statewide (including 5 in Sedgwick County) and pointed to salad greens/lettuce as a likely source; guidance includes thorough washing and avoiding bagged mixes. Water Alert: A boil water advisory was issued for Winchester (Jefferson County) after a chlorine residual equipment failure. Road Trip Planning: Topeka scheduled daytime closures of S. Kansas Ave. (1st–3rd) for bridge work tied to the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, with detours in place Tuesday–Thursday. Family-Friendly Fun: The Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping and activities. Drive-In Update: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is running a limited summer schedule while fundraising for permanent projection, sound, restrooms and a concession stand.

Local Attractions & Family Fun: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is back for a limited summer run, using borrowed projection and sound while fundraising for permanent upgrades like a projector, sound system, restrooms, and even a future concession stand. Music & Camping: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6-8 for its ninth year, blending bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities. Tourism-Boosting Infrastructure: Great Bend’s City Council approved moving ahead on a $56 million STAR Bond Project Plan, with Phase 1 including an 80-room Hampton Inn and restaurant development near the Events Center plus SRCA Dragstrip improvements aimed at drawing visitors and events. Travel Safety & Comfort: KDHE issued a boil water advisory for Allen County RWD 10 after a waterline break caused a pressure loss; residents are told to boil water before use. Outdoor Recreation: Milford Lake anglers set a new I-70 Bass Anglers tournament record with a five-fish limit weighing 21.94 pounds.

Kansas City World Cup travel surge: KCI is bracing for Thanksgiving-level crowds as fans head home after the final match, with outbound travel expected to mirror the busiest holiday weekend. Airport operations watch: A new report on the 2026 TSA funding lapse says uneven staffing shortages at checkpoints led to fewer routes and more disruptions for travelers—something Kansas flyers will be watching as summer travel ramps up. Great Bend tourism boost: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan cleared a key step with a 7-0 council vote, setting up Phase 1 work that includes an 80-room Hampton Inn and upgrades tied to the SRCA Dragstrip—aimed at drawing sports and entertainment visitors. Family fun in western Kansas: The Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6-8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities. Drive-in comeback plans: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is running a limited summer schedule while fundraising for permanent upgrades, including its own projector/sound and more amenities. Local history with travel appeal: A feature looks at Ellis and Kansas Pacific stockyards’ role in Texas longhorn droving in the 1870s—another reason to explore the region’s cattle-trail past.

Kansas City World Cup buzz winds down: After Argentina’s quarterfinal win, KCI expects outbound crowds Sunday and Monday near Thanksgiving levels, with 20,000–24,000 fans heading out. Local shopping hits peak demand: Union Station’s Rally House saw record sales as visitors grabbed jerseys, scarves and souvenirs before leaving. Transit milestone: KC Streetcar set a June ridership record—698,707 trips—showing how World Cup crowds boosted local travel. Central Kansas tourism boost: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan cleared a key step with a 7-0 council vote, paving the way for a Phase 1 Hampton Inn and restaurants plus SRCA Dragstrip improvements. Family-friendly summer plans: WaKeeney’s Trego Sky View Drive-In is running a limited schedule while fundraising for permanent upgrades, including restrooms and a concession stand. Music on the calendar: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping and family activities.

World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the quarterfinal at Arrowhead, setting up a semifinal vs England—while fans and families filled Union Station and the Power & Light District for the final local match. Transit & tourism boost: KC Streetcar logged a record June with 698,707 trips, with World Cup fan fest days driving ridership and 75% of trips going beyond the stadium corridor. Travel planning without tickets: Several guides highlight how to catch FIFA World Cup 2026 action via fan festivals, museums, and global food experiences—useful for Kansas travelers who can’t get match seats. Local summer fun: The Trego Sky View Drive-In in WaKeeney is running a limited schedule while fundraising for permanent upgrades, and Lovegrass Music Festival returns Aug. 6-8 at Wilson State Park. Central Kansas growth: Great Bend council approved moving forward on a $56 million STAR Bond Phase 1 plan, including SRCA Dragstrip improvements and a new Hampton Inn.

World Cup in Kansas City: Argentina edged Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the semifinal vs. England, with Julián Álvarez scoring the winner in the 112th minute after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation. Fan travel & local tourism: Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Fest hit capacity as supporters poured in, and fans traveled from across North America to cheer from hotels and Union Station. Travel planning tip: Multiple outlets highlighted how to watch Argentina–Switzerland, including free options abroad and U.S. TV streaming details. Central Kansas events & growth: Great Bend council approved moving ahead on a $56 million STAR Bond Phase 1 plan, including an 80-room Hampton Inn and SRCA Dragstrip improvements. Family fun in western Kansas: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and family activities. Water safety alert: Boil water advisories were issued for Winchester (Jefferson County).

World Cup travel buzz (Kansas City): Argentina is set to face Switzerland in a Kansas City quarterfinal, keeping the spotlight on local fan travel and stadium-weekend logistics. Airline demand: U.S. carriers say the 2026 World Cup is boosting travel demand—more flights, more seats, and a “closer-in” surge as fans target specific host cities. Tourism hiring question: Despite big expectations, leisure-and-hospitality hiring gains didn’t fully stick, with costs and pricey stays cited as headwinds. Kansas summer attractions: Sunflower Summer is back with free admissions to Kansas attractions statewide (July 9–Aug. 2), including spots like Rolling Hills Zoo, the Garage Automobile Museum, and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Central Kansas economic development: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan moves forward toward a $56 million phase one, including an 80-room Hampton Inn and SRCA Dragstrip improvements—aimed at jobs, visitors, and sports tourism. Pregnancy care closer to home (Larned): A shared care model links Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine with HaysMed Center for Women’s Health, bringing more routine prenatal visits and services locally. Family travel tip: A road-trip money-saving guide highlights practical ways to stretch budgets on trips across the U.S.

Great Bend Tourism Boost: Great Bend City Council approved a $56 million STAR Bond Project Plan (7-0), with Phase 1 including an 80-room Hampton Inn plus restaurants near the Events Center and upgrades to the SRCA Dragstrip—aimed at drawing visitors and keeping the NHRA spotlight rolling. Kansas City World Cup Travel Pulse: With Argentina back in town for the final KC match, Kansas City International Airport is gearing up for “Thanksgiving-level” crowds, expecting 20,000+ outbound travelers on Sunday and Monday, plus extra volunteers and translators. Local Road Work for Travelers: Emporia’s K-99 expansion starts next week in south Emporia, widening Commercial Street between Kansas Avenue and Soden Road; traffic will continue with adjustments to mailboxes and pickup routes, with work expected through year’s end. Family Travel Ideas: A new family-vacation feature highlights a lakeside Minnesota stay with kayaks, paddle boats, and cabin breakfasts—built for adult kids and grandkids alike. Wheat Tour for Visitors: The Wheat Quality Food Council’s 2026 Hard Spring Wheat and Durum Tour runs July 20-23 (Fargo start/end), with hotel blocks and a July 15 registration deadline. World Cup Logistics Lesson: Ghana’s assistant coach Roger De Sa says the biggest challenge in the 2026 tournament was the taxing travel between distant host cities and time zones.

Kansas City Airport Prep: KCI is gearing up for Thanksgiving-level crowds after the last Kansas City World Cup match, with officials expecting 20,000+ outbound travelers on Sunday and Monday and adding volunteers and translators. Emporia Road Safety: Work starts next week on a $1.5M K-99 widening project in south Emporia, with traffic kept moving but lane/driveway changes and mailbox adjustments during construction through year-end. Great Bend Tourism Boost: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan cleared a 7-0 council vote for a $56M phase one, including an 80-room Hampton Inn and restaurant development plus SRCA Dragstrip improvements. World War II Discovery Effort: Crews are searching Lake Massabesic for a B-17 ball turret tied to a 1945 training flight, aiming to recover and restore it for an aviation museum display. Wichita March Madness: Wichita was selected to host NCAA men’s basketball opening-round games in 2027 and 2028 at INTRUST Bank Arena, partnering with Visit Wichita and local agencies. KDOT Road Work: Miami County pavement repairs begin July 13 on multiple U.S. 169 and K-68 locations, with short ramp closures and one-lane traffic in spots. Local Tech for Rural Kansas: A rural fixed-wireless deployment using AFC-enabled 6 GHz cleared a major milestone—about 50 subscribers per sector over links up to 9.8 miles—highlighting broadband options for underserved areas.

NCAA Basketball Boost for Kansas: Wichita was named a co-host for the NCAA men’s basketball opening round in 2027 and 2028, joining Dayton, with games at INTRUST Bank Arena—great news for travel and hotel demand. World Cup Tourism in KC: Kansas City leaders are using the FIFA World Cup as a “long game” for networking and global partnerships, while local hosts say early Airbnb bookings for Argentina are paying off. Local Economic Development: Great Bend’s STAR Bond Project Plan cleared a 7-0 vote toward a $56 million phase one, including an 80-room Hampton Inn and SRCA Dragstrip improvements—aimed at drawing visitors and boosting tourism. Health Access for Travelers & Locals: A 3D mammography bus is helping Kansas City-area women get screenings with less travel and faster appointments. Community Events: Lovegrass Music Festival returns to Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with camping, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Safety & Privacy Watch: A growing Flock Safety AI camera network is raising privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns as law enforcement expands use.

NCAA Tournament Boost for Wichita: The expanded 76-team men’s NCAA opening round will add Wichita as a sister host for 2027–28, with games at InTrust Bank Arena—good news for Kansas visitors and hotel demand. Great Bend Tourism & Sports Growth: Great Bend City Council approved moving ahead on a $56 million STAR Bond plan, with Phase 1 including an 80-room Hampton Inn plus dining near the Events Center and upgrades at the SRCA Dragstrip—aimed at drawing more events and out-of-town fans. Kansas Summer Travel Deal: Sunflower Summer returns with free admission for Kansas students (pre-K through 12th grade) to 200+ attractions statewide through Aug. 2, with one adult ticket per visit included. Family-Friendly Weekend Plans: Lovegrass Music Festival is back at Wilson State Park Aug. 6–8 with bluegrass, workshops, camping, and donation-based admission. Local Color in Kiowa: Kiowa Main Street helped install a new “Welcome to Kiowa” mural at 40 Mile Feed, spotlighting the town’s pioneer stage-station history for visitors driving in from the west. World Cup in Kansas City: England’s media hub at Swope Soccer Village saw a security breach when a person entered with a wrench; no players were present.

Great Bend Growth Plan: Great Bend City Council voted 7-0 to move forward on the $56 million STAR Bond Project Plan, setting up Phase 1 with an 80-room Hampton Inn, two restaurants near the Events Center, and upgrades at the SRCA Dragstrip—pending a future voter sales-tax decision in November. Kansas City Swiss Celebration: The Kansas City Swiss Society held a chalet gathering after Switzerland’s World Cup win, with alpenhorns, Swiss-themed events, and plans for fans traveling into town. World Cup Travel Note for Kansas: England midfielder Jordan Henderson underwent surgery in Kansas after breaking his arm in celebrations, and is expected to miss the rest of the tournament while the team prepares for the quarterfinal. Public Health Alerts: KDHE issued boil-water advisories for portions of Wilson County water districts (RWD 10 and 11) and for the City of Glasco in Cloud County, both tied to loss of pressure and maintenance-related contamination risk. Local Safety: Kansas City police reported a fatal high-speed motorcycle crash on I-29 involving a semi-trailer. Community & Culture: A Lawrence program will commemorate two teens killed by police in 1970, with historic markers and events at the Watkins Museum of History.

Kansas Tourism & Development: Great Bend’s City Council voted 7-0 to move forward with a $56 million STAR Bond Phase 1 plan, including an 80-room Hampton Inn and upgrades to the SRCA Dragstrip—aimed at boosting sports, entertainment, and tourism. World Cup Travel & Local Hospitality: Kansas City is still buzzing as World Cup fans fill downtown spots and landmarks, with visitors saying the metro feels welcoming and “united by soccer.” Injury Update for Travelers: England midfielder Jordan Henderson underwent surgery in Kansas City after a freak arm injury during Mexico City celebrations; he’s out for the rest of the tournament but remains with the team. Local Travel Disruption: A boil water advisory was issued for Quenemo (Osage County) after a waterline break, effective July 8, with residents told to boil water before drinking or cooking. Pet-Friendly Tech for Kansas Trips: Fi launched a new dog tracker, Fi Ultra, adding satellite connectivity (Starlink Mobile/T-Satellite) to help owners track pets beyond cell coverage—useful for rural Kansas hikes and camping.