AGP Executive Report

Family & Community: Frontenac’s new early-learning center is set to clear its childcare waitlist and serve infants as young as six weeks, after a decade-long effort by local leaders. Education: Kansas students improved in reading and math in 2026, with fewer scoring at the lowest level and more reaching proficient or advanced levels. Young Kansans: The Kansas Historical Society has revived its student photo contest after a four-year break; entries should capture the people, places and traditions that make the state distinctive. Community Safety: A pickup truck struck a Wichita youth soccer gathering, killing a 6-year-old and an adult and injuring 10; the driver was released without charges. Trans Kansans: A new state law invalidating IDs with updated gender markers has left some trans residents weighing whether to leave Kansas or stay and fight.

Wichita Community: Students and families from Kansas City-area Catholic schools gathered to pray after a pickup truck crashed into a crowd at a Wichita soccer complex, killing two people and injuring others. Police say the driver was released without charges as the investigation continues. Halloween Plans: Wichita’s College Hill neighborhood will close several streets during its popular trick-or-treating celebration, with traffic restrictions planned around Douglas Avenue. Arts & Attractions: Kansas’ Garden of Eden, built by retired teacher and farmer S.P. Dinsmoor from concrete sculptures, remains a roadside draw rooted in one man’s vision. Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was honored for his work preparing students for skilled-trades careers.

Wichita Community: Two people, including 6-year-old Adrian Cole, were killed and 10 injured when a pickup entered Stryker Soccer Complex on Oct. 17. Police say the driver was released as the investigation continues; no charges have been filed. Childcare Support: Family Promise founder Joe Reitz is inviting KU families and community groups to brainstorm childcare solutions after Hilltop Child Development Center closes. The meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lawrence. Military Families: Kansas’ 130th Field Artillery Brigade reunited with families after deployment. A Yellow Ribbon event connected returning soldiers with support for health, employment, relationships and veterans’ benefits. Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers. Around Atchison: Family events this week include Tiny Tots Storytime at the public library Monday and Glaze Night at The Artist Box Thursday.

Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers. Faith & Politics: Kansas pastor Adam Hamilton is bringing Scripture and religious values into his Senate campaign, seeking to connect with Christian and moderate voters. Wichita: A pickup truck struck players and spectators at a youth soccer match, killing a child and an adult and injuring others; police say the driver is in custody. Off-Grid Living: Near Lawrence, a retired stage manager is building Douglas County’s first tornado-resistant Earthship, using recycled materials and aiming for a self-sustaining home. Local Arts: Lawrence Film Club plans a free outdoor screening of “Beetlejuice” at historic Oak Hill Cemetery, turning the unusual setting into a community gathering spot.

Wichita Tragedy: A pickup truck struck players and spectators at a youth sports event in Wichita, killing a child and an adult and injuring others. Police say the driver is in custody; the investigation continues. Off-Grid Living: Near Lawrence, Julie Walker is building Douglas County’s first tornado-resistant Earthship, using recycled materials in an off-grid home designed for self-sufficiency. Campus Civic Life: Wichita State student groups are helping young voters understand ballot options and how to vote ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Local Culture: Lawrence Film Club plans a free outdoor screening of “Beetlejuice” at historic Oak Hill Cemetery, turning the 40-acre site into an unusual community gathering place. Rural Education: Armor Academy brings modern technology to a historic one-room Kansas schoolhouse, blending a smart board and internet access with a small, faith-based learning setting. Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer has been named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers.

Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers in the trades. Rural Voices: Fort Hays State students are helping survivors and others affected by relationship violence share their stories. The project’s book launches Oct. 22 at Hays Public Library. School Cuts: Blue Valley Schools plans more reductions for 2027–28, including fewer coaches and performing arts support, and pauses to some middle-school sports and activities. KCK Recovery: Volunteers have spent nearly $1 million repairing storm-damaged homes, but more than 100 long-term cases remain open as winter approaches. Community Events: Auburn-Washburn school PTOs are teaming up for a Nov. 21 Turkey Trot, with proceeds supporting elementary school projects.

School Community: USD 437 elementary PTOs are teaming up for a Turkey Trot and fun run Nov. 21, with proceeds supporting classroom projects and playground upgrades. Kansas Voices: Lawrence author Jordan Lanio-Burns has published her debut fantasy romance, “A Cage of Flowers,” featuring a Black woman as a central character. Arts & Learning: KU film professor Jon Niccum is bringing screenwriting and industry experience into the classroom. In Wichita, the Kansas Aviation Museum has opened Runway to Innovation, a hands-on STEAM space where kids can try flight simulators and design planes. Education: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was honored for his work preparing students for skilled-trades careers. Community Portrait: El Centro and KU are building a statewide, community-led assessment of Latino Kansans’ experiences, contributions and needs.

Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers. Student Futures: Abilene High’s JAG-K program helps teens explore careers, earn credentials and plan for life after graduation; 34 students are enrolled, with space for more. School Life: A state survey found Kansas elementary students get about 30 minutes of recess on an average day, though some get as little as 10. Road Safety: KDOT and AAA Kansas are marking National Move Over Day on Oct. 17. Kansas’ law covers roadside workers and people near disabled vehicles, and safety partners urge drivers to slow down and move over—especially after dark.

Schools & Language: Blue Valley plans to end its Chinese Immersion program next year as part of cuts to close a $10 million budget gap. Families say the program built a close-knit community and worry about the impact on students. Arts & Heritage: Kansas City musicians Andre and Antonio Reyes, whose family has played music for four generations, will share their story in the upcoming “We Are Latinos V” documentary series. Youth Sports: The Chiefs are backing Kansas’ first high school flag football state championship, with semifinals and the title game set for Saturday in Wichita. Community Safety: The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas is marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month with outreach and a call to treat abuse as a community-wide concern. Skills & Agriculture: Barton plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer received a statewide skilled-trades teaching honor, while K-State and King Arthur Baking are working with farmers to advance regenerative agriculture.

Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers. Family & Technology: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach joined seven states suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT’s safety claims fall short and children may be at risk; the claims have not been proven in court. Arts & Heritage: “Fort Scott Stories,” a documentary inspired by Gordon Parks and featuring local voices, screens this weekend at Wichita’s Tallgrass Film Festival. Local Culture: Fort Hays State budget cuts put the Sternberg Museum of Natural History’s future in doubt, but a community fundraising campaign has raised more than $279,000, with the Schmidt Foundation offering up to $1 million in matching funds. Schools: Hays USD 489 is exploring ways to tackle chronic absenteeism, which reached 20.67% in 2025–26, above the state average of 17.87%. Fall Fun: McLouth’s weekend calendar includes a downtown car show, haunted hayrides and a Witches Walk on Oct. 24.

Community Leadership: Hays educator Christie Brungardt, co-founder of Jana’s Campaign, is one of 10 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth honorees for her work teaching young people about healthy relationships and preventing abuse. The honor includes a $25,000 grant for the nonprofit. Storm Recovery: Quindaro Community Center in Kansas City, Kansas, became a gathering point after August’s damaging storm, connecting residents with services and helping spark new community partnerships. Campus News: K-State President Richard Linton will leave at the end of the fall semester to lead Virginia Tech, his alma mater. Kansas Connections: A visit by delegates from Lawrence’s Japanese sister city, Hiratsuka, brought host families together and offered a warm reminder of the exchange program’s lasting ties. Local Events: Central Kansas nonprofits can share plans for holiday assistance at an Oct. 21 gathering at Barton Community College; in Downs, a free tall-tales contest is set for Oct. 17.

Arts & Heritage: Twenty-two sculptures donated by Derby collectors are returning to Hays to help build a museum honoring Kansas artist Pete Felten and preserve his downtown studio. Museums: Fort Hays State’s Sternberg Museum received a matching-gift offer of up to $1 million as it raises funds to stay open. In Wichita, the city approved a sales-tax incentive for the Kansas African American Museum’s planned move to a larger downtown home. Girls’ Sports: Kansas’ first KSHSAA-sanctioned girls flag football season is nearing its finish, with semifinal and championship games set for Saturday in Wichita. Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was recognized for his work preparing students for skilled-trades careers.

Arts & Heritage: Wichita approved $360,000 in tax breaks to help the Kansas African American Museum move into a larger downtown home, expected to open in 2028. The museum will double in size. Museum Funding: Fort Hays State’s Sternberg Museum got a major lift: the Schmidt Foundation will match donations to its campaign, up to $1 million, as the museum seeks funding to stay open. Education: K-State’s Arts and Sciences college faces a $2.6 million annual shortfall, raising concerns about possible program cuts and layoffs; a KU committee has also recommended ending seven programs. Local Flavor: Topeka’s Blind Tiger Brewery won a bronze medal for its hefeweizen at the Great American Beer Festival, adding to its collection of national and international awards. Youth & Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka will host its Rise & Shine breakfast on Oct. 20, highlighting the role of mentoring and support in young people’s lives.

Youth & Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka will host its third annual Rise & Shine Breakfast on Oct. 20, celebrating young people and supporting programs that help them build skills and confidence. Kansas Heritage: The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology is urging Fort Hays State University to preserve Sternberg Museum’s collections, warning that reported consultations with an auction firm raise concerns about their future. Culture: The Children’s Discovery Center marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day with storytime and hoop dancing. Education: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was recognized for his work preparing students for skilled-trades careers. Civic Life: Kansas residents have through Tuesday to register or update their voter information before the Nov. 3 election.

Skilled Trades: Barton Community College plumbing instructor Jeff Meyer was named a 2026 Western Region Skilled Trades Instructor Honoree for his work preparing students for careers. School Attendance: Chronic absenteeism in Hays USD 489 rose to 20.67% last school year, above the state average of 17.87%; district leaders are discussing ways to get students back in class. Indigenous Culture: Topeka’s Children’s Discovery Center marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day with story time, flute demonstrations and hoop dancing, inviting families to learn about the many Indigenous communities represented in Kansas. Community Connections: The CARES Coalition wants local agencies, businesses and leaders to work together earlier to prevent families from reaching crisis points. Arts and Sciences: K-State’s College of Arts and Sciences faces a $2.6 million annual shortfall and $13.5 million in debt to the university, prompting concern over possible program cuts and layoffs. Interfaith Events: A free film festival at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library on Oct. 24 will screen documentaries about Zoroastrianism and Buddhism, followed by discussion.

Kansas Senate Race: A new poll puts Democrat Adam Hamilton at 47.5% and Republican Roger Marshall at 46.7%, within the survey’s 2.83-point margin of error. Olathe Schools: Parents are gathering signatures to seek state review of a plan to close six schools after the 2026-27 year; they need 6,100 valid signatures. Music & Midwest Life: Indie-rock songwriter Kevin Morby talks about his new album, his Midwest outlook and becoming a father. School Attendance: Hays USD 489’s chronic absenteeism rose to 20.67% in 2025-26, above the Kansas average of 17.87%; the district is discussing ways to bring students back to class. Campus & Civic Life: Fort Hays State student Isaac Hargett was named a Newman Civic Fellow for his community engagement and work promoting constructive dialogue. Rural Concerns: A new survey finds rural voters put cost of living, health care expenses and access to medical care ahead of headline-grabbing political debates.