Latest News

Thursday, November 10, 2022

November is National Entrepreneurship Month. “A record 5.4 million new businesses were started in 2021, over 20% more than any year on record. … Entrepreneurs’ willingness to take risks, work hard, and never quit make possibilities come alive. They turn vision into reality and ideas into products, profits, and national prosperity. This month, we celebrate their contributions as a point of national pride and recommit to giving them the space and support to make sure America wins the 21st century.” - The White House Dickinson County is an attraction for entrepreneurs due to our affordable real estate, pro-business climate, and broadband...

DKEDC Celebrates Manufacturing Month

Monday, October 03, 2022

What started in 2012 as Manufacturing Day in New Jersey, became a national day in 2014. Since then, Manufacturing Day, celebrated the first Friday in October, has expanded into Manufacturing Month (MFG Month). A month dedicated to manufacturing businesses opening their doors to inspire, enlighten, and educate the next generation on becoming entrepreneurs and tradesmen in innovation and production. According to the Kansas Manufacturing Council, “The manufacturing industry employs one out of 11 Kansas workers.” DKEDC celebrates by saying, “Thank you,” to all of our local manufacturing businesses for your employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy. We are prou...

Combat Inflation with Relocation to Dickinson County

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Inflation has been reported to range from 6.8 to 8.2% for 2022 - staggering rates of inflation that haven’t been seen since the 1980’s. Though inflation slightly eased in July, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, at the same time as inflation is rising, real average hourly earnings for all employees decreased by 0.6 percent. That’s the impact of inflation because it reflects a 1.0 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). What’s more alarming is the decrease in real average earnings year over year. From July 2021 to July 2022, they decreased b...

DKEDC host investor’s meeting and WSU’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research director

Friday, August 19, 2022

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation met with their investors last night to show their appreciation. A presentation about Kansas’ economy by Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research in Wichita State University, followed dinner and awards. After dinner, Kent Campbell, director of the DKEDC, gave a short presentation on economic numbers in Dickinson County from 2018 to December of 2021. 429 jobs were retained or created. 73 were retained. 356 were created, 83 by new businesses and 273 by existing businesses. DKEDC has assisted 425 businesses. For projects, 561 have been started. 28 projects ar...

Four Seasons holds groundbreaking for upcoming expansion

Friday, August 19, 2022

The owners and staff of Four Seasons RV Acres prepare to break ground for the business' expansion project for a storage parking lot behind their building Thursday evening. Read full article.

New economic development director shares his background and talks about Dickinson County

Monday, August 15, 2022

The east wall of Kent Campbell’s office is covered in pictures. The pictures contain himself and people Campbell has spoken with over his career in media and economic development. There’s Radio Broadcaster Paul Harvey, Iowa Senator Charles Grassley, celebrity Howie Mandel and several more prominent figures. “Each of these represents a different impact on things. Each of them have taught me something different… All these people I consider friends because they taught me something at a point in my life that made me better, maybe directly or indirectly,” Campbell said. Read full article.

Community Foundation of Dickinson County holds annual meeting to celebrate philanthropy

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

More than 170 people attended the Annual Meeting of the Community Foundation held at Sand Springs Venue. “We are very pleased with the turnout this year, and to know people are here to celebrate something as important as philanthropy is fantastic. The meal catered by Lucinda’s Katering was delicious, and the Sand Springs Venue is a beautiful event space; it was a significant event,” stated Board President Ray Wyatt. The annual meeting is a time to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments. This past year the Foundation granted over one million dollars in grants and scholarships, added 15 new funds, an...

Governor Laura Kelly Emphasizes Importance of Child Care to Economic Development Success

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Governor Laura Kelly today stopped at the newly opened Lindsborg Child Development Center as part of her Prosperity on the Plains economic tour. Expanding child care is a cornerstone of the Governor’s workforce and economic development efforts. “When we invest in child care and early education, the benefits are immediate and long-lasting,” Governor Kelly said. “Child care helps attract and retain a highly skilled workforce, brings business to the state, and improves the long-term well-being of our children. That’s exactly why Lindsborg has made this investment in their community, and it’s why my administration has supported child care workers and center...

Using Community Planning & Infrastructure Investment to Become More Competitive

Monday, August 08, 2022

Meeting your community's existing needs while laying the groundwork for its anticipated need is more critical than ever. Meanwhile, the concept of infrastructure is evolving. In addition to being functional, capital improvements now need to be aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. They must also be planned, executed, and publicized to make the community feel more connected. Read full article.

Legacy Kansas open by reservation only

Thursday, August 04, 2022

The Brookville Hotel closed its doors in March 2020 after opening in the 1870s. In February 2021, Munsons’ Prime Steak House of Junction City burned to the ground. Owners of the steakhouse and Munson Angus Farms of Geary County Chuck and Deanna Munson, weren’t ready to leave the restaurant business and so they expressed interest in buying and reopening the Brookville Hotel. Read full article.

Business viewpoint: Get your business noticed in a sea of workforce ads

Saturday, July 30, 2022

An estimated 47.4 million Americans left their jobs in 2021. While unemployment today is hitting record lows, there are still many industries that are struggling to find employees, including food service, hospitality, manufacturing, education and health services. If your organization has been straining to fill open positions, you may be asking yourself “where are all the applicants?” The answer is that HR departments and recruiting firms need to be creative in how they find employees. Read full article.

July is Park & Recreation Month

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

“On any given day, someone is positively affected through parks and recreation.” - National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) As economic developers, we understand the important role parks and recreation play in our community. They are essential for local residents having a high quality of life, enjoying being here and for new families looking for a place to live. Parks and recreation can also serve as an economic driver through tourism. July is Park and Recreation Month! This year’s theme, We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation, honors all of the dedicated workers as we thank them for ensuring parks and recreationa...

June is National Homeownership Month

Monday, June 27, 2022

“Whether you own or rent a home, you’re invested in and connected to the place you live. While homeownership is a good fit for many, renting also helps people invest in their communities and build wealth for their families and generations to come.” Tom Vilsack, USDA Secretary “June is National Homeownership Month, when we promote the benefits of homeownership and recommit to creating opportunities for future homeowners.” - NAR Benefits of Homeownership For those wanting to own their home, here are some benefits that come with homeownership: Tax deductions non-applicable to renters - varies by state Long-term investment you ultimately control A sense of pride an...

DKEDC Announces new Executive Director Kent Campbell

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Dickinson County Economic Development is pleased to welcome Kent Campbell as our new Executive Director. Campbell has more than 25 yeas of not-for-profit leadership experience. He has proven leadership and executive experience in organizational management, community and economic development, and grassroots community capacity building. Most recently, Campbell ran his own successful consulting business focusing on solutions for non-profits. Campbell received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management at Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana, and has received several other certifications. N...

Pioneering Kansas Disc Golf: Herington native recounts his part in expanding the sport after entering state Hall of Fame

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE- May 23rd, 2022 There must have been thousands of discs in his store. Almost every aisle in the former grocery store had cardboard box after cardboard box of discs. Red, neon green, orange, pink, white, black and probably every other color under the spectrum were in those boxes. All with a graphic design on top. Dennis Vahsholtz owns Discs Unlimited in Herington. Since the 1980s, Vahsholtz has been a part of the disc golf community by playing in numerous professional tournaments and providing discs to players across the state. On April 28, Vahsholtz was inducted into the Kansas Flyin...

City of Woodbine Receives Grant

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

WOODBINE, KANSAS- At its Monday night meeting, Woodbine City Council members were surprised to receive a $57,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County – Tracy W. Gatch Unrestricted Operating Legacy Fund. The grant funds will tuckpoint the walls of the Woodbine Gymnasium, which the community uses for special events. “We are beyond excited to receive this generous gift,” said MarySue Roller, Mayor. “This grant will help us ensure the building is available for many years to come.” According to Elizabeth Weese, Community Foundation of Dickinson County director, Gatch, a former Woodbine resident, left his $2.5 million estate to the Foundation...

DKEDC Hosts Investor Annual Meeting

Monday, August 22, 2022

ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE- ABILENE, KANSAS: The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation met with their investors last night to show their appreciation. A presentation about Kansas’ economy by Jeremy Hill, director of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research in Wichita State University, followed dinner and awards. After dinner, Kent Campbell, director of the DKEDC, gave a short presentation on economic numbers in Dickinson County from 2018 to December of 2021. 429 jobs were retained or created. 73 were retained. 356 were created, 83 by new businesses and 273 by existing businesses. DKEDC has assisted 425 businesses. For projects, 561 hav...

National Farmer's Market Week

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, has officially proclaimed August 7-13th as National Farmer's Market Week across the United States. As a community deeply rooted in ag and farming, Dickinson County would be amiss without an outstanding farmer's market-- and we have just that! Be sure to visit the farmer's market every Saturday morning during their open season in the Lumber House parking lot in Abilene. Check out the official proclamation below: WHEREAS farmers markets continue to provide access to safe and nutritious food in the face of market disruptions while also shortening supply chains an...

August Business After Hours & Groundbreaking Planned for Four Seasons RV

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

August is an exciting month for the Dickinson County Partnership! As we get ready to send children back to school, prep for nights of cheering for our favorite local football teams, and prepare for some fall temperatures (hopefully...) across Dickinson County, we are excited to come back together as a business community for our August Business After Hours event, hosted this month by Four Seasons RV! Prior to the event, we will be kicking off the newest expansion at their location with a ground breaking ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m. Come see how Four Seasons RV plans to expand to continu...

Proposal would Build Childcare Centers at Herington, Solomon Schools

Thursday, July 21, 2022

ARTICLE FROM THE ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE- Dickinson County plans to use funds it received from ARPA (the American Rescue Plan Act), working in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, USD 393 and USD 487 to build childcare facilities on school district property in both Solomon and Herington. The need for childcare in Dickinson County, throughout Kansas and the nation has long been documented through various surveys and other assessments. “We’ve been told this in untold meetings with the economic development corporation, school districts and everybody in between. We’ve heard and experienced all the issues caused by the shortage and ho...

Dickinson County CEO Facilitator Wins Award

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE- At its summer training in Effingham, Illinois, the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship named Dickinson County CEO Facilitator Brandy Gray as a “Rookie of the Year” award recipient for first-year facilitators. “I am completely honored and surprised to receive this award,” Dickinson County CEO Facilitator Brandy Gray said. “I truly enjoy being part of the students’ educational journeys; there is nothing better than seeing their light bulb moments or sense of pride when they achieve something they didn’t think was possible.” While Gray was surprised to receive the award, Dickinson County CEO board members, mentors and investors recognize her outstandin...

City Celebrates Golden Belt Heights East with Groundbreaking Ceremony

Friday, June 24, 2022

By Ed Boice Abilene Reflector-Chronicle An American flag flew high above about 40 city staff, county officials and community members gathered in the Golden Belt Heights, formerly known as the Highlands. Wednesday afternoon, the groundbreaking ceremony of the Heights’ east section of the residential area took place. Leading off the ceremony was Mayor Dee Marshall. Marshall started by thanking the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, City Manager Ron Marsh and Heartland Housing Partners President Ross Vogel. Marshall also thanked Marsh for leading the commission in turning the Heights into a Rural Housing Incentive District. “It took all of us. I’ve been a city commissione...

DKEDC Celebrates Economic Development Week!

Friday, May 13, 2022

Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) marks the week of May 9 to May 13, 2022, as the next Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities. Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere. “Economic developers play essential roles in promoting the economic healt...

Abilene Named Best Historic Small Town Finalist

Monday, May 09, 2022

Submitted by Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau: Abilene is a finalist for USA Today’s 2022Readers’ Choice Best Historic Small Town contest for the fourth year in a row. “Thank you to the tourism attractions, businesses, residents, employees, volunteers, and leaders who help make Abilene the best historic small town,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “Receiving this recognition four years in a row is extra special and recognizes our efforts to market Abilene as a destination.” In 2021, Abilene ranked #4 in the final nationwide contest. Abilene ranked #2 and #4, respectively, in the 2020 and 2019 contests. Nominee...

Rep. John Barker files for re-election in Kansas House Dist. 70

Thursday, March 31, 2022

ABILENE REFLECTOR-CHRONICLE: Representative John Barker today filed for re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives serving the 70th District. “I am honored to serve my district in the Kansas House,” said Representative Barker. “During my time in the legislature, I have worked closely with Kansans to champion the issues that matter to them. Abilene and the surrounding areas have much to be proud of, as well as unique concerns, perspectives, and goals that should be well-represented by a strong voice in Topeka. I look forward to continuing to serve my state, and especially my friends and neighbors from across Dickinson an...

Regular Inspections Keep Dickinson County Bridges Safe

Monday, March 28, 2022

By KATHY HAGEMAN Dickinson County Public Information coordinator DICKINSON COUNTY, MARCH 26th, 2022: The Dickinson County Road and Bridge Department uses a strict inspection process to ensure the county’s 300 bridges are safe. “Our bridges are inspected every other year and the ones that are more at risk are inspected every year," said Dickinson County Road and Bridge Supervisor Martin Tannahill. "None of our bridges are in danger of falling in." When Tannahill talks about “our bridges,” he means structures located on township and county roads. “We have nothing to do with interstate or state highway bridges,” Tannahill said. Nationwide, the state of bridges and othe...

Donate Dickinson County Day Raises more than $150,000

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

ABILENE REFLECTOR CHRONICLE: “I am amazed right now,” said Elizabeth Weese, executive director of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County. “Here’s the thing, part of me should never be surprised because people and Dickinson County citizens are just generous, generous people, so I shouldn’t be surprised that (they are), but I am every year. I am just amazed and flabbergasted, quite frankly, of the generosity of people.” Over a 24-hour period, the community foundation spent March 18 promoting a day for people in the county to donate to non-profit organizations. Between 451 donors, the event raised $175,359.06. The foundation dedicated $100,00...

10 Years in the Making: County Receives Tax Allocation from Pipeline

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

ABILENE, KS: Dickinson County received its first tax allocation in January from the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline — 10 years after the company started pumping the oil sand material south through the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas to Cushing, Okla. During all that time, Dickinson County and the other five Kansas counties the pipeline runs through have not received a dime thanks to the Kansas Legislature which granted TransCanada a 10-year tax exemption before pumping began. The exemption started in 2010 and ended in 2020, making 2021 the first year the company has paid Kansas taxes. Since taxes are paid in arrears, the mone...

Former Brookville Hotel Building sells to Junction City Couple

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

By Dewey Terrill JC Post Charles ( Chuck ) and Deanna Munson bid $926,000 during a bankruptcy sale in Abilene on Monday to acquire the former Brookville Hotel restaurant property. Pinnacle Bank had put the property up for sale with the Munson's submitting the lone bid. They plan to open a new restaurant called Legacy Kansas, with a subtitle acknowledging both the Brookville Hotel and Munson's Prime. Charles and Deanna owned the Munson Prime steakhouse in Junction City that was destroyed by fire in February of 2021. They now plan to open the new restaurant with what Deanna termed "the best of bot...

Abilene Location Among KDOT Electric Vehicle Charging Station Awards

Monday, February 07, 2022

From KDOT and The Salina Post: The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has awarded $2 million to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways. KDOT received 32 project proposals seeking to use $2 million of the state’s allocation of Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds dedicated to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations. KDOT had identified 12 priority locations for these funds to improve public access to charging stations along primary corridors, to which applicants made their case for providing EV services. “The quality of proposals made the selection process very competitive, and it was clea...

OCCK’s Abilene to Salina Weekly Route, KanConnect, to End

Monday, February 07, 2022

Salina, Kansas – OCCK Transportation is ending the KanConnect fixed route bus service at the end of the day on February 11, 2022. KanConnect has been operating as a weekly bus route pilot project between Salina and Abilene since June 2020. “The KanConnect route came about as an opportunity during the early days of the pandemic,” said Michelle Griffin, Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas. “We are always looking for ways to better assist residents of the counties we serve. At this time, we need to look at solutions and potentially move forward in other directions.” Residents that need to get to eithe...

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