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    Latest News
    1. Home
    2. Latest News
    3. City Celebrates Golden Belt Heights East With Groundbreaking Ceremony
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    City Celebrates Golden Belt Heights East with Groundbreaking Ceremony main photo

    City Celebrates Golden Belt Heights East with Groundbreaking Ceremony

    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 commissioner for a long time,” Marshall said. “There were times when I thought this would never happen, so I’m just thrilled we’re here today.”

    Dennis Weese, chairman of the Economic Development Corporation, then took the podium as the main speaker. Weese filled in for Lieutenant Governor David Tolland who was supposed to attend, but could not last minute due to contracting COVID-19.

    “Here’s what our magic sauce is. Here’s the competitive advantage we have that nobody else has. It’s our willingness, therefore our ability, to work together. That’s it,” Weese said. “This is the best example of an effort to work together and it’s what turned the past of 15 years into the success you’re standing in front of today.”

    Commissioner John Kollhoff, Commissioner Wendy Miller, Marshall, Economic Development Director Kent Campbell, Vogel and Marsh took shovels in hand to break the ground.

    After the groundbreaking, Marsh took the microphone.

    “I’ve just been here for over a year. When I got here, all five commissioners said this was our number one priority, and we’ve made some really good progress,” Marsh said. “It took everybody that you see out here working together. It took all of us to get this done.”

    Currently, 17 lots have been sold so far, said Kelsey Briand, administrative assistant for the city. Construction has begun on eight lots.

    Reynolds Real Estate and Auction Co. and Veterans Lending Group set up tables for the event.

    Default Set

    1. A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year! Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.
    2. Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.
    3. Best of All Worlds Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!
    4. A Proud Heritage History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.
    happy child exploring local shop

    A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year!

    Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.

    smiling business owners

    Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living

    A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.

    business owner laughing with customers

    Best of All Worlds

    Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!

    We Like Ike memorbelia

    A Proud Heritage

    History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.

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    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Logo
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation203 NW 15th Abilene, KS 67410
    Phone: 785-200-3518 Fax: 785-200-3520
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