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One Block. Big Possibilities: DDC Pursues $500,000 Downtown Investment
Driving Dickinson County is pursuing a competitive $500,000 BLOCK grant that could transform a downtown Abilene block — while creating momentum for investment beyond it.
Jackie Hynes
1 day ago4 min read
From Closed Course to Community Asset: Investment Brings New Life to Abilene Golf & Fitness
Private investment has brought new life to Abilene Golf & Fitness, transforming a once-closed golf course into a growing recreation and gathering place for Dickinson County.
Jackie Hynes
2 days ago5 min read
Rooted in Woodbine, Serving Central Kansas: KVK Celebrates 30 Years
From its roots in Woodbine to serving customers across Central Kansas, KVK celebrates 30 years of growth, teamwork and trusted service. Meet the people behind the business and the relationships that keep it moving forward.
Jackie Hynes
6 days ago5 min read
After 22 Years Behind the Camera, Michela Brown Photography Opens Downtown Abilene Studio
After 22 years capturing life’s milestones, Michela Brown Photography has opened its first dedicated studio in downtown Abilene. Discover her story and join the celebration October 1, with an open house from 5–7 p.m. and a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m.
Jackie Hynes
Sep 143 min read
Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy Returns Home as It Marks 25 Years in Abilene
Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy is back home in downtown Abilene after an eight-month displacement following a fire — just in time to celebrate 25 years in business. The pharmacy retained all eight employees throughout the disruption and continues serving patients across Dickinson County and the surrounding area.
Jackie Hynes
Sep 95 min read
Chapman Valley Manor Adds New Residential Healthcare Option with Shamrock Suites
Chapman Valley Manor is expanding its continuum of care with the opening of Shamrock Suites, a new Residential Healthcare Facility design
Jackie Hynes
Sep 23 min read
The Economics of Belonging: Community Development Through an Economic Development Lens
What makes a rural community a place people choose? A gathering in Solomon showed how community pride, shared experiences and practical ideas can become part of the economic development equation.
Jackie Hynes
Sep 26 min read
City of Abilene Awarded $89,787 USDA Grant to Launch Rural Business Accelerator
The City of Abilene has been awarded an $89,787 USDA Rural Business Development Grant to launch a Rural Business Accelerator Program in partnership with Driving Dickinson County, expanding hands-on support for small and emerging rural businesses.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 254 min read
Before the Next 911 Call: Dickinson County Brings Healthcare Home
Dickinson County is helping pioneer a new approach to rural healthcare — bringing trained community paramedics into patients’ homes to address risks before they become emergencies. With 257 patient encounters and growing statewide and federal attention, the program is showing its value as it approaches a critical question: what happens when the grant funding ends?
Jackie Hynes
Aug 246 min read
Young Roots Market Receives $10,000 Grant to Grow Youth Entrepreneurship in Dickinson County
A $10,000 Network Kansas grant will help launch Young Roots Market, giving Dickinson County youth access to shared market equipment, hands-on learning and business education.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 204 min read
In the Driver’s Seat: Dickinson County Turns eCommunity Designation Into Action
Dickinson County’s new Network Kansas eCommunity designation is opening the door to more than financing. Through local decision-making, statewide resources and new entrepreneurship programs, the county is beginning to turn designation into action.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 188 min read
From Dickinson County to Zurich: Representing Rural Kansas on the World Stage
From Dickinson County to Zurich, Driving Dickinson County CEO Natalie Muruato joined the Kansas Department of Commerce on an international trade mission to strengthen relationships, gain new economic development perspectives and ensure rural Kansas has a seat at the global table.
Natalie Muruato
Aug 115 min read
More Than a Car Show: How Junction Point Keeps Community in the Driver’s Seat
More than cars brought people together at Junction Point Post Acute in Herington. See how an annual tradition connects residents, empowers employees and showcases what makes this Dickinson County community Roadmarkable.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 108 min read
Driving Dickinson County Debuts New Signature Event, Connecting Partners and Businesses Across Dickinson County
On August 6, Driving Dickinson County launched its first-ever Evening Cruise — a Business After Hours event built to connect partners, showcase membership benefits, and open the door for new businesses to see what DDC is building across Dickinson County. Here's what happened when the Hat Bar opened and the room filled up.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 75 min read
America 250: Stars, Stripes & Storefront Showdown Recap
Four businesses, four different stories — and the same idea running underneath every one of them. Go inside the displays, the people, and the community spirit behind Dickinson County's first-ever Stars, Stripes & Storefront Showdown.
Jackie Hynes
Aug 15 min read
The People Behind the Power: Sunbelt Solomon Invests in Its Employee Experience
At Sunbelt Solomon, employee investment goes beyond workplace perks. From hands-on training and career development to wellness resources, recognition and community involvement, the company is creating opportunities for its people to connect, grow and build lasting careers in Dickinson County.
Jackie Hynes
Jul 304 min read
Investing Beyond Today: How the Community Foundation Is Helping Build a Roadmarkable Dickinson County
The Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s Annual Meeting celebrated the donors, volunteers and young leaders helping strengthen the county. In 2025, the Foundation awarded more than $2 million in grants and nearly $300,000 in scholarships.
Jackie Hynes
Jul 292 min read
Businesses Taking the Wheel: A Free Fair Giveaway Built on Community
Three Dickinson County businesses — NextHome Unlimited, KRH Construction, and Tossed and Sauced — teamed up for a Free Fair giveaway and community hot dog feed in Abilene, building excitement ahead of the July 28 parade.
Jackie Hynes
Jul 232 min read
A Station Helps Young Entrepreneurs Build More Than a Business
A Station's Kids Farmers Market is about more than selling handmade goods and fresh produce—it's about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Discover how one local business is helping Dickinson County youth build confidence, creativity and business experience.
Jackie Hynes
Jul 222 min read
Art in Motion
Seeing Possibility at a Railroad Crossing I've always believed that art can drive economic development. I've seen murals breathe life into downtowns. Sculptures become gathering places. Public spaces become destinations. Art attracts visitors, sparks conversations, creates pride, and often becomes an investment that pays dividends far beyond its cost. I've seen places become something more because someone had the courage to create. But today, as I waited for a freight train t
Natalie Muruato
Jul 173 min read
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