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Driving Dickinson County is moving into a new chapter with refreshed leadership, stakeholder input, strategic planning and a newly launched website built to better tell Dickinson County’s story. The organization’s renewed mission, vision and values will help guide the road ahead.

Driving Dickinson County is pleased to welcome Denise Bailey as Operations and Partner Coordinator, effective June 1, 2026. Denise brings more than 15 years of experience in office administration, accounts payable, payroll management, and customer service — and a genuine passion for the kind of work that keeps organizations running and people feeling valued. Grounded in Public Service Denise's background spans both public and private sectors, including service with Pinal Coun

After more than a decade of pursuit, Driving Dickinson County has earned E-Community designation from Network Kansas — unlocking new capital, programming, and statewide connections for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Some milestones take years to reach — and some are worth every mile of the journey. Dickinson County has officially been awarded E-Community status by Network Kansas, joining a statewide network of communities committed to building stronger entrepreneurial ec

Downtown Abilene was filled with energy, conversation, classic cars, antiques, and community connection on May 9 as the annual Antique Fest and Cruise for Food brought thousands of visitors together in the heart of Dickinson County. Now in its eighth year, Antique Fest has become a tradition that continues to draw visitors from across Kansas and neighboring states — including travelers from Topeka, Kansas City, Saline County, and Nebraska. Vendors lined the streets while fami

Flint Hills Holdings Group Submits LIHTC Application, Bringing Community Support and a Vision for Residents and Downtown Investment. A Kansas City-based real estate development firm is seeking state tax credit funding to rehabilitate the Sunflower Hotel in downtown Abilene, an eight-story historic building that currently houses many adults and children and sits at the heart of the city's commercial corridor. Flint Hills Holdings Group, founded in 2014 by CEO Tony Krsnich, has

There's something new at Memorial View Park — and it's already drawing families out of their homes and into the fresh air. On Friday, May 1, the Abilene Public Library and Memorial Health System officially opened Abilene's first permanent StoryWalk®, celebrating with a ribbon cutting at the park adjacent to the hospital's walking trail. Dozens of community members of all ages showed up to mark the occasion — a testament to how deeply a project rooted in literacy and health ca

Community Action, Inc. and Neighbor to Neighbor Abilene launch Diaper Depot pilot, with an official ribbon cutting set for Monday, May 4. For parents in Dickinson County already stretching every dollar, diapers have long been one of those impossible gaps — essential, expensive, and rarely covered by assistance programs. Starting this month, that changes. Community Action, Inc. and Neighbor to Neighbor Abilene have partnered to bring the Diaper Depot program to Dickinson Count

Driving Dickinson County is launching a new lunch-and-learn business education series for Dickinson County business owners — six sessions built around practical skills, local relevance, and the belief that the most important driver in your business is you. There is no shortage of professional development available to business owners — webinars, online courses, national conferences. But most of it wasn't built for someone running a business in Abilene or Chapman or Solomon, wh

Nine communities. One incredible summer. $2,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. This summer, Dickinson County businesses have a chance to do something that's never been done here before — compete for real cash prizes by decorating their storefronts in patriotic pride, while the whole community shows up to cheer them on. Driving Dickinson County is proud to announce the Stars, Stripes & Storefront Showdown, a countywide window and facade decorating contest celebrating America's 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dickinson County Non-Profit Fittingly Celebrates National Month of Hope April 11, 2025 (ABILENE, Kan.)—The H.O.P.E. Center, Inc., which serves Dickinson County, Kansas, is pleased to announce its relocation to 300 North Cedar, Suite 104, in Abilene, Kan. The larger space allows the non-profit organization to have a more visible and accessible presence to better meet current services and future needs of the community. “This was a great opportunity t

Community News | Driving Dickinson County

It's always exciting to see local businesses shifting into high gear and taking the next step in their journey. That's exactly what's happening with La Isla Mexican Restaurant in Herington. Now located at 557 US Highway 77, La Isla has officially moved into its new home—creating more room to serve customers and continue building on the strong following it has developed over the years.throughout Dickinson County. A Space Built With Pride Walking into the new location, you can

Entrepreneurs & Innovation | Driving Dickinson County

Economic Development Perspective | Driving Dickinson County

Communities across Dickinson County were recognized during the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Award Ceremony held March 11, 2026, in Topeka, where recipients from across the state were honored for projects funded through the 2025 grant cycle. Projects in Chapman, Enterprise, Herington and Dickinson County received funding through the program, supporting improvements ranging from historic building restoration to park upgrades and critica

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK | DRIVING DICKINSON COUNTY

Dickinson County communities will soon have an opportunity to bring history to life as the America 250 Community Grant Program launches to support local events, projects, and legacy efforts celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. About the America 250 Community Grant Program Funded by Dickinson County and administered by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County (CFDC), the program will provide $30,000 in grant funding to cities, towns, nonprofits, schools, his

The 2026 Annual Gala & Best of the Best Awards brought together more than 200 community leaders, business owners, nonprofit partners, and residents at Sand Springs Venue for an evening celebrating excellence across Dickinson County. With 76 nominees spanning 11 award categories, the sold-out event recognized the individuals, organizations, and businesses helping move the region forward. For Driving Dickinson County, the evening represented more than recognition — it reflected

Last night at our Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony, we unveiled a refreshed visual identity for Driving Dickinson County. This update represents more than a new logo. It reflects the direction we are heading as an organization — and the future we are building across Dickinson County. Driving Dickinson County has always been more than a phrase. It represents momentum, collaboration, and intentional progress. As economic development continues to evolve, we felt it was time for our

A pillar is a fundamental and essential fixture in both classical and modern architecture. Made from durable and capable materials, its positioning and purpose demand that the pillar bear not only the structure it supports, but also the symbol that the structure represents and the community that gathers underneath. It provides stability and order. It inspires and upholds. It commemorates the past and reinforces the future. As part of Driving Dickinson County Forward, the Dick