Community Stories

Pancakes, parachutes, and planes are just the beginning at the 28th Annual Abilene Fly-In & Pancake Feed. From aviation scholarships to skydiving adventures, discover how this beloved tradition brings people together, inspires future aviators, and highlights one of Dickinson County’s roadmarkable community assets.

Dickinson County businesses are invited to submit December 4–6 holiday events and promotions for DDC’s free weekend guide. Plus, register by November 18 for two countywide holiday campaigns.

Driving Dickinson County is launching two countywide holiday campaigns — Win What You Spend and the Merry & Bright Storefront Showdown — to encourage local shopping, support Dickinson County businesses and keep more holiday spending close to home. Both campaigns run Nov. 27–Dec. 24, 2026, and participation is open to eligible businesses across the county.

Mike and Morgan Porter’s longtime dream has found a home in Herington. Discover the family story behind The Social, a new space for celebrations, creative activities and community connection, and join its October 24 grand opening.

For Shelly Crane, real estate is about more than buying and selling property. It’s about helping clients understand the process, connecting them with the community and remaining a trusted resource long after closing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chapman Valley Manor is expanding its continuum of care with the opening of Shamrock Suites, a new Residential Healthcare Facility design

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solomon’s story is roadmarkable: a small community where public art, summer traditions, park improvements, local sponsors, young leaders, and a 50-year festival tradition all point to one thing — community is built together.

Driving Dickinson County has unveiled a refreshed visual identity designed to reflect the organization’s momentum and direction. From the road and upward arrow to the people represented within the mark, the new brand symbolizes collaboration, growth and a shared commitment to moving Dickinson County forward.