Local News

Abilene was not selected for the $500,000 BLOCK Grant, but the application brought together property owners, businesses, volunteers, contractors and community partners around a shared vision for downtown. Driving Dickinson County and the Abilene CVB reflect on the momentum created and what comes next.

One year into Natalie Muruato’s leadership, Driving Dickinson County is moving from plans to action through business support, housing, entrepreneurship, community engagement and new resources for Dickinson County.

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.

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.

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.

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.