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A Dream Finds a Home: The Social Brings New Ways to Gather in Herington
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.

Jackie Hynes
Oct 133 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
Sep 295 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
Sep 245 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


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


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


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


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


In Solomon, Community Is Something People Build Together
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.

Jackie Hynes
Jul 86 min read


Two Lanes. One Dream. R&K Boutique is Open in Abilene, KS.
Sisters Hanna Nagely and Karina Harris turned a shared dream into R&K Boutique, a new Abilene business built around family, faith, and community. With a local storefront and online shop, the sisters are bringing apparel, accessories, children’s items, and a welcoming shopping experience to Dickinson County.

Jackie Hynes
Mar 242 min read


Economic Development Perspective: Big Tech, Big Opportunity— With Eyes Wide Open
As data centers expand across Kansas, Dickinson County could face important decisions about the opportunities and challenges they bring. Driving Dickinson County examines the economic potential, infrastructure considerations, community impacts, and guardrails that can help ensure future development supports long-term local prosperity.

Jackie Hynes
Mar 196 min read


Dickinson County Communities Recognized for 2025 Community Development Block Grant Awards
Chapman, Enterprise, Herington, and Dickinson County were recognized for 2025 Community Development Block Grant awards supporting projects ranging from historic building restoration and park improvements to wastewater infrastructure and downtown revitalization.

Jackie Hynes
Mar 112 min read


Two Lanes, One Direction: Why Community and Economic Development Must Travel Together
Economic development builds the engine, while community development builds the place. In Dickinson County, the two must work together to create vibrant communities where businesses can thrive, residents want to stay, and new opportunities can take root.

Jackie Hynes
Mar 103 min read
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