Commission sets hearing for Scooter's Coffee improvement district

Ordinance permits alcohol in alley for Rackets Tap House events

Commission plans lobbying trip to Washington

Commissioners to attend state legislative event

Grants for 250th anniversary celebration to open March 1

Public works updates on bridge replacement projects

Commission sets hearing for Scooter's Coffee improvement district

ABILENE, Kan. — The Abilene City Commission adopted a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the creation of a Community Improvement District (CID) for the Scooter's Coffee location at 1406 N. Buckeye Ave. Deputy City Manager Kari Zook stated that the property owner, acting on behalf of franchisees, requested a 1 percent sales tax levy within the district for up to 22 years. The proposed levy aims to reimburse approximately $260,000 in infrastructure improvements, including roof replacement and parking lot upgrades. The public hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026.

Ordinance permits alcohol in alley for Rackets Tap House events

ABILENE, Kan. — The Abilene City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the consumption of alcoholic liquor in the public alley between North Broadway and North Spruce streets during specific special events hosted by Rackets Tap House Inc. The measure also approves the temporary closure of the alley for these events. City staff noted that while previous extensions of the license were handled administratively, updated state requirements now mandate a specific ordinance for the alley closure.

Commission plans lobbying trip to Washington

ABILENE, Kan. — The Dickinson County Commission discussed organizing a delegation to visit Washington, D.C., in June to meet with federal representatives, including Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann. The board—currently comprised of Chairman Kenny Roelofsen, Vice-Chairman Lynn Peterson, and Commissioner Ron Roller—expressed a collective desire to put a "face to the name" regarding Dickinson County projects and to maintain relationships with federal partners following recent grant successes. The trip, tentatively planned for the first half of June, aims to highlight county achievements and discuss agricultural and infrastructure needs with legislators and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Commissioners to attend state legislative event

ABILENE, Kan. — The commission confirmed plans to attend County Government Day at the state Capitol in Topeka on March 3. During the discussion, the board noted concerns regarding Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616, potential state legislation that would cap property valuations, citing opposition from groups like the Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Farm Bureau. Commissioners expressed worry that such caps could have unintended consequences for rural counties and shift tax burdens rather than solving underlying issues.

Grants for 250th anniversary celebration to open March 1

ABILENE, Kan. — Commissioners finalized plans to open grant applications on March 1 for community groups wishing to participate in the America250 celebration. The county has allocated $30,000 for the semiquincentennial events, which will be administered by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County and distributed to local organizations for parades and festivals. County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf confirmed that the application process will be similar to previous grant programs, and the county also plans to purchase banners to be loaned out to various organizations for their events.

Public works updates on bridge replacement projects

ABILENE, Kan. — Public works officials reported that construction crews are currently active on three separate bridge projects across the county. Work is underway to replace a bridge at 1686 Fair Road and to remove a bridge structure at 1100 Avenue. Additionally, crews are tying steel for the bridge at the intersection of 500 Avenue and Rain Road, which marks the final project of a three-bridge package approved by the commission last year.

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