Abilene local news summary
Week of October 31 2025
Commission approves water rate study amidst ongoing well concerns
Fourth Street water tower back in service
Abilene bridges need $300,000 in repairs, report shows
Abilene’s ‘Fox & Friends’ feature generates national attention
County to switch employee health insurance provider amid soaring costs
Courthouse elevator malfunctions persist, causing hardship
Emergency manager to host Community Emergency Response Team classes
Clerk reports strong early voting turnout ahead of election day
Commission approves water rate study amidst ongoing well concerns
ABILENE, Kan. - The City Commission on Monday unanimously approved a contract with a consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive water utility cost-of-service and rate design study. The agreement, not to exceed $30,000, aims to provide the city with a new rate structure model by Dec. 15 for potential implementation in 2026. Interim City Manager Jon Quinday noted that the financial model created by the consultant will become city property, allowing future adjustments without hiring another consultant. The decision comes as Public Works Director Brad Anderson reported that city wells are sustaining but not recovering to full capacity, underscoring the need for a long-term financial plan for the city’s water infrastructure.
Fourth Street water tower back in service
ABILENE, Kan. - The Fourth Street water tower is fully operational again following recent maintenance, Public Works Director Brad Anderson announced. The polymer lining inside the tower has dried, and required testing has been completed to ensure compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) standards. Anderson also noted that a pump failure at one city well will temporarily skew production figures in upcoming reports.
Abilene bridges need $300,000 in repairs, report shows
ABILENE, Kan. - A recent biannual bridge inspection revealed that Abilene’s bridges on First, Third and Eighth streets are showing “moderate wear and map cracking,” Public Works Director Brad Anderson reported. The inspecting engineering firm, BG Consultants, recommended polymer overlays for each bridge, a process that could extend their lifespan by 20 to 25 years at approximately $100,000 per bridge. Anderson warned that delaying maintenance could lead to more deterioration and higher costs. A full bridge replacement is estimated at $3.5 million per bridge.
Abilene’s ‘Fox & Friends’ feature generates national attention
ABILENE, Kan. - Abilene received a national spotlight after being featured on the ‘Fox & Friends’ morning show, Tourism Director Julie Roller Weeks told commissioners. The segment, which was entirely earned media, has already resulted in new sales for downtown businesses and inquiries for local manufacturers. Related social content tied to the broadcast has drawn substantial views. Roller Weeks praised the community, local manufacturers such as Great Plains Manufacturing (a Kubota company), Rawhide Portable Corral and the Abilene High School marching band for coming together on short notice to make the event a success.
County to switch employee health insurance provider amid soaring costs
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County Commission authorized a move to a new employee health insurance provider for 2026, switching from Blue Cross Blue Shield to a plan offered by Gravie that utilizes the Aetna network. The decision was made during Monday's meeting following a lengthy work study session where officials and department heads debated the financial necessity of the change. County administrators recommended the switch after Blue Cross Blue Shield presented a renewal with an increase of over 40 percent, an amount described as unsustainable for the county's budget and its employees. While the new Gravie plan also represents an increase, it is significantly less, at approximately 23 percent.
Courthouse elevator malfunctions persist, causing hardship
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf reported ongoing and serious issues with the main floor elevator at the courthouse. A motherboard that controls the door mechanism failed and, after being replaced, immediately malfunctioned again. The component has been sent back to the manufacturer for analysis. The breakdown has created a significant hardship, particularly with a jury trial currently in session, complicating access for participants. The county is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Emergency manager to host Community Emergency Response Team classes
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county’s Emergency Manager will be teaching Community Emergency Response Team classes next week for interested citizens. The classes, which will be held in the courthouse basement starting at 6 p.m., train volunteers to assist professional responders during disasters and large-scale emergencies. According to the administrator, 10 residents are currently signed up, and there is still room for more to participate.
Clerk reports strong early voting turnout ahead of election day
DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - County Clerk Jennifer Gaytan reported that early voting is well underway for the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. As of Monday morning (10/27), 338 residents have cast their ballots in person at the courthouse, and 130 mail-in ballots have been sent out. Gaytan reminded the public that early in-person voting will continue until noon on Monday, Nov. 3. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day for all registered voters.
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