State highway closure routes heavy traffic to county roads

Unexpected depth increases costs for local bridge project

Spring road micro-surfacing projects underway

County departments tasked with 3 percent budget cuts

Candidate filing deadline approaches for local political candidates

County weighs costly upgrades to solid waste transfer station

Noxious Weed Department issues warnings to landowners

State highway closure routes heavy traffic to county roads

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - With the state closure of K-15 north of Abilene for bridge repairs, Dickinson County officials are bracing for heavy semi-truck traffic to reroute onto a county road. Public works director Martin Tannahill reported that while the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has an official highway detour, many grain trucks and local drivers will use county roads to save time and fuel. The county is currently negotiating with KDOT for a reimbursement contract to cover the anticipated road damage, though officials expect the county will still have to cover some of the repair costs out of its own reserves.

Unexpected depth increases costs for local bridge project

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county will face unexpected add-on costs for the First Road bridge replacement currently underway. Public works director Martin Tannahill reported that contractors drilling the initial H-piling for the structure found they had to drill much deeper than initially anticipated to reach stability. The county will be responsible for the cost of welding and adding the extra piling, though an exact financial figure has not yet been determined.

Spring road micro-surfacing projects underway

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Contractors from Vance Brothers are currently applying micro-surfacing treatments to county roadways to extend pavement life. The crews are wrapping up work on Jeep Road this week and will transition to Rain Road heading into Chapman next week. Commuters are advised to expect minor delays and plan alternative routes if traveling through the affected areas.

County departments tasked with 3 percent budget cuts

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - As Dickinson County begins its 2027 budget planning, county managers have been directed to find an additional 3 percent in operational savings within their departments. Acting administrator Marcus Rothchild provided a briefing on the directive, emphasizing the goal of minimizing costs before budget presentations begin. Meetings with outside organizations and department heads to review funding requests will commence on May 7.

Candidate filing deadline approaches for local political candidates

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Residents looking to run for local office have until noon on June 1 to officially file their candidacy. The county clerk's office reminded the public during the county commission meeting that filing fees vary depending on the specific race. Prospective candidates can contact the county clerk's office for required paperwork and fee schedules.

County weighs costly upgrades to solid waste transfer station

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Major operational changes to the solid waste transfer station are being evaluated as the contract with Republic Services nears expiration. Public works director Martin Tannahill presented options ranging from converting the current site into a top-load facility — estimated at $390,000 for site work alone — to purchasing the county's own loaders and trailers to haul trash directly to a regional landfill. A final decision has not been made, but the upfront equipment and personnel costs of self-hauling are being compared against renewing a contracted service to avoid raising landfill fees for taxpayers.

Noxious Weed Department issues warnings to landowners

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County Noxious Weed Department has completed spring spraying in Center, Liberty, Noble, and Garfield townships and is actively issuing notices to private landowners harboring invasive species. Public works director Martin Tannahill said his department recently issued five warning letters after spotting musk thistle and bindweed on private properties during state-mandated inspections. If landowners fail to treat the weeds after repeated warnings and state fines, the county will chemically treat the property and bill the landowner.

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