County to explore zoning regulations for potential data centers

New 310-foot cell tower approved to improve regional coverage

Expansion approved for Abilene bed and breakfast

800 megahertz emergency radio tower project nears completion

Sheriff to increase patrols following Kansas Highway 15 bridge detour complaints

Emergency medical services passes state inspection; health department marks milestones

County partners with high school Future Farmers of America to save on landscaping costs

County to purchase new heavy-duty tilt trailer

Clean financial audit reported for Dickinson County

County to explore zoning regulations for potential data centers

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Director Tim Hamilton informed the commission that the planning board will begin discussing zoning regulations for data centers in June. The move comes as counties across Kansas grapple with a sudden influx of regional data center proposals, which raise significant concerns regarding massive water consumption and energy grid demands. Hamilton was directed to keep the data center discussions separate from the county's development moratorium set to expire July 1, emphasizing the need to protect local water capacities and ensure taxpayer resources are not strained by corporate operations.

New 310-foot cell tower approved to improve regional coverage

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - A conditional use permit was unanimously approved for Vertical Bridge to construct a 310-foot guyed telecommunications tower. The tower, which will be located in Section 21 of Township 14 South, Range 2 East near the intersection of Kansas Highway 15 and 1400 Avenue, aims to improve cellular service in the area, with Verizon expected to utilize the tower as an anchor carrier. The approval requires the company to submit all necessary Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission documentation before the county issues a building permit.

Expansion approved for Abilene bed and breakfast

ABILENE, Kan. - A local bed and breakfast at 2321 West Detroit St. will soon expand after a conditional use permit was unanimously approved for property owner Gary Schooley. The expansion includes the construction of a small, apartment-style addition with a kitchenette and bathroom to add four more rooms to the existing three-story operation. To accommodate the business's growth, the permit includes a condition that any future expansions requiring additional parking space will mandate a new conditional use permit process.

800 megahertz emergency radio tower project nears completion

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County's transition to an 800 megahertz emergency radio system is nearing the finish line, with the two new transmission towers now erected. The towers, located in the northern part of the county and near the railroad yard in Herington, will undergo final inspections next week. County officials anticipate the entire radio upgrade project — which will significantly improve communication coverage for local law enforcement, emergency medical services and public works — will be completed by the end of next month.

Sheriff to increase patrols following Kansas Highway 15 bridge detour complaints

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office will increase traffic patrols in the community of Industry following resident complaints about speeding and overweight trucks bypassing the Kansas Highway 15 bridge closure. Officials noted that large semi-trucks, some weighing up to 90,000 pounds, are using the old highway route through town and ignoring the 30 mph speed limit. While the bridge replacement is a state project, county officials are urging drivers to adhere to local speed limits and be mindful of pedestrians, noting the detour road was not constructed for heavy, high-volume highway traffic.

Emergency medical services passes state inspection; health department marks milestones

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County Emergency Medical Services recently passed its state service renewal inspection with zero deficiencies, successfully avoiding a new, stringent system of state fines. In a departmental update, officials also announced the local Mobile Integrated Health program has logged over 120 visits since December, currently maintaining an active load of roughly 10 patients. Meanwhile, the county health department celebrated receiving its first major breast milk donation — three grocery bags of frozen milk — through its partnership with the Oklahoma Mothers' Milk Bank.

County partners with high school Future Farmers of America to save on landscaping costs

ABILENE, Kan. - After receiving a surprisingly high $16,000 bid for landscaping at the Dickinson County Health Department, county officials have decided to tackle the project in-house to save taxpayer dollars. Facilities staff have already begun removing overgrown shrubs and plan to install a low-maintenance, four-foot privacy fence around the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning units to protect the equipment from debris. Additionally, the Abilene High School Future Farmers of America horticulture group will volunteer to remove failing rose bushes on the building's Buckeye Avenue side, replacing them with a sustainable xeriscape design that requires less maintenance.

County to purchase new heavy-duty tilt trailer

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county will move forward with the purchase of a new heavy-duty power tilt trailer for $15,238 from Manhattan-based Austin Trailers to safely transport growing public works equipment. The new 102-inch-wide by 24-foot-long trailer will replace a smaller model purchased in 2006, which caused equipment to blow tires due to its narrow width and fixed fenders. Officials expect to recoup a portion of the expenditure by selling the 2006 trailer, officially placing the purchase on next week's formal agenda for final approval.

Clean financial audit reported for Dickinson County

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County received a clean financial audit with no findings for the recent fiscal year, allowing officials to confidently use the figures for the upcoming 2027 budget process. During the presentation, financial staff discussed the importance of maintaining an estimated five-month cash reserve in the general fund to handle emergencies, such as unexpected bridge failures. Future study sessions were also scheduled to better educate the public on the specific uses and statutory constraints of the county's various special revenue funds.

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