County explores innovative housing solutions amid Fort Riley influx

Contractor to redo poorly paved Abilene bypass at no cost

County kicks off 'Safe Streets' safety plan to secure federal funds

Dickinson County earns eCommunity designation to boost local business

Commission proposes loaning surplus speed signs to small towns

County seeks one-year extension with trash contractor

County clerk announces fall voter registration and election deadlines

County explores innovative housing solutions amid Fort Riley influx

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Driven by an influx of military personnel reassigned to Fort Riley and a severe shortage of affordable homes, the Dickinson County housing committee is aggressively exploring new developments for middle-income workers. The committee, which recently met with local Realtors, bankers and builders, aims to construct entry-level, 800- to 1,000-square-foot homes priced below $200,000, with hopes of getting costs as low as $130,000. Officials are weighing several innovative approaches, including state tax credits, a pilot program for 3D-printed concrete homes and navigating stringent fire code sprinkler requirements to incentivize investors to develop upper-level apartments in downtown Abilene.

Contractor to redo poorly paved Abilene bypass at no cost

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Vance Brothers, the contractor hired for the 2026 microsurfacing work on the Abilene bypass near Van Buren and 14th Street, will redo the project following initial results that officials determined did not meet county standards. County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf and road officials inspected the site and noted the unusually bumpy roadway. Officials stated that the contractor has agreed to tear up and redo the paving at their own expense to ensure the project meets the county's requirements.

County kicks off 'Safe Streets' safety plan to secure federal funds

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County has officially launched its Safe Streets for All road safety plan following a kickoff meeting with local officials and consultants from Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc. The initiative, funded by a recent grant, aims to identify the county's most dangerous traffic areas, such as treacherous intersections, aging bridges and rural highways frequently shared with horse-drawn buggies. Completing the comprehensive safety action plan by December 2027 is a necessary step to unlock future federal funding for infrastructure improvements across the county.

Dickinson County earns eCommunity designation to boost local business

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County has officially been designated as an eCommunity through Network Kansas, a move that will provide vital gap financing and loan opportunities for local businesses. The program aims to spur economic growth by assisting entrepreneurs who want to start or expand businesses in the area, while also featuring a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge to fund and educate high school students with business ideas. Officials strongly urged local business owners to reach out to the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation to take advantage of the new resources.

Commission proposes loaning surplus speed signs to small towns

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Rather than auctioning off an electronic speed-limit trailer on a surplus equipment site, the county commission is drafting a plan to loan the equipment to smaller Dickinson County municipalities. Commissioners noted that small communities have been inundated with dangerous, high-speed traffic on state highways and lack the law enforcement manpower to constantly police the roads. County staff will now draft a rental or sharing agreement allowing city governments to deploy the county's electronic speed signs to act as a deterrent.

County seeks one-year extension with trash contractor

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county will send a certified letter to Republic Services requesting a minimum one-year extension on their current waste management contract. Officials noted that Republic Services, which recently acquired the county's previous transfer station operator, has not yet responded to communications regarding the contract's future. The requested one-year extension will lock in current rates while buying local officials time to develop a long-term plan for the area's solid waste needs.

County clerk announces fall voter registration and election deadlines

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - With the November 3 general election approaching, County Clerk Jennifer Gaytan announced critical deadlines for Dickinson County voters. The voter registration books will reopen on Sept. 1 and close on Oct. 13. Advanced voting and the mailing of requested absentee ballots will officially begin the following day, Oct. 14. Additionally, any candidates wishing to mount a write-in campaign for county or local offices must file the necessary paperwork with the clerk's office by noon on Oct. 12.

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