Direct from City Hall

Your twice-monthly source on city news, decisions, and projects —  all in one place.

Each edition gives you:

• What’s Been Decided
  Key actions from recent City Commission meetings and other decisions affecting our community.
• What’s Happening
  Updates on projects currently underway.
• What’s Next
  A look ahead at upcoming projects, opportunities for input, and other things on the horizon for Abilene.

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Abilene Shines on National Television

Written by Julie Roller-Weeks, Director of Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. Originally presented to City Commission on October 27, 2025, and published in the October 30, 2025, edition of the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.

When I pitched Abilene as a possible host location for Fox & Friends back in August, I had no idea how quickly the opportunity would turn into reality or how excited the community would be to take part in this event.

Our initial broadcast was scheduled for September, then postponed, then rescheduled in October a mere 10 days before the live broadcast. Abilene went from a suggestion on paper to a national spotlight on one of America’s most-watched morning shows. I haven’t seen our community come together so strong and so quickly since COVID, and I couldn’t be prouder.

On Saturday morning, Steve Doocy called to personally thank Abilene for the warm welcome and excellent show, sharing that it was one of their best yet. Despite the early hour and a little rain, Abilene showed up in a big way!

The best part is that it’s already paying off. Downtown businesses have seen new sales, manufacturers are receiving inquiries, and visitors are requesting guides. Steve shared that a friend called him after the show and said, “After seeing Abilene on TV, that’s exactly the kind of community I’d want to live in.”

And here’s something important to note: we didn’t pay for the airtime. This was entirely earned media, meaning the exposure—valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars—came at no cost. Earned media is what Abilene excels at.

The filming was never about politics—it was about community. It was about celebrating what makes Abilene special.

Since the show aired, Visit Abilene Kansas’ Facebook content has been viewed nearly 770,000 times—an incredible level of visibility for a small town.

After the broadcast, CVBs from across Kansas reached out to congratulate Abilene on the media win, and even Senator Jerry Moran shared a post recognizing our community’s success.

When you think about economic development, it’s worth noting that Kubota is a major advertiser on Fox.  When Great Plains Manufacturing/Kubota heard about the opportunity to showcase their products right here in Abilene, they immediately offered to bring equipment downtown. The same goes for Rawhide Portable Corral, Thunder Struck Bumpers, and others. We created the opportunity, and our local businesses and community rallied.

And I can’t forget the Abilene High School Band! More than 50 students volunteered on their day off from school to perform and help Abilene sound its best. They’ve performed in national parades before, but this time, they got to be part of a national broadcast right here at home!

Thank you to the City of Abilene city departments, Dickinson County Emergency Management, businesses, and community members who worked together to make it happen. Your willingness to say yes, go the extra mile and stay flexible despite countless changes is commendable. Ike said it best – “plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”

Abilene looked its best on Friday, and together, we reminded the nation why we’re truly one of America’s Best Small Towns to Visit. If we can pull this off with ten days’ notice, imagine what else we can do when we work together.

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Connecting with the Community

City staff recently had the opportunity to engage with residents of all ages, from students learning life skills to families celebrating Halloween.

A group of Abilene High School students from Ms. Jacinda Vinduska’s class visited City Hall to learn about everyday responsibilities and the “wheres” and “whys” behind important city processes that often go unnoticed. Utility Clerk II Megan Jenkins and City Inspector Travis Steerman shared how city services and property standards help keep the community running smoothly.

Megan discussed:
• Where to get a water/sewer application and the costs involved
• Available community support options, including funding assistance and transportation programs
• How to find a list of local landlords
• The importance of paying your water bill on time — and how a $50 payment written from an account without funds can quickly grow to about $140 after late fees, returned check charges, and bank fees.

Travis explained:
• What happens when grass isn’t mowed, including the abatement process and potential costs
• Why it’s important to keep trash and abandoned vehicles cleaned up to prevent bugs and rodents
• How maintaining property conditions can deter crime and prevent homelessness
• How to use the City Code Book to find information for projects like adding a bedroom — and why proper permitting ensures a safe and healthy home

Halloween week also brought opportunities for community connection. Officers from the Abilene Police Department handed out candy and visited with families at Trunk-or-Treat events hosted by Memorial Hospital, St. Andrew’s School, and Pizza Hut. The Abilene Fire Department joined in the spirit as well, welcoming families who stopped by the fire station during the week. (Photo: Police Chief Jason Wilkins and Sheriff Jerry Davis at Memorial Health System’s Trunk-or-Treat.)

Whether through classroom visits or community events, city staff are always excited to visit with residents of all ages, and participate in opportunities to educate to build understanding, trust, and pride in our community.  

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation - October 2025 

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF ABILENE, KANSAS, ON THIS THE 27^th DAY OF OCTOBER 2025.

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a widespread, preventable, public health problem impacting all demographics of Kansans, including the City of Abilene; and

WHEREAS, relationships are often counted as feeling of entitlement to power and control over the other, resulting in violence and fear; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence abusers violate an individual's privacy, dignity, security, and humanity - with their intentional, systematic use of financial, psychological, sexual, and physical coercive control and abuse; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice reports domestic violence homicides comprise 14% percent of all homicides in the U.S. and that women are more than twice as likely as men to be killed by an intimate partner; the Kansas Bureau of Investigation reports 32 domestic violence homicides were 21.5% of all homicides in Kansas in 2023; and

WHEREAS, in Kansas in 2023, a domestic violence abuser murdered another person every 11 days, 9 hours, 45 minutes and 43 seconds; a domestic violence abuser committed a violent act reported to law enforcement every 23 minutes, 0 seconds; and law enforcement made an arrest due to domestic violence every 46 minutes, 0 seconds; and

WHEREAS, DVACK served 862 victims, 48 of which were from Dickinson County and yet these numbers do not accurately reflect the total number of domestic violence victims as many were continuing to struggle against isolation and other impacts of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, we as the governing body of Abilene recognize this violence is inconsistent with our City's values and cannot be ignored, excused, or tolerated; and

WHEREAS, in declaring this month of October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" we encourage all citizens to know the facts about domestic violence, to familiarize themselves with resources, to recognize subtle signs of control tactics, to act as safe support systems, to speak up against perpetrators of violence and any messages that inadvertently condone domestic violence, to get involved, to teach others and prepare future generations for healthy relationships, and to donate time or resources to their local domestic violence agency.

NOW, THEREFORE, we, Abilene City Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(Photo - left to right: DVACK Representative Carly Tinkler and Vice-Mayor Wendy Miller)

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City Representatives to Participate in Dickinson County Historical Society Preservation Program

The Dickinson County Historical Society will host its annual Preservation Program on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Heritage Hall at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with speakers beginning at 10:00 a.m.

While this is not a City of Abilene event, two community members who also serve on City boards will take part in the program:

• Nanc Scholl, a member of the Abilene Heritage Commission
• Trevor Witt, an Abilene City Commissioner

Both will participate in a 1:00 p.m. panel discussion alongside other local preservation advocates to share their experiences with restoring and reusing historic buildings in Dickinson County.

Schedule of Presentations

• 10:00 a.m. – Trevor Witt: Repurposing the Duckwall Racket Building into the Racket’s Taphouse
• 11:00 a.m. – Diana Staresinic-Deane: Researching Your Home and the People Who Lived There
• 1:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion with Dale and Sonya Anders, Nanc Scholl, Jim Medina, and Trevor Witt
• 2:00 p.m. – Murl Riedel: Architecture of the People’s House
• 3:30 p.m. – James Holland: Tax Incentives for Preservation

The City appreciates the time and expertise of those who serve on boards and commissions to help preserve Abilene’s historic character and community heritage.

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City Offices Closed for Veterans Day

Non-essential city offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is a time to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who gave their lives in service, Veterans Day recognizes all military veterans — past and present — for their commitment to protecting our freedoms.

We thank our veterans for their service and dedication to our nation.                                                                                                           

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Christmas Tree Lane

The Public Works Department will soon begin setting up cedar trees along Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street for the annual Christmas Tree Lane.

Weather permitting, crews plan to:

• Cut trees: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Install trees: Thursday and Friday, November 20–21, 2025. As in previous years, trees will be placed about 5–6 feet behind the sidewalk in residential front yards.

To assist with installation and ensure a smooth process:

• If you have underground sprinkler lines or heads, please place small markers or stakes to help crews avoid them.
• Property owners who prefer not to receive a tree, or who wish to provide their own, are asked to contact the Public Works Department at (785) 263-3510.

Residents are encouraged to decorate and light their trees by December 1st to help spread holiday cheer throughout the community.

Thank you to property owners along Christmas Tree Lane for helping keep this cherished holiday tradition shining bright!

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Continuing to Improve How We Communicate with You

Last week, Administrative Manager Kellie Olson attended the Annual Kansas Association of Public Information Officers (KAPIO) Conference in Salina.

KAPIO is a statewide organization that connects city, county, and state employees who share a common goal — keeping the public informed through clear, accurate, and transparent communication. Its mission is to promote excellence in public information and foster collaboration among government communicators across Kansas.

The conference included sessions on effective public engagement, crisis communication, accessibility compliance, and evolving digital tools used to share information with residents.

A special congratulations goes to Erin McDaniel,  Communications Director for the City of Newton, who was recognized as KAPIO’s 2025 Communicator of the Year.

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City Commission Actions: October 27, 2025

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the October 27, 2025, City Commission meeting, and does not represent the official minutes. This recap highlights Commission actions and provides background for context. Full details, staff reports, and supporting documents are available in the official agenda packet in the Agenda Center.

CONSENT AGENDA: 

• October 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes – Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting. [Approved]
• Appropriation Ordinance A-102725– Routine approval of scheduled city expenditures. [Approved]

• AP Payment Register – 102725– List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment. [Approved]

• 3rd Quarter Treasurer's Report — Summarizes the City’s financial position as of September 30, 2025, including fund balances, revenues, and expenditures through the third quarter. The report helps compare actual revenues and expenses against the adopted budget.

• 3rd Quarter Investment Report — Details the City’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2025, including account balances, interest earnings, and compliance with the City’s Investment Policy to ensure safety, liquidity, and transparency.

• Water Rate Study Agreement – Approved an agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants for a comprehensive Water Utility Cost-of-Service and Rate Design Study. The study will evaluate the City’s current rate structure, cost allocation, and long-term utility funding needs. [Approved]

• Final Pumper Truck Payment – Authorized the Mayor to sign final payment documents with Community First National Bank for the City’s new Rosenbauer pumper truck.  [Approved]

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 

• Phone Service Agreement Addendum – Addendum with Sangoma Communication Services, consolidating the City’s phone system subscriptions and resulting in annual savings [Approved].
• Community Foundation Grant – A grant from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County to fund restroom remodels at Eisenhower and Bi-Centennial Parks. [Approved]

STAFF REPORTS:

• Public Works reported that bridge inspections were completed, with engineers recommending polymer overlays on all three bridges at an estimated $100,000 per bridge.

• The department also completed its annual snow and ice removal training.

• Fire Department, Police Department, and Community Development each presented standard monthly reports for September.

STUDY SESSION:  None

For more in-depth information on agenda items, including staff reports and supporting documents, visit the full agenda packet in the Agenda Center.
A recording of the meeting is also available on the city's YouTube channel. 

• November 10, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• November 24, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session

Residents are encouraged to be active participants in their city government by attending City Commission meetings at the Abilene Public Library or by watching live on the city's YouTube channel on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 4:00 p.m.

Meeting agendas are posted on the city website the week before each meeting. Each agenda includes time for general public comments under Item 6, allowing residents to address the Commission on topics not listed on the agenda.  Many agenda items may also allow time for topic specific public comment.  

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