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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Parking Change on N. Mulberry Street Near High School

New weekday parking restrictions are now in place along the east side of N. Mulberry Street between NW 11th Street and the Abilene High School tennis courts. Parking is not allowed between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The change was initially requested for the construction period of the new Abilene High School wrestling facility. After reviewing the location and how the street is used during the school day, the City determined the parking restriction will remain in place permanently.

Keeping this section of the street clear also improves visibility for drivers entering and exiting nearby school facilities and helps maintain a safer traffic flow in an area with regular student activity.

Drivers should watch for posted signage in this section of the street.

Section of N. Mulberry Street where parking is no longer permitted.

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Tornado Sirens — Tuesday Testing

Outdoor warning sirens in Abilene are tested every Tuesday at noon from April through October. Testing may be skipped if there is cloud cover or a chance of severe weather that day.

Regular testing helps ensure the system is working properly before severe weather season arrives.

Sirens are part of the community’s outdoor emergency warning system. They are designed to alert people outside that severe weather may be approaching and that they should seek shelter.

During tornado season, staying informed about the weather and having a shelter plan are encouraged as standard practice. Local tornado sirens should never be your only source of weather alerts. Use multiple alert methods such as weather apps, NOAA weather radios, and official local channels.

Important things to know about outdoor warning sirens:

• Sirens are for outdoor warning purposes and are not meant to be heard indoors.
• Hearing a siren is a signal to shelter indoors and seek additional information.
• If a siren stops, it does not mean the threat has ended!
• Sirens are activated by city or county officials, not the National Weather Service.
• Sirens should never be your only source of weather alerts! Use weather apps, NOAA weather radios, and stay tuned to official channels.

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Fire Department Training and Response

Mutual Aid Fire Response

Fire departments across Kansas work together through mutual aid agreements that allow communities to share personnel and equipment during large-scale emergencies. These partnerships help ensure that when a major fire or disaster occurs, additional trained firefighters can be brought in quickly to assist.

On Tuesday, February 17, two members of the Abilene Fire Department, Lane Driscoll and Keaton Hargrave, deployed as part of Dickinson County Wildland Task Force #1 to assist with the 283,000-acre Ranger Road Fire near Ashland, Kansas. The fire originated in Oklahoma and spread into southwest Kansas.

The 11-member wildland task force included personnel from the Abilene Fire Department, Enterprise Fire Department, Chapman Fire Department, Dickinson County Fire District #2, and Saline County Fire District #1, and was led by Chapman Fire Chief Nick Saunto.

Task force members worked through the night extinguishing miles of fire line and protecting homes, barns, and livestock. The team spent two days assisting with fire suppression and patrolling containment lines for flare-ups or fire that had spread beyond the perimeter. Members returned home on February 19.

While this deployment supported communities in southwest Kansas, the same mutual aid system ensures additional firefighters and resources can be brought to Abilene if our community ever faces a large-scale emergency.

Pipeline Response Training

Recently, four members of the Abilene Fire Department completed Pipeline Response Training hosted by the Kansas Pipeline Association. This valuable training helps responders know how to respond to a pipeline emergency.  

Dickinson County has seven major pipeline carriers that transport a variety of products underground, and the Abilene Fire Department is one of the primary agencies that will respond in an emergency.  

The training covered identifying where pipelines are located, how they are marked, and how to respond to an emergency involving a pipeline.  The training also included what is being transported through the pipelines, evacuation zones and safety procedures.

Training like this helps ensure local responders are prepared to act quickly and safely if an emergency involving underground pipelines were to occur.

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Eisenhower Park & Bicentennial Park Bathrooms

As the weather begins to warm up, we are seeing more visitors enjoying our parks. As a reminder, park restrooms are winterized during the colder months to prevent freezing temperatures from causing broken pipes and other damage. Once we are confident that temperatures will remain 

 above freezing, the restrooms will reopen for the season.

This year, the Parks & Recreation Department received a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Dickinson County to renovate our park restrooms. This generous gift will allow us to complete much-needed improvements to these facilities. The renovations will include fresh paint, updated lighting, an ADA-compliant stall, new toilets and urinals, baby changing stations, new stall partition doors, and the replacement and repainting of rotting boards on the exterior of the buildings.

Depending on weather conditions, our goal is to have the restrooms open by Easter weekend in time for our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

We understand this temporary closure can be inconvenient, especially for families with young children, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation while we complete these improvements.

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Abilene Walk 250 Challenge

The Abilene Parks & Recreation Department invites you to join the Abilene Walk 250 Challenge, a free, fun, and engaging walking program designed to encourage healthy activity while commemorating the 250th anniversary of America.

Participants are challenged to walk 250 miles and track their progress along the way. Walk in Abilene’s parks, along local trails, around your neighborhood, or wherever you enjoy getting your steps in.

Registration is available through the Parks & Recreation Department by calling, stopping by the office, or registering online at: https://secure.rec1.com/KS/abilene-ks/catalog

Once registered, participants will need to pick up a mile tracker sheet to log their miles. Prizes will be awarded at milestone distances of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 miles.

For more information, please contact the Abilene Parks & Recreation Department at 785-263-7266.

Let’s get moving, Abilene!

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Police Department Attends State Accreditation Conference 

Municipal Court Administrator Madison Anguiano with the Abilene Police Department recently attended the annual conference of the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP). The event brings together law enforcement agencies from across Kansas to discuss professional standards, policies, and best practices.

KLEAP is a statewide program that helps police departments review their policies and procedures against recognized professional standards. Agencies that participate in accreditation commit to ongoing evaluation and improvement in areas such as training, operations, and accountability.

Participation in the conference allows departments to stay informed about updates to accreditation requirements, learn from other agencies, and bring new ideas back to their communities.

Proclamation: Omitama, Japan — Celebrating 20 Years 

At the March 9, 2026, City Commission meeting, the City of Abilene and City of Omitama, Japan celebrated 20 years of a shared meaningful international relationship, grounded in mutual respect, cultural exchange, and friendship.

View the signed proclamation (PDF)

View an accessible text version of the proclamation

Learn more about the history of this relationship at https://abilenecityhall.com/219/Sister-City.

Pictured (left to right): Kevin Unruh, Heather Unruh, Corina Ryland, Kim Shafer, Jennie Hiatt, Mayor Rein

America Likes Abilene — Vote Now 

USA Today Names Abilene A Finalist For Best Historic Small Town

For the eighth consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town, placing this iconic Kansas community among the top historic destinations in the nation once again.

As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.

“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”

If You’re Looking for Americana, See Abilene

Americana is defined by wide open skies, historic main streets, railroads, cowboys, faith, freedom, and hometown pride.

That definition comes to life in Abilene.

Visitors can:

• Walk in the footsteps of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home and explore the legacy of the Five-Star General and 34th President of the United States
• Ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad
• Experience cattle town days and Wild West reenactments at Old Abilene Town
• Tour the beautifully preserved Seelye Mansion
• Take a spin on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center
• Discover racing history at the Greyhound Hall of Fame
• Enjoy live performances at Great Plains Theatre

From the end of the Chisholm Trail to the hometown of a President who proudly claimed Abilene as his own, this community offers visitors a hands-on journey through America’s story.

Help Abilene Make History Again – Vote Now

Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote.

Voting begins Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period.

The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

Vote daily at www.AbileneKansas.org/votenow or 10Best.com.

In 1945, Eisenhower said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” As we celebrate America 250, we invite friends, residents, alumni, and visitors to show that same pride by voting daily and helping Abilene earn the top spot.

City Commission Actions: March 9, 2026

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the March 9, 2026, 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

The Commission approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Meeting Minutes – February 23, 2026 (Regular Meeting) — Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting.
• Meeting Minutes – February 25, 2026 (Special Meeting) — Formal record of actions taken at the City Manager candidate interview meeting. 
• Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2026 (Special Meeting) — Formal record of actions taken at the special meetings to continue the City Manager recruitment process. 
• Appropriation Ordinance A-030926-26 — Routine approval of scheduled City expenditures.
• AP Payment Register — List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment.

Public comments and communciations

• A resident asked questions about a drainage issue in southeast Abilene and whether lines could be inspected with a camera.

• Another resident asked for an update on the drainage situation near NW 2nd Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and shared concerns about storm drain and sidewalk work planned as part of the downtown CCLIP project.

• The City Attorney reported that the City is communicating with the Federal Railroad Administration regarding the blocked stormwater drainage pipe under the railroad tracks and has requested an inspection to determine the appropriate course of action.

• Abilene Public Library presented its 2025 Annual Report.

• The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that Abilene has been nominated for the eighth consecutive year as “Best Historic Small Town” by USA Today, with public voting open online.

• Omitama, Japan - Celebrating 20 Years — A proclamation recognizing 20 years of partnership between Abilene and Omitama.

PRESENTATIONS

• 2025 Financial Review and Outlook - Finance Director Briand presented an overview of the City’s prior year financial review and outlook.

Unfinished Business

• Resolution No. 030926-1 — A resolution adopting an amended and restated Community Improvement District (CID) policy for the City of Abilene. [Approved]
• Reallocation of Temporary Note Proceeds — Commissioners discussed reallocating proceeds from the City’s Series 2025 General Obligation Temporary Notes to address deferred capital projects. A resolution outlining the proposed reallocations will be considered at the March 23 meeting, with the understanding that individual projects will still require separate approval before funds are spent. [No Action Taken]
• Community Center Air Conditioning Replacement — A bid from Wuthnow Heating & Air, Inc. for $132,491.61 to replace air-conditioning units at the Abilene Community Center will also be considered for approval at the March 23 meeting. [No Action Taken]

New Business

• Sewer Utility Rate Study Presentation— Kansas Municipal Utilities presented a sewer utility rate study and financial recommendations. The Commission will discuss the information further during a March study session. [No Action Taken]
• Industrial Land Policy — The Commission discussed potentially repealing the current Industrial Land Policy. The topic will be reviewed further during the March 23 study session. [No Action Taken]
• Insurance Renewal Options — The Commission received a presentation outlining property and casualty insurance renewal options and premiums. [No Action Taken]

Department Reports

Commissioners received updates on several ongoing projects:

• Sports Complex Project Update

• Buckeye Project (CCLIP 1 and 2) Update

• Industrial Park Project Update

More information about these projects will be published in an upcoming edition of Direct from City Hall. 

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.

• March 23, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting and Study Session
• April 13, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting and 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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