KABI the General

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Dickinson County Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith visited with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the latest round of severe weather that passed through the area and issues to be discussed to better alert the public.

06/16/2026

Abilene Welcomes Seven Attractions to 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer Program
Abilene, Kan. – The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that seven local attractions will participate in the 2026 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program.
In 2025, Abilene attractions welcomed more than 7,500 Sunflower Summer admissions, generating nearly $100,000 for local attractions through the program.
Participating attractions include:
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dickinson County Heritage Center
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home
Great Plains Theatre
Greyhound Hall of Fame
Historic Seelye Mansion
Old Abilene Town
The Sunflower Summer program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children to encourage them to explore and fall in love with Kansas. The program provides Kansas families free access to attractions across the state while supporting the Kansas tourism economy.
Eligible Kansas families can download the Sunflower Summer app to claim tickets to participating venues. One complimentary adult admission is included with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed upon arrival, and each participant may visit a venue once during the 2026 season, which runs July 9 through Aug. 2.
“We are excited to welcome Kansas families to Abilene through the Sunflower Summer program,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene CVB director. “Sunflower Summer introduces families to the places that make our community special, and we are thrilled to see seven local attractions participating this year, one more than in 2025!”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts tourism has on state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have Abilene attractions as part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for Kansas residents, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2026 season. Participation from Abilene attractions is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information on the Abilene CVB, visit AbileneKansas.org. To learn more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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06/15/2026

MISSING ABILENE MAN. UPDATE: He has been found deceased.

06/12/2026

The Jolly Jayhawkers 4-H Club met on May 10 with President Adeline presiding. The Flag Salute and 4-H Pledge were led by Korbin and Josh, and Emery led the club in singing "Alice the Camel." Roll call, “What is your favorite soda or drink?” was answered by 10 members, 6 Cloverbuds, and 2 leaders. During officer reports, Treasurer Korbin gave the treasurer’s report. Reporter Addison reported that club news had been submitted and published, and the council representatives shared information about upcoming county 4-H activities. Members selected Addison as the Central Kansas Free Fair queen candidate and Korbin as the king candidate. The club also voted to host the Fourth of July games and provide pizza for the exchange meeting. For the program, Jill presented information about ZBooks and how they work. Kinsey shared a talk on lessons learned from the beef industry, and Addison spoke about increasing cattle markets and their effect on the industry. Recreation was led by Whitaker with a game of Color Tag. The meeting concluded with announcements from Vice President Kinsey and the club motto.

06/12/2026

SRHC names Dianna White as Chief Financial Officer
to advance strategic growth, strengthen regional health care
(June 12, 2026) – Salina Regional Health Center announced today the appointment of Dianna White as
its next Chief Financial Officer.
White is a highly-respected health care finance executive with extensive experience in financial
leadership, strategic planning and operational excellence. She will oversee Salina Regional's financial
operations and help advance its long-term vision of strengthening health care across north central
Kansas and the surrounding region.
White joins Salina Regional at a pivotal time as the organization continues investing in expanded
services, innovative technologies and initiatives designed to improve access to high-quality care. Her
expertise in financial strategy and organizational growth will help position Salina Regional to build on its
momentum and capitalize on future opportunities that benefit patients and communities throughout
the region.
"The future of health care in our region will be shaped by the investments we make today," said
Joel Phelps, President and Chief Executive Officer at Salina Regional. "Dianna brings the experience,
strategic perspective and leadership necessary to help guide those investments. She will play a critical
role in strengthening access to care, supporting innovation and ensuring our organization remains well-
positioned to serve our communities for years to come."
ContinuedSalina Regional announces Dianna White as CFO /Page 2
White currently serves as the Vice President of Finance at Ascension Via Christi Health, and Chief
Financial Officer for three of its hospitals in Wichita – where she helps lead financial operations for one
of the state’s largest health care networks.
“As the health care leader for our region, we recognize our responsibility to ensure that
exceptional care remains available for future generations,” Phelps said. “Dianna’s proven track record of
financial stewardship and operational leadership will help strengthen the foundation that supports our
mission and enables us to continue investing in the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
White will begin her duties in August and replaces Joe Tallon, who is retiring in July.

06/11/2026

At 10:24 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2008, an EF-3 tornado ripped through the town of Chapman claiming 1 life, after bypassing Solomon, Abilene and Enterprise. The tornado went on to strike Manhattan, causing extensive damage at Kansas State University before moving on to the small town of Soldier, where it took another life.

06/10/2026

Miss Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo

06/10/2026

Abilene Public Library to Host Reading and Discussion of the Declaration of Independence

Abilene – Abilene Public Library will host a “Declaration Conversation,” a reading and discussion of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday, June 30th at 6 pm at Abilene Public Library, 209 NW 4th, Abilene Kansas. Members of the community are invited to attend the free event. The “Declaration Conversation” is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

The “Declaration Conversation” event is an opportunity to learn more about America’s founding document and its impact on the world during the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Participants will read excerpts from the document and participate in a discussion facilitated by Travis Lamb, program development officer at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.

“Declaration Conversations” is part of Humanities Kansas’s “Declaration at 250” activities, including the statewide tour of the “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy” traveling exhibition from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Support for “Declaration Conversations” has been provided by the State of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.

For more information about the “Declaration Conversation” in Abilene contact the Abilene Public Library at 785-263-3082 or visit https://abilene.lib.nckls.org

About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy.

06/10/2026

Nice

The concrete co****le boards that were donated through the Shane Olberding Memorial have been moved to Eisenhower Park! The rain has been great for the new grass! Bring your bags and play with your friends and family! Thank you again to Mike & Sarah Olberding and their family for this addition to our park!