KABI the General

08/21/2025

By Julie Roller

Abilene Honored with Two Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards
Eisenhower Presidential Library Named Best Presidential Attraction; Abilene’s Victorian Inn Ranks #3 Best Historical Bed & Breakfast
Abilene, Kan. – Abilene is celebrating two national honors following today’s announcement of Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home earned the title of Best Presidential Attraction, while Abilene’s Victorian Inn ranked #3 Best Historical Bed & Breakfast, the only Kansas property to make the Top 10.
Todd Arrington, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, said the award reflects the impact of Eisenhower’s story. “Being named the country’s Best Presidential Attraction by Newsweek is an incredible honor,” he said. “Our team works tirelessly to preserve and share the records and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and this award shows the lasting impact of his story on visitors from across the globe.”
Adrian Potter, owner of Abilene’s Victorian Inn, called the honor a proud moment. “We are thrilled to be ranked #3 in the nation and proud to represent Kansas on this list. Our bed and breakfast is more than just a place to stay. It’s where Eisenhower researchers, history lovers, and travelers from around the world experience the history, hospitality, and charm of Abilene.”
Travel writer Amy Piper, who nominated Abilene for the awards, praised the Eisenhower Presidential Library’s unique approach to interpretation. “The Eisenhower Presidential Library’s victory celebrates its gift for storytelling, turning history into a living experience that inspires generations,” she said.
Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the recognition validates the community’s efforts to draw travelers. “At the CVB, we work every day to put Abilene on the map for travelers. These awards are wonderful recognition, but more importantly, they are an invitation. An invitation for travelers across the country to discover why Abilene, Kansas, is consistently ranked among the nation’s best small towns to visit.”
With Newsweek’s announcement, Abilene adds another chapter to its growing list of national accolades, further establishing itself as one of America’s best small-town destinations. As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.”

08/21/2025

Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County Elizabeth Weese and new Communications Coordinator Sara Baier visited with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the grant cycle and other programs they are supporting.

08/20/2025

The former location of a Kansas greyhound racing facility is being reborn as a casino / country themed saloon and dance hall. Get ready to kick up your boots, Gilley’s will open later this year at the former Wichita Greyhound Park off Interstate 135 at Park City.

According to the venue, the legendary Gilley’s name is synonymous with honky-tonk nightlife, and mechanical bulls. It will blend the grit of Park City’s heritage with show-stopping energy, setting a new standard for entertainment hospitality in the region.

The live entertainment destination will feature state-of-the-art technology and innovation that elevates every part of the guest experience.

“I have been a personal friend of Mickey Gilley and family since the early 1990s, and it led me to bring the Gilley’s experience to Las Vegas,” said Phil Ruffin, Owner. “Now, with his wife Cindy Gilley leading the company, I’m bringing the iconic brand to Park City, Kansas—guaranteed to be the best entertainment destination in the region.”

“We are fortunate that Gilley’s is calling Park City home,” said Mayor John Lehnherr of Park City. “Here, there are equal parts of people going out of Park City each day, as there are people coming into the city. Gilley’s will be a place where everyone will feel welcome and find their spot.”

All Under One Roof

The action starts on a state-of-the-art gaming floor and continues at the first-class racebook. Sports fans can catch every game, every play, every day at Golden Circle sports bar; or visit Hi Score, an area that delivers nostalgic fun with arcade classics, golf simulators, bowling, and more. Live entertainment takes center stage at Gilley’s Saloon & Dance Hall and spills out onto a sprawling, open-air venue built for music festivals, rodeos and events under the stars.

The full 2026 entertainment lineup, including concerts, community celebrations and the launch of the pickleball venue will be announced soon.

Gilley’s is also firing up a culinary experience unlike any other. From the slow-smoked flavors with Gilley’s BBQ to “the best game watching” fare at the sports bar, the food takes center stage alongside all this entertainment destination offers.

“This is a full-blown destination,” added Tim Merrill, Gilley’s General Manager. “Whether you’re chasing jackpots, dancing the night away, or just kicking back with great BBQ and a cold one—this is the place for you.”

Located approximately 10 miles north of Wichita at 1500 E. 77th Street North Park City, KS, Gilley’s Dance Hall and Saloon is easily accessible from Interstates 235 and 135.

08/20/2025

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08/19/2025

FROM: Haley Jones
Marketing & Development
Memorial Health System


DATE: August 19, 2025

TITLE: Herington Hero Award Winner – Rhonda Rice

Home Health & Hospice of Dickinson County in Herington (HH&H), an affiliate of Memorial Health System in Abilene, is proud to announce our newest Herington Hero Award recipient: Rhonda Rice. Congratulations, and thank you for taking care of Herington, Rhonda!

Rhonda Rice is the definition of a “behind-the-scenes” hero. While she may not seek the spotlight, her impact on Herington is impossible to miss. Since moving to Herington in 2022, she has involved herself in numerous projects to give back to the community.

Rhonda has dedicated her time and talents to the Herington Revitalization Committee, Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Planning Committee, the Housing Authority, Meals on Wheels, Christian Church, where she serves as treasurer, and Visit Herington, where she welcomes any newcomer to town.

She has also been instrumental in countless community projects that strengthen and beautify Herington. Her grant-writing skills have brought significant improvements to the community, including funding for the Pocket Park, the downtown mural for the Family Resource Exchange (FRE), and she is currently working on improvement efforts at North Park as well.
Her nomination praised her tireless dedication: “The above list probably isn’t complete, since Rhonda does so much for our community. She is always willing, always helpful, and doesn’t get nearly enough credit for all she does. She inspires many and shares information about the organizations in town and how they can contribute.”

While Rhonda remains humble about her contributions, preferring to shine the light on others, she was very appreciative and honored to be picked as the next Herington Hero. “It feels fabulous, and it puts a smile on my face. One piece of advice she gives to others is, “not to be afraid to get involved!”

If you know someone like Rhonda who deserves to be recognized as a Herington Hero, we would love to hear from you! You can fill out a nomination form online at: http://mhsks.org/herington-hero-award/ or stop by our office at 11 N. Broadway. We’re always happy to see you!

08/18/2025

Abilene USD 435 Assistant Superintendent Rick Rivera and Superintendent Dana Sprinkle visit with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the first week of school, Mr Rivera’s background and whats on the agenda this week.

08/16/2025

Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in July. This is unchanged from 3.8% in June and an increase from 3.7% in July 2024. The rate in Dickinson County continues to climb from 3.7 percent in May to 4.3 percent in July. The unemployment rate in Saline County is up slightly from 3.6 percent in June to 3.8 percent in July. Geary is 5.4, Riley 4.1 and Clay County is 4.4 percent.

08/15/2025

Impact the Cause run/walk fundraiser to support
Youth Health Initiative set for September 13th
(August 15, 2025) – The annual Impact the Cause running and walking fundraiser, hosted
by Memorial Health System’s Impact Sports and Fitness, is set for Saturday, Sept. 13.
This year’s event will include some changes from past years – most importantly the
location: For 2025, Impact the Cause will be held at Memorial Hospital, 511 NE. 10th
Street, Abilene, including Memorial View Park and Walking Trail. The event will include
the traditional 5K Run at 8 a.m. immediately followed by a 2-Mile Fun Walk, on all new
courses. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground at the walking trail, free
kid’s races, breakfast and other activities also are planned.
Impact the Cause is an annual fundraiser with proceeds directed through the
Memorial Health Foundation, which chooses and supports causes that align with the
mission of Memorial Health System. Funds raised from last year’s event were directed
to support the new playground at the walking trail. This year’s funds will support a
Youth Health Initiative, providing a one-month membership and a personal training
session at Impact Sports and Fitness for local youth ages 12 to 19. The initiative is aimed
continued
Impact the Cause / Page 2
at encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.
“This is a great time to celebrate the recent completion of the playground
through the Memorial Health Foundation,” said Joneè Crump, Memorial Health
Foundation Manager. “It’s a wonderful event for the whole family to enjoy. So, plan to
attend, and contribute to ‘Impact the Cause!’”
Early registration for the 5K and 2-Mile Fun Walk is now open online at
register.chronotrack.com/r/86749. A link also can be found on the Impact Sports and
Fitness page. Early shirt and packet pickup will be held Sept. 11-12 from 7 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m. in the Memorial Hospital front lobby. The pre-registration entry fee is $30
for the run or walk and includes a short-sleeve T-shirt. Non-participants can receive a T-
shirt for $30 and support the cause. Race day entry fees are $35 and T-shirts are not
guaranteed.
Breakfast will be available from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. for purchase from the Abilene
High School FCCLA club, with all proceeds going to the club. Breakfast will be served on
the west side of Memorial Hospital and is open to the entire community. Stop by for
some delicious food to start your Saturday, and support the students!
The free kid’s races start at 8:45 a.m. and include races for kindergarten and
under; second and third graders; and fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Top three medals
will be awarded in each category. All kids receive a participant’s ribbon. Plus, there are
additional activities planned for kids. All activities are subject to change.
A medals ceremony will follow the completion of all events at approximately
9:15 a.m. 5K medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. The
fun walk is non-competitive with no awards.
For more information on Impact the Cause, contact Impact Sports and Fitness at
785-263-3888 or visit mhsks.org/impact-the-cause.
# # #

08/15/2025

JERRY DAVIS Jeff Vaughan
SHERIFF Undersheriff
MEDIA RELEASE
(08/15/2025)

On August 14, 2025, deputies with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ryan Matthew Roth, 38, of Enterprise, Kansas on a warrant for aggravated internet trading in child po*******hy and sexual exploitation of a child.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office began the investigation after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 500 Block of Court Street, Enterprise, Kansas in April. Additional search warrants were executed and the warrant was then issued for the arrest of Roth. Roth was booked into the Dickinson County Detention Facility.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information regarding any crime can contact the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office at 785-263-4081. Citizens can submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Dickinson County at 1-888-535-8477 or the Crime Stoppers online/mobile app via www.p3tips.com.

08/15/2025

Congratulations!!!!!!!

ESPN SHOCKER: Wyatt Thompson Sweeps Honors — Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports   In one of the most resounding victories the broadcasting world has seen in years, Kansas State’s legendary voice Wyatt Thompson has just been named Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports ...

08/14/2025

AHS Booster Club Members Amanda Randolph and Jessica Goodale visit with KABI Wake Up Call Host John Anderson about the Boots and Bling Fundraiser August 23td at Sterl Hall. This is the last week to purchase Tickets. Tickets can be purchased through Sunday August 17.

08/12/2025