The cattle town of Abilene is embarking on another “world’s largest” tourism project this year focused on honoring one of its most famous residents.
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau announced in a press release Thursday, May 2 it plans to construct the world’s largest “I Like Ike” campaign button in honor of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. A $22,000 Kansas Tourism Attraction Development grant will be used to fund the project along with donations collected from more than 200 sources.
Julie Roller-Weeks with the visitor’s bureau says the inspiration for this project comes on the heels of the success of the new world’s largest belt buckle constructed in Abilene in 2022. This new attraction is being constructed by local artist Jason Lahr of Fluters Creek Metal Works who was responsible for making the massive belt buckle.
Source: KSNT 27 News

The controversy over an Emporia park is over. On Wednesday, May 1, Quaker Park in Emporia was removed from the surplus property list. The City was trying to sell the park for a housing development but now says Quaker Park will not be turned into housing. The city gathered to make this decision during the City Commission Agenda Meeting. By starting a petition, people in the community collected more than 800 signatures to save the park, with only 462 signatures needed. The city commission validated the advocate’s efforts today in the meeting.
Source: KSNT 27 News

The Shawnee County Planning Commission will consider a wind energy ban and a one-year solar energy moratorium. “This public hearing process is a very important step to take as Shawnee County considers banning wind farms, and a moratorium on solar farms,” Director of the Shawnee County Planning Department Joni Thadani said. “We look forward to hearing from the community. Even if you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the meeting on the Shawnee County YouTube livestream.”
Source: KSNT 27 News