Abilene Reflector-Chronicle

Roy Douglas “Doug” Clemence, 87, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 12, 2026. Doug was born on July 28, 1938, in Abilene, Kansas, to Roy Arthur and Zella Odessa (Smith) Clemence. He grew up in the Sand Springs community west of Abilene, where he developed the strong work ethic, honesty, and faith that defined his life. Doug shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Deanna “Dee” (Elliott).

View from the Hill Our national anthem is unique in that it ends the inspirational song with a question. The question has been asked millions of times since the anthem was adopted on March 3, 1931. The question you see is much bigger than a flag waving over a beleaguered fort. The question is not about a specific instance in place and time. The question that we ask over and over again is about an idea that rocked the world.

To the Editor: Sometimes the best stories about Abilene find their way home. Last week, during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., a gentleman stopped by the Kansas booth and became emotional as he shared a memory from a visit he and his mother had made to Abilene several years ago. His mother was terminally ill at the time. According to those who spoke with him, what he remembered most wasn’t a particular attraction or historic site.

Lester Leroy Gray passed away to his heavenly home on July 10, 2026, at his home in Browns Park, Abilene, with his family by his side. He was born July 7, 1944 at the family farmhouse in Ottawa County, Kansas. Lester attended Hilltop country school for 5 years and continued his grade school and high school years at Miltonvale High School in Miltonvale, Kansas. Lester played football and enjoyed playing the tuba in the band.

Dominick Campbell was born April 6, 2000 in Junction City, Kansas the son of Christina Campbell – Scott. Dominick passed away June 16, 2026. Dominick graduated from Abilene High School and attended Tabor College for 1 year. Dominick ran track and played football for both Abilene and Tabor. Dominick worked several jobs including fast food, Russell Stover’s and a tree service in Manhattan. In recent years Dominick played rugby with players from Abilene, Junction City, and Kansas State.

Editor’s note: As part of the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle election coverage and to help voters make informed choices, the newspaper will profile candidates for the Dickinson County Commission, House District 70, and local State School Board races. The candidates were asked the same set of questions as their opponents, with the questions tailored to the office they are seeking. They were informed that the editors would not edit their words.

Correction In the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle’s article titled “Abilene City Commission and staff argue over 2027 budget,” the story incorrectly lists what the revenue neutral rate for the city’s 2027 budget. The correct number is 46.463. The 48.039 listed is the mill rate of the city’s 2026 budget, not the 2027 revenue neutral rate. Contact Ron Preston at sports@abilene-rc.com.

The city of Abilene’s first meeting of July was lively with an amendment passed pertaining to the multi-sports fields development and back-and-forth discussions about the 2027 budget between staff and the commission. Proclamations Mayor Brandon Rein gave a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month for Abilene.

Roy Douglas “Doug” Clemence, 87, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Ju…

Dominick Campbell was born April 6, 2000 in Junction City, Kansas the son of Christina Campb…