Shutdown closes Eisenhower Presidential Library, tourism driver for Abilene

ABILENE, Kan. (KWCH) - The impact from the federal government shutdown is heavily felt in Abilene, Kansas, where a major tourism driver for the area is closed.

On Thursday, 12 News spoke with area businesses to see what they’re doing as the future of the Eisenhower Presidential Library is unknown.

In 24 years as the owner of Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashioned Grill, in Abilene, Marty Andrews said he’s seen his share of shutdowns.

I’ve done this stuff and put up with so much stuff through the years," Andrews said. “I’m not really nervous, I’m just sick of them not working together and (not) getting something done,” Andrews said.

The restaurant owner said that during peak tourism season, he can expect about 30 customers to be from out of town. Now, he’s not sure what to expect.

“I wouldn’t say it’s detrimental, but it definitely has an effect,” Andrews said.

While there are many unknowns with the government shutdown, in communities like Abilene, the impact is communitywide.

“I would say our business is dependent on the Eisenhower museum and library, probably about 80%. That’s our big draw in the community,” said Adrian Potter, owner of Abilene’s Victorian Inn.

Potter said the government shutdown means cancellations.

“A few is okay, depending on how long,” she said of government shutdowns at the federal level. “The previous one that was 35 days definitely took a hit in our revenue.”

Conducting business in Abilene, Potter also has a commercial food license, something that helps the Victorian Inn stay afloat when fewer visitors come in.

“No matter what happens, we still got bills coming in. So, whether we have business or not, we’ve got to get those paid,” Potter said. “Utilities don’t stop, (the) mortgage company doesn’t care; they want their money.”