Commission extends open burn ban through early May

Commission considers mutual aid compensation following recent fires

KDOT to host public meetings on US 54/83 realignment

Commission approves $7.95 million road and bridge annual report

County to develop new road maintenance prioritization plan

Right-of-way issues delay Meadow Lake Road drainage project

Supply chain issues delay delivery of county mowing equipment

Public input heats up over proposed wind farms

Commission extends open burn ban through early May

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Citing critically dry weather conditions and 23 recent fires, the Seward County Commission unanimously approved a resolution extending the county's temporary open burn ban until May 4, 2026. Fire officials noted that upcoming 10-day weather forecasts offer only one day with acceptable wind speeds and conditions for controlled burns. The ban prevents the issuance of any burn permits while the county waits for substantial moisture.

Commission considers mutual aid compensation following recent fires

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners debated offering a $500 payment to neighboring fire departments that provided mutual aid during recent county fires. The funds, which would help offset fuel costs for assisting agencies, would be drawn from the commission's reserve for claims budget rather than the Seward County Fire Department's budget. The commission plans to formally vote on the compensation at its next regular meeting.

KDOT to host public meetings on US 54/83 realignment

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will host public meetings at Seward County Community College to present plans for the realignment of U.S. Highways 54 and 83. The proposed project would shift U.S. 83 roughly half a mile east to create a 90-degree intersection with U.S. 54. KDOT project staff will host an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, in the Student Union (SW229C-D) at 1801 N. Kansas Ave. in Liberal. KDOT officials have also offered one-on-one meetings with affected property owners, noting a low response rate to previously mailed postcards.

Commission approves $7.95 million road and bridge annual report

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved the 2025 County Engineer and Road Supervisor Annual Report, which detailed $7,951,883 in total expenditures for the year. The Seward County Road and Bridge Department, operating with a $3.06 million base budget and approximately $4.89 million in additional bond funding, maintained 137 miles of asphalt, 446 miles of gravel and 100 miles of earth roads. The department completed 28 miles of major maintenance work, including a $330,447 asphalt overlay project.

County to develop new road maintenance prioritization plan

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Seward County is partnering with the Kansas Association of Counties to develop a comprehensive road condition assessment report. An engineering consultant told commissioners the report will help the county strategically prioritize which roads require immediate repair or maintenance and which projects can safely be deferred. Development of the assessment is expected to begin this spring.

Right-of-way issues delay Meadow Lake Road drainage project

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Construction on box extensions for the Meadow Lake Road drainage project has been delayed due to complications with right-of-way acquisitions. Engineering consultants reported that recent property sales by two involved landowners have slowed the appraisal and acquisition process. The county now hopes to begin construction on the extensions by the fall.

Supply chain issues delay delivery of county mowing equipment

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — Factory equipment failures have severely delayed the delivery of two new commercial mowers ordered by the Seward County Road and Bridge Department. Originally expected in December, the delivery was pushed to April after an automated welder broke down at the manufacturing plant. The county has issued an April 15 deadline to the supplier and is exploring alternative options, though locally available mowers currently lack the necessary deck supports required for heavy road travel.

Public input heats up over proposed wind farms

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission received multiple public suggestion cards regarding proposed wind farms in Seward County, highlighting a divide among residents. Several landowners voiced strong support for the projects—including the proposed Thresher Wind project—citing property rights, economic benefits for farmers and increased tax revenue for the local school district. Meanwhile, opponents such as Kathy Fitzgerald and Scott Owens submitted brief objections to the presence of turbines in the county. The commission will vote at its next meeting on whether to add the supplemental public comments to the official record to ensure all commissioners have access to the same information.

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