[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,85],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6532726,"mediaKeyId","3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e","parentId",3842911,"title","Fairgrounds seeks hydraulic dump trailer; commissioners suggest sharing or rental to save money","audioSeconds",459,"startMs",3203000,"endMs",3662000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e&start=3203&end=3662","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e/thumbnail_3203000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532726/Seward-County/Kansas/Fairgrounds-seeks-hydraulic-dump-trailer-commissioners-suggest-sharing-or-rental-to-save-money","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532726-f637394fae99df556c5406d758a1fa13/orig.mp4?Expires=1769779109&Signature=nhEVEuXmsZyp5P~YIBGUwIYOCwAPdph1aatEOEH~399O5lDRnMr9WcziYdJCaUvpUeyXRnDBEs3AxXmH0Pe8oUIDGVimLrnZLh63OaT-OMKd6EXxNeAhbEpW0OPs9I2RP~EUU3wI7-Jx1r2uRBmNG6Ia7caNYsYKO~W~g5sayatx7fTMdNjmg4zCUp~Ent6FvQHNvVypgE5BOJnlFDaVgmCvZ0ekyzsFarq23hrNKZT0WM16TwT-drxIDHTBFIYs5z4QYaUA67o1f6qF93jxGuWvc-LH-iKbmgXyUeFnR4yHBEkNFyaP-qCm0JVNiqA7cOUliim8HME55Ohg-UtYVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Seward County","date","2025-06-16T00:00:00Z","article","Linda Johnson, representing the county fairgrounds, asked the commission Monday to reallocate $8,000 from a planned Conex storage purchase to instead buy a hydraulic dump trailer for grounds maintenance. Johnson said the trailer would speed cleanout, hauling and grading tasks around fairgrounds property and work with the county’s bobcat. She presented one vendor quote and said she could find additional prices if the commission preferred.

Commissioners questioned frequency of use and whether maintenance or road-and-bridge equipment could be shared instead. Commissioner Abbott and other commissioners suggested renting equipment or sharing a trailer currently used by county maintenance (Greg) rather than buying one immediately. Greg (county maintenance) indicated his trailer is used every couple of weeks and could be shared with the fairgrounds. The commission agreed staff should coordinate with maintenance and landfill staff to determine whether sharing or rental would meet the fairgrounds’ needs before approving a purchase.

Why it matters: The request affects the county’s capital-improvement plan and ongoing maintenance efficiency at the fairgrounds; choosing rental or shared use could save capital dollars.

Next steps: Staff and fairgrounds leadership will evaluate rental costs and shared-use options with county maintenance and report back to the commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Seward County - County Commission-Regular - Jun 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Fairgrounds director requested using a previously budgeted CIP amount for a hydraulic dump trailer to speed maintenance; commissioners suggested sharing existing county equipment or renting to reduce purchase cost.","taxTitle","Seward County, Kansas","taxId",70665,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6532730,"County engineers report progress on road overlay projects, PermaZyme trial set next",0,4967000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e&start=4967&end=4967","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e/thumbnail_4967000.jpg","/articles/6532730/Seward-County/Kansas/County-engineers-report-progress-on-road-overlay-projects-PermaZyme-trial-set-next","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532730-477cf8daa8eb71c69ddd69c29ee06264/orig.mp4?Expires=1769779109&Signature=hJOzdRgqAcIYG5Ak2Eq8Ica~Jd6bwfgW1kt~txYbiuNpQ7GwK4a9bMb96x8poY2lqJ96LHNK8-7F9vyB3JPyw2FARWb-I04Fwel746lkBPNP~ba0ASsLAmvs-D1FKrJZAkgbguRp0DMntlyjura0xXW-3yvWM7TZAx0Etq3JG92O7UTuswLfCml8Uu~sZ2uAeyGrarQeACNdR~-KZR3kOQRlxlya9gk9PsgmQyIirICqPcPhYojOuZvnxbz5s8WDdF1ugy3bXoEtadc7Z1IaMXNrViuSQGlj0zE3SGFwwcSbgFtRr9PprP0DYXtUGV3MU-DWHXJHga2gltAkdYxkKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kirkham & Michael representative C.W. Harper told the Seward County commission Monday that the county’s road overlay program is progressing and crews will next work on Road R and Mead Lake Road. Harper said the Stan Cutoff overlay is complete and Larabee has been paved; the contractor will move to Road V and Road 16 to avoid heavy truck traffic on newly paved surfaces.

Harper said the contractor fixed areas where the roadbed thickness was insufficient and that shouldering operations were under way. “They did a good job of fixing the issues,” Harper said, describing the contractor’s work on Larabee and the Stan Cutoff. He added that Panhandle Road had a culvert replaced, that crews are using millings in ditches and that the team expects about two weeks of work for Road R and similar time for Mead Lake Road.

Commissioners discussed next steps for right-of-way acquisition on a separate Road I project. Harper said a problematic drainage box that would interfere with a dam will be buried and flow directed to neighboring boxes, which will save money and simplify construction. The commission also discussed a planned PermaZyme trial; Harper said the county hopes to start that work soon to evaluate road outcomes from two different surfacing options.

Why it matters: Road overlays are capital projects that affect county maintenance budgets and local travel. Commissioners requested attention to pavement tie-ins at city limits and at the intersection leading to K-54.

What’s next: Harper said the contractor plans to shoulder Larabee and pave Road V south of Kismet this week, then proceed to Road R and Mead Lake Road. County staff will continue right-of-way work on Road I before starting acquisition for related segments.

Sources: Meeting transcript of the Seward County Board of County Commissioners, June 16, 2025; remarks by C.W. Harper (Kirkham & Michael).","Kirkham & Michael reported crews have completed several county overlays, will continue work on Road R and Mead Lake Road, and near-term PermaZyme trial work is planned.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6532735,"Seward County approves legal representation for wind project, raises juror pay and adopts Vision Zero plan",180,3685000,3865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e&start=3685&end=3865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842911-d5be563d34aa080c5adf4c3db8c2c09e/thumbnail_3685000.jpg","/articles/6532735/Seward-County/Kansas/Seward-County-approves-legal-representation-for-wind-project-raises-juror-pay-and-adopts-Vision-Zero-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532735-37f52880debba63b033374d70055b6b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1769779110&Signature=Xko9alKKwo33Xi2yguKjcyQ1Di4voNgvn4fI0RJHP00ciC0MQX3snpQlHdUcBx6fgB~lphz9gNYHsqm3RVRMRUaLxMdBalWw~suiKo7YWzTaLAOHINo-2I9lFvpfs8WVB8RPDJqWo0OcI1519TgBkPTXqR8uwJyLEjojad04Ae1YbxbFjNw1j-YHS5umKYJodVg6d-B~OuBgdOD5qcsUyKljMZipNuSziKHqnw6W1Mr83nxN10vCoXoADaxP8PuReO893ZVQrLqHriOFp~WOAFLInnvsFrXUbbU-j72uEKcxMEqO0aWn7dqLdubnXZwoBFcxqmdYyOjuoBd6MFZkXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Seward County Board of County Commissioners voted Monday to engage attorney Glenn Kerbs' firm to advise the county on wind-project zoning and ancillary agreements, approve a one-time special check and raise juror pay, and formally adopt a Vision Zero (Safe Streets and Roads for All) action plan.

The commission approved a motion by Commissioner Carr to retain Glenn Kerbs' firm to represent Seward County on wind farm agreements, contingent on County Administrator Nathan working up a contract with a fee structure. Kerbs told the commission his Dodge City firm has worked on multiple wind projects since 2005 and advised counties on zoning regulations, county contribution (pilot) agreements, school donations, road-use maintenance agreements and decommissioning agreements. “We charge $250 an hour plus expenses. We charge $75 an hour for our paralegal work,” Kerbs said, adding that, in prior agreements, developers reimbursed county legal fees.

The hiring motion passed after commissioners asked that Nathan finalize a contract spelling out fees and terms. Commissioner Carr moved the hire; Commissioner Fuller seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion by show of hands (approval recorded as passed). The contract will return to the commission for final review once staff and the firm finalize terms.

The commission also voted to increase juror pay after a presentation by Donna O’Neil, Seward County district court clerk. O’Neil said the statutory daily pay for jurors had been $10 since at least July 11, 1996, and she and Chief Judge Peterson requested raising the amount to $30 for each person who signs in and $50 for jurors selected to serve. O’Neil estimated she would need a special check of $2,480 to cover an upcoming four-day trial starting June 24. “I have adequate funds in my jury budget right now,” O’Neil told the commission. Commissioner Helm moved the increase and the special check; Commissioner Abbott seconded. The commission approved the pay change and the special check by show of hands.

Finally, the commission adopted Resolution 2025-11 to formally adopt Seward County’s Vision Zero policy and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) action plan so the county can pursue federal SS4A demonstration and implementation grants. Abel Wharton presented background and said Seward County joined a regional SS4A planning effort in 2022 with neighboring cities and counties. “This is the federal side, which is typically ... much bigger projects,” Wharton said, contrasting SS4A with state High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) grants. Commissioner Hillman seconded the resolution and the commission approved it by show of hands.

Why it matters: The legal representation vote begins formal county preparations to review conditional-use applications and ancillary agreements tied to a proposed Thresher wind project; Kerbs advised counties to adopt clearer local wind and solar regulations and to seek road-use and decommissioning assurances. The juror-pay increase moves county practice toward the statutory maximum for juror compensation and supplies funds for imminent trials. Adopting the Vision Zero policy enables Seward County to apply for larger federal safety grants under SS4A.

What commissioners and staff emphasized: Commissioners pressed for clear contract language and transparency on costs and potential conflicts when developer payments reimburse county legal expenses. Several commissioners raised decommissioning and road impacts as key negotiation points for wind agreements; Kerbs said decommissioning security is typically required to be placed 10–15 years into a project and that counties periodically review whether posted security remains adequate. On juror pay, O’Neil noted she has already adjusted next year’s budget to account for the higher rates and told the commission she will publicize the increase during upcoming radio appearances.

Next steps: County staff will draft a written contract with Kerbs’ firm for the commission to review and, separately, circulate the finalized SS4A materials to ensure the county meets federal application requirements. The clerk’s office will issue the special check to cover the June trial and implement the new juror rates.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion: Retain Glenn Kerbs’ firm to represent Seward County on wind farm agreements, contingent on County Administrator Nathan preparing a contract with a fee structure. Mover: Commissioner Carr; Second: Commissioner Fuller; Outcome: approved (motion contingent on contract).
- Motion: Increase juror pay to $30 per day for individuals who sign in and $50 per day for jurors selected to serve; issue a special check for $2,480 to cover an upcoming trial. Mover: Commissioner Helm; Second: Commissioner Abbott; Outcome: approved.
- Motion: Adopt Resolution 2025-11, formally adopting Seward County’s Vision Zero policy and the SS4A action plan. Mover: (presenter/administrator motion recorded); Second: Commissioner Hillman; Outcome: approved.

Sources: Meeting transcript of the Seward County Board of County Commissioners, June 16, 2025; on-the-record comments from Glenn Kerbs, Nathan (county staff), Donna O’Neil and Abel Wharton.","The Seward County Commission voted Monday to engage attorney Glenn Kerbs' firm to advise on wind project agreements (contingent on a contract), increase juror pay, and adopt a Vision Zero Safe Streets and Roads for All action plan.","actionData","errors"]

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Fairgrounds seeks hydraulic dump trailer; commissioners suggest sharing or rental to save money

County engineers report progress on road overlay projects, PermaZyme trial set next

Seward County approves legal representation for wind project, raises juror pay and adopts Vision Zero plan