Letter From Seward County Regarding Saturday’s Enduro Races

Seward County Commission
515 N. Washington
Liberal, KS 67901
Contact: April Warden, County Administrator
620-626-3330

It is the mission of Seward County to provide a standard of excellence in services to meet the needs of Seward County citizens with respect and integrity.

It has been brought to our attention this past Saturday evening an Enduro Race scheduled during the fair was cancelled by the promoter due to dust which created the potential for a dangerous situation. Immediately blame was directed toward Seward County Road and Bridge Department. It seems there is some confusion as to who is responsible for the preparation of the race track.

For many years, the Road & Bridge department provided track preparation for races held at the Fairgrounds at no cost to the promoter. However, during a meeting in 2012 that included Board members from the Seward County Fair Association, action was taken to discontinue this practice. It was determined due to the high cost of fuel, wear and tear to County equipment, overtime wages to provide labor, and cost of water (all of which is tax payer dollars), track preparation would become the responsibility of the promoter.

“It is sad that we can’t work together but rather lay blame”, Chairman Rice said. “I believe you will find the Seward County Commission, the Road and Bridge Department and the Fair Board more than willing to help, but first there must be an open line of communication between all parties. I assure you the County Commissioners knew nothing about the need for the Road and Bridge Department being expected to water the track”.

Chairman Rice hopes the issue can be resolved quickly and the race can be rescheduled.