Letters to the
E ditor Debunking turbine myths:
I would like to contradict some of the common beliefs about wind turbines, sound emission being one.
A couple years ago, I visited a wind farm in the Randolph area, and another in the Horicon area. I was able to talk to some residents who lived at the setback distance of 1,250 feet. None of them owned any land leased to the turbine company, and none of them had issues with the turbines. Except one guy who said his TV reception went bad. He complained and the turbine company now pays toward his satellite bill.
Standing there on a relatively calm day, the turbines were spinning. (They can generate with only 4 mph wind.) The sound coming from them was barely perceptible; more like a mild hum. At higher wind speeds, they said youâre more apt to hear the wind rushing past your ears, or rustling leaves on trees or corn. I donât know, is it older turbines that are creating a sound problem? We all have to agree that technology improves over time.
Iâm surprised no one complains much about the annoying noise coming from Highway 29. I live two miles from it, with a lot of woods between, and many days it comes through loud and clear. What is it like next to 29? What about exhaust fumes? Is all that salt making its way into the ground water? Seems there could be a âsyndromeâ with these issues.
Reduced property values is another knock against the turbines; the same could be said about farm traffic and smell. I think Highway 29 trumps them all. I wouldnât want to live next to that!
Shadow flicker is another perceived problem. Youâve all been there, traveling along trees and the sun is behind them and flashing in your eyes. Even when this happens for extended periods of time, Iâve never heard of anyone going crazy from this. You donât cut down the trees, you swing your visor over and go on. In answer to this, turbines are placed to keep flicker to a minimum.
I would expect with advancements in technology, much improvement has been made in these areas.
Bryon Broeske Rural Dorchester
Thank you foster families:
Each May, Clark County Department of Social Services celebrates National Foster Care Month. The department acknowledges the outstanding people who make a difference by serving as foster parents and respite providers for the children and families of Clark County.
We applaud your care, commitment and willingness to âanswer the call,â no matter when it comes. Thank you for all you do to keep children safe, support parents and help families stay connected. Without the ongoing efforts of the foster parents, relative caregivers, advocates, social workers and volunteers, too many children would end up facing lifeâs challenges all alone.
The department appreciates your dedication, compassion and willingness to open your heart and home to children in need.
We recognize with thanks the Foster Care Program Respite families: Halopke, Painter, Petras, and Putnam. And with deep appreciation and overwhelming thanks we recognize the following Clark County Foster Families: Baylas, Block, Cleveland, Dingee/ Negron Ortiz, Dyer, Ensign, Hege, Huls, Kopf, Letvinuck/Johnson-Cole, Martin, Mauel, Mueller, Oehmichen, Olson, Opelt, Rendell/Pagenkopf, Rutta, Schlough, Shong and Taylor. Happy Foster Care Month! Lisa Ochodnicky Clark County Foster Care Coordinator
