Editor
Letters to the Editor
To all concerned citizens:
This is in response to the Perspectives article entitled “School Boards should stick to school board topics”.
This is exactly where this subject belongs and on any board of elected officials.
School boards are to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its children and staff. If not, why would extensive background checks need to be made for everyone who is hired and is a volunteer there? Why would the school have to maintain its building and any piece of equipment in it? Everything from asbestos, flooring, water and food service, all have to be maintained. Why? All for the health, safety, and well-being of its students and staff. They not only have to maintain the inside of the building, but also the outside on the school grounds, including sidewalks, sports fields, and bleachers, etc.
So, if something of concern has the possibility of being placed within 1250’ from the school property, why wouldn’t they be concerned? These proposed industrial wind towers are currently proposed to be 600’; however, before they are built they could change that height to 820’. There are instances of debris and ice throw from turbines being thrown up to 2300’. The effects of industrial wind turbines also include shadow flicker, noise, and infrasound (sound that can be felt and not heard). All of these can have an adverse effect on people, especially the most vulnerable, those with autism, epilepsy, and many others who are sensitive to these issues. If we can prevent one person from being harmed, we have been of value.
The article also referred to Farmland First as an activist group. These days that term has a negative connotation. So, I looked up the definition of an activist. An activist is: a person who campaigns to bring about political or social change, or someone who opposes one side of a controversial issue.
With that definition in mind, Farmland First is proud to be called an activist group, along with the thousands of friends and neighbors in this area who support and agree with our effort. We DO NOT want these monstrous turbines surrounding our peaceful farms and towns. We would all rather error on the side of caution rather than not speak up and have regrets. Once they are here, they are here to stay for the next 30-67 years.
So to clearly state opposition to your perspectives article: This is exactly why the Abbotsford School Board should and must concern themselves with what is happening in the area! They truly must protect our children and staff for everyone’s health, safety, and well-being.
The present WI State PSC’s regulations were written in 2012 when towers were 250’-300’.
Now they are being proposed at 600’- 820’ (doubling the height) and the setback has NOT MOVED ONE FOOT. These regulations are outdated and NEED TO BE UPDATED.
I encourage any city, town, village, township, or school district to take whatever measure they can to protect the citizens that elected them.
Thank you Abbotsford School Board for your recommendations.
Linda Schindler Abbotsford
Alternative energy isn’t bad:
I am a landowner in Hoard Township, and I am also signed up for the RWE wind project. I am concerned by the way those opposed to the project are bombarding township and school board meetings and riling people up with their unsubstantiated claims. This is dividing our community. We need open dialogue and verified information, not bullies trying to scare people.
On the Farmland First Facebook page they state, “Central Wisconsin residents in and around Clark and Marathon Counties are highly concerned with the predatory tactics used by industrial wind companies in order to coerce landowners to sign away their property rights in the name of green energy.” Are they assuming that those of us who signed on to the project are incapable of making intelligent decisions? I was not “coerced” into anything, and neither was anyone that I know of. We were approached with the idea, we did our research, and made informed decisions. Just because you disagree with our choice does not make us foolish, illadvised people.
Those that have signed on to the RWE project are not greedy, uncaring residents. I have owned my farm for over 40 years. Many of the landowners have lived here all their lives and their farms have been in the family for generations. We take good care of our land, pay thousands in property taxes, serve on township boards, volunteer, donate, and support our community. Yes, we will get payments from the wind turbine company, but our townships and county will benefit also. Depending on the megawatts generated there is the potential of the county and municipalities receiving up to $800,000 annually through the state’s Shared Revenue Utility Program and Incentive Program. This is economically good for the whole area, not just a few landowners as some would have you believe.
The Farmland First representatives have been touting claims of health issues associated with wind turbines and have been pushing to have school boards and townships pass resolutions and zoning laws in the name of “the health of our children.” All the landowners that have signed up with the project have children, grandchildren, and other family members in the area. We, like everyone else are concerned for the health of our families. There are no conclusive studies that show wind turbines cause health issues. We would not have signed on if we thought there was any real risk.
One thing we have in common, we all need electricity. Our electricity must come from somewhere. There has been opposition to a natural gas-fired power plant in Superior. The gas power plant near Weston met opposition from several groups. We are meeting opposition in our area for wind energy. How do you propose we sustain our electric power needs if we all keep on saying “Not in my backyard!”?
Alternative energy is here to stay, and the need will be growing. We might as well grow with it and reap the economic benefits it can provide our community.
Judy Rau Town of Hoard
No mats equals dirty campers:
This letter is responding to the April 5 minutes from the Dorchester Park board meeting. They have a great campground up there, it’s usually quiet, country like setting and kept clean and nice looking because of all the work Ron and Carol put into it.
They have signs up asking that no one parks on the lawn, and with good reason. No one wants their lawn rutted up. I read that this year they want signs up that say, “No mats on grass!” Campers use these mats to keep some of the dirt, mud and grime outside of the campers.
Just as you want to keep your campground looking good, we want to keep our campers also. Maybe an alternative idea of widening each site with gravel so the mats wouldn’t be on grass might be put in the budget?
Paula Kieser Unity
Observe National Poppy Day:
The Friday before Memorial Day, May 27 this year, is designated as National Poppy Day. The red poppy has been a symbol of lives lost to war since World War 1. Poppies are handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation and purchased by the VFW which provides income for the vets in VA hospitals. The VFW, the American Legion, and both auxiliary organizations distribute the poppies throughout the country in exchange for donations that assist disabled and hospitalized veterans through various programs at the state and national level. Part of the monies collected through these donations also assists the VFW National home for orphans and widows of our nation’s veterans.
Locally, during the month of May, individuals from VFW Post 2227 and the VFW Auxiliary will be going around to businesses asking for donations for poppies and providing a card with poppies attached. Please proudly display the card and poppies. Some individuals also set up displays and ask for donations throughout the year as well. We appreciate and thank you for your continued support.
Your buddy poppy chairperson, Margaret Mateer Abbotsford
