Letter from Bonnie Hinderks

In the June 8, 2019, issue of Missouri Farmer Today there was an article by the AP titled “Northwest Missouri sees divide over wind power projects.”  In reference to some of the statements in the article, many residents did have a say in the matter of a wind farm in DeKalb County. Every contract holder, as well as others who had opportunity for a contract, had a say if they wanted their land to be a part of the Osborn Wind Energy project or not.  No one was forced or coerced into the project.

In DeKalb County complaints, by a small vocal minority, such as shadow flicker, noise and even objects bouncing off shelves have been exaggerated to the extreme. Contrary to rumor there is no “gag order” in any contract.

Our family as well as many others are leaseholders for wind turbine contracts in DeKalb County and recognize the many benefits from hosting a wind farm. DeKalb County is an agricultural community and a wind farm is an agricultural asset to farmers in the area.

In addition to benefiting farmers, the county has benefited in many ways.  In 2018 DeKalb County received $2,725,999.16 from Osborn Wind Energy  wind farm and $1,980,454.67 from Lost Creek Wind Farm. These dollars were dispersed to numerous entities in the county. This does not include payments made to lease holders.

There are four schools in the county: Stewartsville, Maysville, Union Star and Osborn. Because of tax dollars generated by the wind farm, these schools have made numerous improvements including building additions, technology, and programming, including the addition of a preschool.

New homes are being built in DeKalb County and they are not just being built by leaseholders. Because of Nextera Wind Energy’s commitment to road improvements on roads used for construction of wind turbines, some state and county roads have been better than they have in years.

Many residents in the county are thankful for the added revenue that has been a blessing to our small towns.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Hinderks
DeKalb County, MO