Wind farm opposition not just about scenery

Recent comments from area farmers would seem to imply that opponents of the Prairie Breeze Wind Farm are only concerned about the pretty picture outside our windows.

Such comments trivialize the very real concerns of residents in the wind farm zone.

Will we be able to sleep at night with lights flashing outside our windows?

Will we suffer health issues like those reported by others living in wind farms?

Will our local volunteer fire departments be able to control a fire if a wind turbine ignites, as they sometimes do?

Will an emergency medical helicopter be able to land in the wind farm area for a serious auto accident?

Will weather radar indicate storms accurately in our area if the turbines cause distortion?

Will we be able to watch television, listen to the radio or use our cell phones. The National Association of Broadcasters say that will be a problem for some.

Will those driving in the area be so distracted by looking up at the wind turbines they fail to see a child riding a bike, a farmer loading his grain or a stop sign?

If we decide we can’t take it anymore, will we be able sell our house — the largest financial investment most of us have ever made? Or will we find no one else who wants to live here? If those who are pro-wind farm learned they could lose 25 percent, 50 percent or all of their financial investment, I’m sure they would come up for air as well.

If the Prairie Breeze Wind Farm is going to be so wonderful for Tipton County, why haven’t we heard about it before the past three weeks? Why weren’t supporters shouting it from the rooftops three or four years ago, when they first started signing their land leases with juwi? I would think they would be proud of this contribution to the community.

Should we not be suspicious when a project with such a major impact on our community is kept under wraps for years, only to become public within a few weeks of its finalization — the few weeks leading up to Christmas, when most of us are busy?

The impact of the U.S. 31 bypass on northern Tipton County was publicized in such a way that those affected knew where it was going and whose homes would be impacted.

I have yet to see a map indicating where each wind turbine will be.

Those are just some of the concerns of the opponents of the wind farm. And yes, we would also appreciate a nice view, since that is what many of us were paying for when we invested in Tipton County.

I hope everyone will bring their concerns to the Tipton County Council meeting at 7 p.m. today at Tri-Central High School auditorium.

Emily and John West, Sharpsville

Hearts continue to break for Sandy Hook

We have all witnessed the unimaginable horror which occurred Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. I’ve spent these past days with a lump in my throat upon viewing the coverage of the little town where dedicated educators and 20 beautiful children began what they thought to be a morning much like any other ... only to never see its end.

Upon recently retiring from 43 safe teaching years at Eastern Elementary School, this tragedy grips me at the core of all that has been precious to me! Several dear colleagues and I have often discussed the possibility of such a happening at our school but usually dismissed it as statistically improbable. Statistics inexplicably emerged as reality last week at Sandy Hook as precious souls answered a higher calling. Let us ever be continually vigilant for the safety of the treasured young lives entrusted to us as educators, parents, and community.

My heart ached yet was lifted when television coverage showed precious home audio/video of one slain 6-year-old with her brother previously together on the family piano bench — him playing while her pure little voice sang perfectly these hymn lyrics: “Come Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy Name to sing, Help us to praise: Father, all glorious, O’er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.” Oh my, she sang everything into perspective even before it’s eventuality!

May God’s victorious Love continue to “come and reign over” those in the wake of this unspeakable weight of loss in a state far removed yet so close to our hearts in these days, and may our fervent prayers be ever lifted up in their behalf.

Paul Nicholson, Greentown