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Henry County could get controversial wind farms to countryside

Posted at 11:58 AM, Nov 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-23 12:29:32-05

HENRY COUNTY, Ind. -- There are plans for more than 100 wind turbines to be built in the countryside of Henry County, and opponents of the plans aren't happy.

"We don't know what they are gonna do," said Gary Rodgers, who's opposed to the wind turbines. "That's one of the reasons we have pitchforks and the torches out. The villagers are concerned that they are gonna make a decision that is really bad."

The plan for the wind turbine is this: They'll be built along the Henry County countryside. They could be as tall as 499 feet, and as close as 1,250 feet to the foundation of a house.

"If you have this thing going on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can't have any control over it all, Rodgers said. "Sounds like a jet trying to land over and over and over."

Deciding if these turbines actually land in Henry County will ultimately be in the hands of the three-member county board of commissioners

"To me it comes down to the issue of weighing, on one hand, the considerations of the people who are opposed to these turbines, and on the other hand, the rights of the farmers who want to enter into a lease for a legal product that has at this time apparently 60,000 strong across the country," Henry County Commissioner Ed Yanos said.

There are also supporters of the farms who display signs in their yards, too. The landowners would be able to lease their property for about $11,000 per year. Non-participating landowners could also get paid, but there is a price.

Melissa Elmore opposes the turbines and said she's being offered $500 to sign up and $1,000 per year for all the problems.

"And oh by the way, if you sign this you are not allowed to speak of any ill effects you are having," she said.

Elmore thinks there are health concerns associated with the turbines, and she doesn't want to jeopardize her family.

Opponents say if the ordinance passes, they'll have two choices: sell or sue. 

Right now, they don't know which they will do.