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Show -N E W S- Spanish Fork A10 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Coveting what matters most Wind forum: Mutton Bustin From WIND • A l >.ish Fork Canyon. The land has been leased for 60 years, and Pospisil said, "We're looking forward to being part of the Spanish Fork community for a long time." Livingston said that the life of the wind turbines is estimated at 20 years. "Most likely the turbines will be dismantled and new ones put in in 20 to 30 years," he said. Though this wind farm is relatively small compared to others around the country, Livingston estimates the nine turbines will generate 19 megawatts (MW) each year. Park said one megawatt will support 750 homes for a year. According to - those numbers, the Spanish Fork plant should support over 14,000 homes. The power plant also brings a tax benefit to Nebo School District. Park said the undeveloped land generated about $4,600 a year for the district. He estimates that in the first year of the power plant's operation the district should receive $66,000, or approximately $1.2 million over the next 20 years. "It's a no-brainer to the school district on the financial aspect," said Park. Mayor Joe Thomas agreed. "From the city it's a huge win. From the school district, county — across the board it's just a winwin-win," he said. Despite enthusiastic support from the city, area residents have not always embraced the project, complaining about the wind turbines as potential eyesores and noise pollution. Spanish Fork resident Karl Warnick spoke about some of those concerns. "I think most residents are OK [with the project now]; I think things worked out well," he said. Warnick referred to important lessons learned in this process, including the need for in-depth research and teamwork between the community, city and state. He encouraged ordinances to be set up as a guideline at the city level. Following the panel discussion, Utah Clean Energy presented Utah Wind Power Champion awards to the panelists and to Elaine Hansen, who coordinates special events for Spanish Fork City. Hansen said she has always been excited about windmills. "My job is to welcome windmills to our community," she said. • Hansen announced the official ribbon cutting for the wind'power plant, which will take place Sept. 5,2008. She also unveiled plans for an annual kite festival, which would educate residents about "green power" and provide family entertainment. Hansen is seeking sponsorships for the kite festival, and the mayor said the city will match whatever funds are raised. Following the presentation, legislators took a tour of the facility. David Davis / Spanish Fork News RIDE 'EM, COWBOY: The ever popular Fiesta Days mutton bustin' event will take place each night of the rodeo. Applications and information can be downloaded by going to the Fiesta Days link at www.spanishfork.org. Applications must be returned to Creative Signs, 1825 North Main St., Unit #1, Spanish Fork no later than 5 p.m. on July 3. Woodland Hills soldier: From SOLDIER • A l Soon after, he received his Eagle Scout, of which his project was collecting and shipping supplies and goodies for the 115th Maintenance Unit serving in Iraq at the time. While at Basic Training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. PV2 Reyn K. Belliston was awarded the Commanding General's Award for Military Excellence out of 170 graduates. It is given to the Soldier who demonstrated the most outstanding performance in military subject, physical training and leadership during OSUT. The next summer, Reyn volunteered to spend two weeks in Yum a Arizona on border patrol detail. Soon after this he volunteered for the II 6th Sector Convoy Security unit and left for Mosul, Iraq in May of 2007. While his unit returned home April of 2008. Reyn answered a call for additional soldiers to transfer to Baghdad to help A Troop, 1/151 from Arkansas that was short handed. In January 2008 Reyn was promoted to a Sergeant, but didn't even tell his parents. He isn't the boasting type. Reyn has enjoyed serving his country and plans on making the military a career. He will Attend UVU in the Fall under the ROTC program. Reyn is the second oldest of four brothers. 1010 N Hwy 198, Salem landscapes Luxurious Townhomes in Salem starting at $184,900 Choose from many options: floral Seascapes Modern Animals •Portraits Everything is framed! • Fully landscaped • Stucco and stone exterior • Solid surface countertops and surrounds • Jetted tubs in master bath • Attached garages • Raised panel cabinets • Several floor plans June 2 7 - 2 8 , 2008 8—6 p.m. Both Days Model now open! For information call: Sarah (801) 404-7186 or Yolanda (801) 404-1078 Financed by: i b Real EMate LLC CENTRAL B A N K HOMES 36"x43". . . . . . . . . . $99.98 24" x 36" $ 59.98 20" x 24" $ 39.98 |