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Wind turbines stir up bad feelings, health concerns in DeKal

Chicago Tribune -- Months have passed since anyone has waved hello to one another in Waterman or Shabbona in rural DeKalb County. Some people claim they've even stopped going to church to avoid having to talk to former friends.
"It's gone. The country way of living is gone," declares Susan Flex, who lives in Waterman with her husband and their nine children.
The animosity stems from the greenest of energy sources: a wind farm.

The turbines started arriving last summer, at a rate of two a day, their parts trucked in on flatbeds. Today 126 turbines dot the county, with another 19 just over the border in Lee County. They have been making enough electricity since December to power 55,000 homes, roughly twice the needs of Oak Park.

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Submitted Mar 14, 2010 By: fordmexico

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theawesome1 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:3,651 Points:808,190 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 6:15:09 AM Ignore theawesome1 Report Abuse We have on in our neighborhood in a scrap yard. Folks driving I-480 between Ridge Rd & State Rd exits enjoy the beautiful piece of art in the wind. I does not whirl away in high wind. It moves North or South, East to West to gain wind in that direction. I drive over to it & stood watching it. I heard nothing.... Downtown the Science Center next to Browns Stadium has had one for 3 years. Again no o ne is bugged by it & it is powering the Rock Hall, the Science Center & Browns Stadium with the Warehouse district condos & businesses. So I want one in my backyard. I would call it the ultimate plant. No watering needed. I'd like free power.........
cajun57 Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:264 Points:767,340 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 6:13:18 AM Ignore cajun57 Report Abuse I find a windmill a prettier site than an oil rig plus the ground is cleaner. Come put a windmill in my backyard. I don't care what the neighbors say.
AvantiMick Champion Author Indiana Posts:8,021 Points:1,602,445 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 6:12:47 AM Ignore AvantiMick Report Abuse I'd love to have one in my backyard and have free power!
silverfox63 Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,349 Points:669,745 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 6:11:08 AM Ignore silverfox63 Report Abuse People just have a hard time with change and as long as it does not affect them, they are okay with it.
Ringmaster2008 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,942 Points:501,685 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 6:04:07 AM Ignore Ringmaster2008 Report Abuse You can come and build in my backyard any time. The are actually looking at a wind farm within miles of my home and I can't wait. Unfortunately it looks like government red tape won't let it happen here for a while.
emptytank08 All-Star Author Pennsylvania Posts:566 Points:609,785 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:59:19 AM Ignore emptytank08 Report Abuse Wind Happens
1fulltank Champion Author Buffalo Posts:3,000 Points:579,900 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:58:56 AM Ignore 1fulltank Report Abuse Most seem to like it, as long as it's not in THEIR backyard.
nyyankees2 All-Star Author Omaha Posts:964 Points:184,725 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:56:24 AM Ignore nyyankees2 Report Abuse At least it is clean and green.
gasandgoAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:1,941 Points:612,430 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:53:30 AM Ignore gasandgoAL Report Abuse wind farms are something different and some people do not like change
mandoid Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:2,892 Points:615,090 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:50:19 AM Ignore mandoid Report Abuse nimby
paoli8 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,977 Points:930,710 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:44:13 AM Ignore paoli8 Report Abuse Turbines are unsightly in a landscape, cant say I would want to build my house near one.
skippypa Champion Author Hawaii Posts:3,519 Points:764,140 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:43:25 AM Ignore skippypa Report Abuse This is how stupid Americans are, arrogant and spoiled brats. That's the kids today act the way the do.
Ratso Champion Author Ohio Posts:11,035 Points:1,719,545 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:42:14 AM Ignore Ratso Report Abuse What the ... Get it together people. These turbines just dont "show up" in your back yards...there are wind studies to find the ideal locations for maximum beenfit...open meetings, legislation from your city,state, county officials etc. etc. Get involved and get educated.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:3,696 Points:661,135 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:31:08 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse EVERYBODY WANTS PROGRESS,UNTIL IT'S IN THEIR BACK YARD.COME ON CHILDREN....PLAY NICE.
PATroy Veteran Author Pittsburgh Posts:464 Points:493,330 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:27:56 AM Ignore PATroy Report Abuse Funny how some people are . . . Wind Turbines have always made me happy!!!
grouch311 Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,044 Points:671,305 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:26:26 AM Ignore grouch311 Report Abuse could use them up here in my part of the state
NewfieGasMan Veteran Author Newfoundland Posts:392 Points:238,955 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:18:50 AM Ignore NewfieGasMan Report Abuse I'd like to have my own.
goldseeker Champion Author West Virginia Posts:12,899 Points:1,746,390 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:11:16 AM Ignore goldseeker Report Abuse Two wind farms near me, and they work just great.
harleydoctor Champion Author Kansas Posts:2,485 Points:964,980 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:07:33 AM Ignore harleydoctor Report Abuse JJJJEEEEEZZZZZZZZ people, get a life.........
Dipstick1 Champion Author Amarillo Posts:5,125 Points:1,474,865 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:04:38 AM Ignore Dipstick1 Report Abuse They are ugly, but they work.
Paw5X Champion Author Gary Posts:5,714 Points:1,543,120 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 5:01:53 AM Ignore Paw5X Report Abuse There is a windfarm near Lafayette, Indiana and I have not heard any negative vibes about them yet!
jimshell Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:1,830 Points:464,295 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:53:29 AM Ignore jimshell Report Abuse They would have no problem using the electricity they produce.
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,989 Points:1,396,240 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:48:29 AM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse unable to keep up with the jonses rebellion ?
DrivingFool2 Champion Author Wisconsin Posts:3,481 Points:647,790 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:47:16 AM Ignore DrivingFool2 Report Abuse So wind turbines are an act of the devil?
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,818 Points:390,175 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:46:58 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse quiet, artistic, efficient, cheap power, what's not to like?
twobroke61 Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,448 Points:621,785 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:44:42 AM Ignore twobroke61 Report Abuse i do not believe that the wind farms created this effect on the people not waving and going to church that is just an excuse by the sounds of this article sure they may be noisy but that should not stop them from waving too each other what a bunch of bull
zornave Champion Author Louisville Posts:13,887 Points:2,204,540 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:44:39 AM Ignore zornave Report Abuse NIMBY strikes again.
Hunter724 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,210 Points:670,220 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:43:11 AM Ignore Hunter724 Report Abuse They are needed.......
pgerassi Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:5,957 Points:1,169,270 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:41:44 AM Ignore pgerassi Report Abuse I happen to like the look of large wind turbines.
CruisinLinda Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:6,448 Points:1,291,200 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:39:52 AM Ignore CruisinLinda Report Abuse How come no such symptoms are reported by the residents who are leasing their land to the turbine owners? Is the real diagnosis jealousy? Do the complainants prefer nuclear or coal plants on neighboring lands instead?
dslxcur Champion Author Seattle Posts:1,233 Points:774,625 Joined:Sep 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:30:15 AM Ignore dslxcur Report Abuse Dang! ........................................... the NIMBYs have landed........................
HawaiianGuy Champion Author Idaho Posts:4,596 Points:2,111,470 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:26:54 AM Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse NIMBYism. Careful what you wish for; you just might get it.
fratt Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:4,944 Points:1,670,230 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:23:02 AM Ignore fratt Report Abuse Good luck.
bobdec Champion Author Florida Posts:4,279 Points:838,650 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:10:25 AM Ignore bobdec Report Abuse This is not a good sout ce of energy
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,536 Points:892,805 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:05:35 AM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse Traditional, POINT OF USE windmills are just fine. Wind farms with 3 blade units are ugly and should not be allowed. Long distance distribution lines should not be allowed.
72_Monte Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,825 Points:1,024,755 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 4:04:00 AM Ignore 72_Monte Report Abuse Psychosomatic. Everybody say it now, Psy-cho-so-mat-ic.
jimraehl Champion Author Utah Posts:2,182 Points:669,640 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:55:19 AM Ignore jimraehl Report Abuse The Dutch windmills are an art form. The equivalent in the US is considered an eyesore. It's all in how you behold them.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:2,776 Points:523,775 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:18:48 AM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse No concern for those near by was exhibited. just wanted the Money.
gass12 Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,621 Points:1,341,565 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:14:25 AM Ignore gass12 Report Abuse Big deal you can!t please everyone.
BillA Champion Author Portland Posts:11,155 Points:1,533,660 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:11:48 AM Ignore BillA Report Abuse The Problem is not the wind turbines, but that the city of Chicago has now sprawled into these rural communities and changed "Mayberry" into suburbs and those of us that grew up too much of our neighbors' business are now seeing graffiti on our barns! I grew up in the area and still have 6 brothers and 5 sisters in Waterman/Shabbona-DeKalb area. The Wind Turbines create a little noise, but you get use to that like having a fountain....
cheapertvs Champion Author Richmond Posts:5,190 Points:1,766,270 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 3:05:09 AM Ignore cheapertvs Report Abuse The initial cost of a wind turbine makes this an expensive technology given the result. Gas turbines are about 1/2 the cost per installed KW.
BobD2009 Champion Author Long Island Posts:1,917 Points:265,635 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:58:41 AM Ignore BobD2009 Report Abuse While wind power is as clean as you can get, but not popular with the NIMBY crowd. Ted Kennedy put a stop to it in Cape Cod.
EXTREMESNOW Champion Author Medford Posts:4,522 Points:951,785 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:57:25 AM Ignore EXTREMESNOW Report Abuse Making money and jobs for the community, be happy.
speedys Champion Author Utah Posts:2,096 Points:1,583,095 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:53:53 AM Ignore speedys Report Abuse You have it correct "RichardoB".
nedthenanite Champion Author Mississippi Posts:4,055 Points:783,335 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:52:53 AM Ignore nedthenanite Report Abuse More NIMBY-ism. Turbines are like nuclear waste. Everyone wants the benefit but no one wants the effects (waste, turbine noise) in their back yards. I wish I could be hard-hearted and say, "if you don't like it, move," but in reality, if these turbines are causing this much concern, what will their proximity do to property values? These people may be stuck.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:4,530 Points:1,503,725 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:50:47 AM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse Our wind turbines in the Altamont are not close enough to anything to cause "health concerns"???
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:7,673 Points:618,205 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:46:14 AM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse BillA...And that may be exactly what has them so upset. They have spent thier lives there and invested into land and property. Seems to me people that chose to live outside the "city limits" did so for a reason. Now they are being given no choice. Accept it or move. Its very sad for them and sounding a lot like socialism. A lot of things lately are sounding that way come to think of it.
BillA Champion Author Portland Posts:11,155 Points:1,533,660 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:40:13 AM Ignore BillA Report Abuse OH B.S.!! My Family is back in Shabbona and rural DeKalb! Those bad feelings came years before wind turbines. The URBAN SPRAWL of becoming a CHICAGO SUBURB is what's change the farm communities! I lived in Waterman, IL back when everyone knew their neighbors and nobody bothered to lock their doors.... that only exists on "Mayberry" reruns these days.
EcoVore Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,124 Points:329,645 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:37:01 AM Ignore EcoVore Report Abuse Gas prices, where is the gas price news?
TPlayer All-Star Author Fort Wayne Posts:576 Points:140,010 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:27:02 AM Ignore TPlayer Report Abuse Anytime I drive by them, 9 out of 10 aren't turning... and the light would be annoying as hell at night...
findcheap Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,663 Points:1,033,690 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:24:28 AM Ignore findcheap Report Abuse always controversy no matter what the subject
ItsMorph Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:26,694 Points:2,210,030 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Mar 14, 2010 2:23:47 AM Ignore ItsMorph Report Abuse fillibuster: why should it? Good lord....