Archive of 2004 Material

Articles | Editorials | Letters to the Editor

The Recorder is a weekly newspaper published in Monterey, VA.
P. Lea Campbell Jr., Publisher and Editor
Anne E. Adams, General Manager
P O Box 10, Monterey, VA 24465
540-468-2147
e-mail:   recorder@htcnet.org

The Recorder has provided continuing in-depth coverage of the wind-power issue in Highland County as it has developed. Listed below are all items that were published in 2004. They are in reverse chronological order so the latest info is always at the top. This is a complete list. We will add links if we can get digital versions of more items.

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Articles:

• Articles published on or after 3 January 2008
• Articles published in 2007
• Articles published in 2006
• Articles published in 2005
   
• Highland supervisors asked to share wind research – 24 December 2004, p. 2 – C of C director Carolyn Pohowsky requested an information-sharing meeting prior to the board voting to change height regulations.
• Wind developer no-show at EDA meeting – 24 December 2004, p. 5 – Report on a meeting of the Pendleton County Economic Development Authority.
• States have ultimate say in wind development – 17 December 2004, p. 7,11 – Describes the state processes for approving wind utilities in VA and WV.
• Pendleton citizens force end to wind contract – 17 December 2004, p. 6,11 – Report on the 13 December citizens meeting in Franklin.
• Money may drive wind project decision – 10 December 2004, p. 1-3 – Interviews with Highland’s supervisors regarding the HNWD proposal.
• Pendleton decision outrages citizens – 10 December 2004, p. 3-4 – Commissioners to consider terminating the contract with U. S. Wind Force – which they did after the paper went to press.
• Pendleton wind opponents rally the troops – 10 December 2004, p. 5 – Report on the first meeting of the newly-formed citizens group Friends of Beautiful Pendleton County.
• Wind energy in Virginia inevitable? – 10 December 2004, p.6 – Information from the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative at a seminar in Roanoke and an interview with VWEC director Jonathan Miles.
• 1000 sign up to oppose wind utility – 26 November 2004, p. 1,3 – Reports on the petition drive, which now totals roughly 1000 signatures. Only four people are on the record in favor of the HNWD project.
• Another wind power project planned on Highland border – 26 November 2004, p. 3 – Reports on the Liberty Gap project in Pendleton County and includes a sidebar titled, “Jack Mountain may get 50 turbines.” There is a photo simulation of this project in Photo Gallery 1.
• Wind opponents make case – 29 October 2004, p. 1, 5-7 – Report on the zoning-amendment public hearing – no one spoke in favor!
• Turbines could be concern for military training areas, DOD says – 29 October 2004, sidebar, p. 6
• Opponents of wind project seek support, 22 October 2004, p. 8
• No rush, board says – 8 October 2004, p. 1, 4-5 – The board of supervisors declines the developer’s request for a decision before Christmas.
• Taxing the wind plant – 8 October 2004, sidebar, p. 5 – How local taxes might be assessed.
• Utility decision urged by year’s end, 1 October 2004, p. 1,3 – McBride presses the Supervisors for a quick decision.
• Incentives for wind industry extended, 1 October 2004, p. 4 – Production tax credits extended through 2005.
• Comp plan committee holds of[f] on wind issue, 1 October 2004, p. 9 – Input will be requested for plan review.
• Red Oak tour no picnic – 24 September 2004, p. 1-3, 7,29 – McBride details his plans for officials and citizens on site.
• Highland to choose wind policy – 17 September 2004, p. 1, 4-6
• Recommendations on wind energy proposals reviewed, 17 September 2004, p. 6
• Officials tour site – 17 September 2004, sidebar, p. 6
• What happens next? – 17 September 2004, p. 7
• Wind permit pending – 3 September 2004, p. 1-2
• Saxman asked to assist with wind decision – Citizens, officials voice questions, concerns – 20 August 2004, p. 1,7
• Petition asks Highland board for wind energy amendments – 13 August 2004, p. 14-15
• Wind Company Files for Permit – 30 July 2004, p. 1, 4-5
• Process for Reviewing Conditional Use Permits Could Last 3-4 Months – 30 July 2004, p. 4
• HNWD’s Permit Application Lists Proffers – 30 July 2004, p. 6
• Wind power – Planners are urged to prepare – 2 July 2004, p. 1-2
• CSPDC clarifies its wind energy development recommendations – 2 July 2004, p. 2
• Planners Urge Wind Awareness – 4 June 2004, p. 1,4 – The CSPDC report is presented to the Board of Supervisors.
• From balloon tests to lightning strikes:   What Highland needs to learn about wind energy projects – 4 June 2004, p. 17-18 – The complete list of CSPDC recommendations.
• Window on wind utilities opened wider – 28 May 2004, p. 1, 3-4
• What does wind power cost you? – 28 May 2004, sidebar, p. 3
• Plugging the leaks – 28 May 2004, sidebar, p. 4
• Wind and tourism in WV – 28 May 2004, sidebar, p. 5
• Another look at wind offered – Chamber reviews additional issues – 14 May 2004, p. 1-2
• Red Oak developer scales down project – 7 May 2004, p. 2-3 – Proposal goes from 50 MW down to 35 MW
• A quick look – 7 May 2004, sidebar, p. 2
• Wind permitting process explained – 7 May 2004, p. 3
• Residents’ questions reflect skepticism – 7 May 2004, p. 4
• What’s in it for Highland? – 7 May 2004, p. 4-5
• Local ordinance plays small role in wind plans – 7 May 2004, p. 5
• Correction on 69 KV powerline from last week’s article – 23 April 2004, p. 13
• Second wind company eyes county – Highland’s wind maps attractive to US Wind Force – 16 April 2004, p. 1-2
• Chamber requests more forum speakers – 16 April 2004, p. 2-3
• Wind power depends on added transmission lines – 16 April 2004, p. 3-4
• Plans for Highland wind forum finalized – 9 April, p. 5
• CSPDC praised for wind research – 2 April 2004, p. 3, plus a photo on p. 1
• Wind experts to converge – Local decision makers warned to be ready – 26 March 2004, p. 1, 3 – Forum scheduled for 29 April
• A quick look – 26 March 2004, sidebar, p. 3
• Wind policies all over the map – Be specific planner [Darryl Crawford] says – 26 March 2004, p. 2
• What is VWEC? [Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative] – 26 March 2004, sidebar, p. 2
• Tax breaks sweeten wind developers’ pot – 26 March 2004, p. 4
• Group seeks moratorium on ‘wind farms’ – Worries center on lack of government control – 12 March 2004, p. 2-3 – Article about the formation of Citizens for Responsible Wind Power
• Wind energy forum may be set for late April – 5 March 2004, p. 10
• Small wind power incentive grants offered by USDA to landowners – 27 February 2004, p. 9
• Wind power debate stirs again – 20 February 2004, p. 1, 4
• Questions about wind turbines from Highland’s chamber of commerce – 20 February 2004, sidebar, p. 4
• Wind energy came up during a meeting with State Delegate Chris Saxman. “I think the concept of wind energy is good but I don’t know how it will play out here.” – 23 January 2004, p. 5

Editorials:

• Editorials published on or after 3 January 2008
• Editorials published in 2007
• Editorials published in 2006
• Editorials published in 2005
   
• Put your cards on the table – 24 December 2004, p.27 – an excellent editorial urging the supervisors to explain their positions well before their vote, especially if they plan to approve a project that is contrary to the county comprehensive plan and opposed by a majority of the people.
• Leadership requires persuasion – 10 December 2004, p. 29, 32 – contrasts the brouhaha in Pendleton with the more orderly process ongoing in Highland.
• Numbers can’t be ignored – 26 November 2004, p. 29
• Listen to the people, gather the facts – 29 October 2004, p. 29
• Sometimes, our elected officials need to follow – 1 October 2004, p. 29
• Power beongs to the people – 17 September 2004, p. 29-30
• Wind Power Now More Than Just Talk – 30 July 2004, p. 29,31
• Facts are in place, it’s time for some action – 2 July 2004, p. 29,33
• Industrial Wind Power - Decide Now – 4 June 2004, p. 29,32
• Don’t miss the next wind forum – 14 May 2004, p. 31
• Wind utilities wrong for Highland – 7 May 2004, p. 29,32
• Forum good beginning but just a start – 16 April 2004, p. 27 – there is a map along with the editiorial
• So what do you think? – Good government decisions require public input – 2 April 2004, p. 29,31
• Defining this county’s character with wind – Highland chamber poses some good questions – 20 February 2004, p. 25, 27

Letters:

• Letters published on or after 3 January 2008
• Letters published in 2007
• Letters published in 2006
• Letters published in 2005
   
• Facts needed to stop wind development – William Crisp, Lexington, VA – 24 December 2004, p. 28
• Vote a resounding no wind development – Larry and Susan Held, Monterey – 24 December 2004, p.29,31
• Pendleton citizens address wind concerns – Glenn and Viola J. Riggleman, Franklin – 24 December 2004, p. 29 – Letter to the WV Public Service Commission opposing the Liberty Gap project.
• Pendleton experience offers a warning – Rich Holman, Monterey – 17 December 2004, p. 26
• Wind power endangers our legacy – Russell Bounds, Oakland, MD – 17 December 2004, p. 27
• Is wind energy our goal? – Sharon Hevener, Hightown – 10 December 2004, p. 30
• Wind farms like a cancer – Thomas M. Stevens, Vienna, VA – 3 December 2004, p. 30
• Shouldn’t the board represent the people? – Keith H. Powell, Frederick, MD – 26 November 2004, p. 30
• Highland turbines a great injustice – David Carter, Rapid City, SD – 26 November 2004, p. 30
• A balanced approach to wind energy development in Virginia – Rick Webb, Monterey [unsigned] – 26 November 2004, p. 32
• Community rights can trump private prerogatives – Faye M. Chapman, Blue Grass – 5 November 2004, p. 30
• Private property is not truly owned – G. K. McClung, Hightown – 5 November 2004, p. 32
• Dangerous act of vandalism – The McBride Family, Hightown – 5 November 2004, p. 32.
  The McBrides own the property being proposed for wind development. We sincerely hope that opposition to their project has not turned nasty. Vandalism and terrorism have no place in what, so far, has been an exercise in democracy and civil discourse.
• One man’s project could become county’s burden – Dennis L. Coppedge, Madison, VA – 29 October 2004, p.30
• Here’s a ‘newcomer’ who’s for a lot of things – Chuck Neely, Hightown – 29 October 2004, p. 31
• Highland’s beauty should not be negotiable – Walter L. Williams, Bullpasture LP – 22 October 2004, p. 30
• Wind decision shouldn’t be centered on one man – Judy L. Skeen, Monterey – 22 October 2004, p. 31
• Readers support survey [to determine pubic opinion on wind power] – Susan and Joe Johnston, Annapolis, MD – 15 October 2004, p. 26
• It depends on the meaning of ‘not’ [correction to last week’s letter] – Jenifer M. Bradford – 15 October 2004, p.26
• Wind power application should be declined – Karen Dworkin & Jim Brodsky, Monterey – 15 October 2004, p. 27-28
• Vote down windmills – Robert C. Hilton, Nashville, TN – 8 October 2004, p.26
• Ridgetop windmills said to be bat killers – Rick Webb, Monterey – 8 October 2004, p. 27
• Don’t cast future to wind – Jenifer M. Bradford, Staunton – 8 October 2004, p. 28
• Reader appreciates time to think – Sandy Hevener, Blue Grass – 8 October 2004, p. 28
• Reader has got that sinking feeling – Larry Held, Monterey – 1 October 2004, p. 30
• Don’t let it get you down – Leslie Goodall, Hightown – 1 October 2004, p. 31
• Take a poll – Karen Praeg, Monterey – 1 October 2004, p. 31
• Take care, wind vote a defining moment – Lucile Miller – 1 October 2004, p. 31,33
• What’s the hurry? A lot of questions remain – Patti Reum, Hightown – 1 October 2004, p. 32
• The big winners are wind developers – Tom Brody, Hightown – 1 October 2004, p. 34
• Ask and ye shall receive – Harold Conover, Carson, VA – 24 September 2004, p. 30
• No reason to rush wind power decision – Nancy Witschey, Blue Grass – 24 September 2004, p. 32
• Save trees, oppose wind farm and shooting range – Bill Ellenberg, Monterey – 10 September 2004, p. 30
• If turbines built he’s leaving – Jeffrey Arrowsmith, Saluda, VA – 10 September 2004, p. 31
• Wind facility opponents illogical – Cliff Rexrode, Waynesboro – 3 September 2004, p. 30
• A damaging legacy to be avoided – McChesney Goodall III – 3 September 2004, p. 30
• You can’t unring a bell: Oppose wind project – Robert W. Maupin, Louisa, VA – 3 September 2004, p. 31
• Wind machines will destroy beauty – Linda and Gary Christle, Prince William County – 3 September 2004, p. 31
• Wind energy plans: Looking for real solutions – Chuck Neely, Hightown – 3 September 2004, p. 32,34 – Suggested alternatives to wind power to boost Highland’s economy.
• Wind farms not suitable – Nancy F. Witschey, Blue Grass – 27 August 2004, p. 30
• Removing height limit invites chaos – Jeffrey Arrowsmith, Saluda, VA – 27 August 2004, P. 30
• People, not windmills, are Highland’s future – Deborah Huso, Bolar – 27 August 2004, p. 31
• Tranquility is treasured – Aaron K. Weeter, Arlington, VA – 27 August 2004, p. 32
• Ridge height restrictions in place for a reason – Olwen Jarvis, New Bern, NC – 20 August 2004, p. 26
• Highland is ‘steward of a natural treasure’ – Ann B. Robertson, Winston-Salem, NC – 20 August 2004, p. 26
• Let’s keep Highland as ‘Virginia’s Switzerland’ – James H. and Janine Hughes, Williamsburg, VA – 20 August 2004, p. 27
• Recorder reporting said biased; wind generation taxes needed – Charles Schooler – 13 August 2004, p. 30
• Why is wind energy considered? – Mike and Margaret Christle, Blacksburg – 13 August 2004, p. 30-31
• Wind decision too important to rush – Laurie Berman, Hightown – 6 August 2004, p. 26
• Let’s not be Virginia’s guinea pig – Sandy Hevener, Blue Grass – 6 August 2004, p. 26
• Conservation shouldn’t hinge on endangered species laws – John F. Pagels, PhD – 6 August 2004, p. 28
• Turbines driven by subsidies – William H. Ferguson, Newport News – 6 August 2004, p. 28
• Wind turbines: Just say no – Don’t close door on history – Elizabeth H. McClung, Hightown – 16 July 2004, p. 30
• Money can’t buy food for the soul – Sarah Mustoe et al, Highland Park, NJ – 2 July 2004, p. 31
• Don’t get them [wind turbines] just because they are available – Kring Campbell, Staunton – 25 June 2004, p. 26
• Reader decries loss of desert’s beauty – Nancy Smith, Hot Springs – 4 June 2004, p. 30 – letter includes a photo of turbines around Palm Springs, CA
• Speaker emphasizes fragile assets of Highland – Michael Siegel, one of the second forum speakers – 28 May 2004, p. 30
• Keep Highland County’s natural beauty intact – Karen Doane, Head Waters – 28 May 2004, p. 30
• Point... – Welcome windmills to Highland with open arms – Geoffrey G. Cox, Kill Devil Hills, NC – 21 May 2004, p. 30,32
• Counterpoint... – Multiple wind farms will not enhance tourism – The Biggs Family, John’s Island, SC – 21 May 2004, p. 30,32
• Point... – Chamber plans own forum – Charlotte Stephenson and D. Brian Richardson – 30 April 2004, p. 30
• Counterpoint... – Assumption of bias unfounded – Robin Sullenberger – 30 April 2004, p. 30
• Highland is a ‘magical place’ – Zoning is here for a reason – Randy Richardson, Monterey – 23 April 2004, p. 30-31
• Are wind turbines necessary? – Sara Brody, Hightown – 16 April 2004, p. 29
• Are windmills worth it? – Paula Stahl, Tucker County, WV – 16 April 2004, p. 30

John R. Sweet, Mustoe, VA

Part of the Backbone Mountain project in Tucker County, WV. These are reported to be 345 feet high while those proposed for Highland are expected to be 400 feet high.   Photo by Sandy Hevener

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