Two solar panel projects proposed for Bates County

 

Not to be confused with a proposed wind turbine farm to be located east of Passaic, a representative of Clearway Energy Group met with the Bates county commissioners recently to get the ball rolling on a proposed solar panel farm near Amsterdam. While two separate companies are vying for property in the same general area, both a similar in size and power output which would be an estimated 250 megawatts each.

Several tracts of land are of interest, at least two located generally just south and north of the city limits giving both easy access to the grid, specifically the 435kv transmission lines connected to the La Cygne power plant.

The other company, NextEra Energy, has made a similar pitch to the commissioners requesting approval for needed infrastructure such as access roads, buried cable right of ways and other.

“We’re in the very early stages of this project” emphasized Joshual Framel of Clearway Energy Group as he went on to say that there is much work ahead as the company would anticipate a completion of the project in 2027. Some questions arose in the meeting inquiring about use of local labor for example, and that is likely but it would be handled by sub contractor who would make the final call.

It was also pointed out that there may indeed be a financial benefit for local schools as well, much like most green energy initiatives normally provide. An estimated amount will not be available until a much later phase of the project.

Presiding Commissioner Jim Wheatley stated early on that he was aware that other counties have “had issues” with similar projects and he wants to make sure the county is protected and that all contracts are clearly understood. For example, it was asked what if the landowner sells the property? What happens if NextEra or Clearway sell out to another company? Those present were assured that such questions would be addressed and answered prior to any contracts approved and signed.

Another posed was “would local consumers reap any other benefits such as a reduction on the price of power” that came with an answer of not likely. In the power world, as Framel explained, the grid is much like putting extra water in a river that someone could reclaim downstream- for example power can be added locally on the grid that might be used several states away, for example.

At this juncture both the Clearway and NextEra proposals are in their infancy; both companies are estimating about the same power output and both are anticipating a completion of about 4 years down the road.

Mid America Live will continue to provided updates on the solar projects as well as the proposed wind turbine project as information becomes available.

Adrian aldermen sworn in

At one meeting per month, the regular Adrian board of aldermen session can run a little long- but not the case this time as it ran just over 30 minutes and it began with David Hummel and Matt Sears being sworn in for their second terms following re-election earlier this month.

A question arose regarding operation of Ferguson Arena at the park, as the Optimist Club holds many events per year there and confusion arises from time to time about scheduling, along with liability issues. City Administrator Ryan Wescote recommended that the city oversee the scheduling but allow the Optimist Club to continue using it at will; more discussion coming in the May 8th meeting.

Permission was given to Christian Twyman to allow a camper be placed on her property on Second street for housing until new construction is completed for a home. The city approved the move with conditions including a one year completion.

The Adrian Board of Alderman meet on the first Monday, 7 pm at city hall. Video of the meeting is provided courtesy of Mid America Live news and can be found on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tC0cDqfG_c&t=164s.

Recipe of the Week

 

Senior Center & Kern Center calendars

 

What's Up by LeRoy Cook

 

Still Not Up

Not every day was flyable last week, but enough usable days came by to encourage acts of aviation. You never know when something interesting may drop in, on otherwise still days when nothing is stirring. If all else fails, one can always launch FlightRadar24.com and see who that is flying overhead, if it’s ADS-B equipped.

Among the visitors this week was a big Turbo Commander turboprop executive twin, its noisy Garrett engines whining away as it went in and out. Others seen were a Piper Archer trainer, a Cessna 210, and the ever-present Cessna Skyhawks from UCM. Out of the local hangars, CFI Christian Tucker was busy flying his Cessna 150s, Les Gorden had his Beech Twin Bonanza up, I exercised my 1946 Aeronca Champion, Jim Ferguson flew his Cessna Skylane and Jeremie Platt attended to his Grumman Tiger.

Regarding our blurb in last week’s column about Elon Musk’s gargantuan SuperHeavy SpaceX rocket, no it didn’t go up this week, but it remains ready to go, if the word is given. The 400-foot tall alcohol and LOX fueled 33-engine monster will make its presence known around South Texas when it launches. The latest I heard was “this Monday”, whichever week that means.

In internatonal news, Boeing proudly announced that Chinese airlines, long holdouts, resumed flying their 737 Max airliners this week. It is well known that China is developing an indigenous single-aisle jetliner of its own, so it may well incorporate the MAX’s innovations. As can be seen in the recent first flight of a Chinese AC332 twin-turbine helicopter, which strongly resembles the Bolkow/Kawasaki/Airbus BK117, doing business in the People’s Republic requires divestiture of all intellectual property used in your product.

The FAA has announced a new VARMA (love their ever-lengthening list of acronyms) program to graciously allow off-the-shelf parts to be used in 75-year airplanes that can’t be flown otherwise. The Vintage Aircraft Replacement and Modification Article program permits non-critical things like door handles, knobs and steps to be replaced with readily available unofficial parts. The Agency well knew that owners were going to the National Aircraft Parts Association stores downtown and finding will-fit parts suitable for the job. Last month I saw a juice-can size fuel pump for a 1957 Aircoupe that had to be custom-made for $1600 just to get the old “urpcup” back in the air. Some things can be found at any price.

Our challenge question from last week was about the origin of the Lomcevac aerobatic maneuver, correctly answered by reader Jeff Turner. It was named by the Czechoslovakian discoverer of the twisting, tumbling spin, who called it a “headache.” For next week’s brain-teaser, tell us who was “The man who rode the thunder.” It has to do with thunderstorms. Send your answers to kochhaus1@gmail.com.

Minor accident at the Butler city lake

On Tuesday morning around 6:00 a.m. the Butler Fire Department along with Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and the Bates County Sheriff's Office responded to a minor one vehicle accident at 52 West Highway and Butler City Lake Road.

The driver wasn't injured and refused medical attention at the scene of this accident. The vehicle received moderate damages and was towed from the scene. 

No further information is available at this time.

Obituary - Glen “Gene” Miller

Glen “Gene” Miller 81, of Drexel, Missouri passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 at his home in Drexel. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816-657-4400). 

Funeral services will follow at 11 am Wednesday, also at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Ninety-Six Cemetery in Linn County, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or the Drexel Volunteer Fire Dept. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Glen Eugene Miller was born September 19, 1941 in Linn County, Kansas to Glen and Bessie Virgin Miller. He graduated from La Cygne High School, and enlisted in the US Army. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Martin on January 2, 1970. After serving his country for six years and being honorably discharged he went to work for Pittman in Grandview, Missouri until it’s closing.

Gene then went to work for Cates Sheet Metal in Lenexa, Kansas until his retirement in 2006. He was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union for many years.

Gene was a hard worker and generous provider for his family, but when he wasn’t working, he and his family would spend the weekends camping and fishing with friends. He loved to smoke meats and BBQ, and share with family and friends. Gene was quite the jokester, there was never a dull moment when he was around.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Miller, brother Clifford Driskell, sister Dorothy Deel, sister Geraldine Dalrymple, sister Mabel Hill, sister Virginia Glaze, brother Jackie Miller, and sister Norma Meador. Gene is survived by his wife of 53 years, Bonnie Miller, son Terry Miller and wife Nancy, daughter June McGuire and husband Michael, seven grandchildren, Amanda Boyd, Jacob Ruff, Jeremy Ruff, Rebekah Silver and husband Asa, Zachary Miller, Jesse Miller, and Katie Miller.

He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Ethan, Corbin, Hannah, Dylan, Jackson, Asher, and Aiden, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Traffic Alert: Southside of the square closed for a brief time today

The south side of the Butler square will be closed for a little while this morning as crews work to cut down a tree.

Please find an alternate route around this area! We will advise when its back open.