Grant County Commissioners Hear Concerns About Future Wind Energy Development Plans Involving the County

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While many landowners in northeastern South Dakota feel utilizing wind power as a viable energy resource for the future will be a good thing for the economy and the environment, there are others who feel much differently about the issue. At this week’s Grant County Commissioners meeting, the board heard from Kelly Owen, an area livestock producer who noted concerns with the current setback requirements that are in place for installing wind turbines for new wind energy farms. Upon further review, the commission agreed to conduct an open meeting on Tuesday, March 27th to further address the matter and to obtain legal advice from States Attorney Mark Reedstrom on the proper means of dealing with the issue from a county-wide perspective.

In other business, Sara Koepke, Grant County 4-H Youth Program Advisor presented a proposal for replacing the current 4-H Static Exhibit Building on the 4-H grounds in Milbank. Sara noted that the current structure is 44-years-old and fails to adequately meet the needs of the local 4-H Youth program. She presented the board with a proposal for a new multi-purpose building to better meet the organization’s immediate and future needs. Upon further review, the commission approved to form a committee that would assist with fundraising and overall development of the project.

The commission also heard from Arlo Levisen, President of the Grant County Historical Society who requested funding for a proposed shingling project involving historical society buildings. The board later authorized the expenditure of $6,000 for the installation of new wooden shingles for the Amsden Country School located next to the Historical House on 3rd Avenue in Milbank.

Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen also presented his annual monthly report to the board for the month of February. Sheriff Owen noted that the county jail has been full to capacity as of late, due in part to judicial proceedings whereby more individuals are ordered to be incarcerated than in year’s past. He noted that similar problems have also been reported in other area counties, as well.

In another matter, the commission approved a quote from Larry’s Refrigeration for replacing the cooling valve on the 1st floor and basement areas of the county courthouse.

The board also approved designated election precincts for Grant County for the year 2018 with the county being divided into 18 different precincts for all county-wide elections.