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Wind energy boosting Henry County
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BISHOP HILL -- The 200-megawatt Bishop Hill Wind Energy farm began full commercial operations last week, according to owner Invenergy Wind LLC. Power from the 133 wind turbines scattered around 22,000 acres of farm land is being purchased by the Tennessee Valley Authority and is sufficient to meet the needs of approximately 120,000 homes. Even as it announced completion of the wind farm, Invenergy said it is developing a third phase featuring 83 turbines. Other than saying the farm would be in Henry County, Invenergy declined to provide further details. A second phase of Bishop Hill was developed by Invenergy, then sold in March by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, which is completing construction. Tax money from the first of the wind farms to go into operation is expected to be a major boost for Henry County and various of its governmental units. The county, which took in more than $1.2 million in building permits during construction, estimates each turbine will generate between $7,000 and $8,000 annually in property taxes, to be distributed among taxing districts. Cambridge school superintendent Tom Akers said he hasn't heard yet how much revenue the district will pull in, but he said it will blunt the impact of state budget cuts on the school district, and means teacher layoffs are unlikely. "It helps us tremendously," he said. Henry County Board chairman Tim Wells said Henry County is one of the greener counties, and with three percent of the nation's energy coming from wind, he couldn't be any prouder of Henry County with its 133 turbines and two ethanol plants. "The idea of wind revenue has been working very well for us," he said. "We've been using that revenue as a bridge for what the state doesn't send us." Opponents of the project seemingly have resigned themselves. Beth Magnuson of Windy Corner Farm in Bishop Hill said "We may have gained something, but I think we've lost a little of our ambiance ... the quiet nature of the village," she said. Ms. Magnuson said she used to take "long sweeping (camera) shots" of the landscape coming into town and now she can't take any that don't have turbines in them. "Invenergy is proud that the Bishop Hill Wind farm is generating a new source of renewable energy here in our home state of Illinois," said Jim Shield, Chief Development Officer of Chicago-based Invenergy. Invenergy and its affiliated companies operate in North America and Europe. It bills itself as the the nation's largest independent wind power generation company, website: www.invenergyllc.com. 
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Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town.
1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).
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