Wind Energy = Cha-Ching!

Wind farms are bringing much needed revenue to grateful rural Missouri towns.

Since the first turbines started turning in March, tourists have been flocking to the community from St. Joseph, Kansas City and even Iowa to see them.

"It sure is a novelty, seeing those big ol' windmills out there turning," Mayor Jim Gillespie said. "We've embraced it."

Also embraced is the injection of revenue the wind farm has brought to the county. Next year, more than $300,000 in new property tax money will go into the Gentry County coffers. The school district, which suffered 9 percent budget and personnel cuts a few years ago, is expected to bring about $200,000 more.

by Kenny Johnston on 10/30/07

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