As I sit here writing this, tiny snow flakes are floating outside my window. Last month, as I was writing this column, blowing gusts of snow were pounding at my window, so perhaps this snowstorm is an improvement. By the time†you read this, itís supposed to be in the 70s; of course, that means nothing in Colorado. At least we can say the weather here is never boring! Mother Nature loves to shake it up.†The New Falcon Herald is shaking it up this month, too. Jason Gray is bringing a new column to our readers. The Pasture-Raised Life is all about his trials and tribulations and those of others as first-time and/or seasoned small-scale farmers. Also, Breeanna Jent discusses shark conservation issues with a passionate 9-year-old advocate, also a Falcon resident. NFH writers Angie Morlan (be sure to read the story about Angieís son and sharks), Kathy Hare and Robin Widmar always inform and entertain with†their columns. A big thank you, also, to the contributions from our business columnists: Dr. Jim Humphries, Jenni Mathews, Jeremy Kniffen and David Corder.Lindsey Harrisonís front-page story on wind farms and the consequences for domestic animals residing near the wind turbines is a must-read. I want to address this article.†Although Lindsey has written about the opposition to the wind farm and the negative health effects that many people have experienced because of the turbines, we are not anti-wind farm. That said, this monthís article, ìWind†turbines = animal deaths and deformities?î is disturbing, at the very least. These people arenít lying about whatís††happening to them and their animals, as the photos certainly reveal. And the horrific tales have been reported†worldwide.†I am 100 percent for alternative energy, but not at the expense of human beings and pets and wildlife. I feel sorry for these people. They are never going to sell their homes, if they are honest with buyers. They are stuck in a situation†that appears bleak and hopeless. There is a lawsuit in the works, and acoustic and medical studies are being conducted on the infrasound pulses emanating from the turbines; but how many people have to get sick and how†many of their pets have to die before we come up with solutions.†To have solutions, we need communication. The wind and alternative energy companies; the people living near wind farms; the decision makers from the city, county and state; environmental and conservation groups; animal†welfare groups and other interested parties should sit down at the table together and figure out how to fix this. Quit arguing about or denying the problems, and ask the tough questions: What really is a healthy distance between humans†and wind farms? Can the technology be changed? How can the turbines be safe for not only humans and pets but also wildlife? There are many, many questions. And, after searching the Internet, there are pockets of people†addressing some of these questions; but it wonít be resolved unless EVERYONE is at that table.†As a newspaper, we will play our part — which is, simply, to tell the story. As Ernest Hemingway said, ìAll you have to do is write one sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.î†Happy Motherís Day; see you in June.†– Michelle
