Wind energy project debated
ERIE Audiences continue to increase at public forums on the Neosho Ridge wind energy project, according to The Chanute Tribune. A recent meeting had to be relocated to accommodate the crowd. Opponents included a couple who said they moved from Texas because of the panoramic view of the countryside and did not want to live by a wind farm. A farmer who said he signed a lease with the company cited new business, an increase in the tax base for schools and job creation as reasons to support the project.
Amish school opens
MONT IDA Members of an Amish community have opened their own private school after the USD 35 school district closed a public school that served the area, The Anderson County Review reported. Central Plains school opened west of Garnett in September on land donated several years ago. The site was developed for youth basketball and other sports as well as Sunday school and community meetings. USD 365 closed an elementary school in Mont Ida in 2016 after a boiler failed and the replacement cost was considered too expensive. The school had 19 students at the time.
Skate park nearly complete
FREDONIA A new skate park, supported by the Healthy Living Action Team of Cultivate Fredonia, is nearing completion, according to The Wilson County Citizen. The park is in the final stages of completion and is located behind the former armory, just west of the swimming pool. The area includes sports activity areas for baseball and softball, swimming, tennis and basketball.
Erie school district faces financial woes
ERIE The Erie school district superintendent expressed financial concerns at a recent meeting. A snapshot of the district finances over the last five to six years show decreases in several funds. A former superintendent urged voters to pass a 4-mill increase for the capital outlay fund, but now it will take at least 8 mills to keep the district above water, Superintendent Troy Damman said.
Parsons district adds students
PARSONS The Parsons school district gained about a dozen students this year after official enrollment counts, The Parsons Sun reported. There are 1,300 students in the district. This is the second year the district has seen a slight rise in enrollment.
