by: Diane Benjamin

Another teachable moment is happening at Heartland.  I wonder if the environmental students are learning it.

I was contacted by one of the MANY people I rely on for information that the wind turbine at Heartland is out of commission again.  It was down last year too. (http://blnnews.com/2013/10/31/the-heartland-wind-turbine-died/)

I sent Heartland Community College a Freedom of Information Act Request for information on the latest problem.  This is the response:

This email is provided in response to your March 11, 2014 request for information.

 You are correct, the Heartland wind turbine currently is not operating.  The problem is a separate transformer unit that works in tandem with the turbine.  This transformer has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

 There will be no cost to the College for the acquisition and installation of the new transformer.  A new transformer has been ordered.  The current production, delivery, and installation schedule for the new transformer would place the turbine back in operation by May.

 Rob Widmer

Heartland Community College

Here’s the original story where I looked at how much the turbine cost taxpayers to install at Heartland:  http://blnnews.com/2012/05/24/will-the-heartland-college-windmill-save-money/

Heartland has said installing the turbine is a way to save money and use it for hands-on instruction.  I hope they use it for hands-on classes in economics.

Thanks for all the tips – I can’t do this without you!

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