News from neighbors
Request for renewable energy projects comes up empty on NCORPE land
IMPERIAL REPUBLICAN, July 27 — Officials with Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement Project reacted with shock and surprise when their request for proposals for wind and/or solar projects on its 16,000 acres of land failed to draw even one proposal.
Kyle Shepherd, general manager of NCORPE, said 10-15 companies expressed interest in developing projects on the site. But when it came down to it, none of them submitted any proposals.
Shepherd said they’ve been working with the renewable energy division of HDR, an Omaha, Nebraska-based company specializing in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services around the world.
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Ideas flowing upstream; flood mitigation stakeholders can look to Nebraska for inspiration
STERLING JOURNAL-ADVOCATE, July 18 — Stakeholders learned Monday that the first step in the South Platte Master Plan — a stream corridor evaluation — is complete, and the plan is on track to be finished less than a year from now.
The SPMP is a study of flood mitigation and recovery possibilities along 130 miles of the South Platte River from the Morgan-Weld county line to the Nebraska state line. Authorized and funded by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the plan will suggest ways to make the river more “flood resilient.”
Stakeholders attending the meeting may have gotten some ideas of how to tackle challenges from a 90-minute presentation by Jerry Kenny, executive director of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program.
That program comes from an agreement among Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and the U.S. Department of the Interior to preserve habitat for whooping cranes, least terns, piping plovers and pallid sturgeons, four species on the endangered species list.
The program maintains water at an adequate level along an 80-mile stretch of the Platte River between the Nebraska cities of Lexington and Grand Island in an area call the Big Bend Area.
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Veterans Memorial on track with fundraising planned
IMPERIAL REPUBULICAN, July 20 — “The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment,” said Judd Gregg, former representative and senator from New Hampshire.
The Chase County Veterans Memorial is a few steps closer to reality. Based on community development meeting “dream” lists, the community has made their feelings clear that the memorial is high on their priority list.
Members of the veterans memorial committee say it will not only honor veterans for their bravery and commitment to this country, but it will proudly give credence to the patriotism evidenced in this small Nebraska town. Travelers passing through Imperial, Nebraska, will see that small town America is alive and well and supporting military veterans, they believe.
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Drone and thermography camera aid in fire fighting
AKRON NEWS-REPORTER, July 19 — In the right place at the right time. That was the exact circumstance for Dusty Birge on a hot July afternoon, nearly two weeks ago.
Birge was a passing motorist after a train sparked a fire July 6 just east of Otis and ignited several fires to nearly Platner. As crews from Akron, Otis and Yuma battled the flames, Birge approached firefighters, asking for permission to help.
UAV Recon is a drone inspection service, owned and operated by Birge out of Johnstown, providing inspections on utility transmission lines. More than just a drone hobbyist, Birge is also a certified pilot and Part 107 certified through the FAA for drone flight.
To even further his credentials, Birge jumped on board Skyfire Consulting, the leading public safety specific sUAS company in the country, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Skyfire Consulting primarily helps public service, law enforcement, emergency technicians, fire services, and search and rescue with equipment purchasing.
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