Spirit Lake, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The verbal war over the latest wind project in Dickinson County became personal in coffee shops, social media, and even at the public hearing earlier this week. Jim Blume of Spirit Lake is chairman of the Zoning Board that wrote the ordinance

Harold Prior was a citizen member of the task force that came up with the ordinance. He lives near turbines in Dickinson County and has a turbine on his farm in Clay County.

Also speaking Wednesday night was Tim Fairchild of MIlford, who was defeated in his re-election bid to the board of supervisors, where the propagation of wind turbines was an issue.

The board of adjustment approved the construction permit for Invenergy’s Red Rock Wind project unanimously Wednesday night. The company has sent us a statement thanking the board and the landowners and local advocates who offered support.