Wind energy

To the editor:

I came to Marion County in 1961, newly married and eager to build a life in a place that felt like home.

More than six decades later, I can confidently say I found it. Marion is still the kind of town where kids ride their bikes through quiet streets, where the old train depot has been lovingly turned into a public library, and where neighbors look out for each other.

It’s the kind of community that deserves to grow — not just in population but in opportunity.

And one way we’ve started doing that is by welcoming responsible corporate partnerships, including from companies you might not expect — like those in clean energy.

Over the past few years, Orsted has been working in Marion County to build wind turbines on local properties.

From Day One, they didn’t just show up to do business; they showed up asking how they could help.

They’ve donated to our food bank, supported the local school, and contributed to the institutions that keep our town running strong. In short, they’ve acted like neighbors.

I understand that when big companies come into small towns, people have questions — and they should.

It’s important to ask whether these projects will disrupt our way of life or bring real benefits to the people who call this place home.

From what I’ve seen, clean energy can complement our rural traditions, not threaten them.

Our food bank, which I’ve had the privilege to help run as treasurer, served more than 8,000 people in 2024 — half of them seniors and children.

We rely on donations and volunteers, including local school groups, who help unload the monthly 8,000-pound shipment we receive from Kansas Food Bank in Wichita.

Contributions from partners like Orsted make a meaningful difference in keeping our shelves stocked and our neighbors fed.

And beyond the food bank, there are broader benefits. Landowners receive steady income from wind projects. Local businesses see more traffic. The town sees new tax revenue.

It all adds up to greater stability and a chance for towns like Marion to not only survive but also grow.

That’s something we all want — for our kids, our grandkids, and the next generation of Kansans who will live and work on this land.

Change is always going to come, whether we like it or not. The real question is how we manage that change — and whether it benefits the people who live here.

When done right, clean energy isn’t an outsider coming to take over. It’s a partner that helps our communities move forward on our own terms.

I want to see Marion continue to thrive — more families, more businesses, and more opportunities. And I want to see our food bank continue its mission for many more years.

With the right partnerships and a strong sense of community, I believe we can do just that.

Gene Winkler
Marion