Cherry County zoning administrator to investigate complaint against planned wind farm

VALENTINE, Neb. - Cherry County’s zoning administrator will investigate a zoning complaint against the developers of a proposed wind farm near Kilgore.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, opponents of the BSH Kilgore wind project claim the company is violating county zoning regulations. The company received a conditional use permit in 2019, but that permit expired on Oct. 15, 2024.

During Tuesday’s county commissioner meeting, several residents raised additional concerns. Carolyn Semin said that the company has also not completed an environmental impact statement that needs to be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before construction.

“Sandhills Energy has consistently attempted to push through an agenda without conducting proper research or following the conditions set forth by the commissioners,” said Semin.

Commission President Mike McConaughey and County Attorney Eric Scott both said that the next step is to have the zoning administrator notify the company of the complaint and conduct an investigation.

“Civil investigations like this should be conducted similar to a law enforcement investigation. Right now what we have is an allegation,” said Scott. “Jane (zoning administrator Jane Stolzenburg) needs to do an investigation to determine the ultimate facts.”

If the investigation finds violations, Stolzenburg could order construction to stop or pursue legal action to bring the company into compliance.

In October, Sandhills Energy Senior Vice President of Operations Michael Knapp said the BSH Kilgore wind farm would include 14 turbines and planned to begin construction soon. Knapp was present at the commission meeting on Tuesday, along with other company representatives, but didn't speak.