Drafting Class Visits Valmont
     On Monday, the first period drafting class went on a field trip to Valmont. The trip was set up because the drafting class is interested in wind turbines, and Valmont is a producer of wind turbines, and also has one. Our host, Peder, was very helpful in answering our questions. He is one of Valmont's salesman, but also has a degree in mechanical engineering, so he knew what he was talking about. He let us know what size of wind turbine would apply to our needs.
     Nebraska is the 5th windiest state, but not alot of people have seen the potential of wind turbines. If we were to have our own wind turbine at Mount Michael, in most cases, we could create our own power. Although wind turbines are not cheap, they eventually pay for themselves within 7 years. They last for at least 20 years, and the maintenance on them is fairly minimal. - Article by Tom Murphy.