Ready for the wind

As Crescent Elk Middle School students congregate, the propeller-topped wind turbine is about to be lifted into place. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

As students streamed from classrooms and local dignitaries looked on, a long-awaited 40-foot-tall wind turbine was raised on the campus as part of a seventh-grade alternative energy project.

It went up just fine, but there wasn’t enough wind for it to start turning — yet.

Spectators from neighboring businesses and residences joined the throng as the long metal pole with its futuristic-looking propeller was winched into place.

The teacher responsible for the project even issued a proclamation.

“Crescent Elk Middle School is a green school and will continue to lead our community to help create a better future for our wondrous planet Earth and all of its citizens,” said Joe Gillespie.

Joe Gillespie issues a proclamation. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

 In essence, Crescent Elk will now help power Del Norte County.

“I like that we’re helping the community,” said student Genesis Campbell. “We’re helping to save the planet. I think that it’s very important we’re doing this.”

Campbell wasn’t alone.

Whether it was the scores of kids chanting “Cougars,” or Mayor Kelly Schel­long’s heartfelt thanks to Gillespie’s students, raising the turbine felt like a party.

Dignitaries gather. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

The school had to get approval from the city Planning Commission for a height variance because maximum building heights in the area are usually 35 feet.

The city is now considering an ordinance to streamline future proposals for wind turbines.

“It’s a huge relief,” said Gillespie about getting the turbine up. “We may have paved the way for these turbines to go up in a much more efficient way in the future.”