Future of Going Green and Green Renewable Energy

No matter what side of the “green” aisle you are on I would hope that we can all agree that the United States has been severely sold out by not only the oil industry but also government leaders. Our dependence on oil has reached epic proportions and we can't be so blind as to not share the blame along with several entities for allowing it. This crisis has brought green technology to the forefront of debate. This was also at the heart of a meeting which took place on Wednesday, 12 October, 2011, at the Shenandoah High School Auditorium.

A very informative presentation was presented to the public by Growth Energy which is chaired by Tom Buis and co-chaired by Retired General Wesley Clark. The presentation involved an almost one-hour-long film and piggybacked on the precepts and success of our own Green Plains Renewable Energy. Alternative fuels was strongly advocated but specifically the use of corn – hence ethanol.

For me, personally, I understand that there are always sixteen sides to every issue and it's important to understand them all before making any firm and informed decisions. I do know that we are way too involved and dependent in foreign oil. I'm all for liberating people from tyranny and oppression but when our military is sent into places where there may be our “energy interests” at stake then that's where a line needs to be drawn and we, as a nation, need to take a good look at ourselves.

Don't get me wrong. I wholly support our military servicemen who protect our interests overseas and seek to reduce the power of Al-Qaeda. However, we live in a society of many layers of unmentioned reasons and intentions for every action. I have to believe that a part of why we are so involved in the fighting effort, no matter how small that part may be, is because without THAT oil over there our own livelihood and economy would crumble. This is where the shame is and this is what I mean when I say I support the military effort but question the entirety of our reasons there.

Really, this is a quagmire that's been forming for decades. Any leader in office feels compelled to protect those interests because to not do so would make that leader unfavored among his/her constituents. For decades we have been weened from the skill of independence to a culture of servitude and dependence. Great modern cities and palaces are being built in desert sands with the wealth we supply while hundreds of thousand of our own men, women and children suffer to live under bridges or in appalling conditions. There is an obvious disconnect here and it takes the form of a noose with which we shall one day hang ourselves with lest other action be taken.

The presentation was interesting. A few things I learned in the presentation were:

• The corn used for ethanol is by and large not the corn we consume but rather the corn used in feed lots for livestock. This was interesting because I've heard many times the allegation that ethanol production is raising the cost of food. Apparently this was inaccurate.
• The corn used for ethanol is for the most part returned as feed source in the form of ethanol byproduct. This is product that is produced or left over after the entire ethanol process is complete.
• Algae production right here at Shenandoah's GPRE is having much success and is even at stage 2.5 out of 3 from being commercialized.
• Ethanol is not new. Henry Ford used ethanol before gasoline exclusively from the beginning of his company up until the start of Prohibition. That was interesting to me!
• The cost of an hybrid or flex fuel vehicle is a sham. The actual cost to make a car compatible with ethanol 85 is about $40-$50. The difference is the coating of the tank, some type of fuel line and a microchip. That's it!
• Green Plains in Shenandoah uses the city's gray water and not the water feeding into our homes. This waste water is used as a coolant at the plant.

There were many more things learned but it's important to note that we are releasing carbon into our air supply by burning a non-renewable source. The healthiest initiative is to harness the power in our own environment. Corn for ethanol is renewable. Algae is renewable. The same can be said for wind and solar. I also didn't know that there is an increased demographic of ailments among populations near oil refineries. If true than it's a testament that we need to steer into a new (or old according to Henry Ford) direction.

Yes, this presentation was a plug for ethanol and a push to raise awareness of our oil dependence. I know that there are perspectives, pro and con, to every side. I know that by shifting energy sources you cut a job in the oil industry and a source of income for a family. However, if the claimed benefits of ethanol and renewable energy sources is true then it must be the avenue we need to take. Furthermore, if we can steadily create jobs in the process of this shift even approaching the workforce of the oil industry than we can accomplish energy independence while adapting our own culture to the changing times.

Right here in Shenandoah we have a great opportunity to learn how GPRE works. We also have cutting edge technology and research taking place right here with algae. The more we learn the more we can contribute and teach others.

It all starts in the home. We must teach our youth the need of independence and self reliance. Do this in the home. Do this that they may maximize their integrity and self worth when they live out in the “real world” and raise their own families. Teach them the value of energy and how it's brought to bear both in the oil industry and ethanol. As we raise this independent awareness we'll be better prepared as a community to support initiatives that help cut the ties of financial and energy dependence.

I don't classify myself as “green” or even pro oil. I do, however, consider myself an American that is FOR the American family and especially the surety of it's future. Right now my focus is on the American families in Shenandoah, Iowa. I believe we live amidst opportunity. I believe we have energy sources all around us both that we have technology to harvest and even sources yet not identified. For us in the Shenandoah area I believe we need to embrace ethanol and have pride in where it's being produced.

From this meeting I have gained a deeper appreciation for Mother Earth and what she's supplied us with – opportunity!

Sister Cities Shenandoah Iowa and Tisovec Slovakia

Shenandoah has a great asset in Tisovec, Slovakia. Tisovec is Shenandoah's sister city. At Tuesday's (10/11/11) City Council meeting we heard the report of a recent trip there by a Shenandoah delegation. The entire report was superb and full of hope. The Tisovec people, especially in the parliamentary leadership, were moved by Shenandoah's gesture of goodwill. The delegation was even invited to a school program about 9/11. They thought they were going to hear student reports of the dreadful day but instead it was actually a chance for the Slavic people to ask us (the delegation) our own feelings of 9/11. The report was that everyone in attendance was greatly moved. These kinds of events further bind cultures. We are truly blessed to have a friend in the community of Tisovec, Slovakia.

The Sister Cities International program is a great way to connect the world. It's a “win win!” Great strides seem to have been taken to warm relations and strengthen future ties. As a gesture of goodwill Shenandoah proposed a tree planting ceremony on Tisovec ground as symbolic of a solid foundation of relations between our two great cities. This tentatively may take place in the spring of 2012.

As part of my “wish list” of things to happen in Shenandoah while in my proposed tenure of City Councilman At Large is the hope that individuals in our community may organize through this Sister City International delegation to communicate personally with individuals of the sister city of Tisovec, Slovakia. Ongoing communication may help create friendships and foster even economic ideas to benefit each other.

Constantly improved technology can make this process easy. With the help of Facebook and even the premiere of Google+ exchanges can take place daily. Google+ especially comes to mind because there are simple avenues to have webcam “hangouts” in circles. This can be not only fun but also productive as far as economic ideas and cultural exchanges are concerned.

I plan to look into this process immediately to see it's relevance.

A Treasure in Shenandoah Iowa

Some knowledge is taken for granted. Some knowledge is so essential yet simple that it often needs to be reminded by even a simple voice in a noisy world. Such is the case just last week. Often, we in southwest Iowa feel isolated and cut off from opportunity and those activities that make city life look exciting. I was reminded just last week of a treasure that we have right here in Shenandoah. A treasure that I also grew up with in the Isolated Nebraska town of Avoca and even Nebraska City. The treasure is – isolation.

Don't get me wrong. This is not some dark dismal rendition of some kind of grandeur of being away from the more populated world. I only want to expound on one aspect of the isolation that we have - yet take for granted. Are there things to learn and remember from living in an area with exponentially less traffic? Are there good things that come from living in an area where most people still don't lock their doors? Is there a softer sense of safety when our children go on their walkabouts? Consider these things and then consider the future.

I remember when I lived out in the country in Avoca, Nebraska. We were trailer house tenants on a farmstead that had lots of crops and lots of cows. I remember that maybe four or five times a year we'd wake up to cows in our yard because they escaped the fencing somehow. It was interesting running to the car while dodging the landmines left by our guests. We didn't lock the door because there was no need to. There was nearby vegetation to go exploring in and there was a hay barn just up the hill where my brother and I used to play and jump on the huge rounds. These are memories that, now looking back, contributed to my entire makeup today. It fostered courage and curiosity. It also allowed the principle of self reliance and endurance to prevail.

Avoca is home of the Quack Off!

Being in a trailer house on a farm was brutal during the winter. I remember the pipes freezing up every year and the only true warm room in the house was the bathroom which was located right next to the furnace. It served as a family room because we brought in the little black and white television (with tin foil for reception of course). I remember us having to bring the dishes into the bathtub to be washed. Also, don't even get me started on the toilet. That was an indulgence that we may now sit comfortably and read the paper but at that time our system of family restroom turns was extremely disgusting. Remember, no plumbing and frozen water lines. You do the math and use your imagination. Yet – it was a memory that contributed to who I am today.

I loved walking a half mile to the small town of Avoca and walking the streets having fun with friends. My brother and I often went to the small laundromat to play Space Invaders. It was one of two video games there. I loved and continue to cherish my memories of my school there. Though not used as a school no more, and old and musty, it still bears memories good and bad for many past students. These too contributed to my being today.

In Nebraska City I enjoyed the liberty of walking the streets. It was safe as far as I allowed it to be in my rebellious years. We did lock our doors more but the town was just small enough to enjoy the privilege of walk and curiosity – with an added touch of trouble I might add. Still, these added to who I am.

Nebraska City is the home of Arbor Lodge.

Shenandoah is no different for our children. I often hear them scourge at the lack of things to do and their desire to go to the big city. However, what they don't realize now is that fifteen or twenty years down the road they will look back with gratitude of the latitude and liberties they had. These freedoms were dependent largely because of being in a smaller city in a greater rural area.

This is the treasure which we have here. In order to retain the fond memories for our youth of the nature of Shenandoah we need to give them things to enjoy and to create their own environment in. We do have a great many activities and places to visit here. Our rising generation have many local generosities of a wide variety of scholarships to partake of. Yet there is always more that can be done.

Take a drive down Shenandoah!

I submit that we need to continue striving toward community involvement and interaction. Acquiring the sense and knowledge that you are part of something larger is fulfilling and encourages happiness. I believe that there should be greater dialogue between the public and the officials they elect. Through this, perhaps we can expand the activities available so as to further inspire and interest all kids across the diverse spectrum here in Shenandoah.

Our “isolation” is a gift which we can benefit from immensely. It's an opportunity to create opportunity in a community ripe with talent and occasion to serve one another. All this is made possible by the blood and courage of the United States military past, present and future. They continue, as they always have, to protect those simple things in life that we take for granted yet reap the benefits from down the road.

Honor our defenders, honor our rising generation, honor citizenship and honor the memories of Shenandoah. Always be engaged in a good cause. Let's roll up our sleeves for the betterment of this community.

Shenandoah Iowa City Hall Renovation

I've heard many residents of Shenandoah bewildered at the use of funds to renovate the City Hall approach. With other uses that tax payer money is going to it can be difficult for some to realize the purposes of some projects.

I advocate this use of funds. The end result of the plan is to have the City Hall more cosmetically coordinated with the downtown area. More importantly though it makes the City Hall entrance safer and more inviting for the Shenandoah residents and visitors.

The sidewalk has always been an eyesore and a safety hazard in my opinion. It's nothing short of a miracle that legal action hasn't been taken. At least none to my knowledge. The City Hall represents a communal ediface in which all who reside in it's jurisdiction should have equal opportunity and ease for entering therein.

I'm glad the city government took this action.

Community Service Initiative Builds America

Serving our fellow citizens is part of purpose and joy. We have so many people in our community willing to help when the call is given. Passing this great ethic and virtue on to the rising generation is an important responsibility for all adults. I've found that many of our youth who seek opportunities of community service lack the knowledge as to where to ask or find it.

I advocate an ongoingly publicized central initiative for youth, whether individually or as an organized group, to go to and receive ideas and projects to help the community. We have a few Boy Scout troops in the area. We can offer them ideas of what we feel the community needs most by way of service. Service helps them learn and to fulfill advancement requirements.

In addition, it's at my attention that a certain amount of documented community service hours are required to be rendered by our High School Seniors. It would be an excellent idea to give them a place to look for these opportunities.

Community service builds character and teaches lessons of selfless service toward others. This benefits the community in countless ways. From a budget perspective community service can help in that area as well. Most of these opportunities are accepted without monetary compensation yet are often recognized in the media. Given that coupled with a group of youth beautifying or benefitting the community is nothing short of a “win win” situation for everyone.

Again, I advocate the idea of a centralized portal where people can go to swiftly and effectively serve their community. There are few better ways to truly connect the community to those whom the community elected as their leaders and councils.   

Military Service of Aaron Green

Veterans Day is a very special day of the year. It is has a grounded place in my heart as well. My military service is vague to most people who know me. This article will serve as a clarification or history of my own brief military service.

My friend, Chris, and I left our homes when we were seventeen. Both disturbed by the pressures of the world and youth in general. We got ourselves an apartment and barely survived our Senior year of High School there. I admired Chris because he was more grounded and much more sure of his future. He wanted to be a doctor and I all but gave up on any kind of a future for myself.

I remember approaching Sergeant Trumble in our High School commons area. She was a recruiter representing the United States Army. Knowing my own personal plight it didn't take me long to put the pen to the paper. “Officially” the buddy program no longer existed but the option was there to get an automatic promotion to E2 status if we get another signed up. Chris wanted to be a doctor yet neither one of us had any money. Allured by the prospect of having paid education through military service Chris saw the wisdom in the decision and signed up as well.

Both of us officially entered the military under DEP on October 25, 1990. DEP stands for Delayed Enlistment Program. Both of us mid-termed our Senior year and shipped off to Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia on January 18, 1991.

At this time Iraq had already invaded Kuwait and tensions were high. While at boot camp we met occasion when our platoon was brought together. It was announced to us that we were now at war with Iraq. I remember watching the missiles light up the skies over Baghdad on CNN. I remember Drill Sergeant Davies telling us that we will be going over there. I was actually grateful for that news.

Anyhow, I never made it there. Not only did Desert Storm offer brief headlines but I also suffered a medical problem during training. Outside of what's commonly known as the “gas chamber” I fell down into an epileptic seizure. A condition unbeknownst to me I was completely bewildered when I briefly became conscious on the medivac helicopter. Drill Sergeant Raleigh said the epic words that would help define my future. “Son, you had a seizure.” All went fade to black after that until I awoke in the base hospital.

I was medically discharged March 5, 1991 from the United States Army. The entire incident left a big hole in my life and soul for many years. It took quite some time to realize the direction what Higher Power had in store for me. I left the base with $900 in my pocket and no firm direction. I could've gone anywhere and just disappeared. I'm grateful that the stronger power brought me back to the Midwest.

There are those who consider me a part of the brotherhood of military who have served. I do not and cannot since I didn't serve in the capacity I intended to serve originally. Back in 2007 or so I did inquire at the Shenandoah National Guard Armory about reenlisting. However, knowing what my discharge status was from 1991 I knew that I was ineligible for such an honor. Even today just as in Desert Storm I watch servicemen come and go to active tour and a part of my heart goes with them. Though not enough I hope it will serve as much for the time being.

To this day I remain a patriot loyal and true. Though unable to serve militarily I have helped in other capacities. In the past I have helped organize efforts to assemble and ship school kits for Iraqi children. Perhaps to serve here at home and abroad in other capacities is the direction I was intended to take. I believe that America and those who defend it have a divine protection and foundation that qualifies them for greatness if worthy. I believe this country and it's military have a high standard to uphold. To be an example of liberty and personal conviction is an inherent duty and responsibility of a service member. The fruits of freedom in the eyes of those who don't have it demonstrate the potential of man. This is the example that propels them to greatness. It's the heart of a volunteer! It's that same heart that triumphed the first responders at 9/11 and it's the same heart that sets men free of tyrant leaders around the globe.

We are America!

Missouri River Flood and Super Wal-Mart Construction

At the 9-13 Shenandoah City Council the Iowa Department of Transportation unveiled plans to increase a third lane for traffic northbound turning into the Walmart construction sight.  Plans are moving ahead and the equipment is running.

This segment of the meeting turned lengthy as it led into discussion of dangerous traffic on Highway 59 especially due to the Interstate 29 closure.  The Iowa DOT admitted that they haven't done a traffic count along 59 since probably 2008.  Shenandoah Police Chief announced that traffic has increased three-fold since the detour took affect.  The DOT may utilize resources to check the traffic count north and southbound on 59, but they are firm that the third lane will be built.

A suggestion came up during the meeting that we need to investigate into the possibility of installing traffic cameras in a couple locations on Highway 59 within the Shenandoah city limits.  Though becoming unpopular in places such as California these cameras may benefit the cause of safety for the effected stretch of road.

I am for this idea of traffic cameras.  The pressures on truck drivers is understandable.  They are squeezed for time on an already tight schedule.  The detour doesn't help any.  However, safety must and should always prevail especially within city limits.  I don't mean to focus on truck drivers but rather local resident drivers as well.  This matters to not only fellow drivers but also to the safety of pedestrians.  There are a great many Shenandoah residents who's occupation is located at Orchard Corners or the several businesses along Highway 59.  Walking this stretch of road is extremely dangerous and hazardous.

The entire stretch of road is a disaster waiting to happen.  In order to control the situation steps must be taken to tone down the speed and and level of aggressive driving currently taking place.  It's not just "through" traffic. Because of the detour many of the businesses have prospered under single to double digit percentage increase in business.  We've got through traffic as well as increased traffic turning onto 59 that must be considered.

All our fears up to this point have been aimed at the recent history of the detour affects.  Now compound on that the fact that we are fast approaching the snow and ice season.

I advocate an extra stoplight at the intersection of 59 and the south entrance to Orchard Corners and/or the installation of traffic cameras both there and also at the current stoplight by Mondo's.  I'd strongly suggest that from now into the foreseeable future and beyond we all take extra care in our surroundings while driving the new "Interstate 59."