Francesville Council Moves Closer to Establishing Plan Commission, As Wind Turbine Discussions Continue

A wind energy developer discussed its plans for Pulaski County operations with local officials Tuesday. Among those was Francesville Clerk-Treasurer Linda Bennett. “Well, it was a little over two hours,” she says. “There were a lot of questions asked, a lot of answers given. Of course, you don’t know exactly. I mean, you would hope that they are being truthful with you.”

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Pulaski County Commissioners to Get Update on Wind Turbines, Consider Bridge Inspection Contract

Pulaski County Commissioners: Mike McClure, Jerry Locke, Kenny Becker

An update on wind turbines will be given to the Pulaski County Commissioners this morning. In the past several months, a number of filings have been made with the Federal Aviation Administration for possible wind turbines in the Francesville and Star City areas. County Attorney Kevin Tankersley has been looking into writing an ordinance that would regulate them.

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Starke County Council Approves Revised Airport Zoning Ordinance

!airportpicPlans to extend the runway at the Starke County Airport by 5,000 feet received the county council’s blessing Monday evening. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Charlie Weaver says the local facility is part of the National Airport System Plan and is therefore eligible for money from the Federal Aviation Administration. He adds those funds come from excise taxes levied on the aviation industry by the federal government. Continue reading

Change to FAA Drone Rules Could Benefit Indiana Economy

1The Federal Aviation Administration is scheduled to release proposed regulations for the commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (U.A.S), commonly referred to as drones. As of right now, the use of drones is limited to hobbyists and a small number of researchers, businesses and government agencies. The new rules are expected to cover altitude limits and license requirements and will open the doors to using drones in a number of new ways.

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Plymouth airport may add hangars

Mary Perren

Marshall County pilots may soon have a new place to park their planes. The Plymouth City Council recently approved an ordinance that clears the way for the Aviation Board of Commissioners (ABC) to lease ground and allow private individuals to build hangars at Plymouth Municipal Airport. There’s currently a lengthy waiting list for hangar space. The aviation board is looking at a spot on the south side of the airport. It will require an easement from the neighboring storage units for access to the property. The roadway that was placed in the Greenlee administration was in the airport clear zone and has never been used to access.The ABC’s engineering consultants will assist in determining the correct location for building. Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration is also required.