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Mason County board approves special-use permit for Topeka Wind 1 despite public opposition
Summary
The Mason County Board approved Resolution 2026-43, granting a special-use permit for Topeka Wind 1 (parcel 06-20-400-001) after public comment raised opposition and counsel advised limited legal options if state guidelines were met.
The Mason County Board approved Resolution 2026-43 on April 14, 2026, granting a special-use permit for Topeka Wind 1, LLC for a wind energy conversion system on parcel 06-20-400-001. Andrea Thomson moved to approve the resolution and Dorothy Kreiling seconded; the chair announced the motion carried.
The permit drew public comment. Robert and Denise Roese told the board they oppose the applications; Austin Bushur of New Leaf Energy responded during public comment and assured those present that the company "will do their due diligence." Gary Bauer, who said the property in question is his, told the board the turbines "will benefit the community" and that he was "happy to help with that." County counsel Alex Rives told the board that "if the developer has met all state guidelines there is really nothing they can do," noting legal limits on denying permits when state standards are met.
The board record shows the resolution was presented, heard with public comment and counsel input, and approved by motion. The minutes do not record a roll-call tally for this motion; the transcript states only that the motion "carried."
