Renewable energy conference Nov. 12

BIRD CITY -- "Energy of the Future ... Utilizing Renewable Energy to Benefit Northwest Kansas" is the theme of the High Plains Renewable Energy Conference, set Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the VFW Hall in Bird City.

Today's society is facing an energy crisis with the disappearance of precious resources however, changes can be made by turning to renewable energy sources. The need for more dependence on renewable energy sources is sweeping the nation. Join us in Bird City, Kansas to learn more about not only wind energy, but solar and geothermal energy, carbon sequestration, and SEED Parks. Instead of accepting the myth that almost all youth need to leave our towns to find opportunities, now is the time to engage youth seeing the great potential that exists right here at home with renewable energy. Renewable energies are a solution to the ever-increasing out migration of youth from rural communities. There are many great opportunities for the future of rural communities that will arise from renewable energy.

The Ogallala Commons High Plains Regional Cluster invites youth and adults to spend an exciting day with us in Bird City, Kansas to explore how renewable energy can help rebuild our rural communities by exploring the possibilities of carbon sequestration, water re-use, wind energy and other innovative practices that agriculture-based communities can utilize to respond to the global climate change.

Morning Speakers Schedule

Bird City VFW Hall

8:30am -Registration & Hospitality

9:00am -Welcome and Overview

Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons

9:15am -(C -BED) Community -- Based Energy Development

Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union

9:45am -Re-using our Growing Municipal & Rural Waste Stream

Dr. Nick Parker, Global Scientific, Lubbock, TX

10:15am -- Break and Exhibit Viewing

10:50am -- Applications of DX Geothermal Technology

Barry Dicker, Decent Energy, Inc

11:10am -Kansas Solar Electric Cooperatives (K-SEC)

Eileen Smith, Director K-SEC

11:30am -Wind Energy for Your Farm, Ranch or Business

Jill Strnad, Sunflower Wind

11:50am -- Lunch

Afternoon Demonstration Fair 12:30 to 2:30pm

Bird City VFW Hall

Farm -Scale Hydrogen

Bill Paetzold, Hereford, TX Farmer

Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) for Farm & Ranch Fuel

Bob Mailander, Regional Representative Colorado Governor's Energy Office

Carbon Sequestration for Farms & Ranches

Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union

Small Wind Turbines

Rick Reeser, Electric Power Systems, St. Francis, KS

2:30pm -Afternoon Workshops adjourn

Registration

$15 per person

(Includes lunch, speakers and demonstrations)

Please RSVP by Nov. 11 or pre-register with this form:. Make pre*registration checks payable to: Rawlins County HTC and mail check: 112 S 4th St., Atwood, KS 67730. Please Include with Your Registration Check: Name, Address, Phone & Email

Sponsors: Cheyenne County Initiative, Network Kansas, Rawlins County Economic Development, Rawlins County HTC, Western Prairie RC & D, and Ogallala Commons.

Ogallala Commons is a non*profit resource development network offering leadership, education, and tools to incubate common wealth for communities in the High Plains*Ogallala Aquifer region. To learn more about our organization, visit our website (www.ogallalacommons.org) or for questions concerning this conference, contact Darryl Birkenfeld, Director, at 806*945*2255

For Further Information or Questions:

Contact Chris Sramek*(785.626.3640) or email: rced@atwoodtv.net