Did you hear a boom in Iowa this week? That might have been these turbines being demolished.

Yahoo! News - Mar 15th, 2025
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In Story County, Iowa, two wind turbines were deliberately demolished in a cornfield near Nevada, creating a loud noise that reverberated through the town. The planned demolition took place at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, supervised by the Nevada Fire Department and the Story County Sheriff's Office. A video, captured by a drone team and shared by the sheriff’s office on Facebook, shows the turbines collapsing with a small cloud of smoke at their base. The turbines, owned by Goodwind Energy, had recently been listed for auction by Peoples Company, an Iowa farm management and real-estate brokerage firm. As of Friday, the demolition video garnered over 4,800 views.

The reasons behind this demolition remain unclear, as attempts to contact Goodwind Energy were unsuccessful. The incident highlights ongoing changes in the renewable energy landscape in Iowa. The auctioning of these turbines may indicate shifts in ownership or strategy within the wind energy sector. This event underscores the broader implications for local energy infrastructure and economic activity, raising questions about the future use of renewable energy resources in the area.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and timely report on the demolition of two wind turbines in Story County, Iowa. It effectively captures the event's immediate details but lacks depth in exploring the broader implications or reasons behind the demolition. The reliance on limited sources and absence of diverse perspectives affect its overall accuracy and balance. While the article is easy to read and understand, it could benefit from greater transparency and engagement to enhance its impact and public interest. By addressing these areas, the article could provide a more comprehensive and influential account of the event.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story provides a factual account of the demolition of two wind turbines in Story County, Iowa, with specific details such as the involvement of local emergency services and the timing of the event. However, there are areas that require further verification, such as the exact reasons for the demolition and the ownership details, which remain unclear. The claim that the turbines were owned by Goodwind Energy and put up for auction by the Peoples Company needs confirmation. Additionally, while the article mentions the presence of a drone team documenting the event, it does not provide direct access to this footage, which could help substantiate the claims. The article does accurately report the event's occurrence, but the lack of detailed background information and the inability to verify certain claims affect its overall accuracy.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents the event from the perspective of the demolition's occurrence and the immediate response by local authorities. It lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as potential environmental impacts, community reactions, or statements from the companies involved. The absence of these viewpoints could lead to a skewed understanding of the event, as it does not explore the implications or reasons behind the demolition. Including input from stakeholders like local residents, environmental groups, or company representatives would provide a more balanced view of the situation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, presenting the sequence of events in a logical manner. The language is easy to understand, and the structure allows readers to follow the narrative without confusion. However, the lack of detailed explanations for certain claims, such as the reasons behind the demolition and the auction process, may leave readers with unanswered questions. The article could benefit from additional context or background information to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the event.

4
Source quality

The article cites the Story County Sheriff's Office and mentions the involvement of the Nevada Fire Department, which adds some credibility. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from these sources, reducing the reliability of the information presented. The article also fails to provide contact information or statements from Goodwind Energy or the Peoples Company, which are crucial to verifying the claims about ownership and the auction. The reliance on a Facebook post for confirmation of the event further diminishes source quality, as social media posts can be less reliable than direct interviews or official statements.

5
Transparency

The article provides basic context about the demolition event but lacks transparency regarding the methodology used to gather information. It does not disclose how the reporter obtained details about the event or the sources of specific claims, such as the auction and ownership information. The article also does not address any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might influence the reporting. Greater transparency about the information-gathering process and potential influences on the story would enhance readers' trust in the content.

Sources

  1. https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2024/11/27/cedar-co-family-in-turmoil-after-explosive-turbine-demolition-scatters-debris-across-farm/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prHRMGY2i70
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL8A1c6e6KQ
  4. https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2024/11/27/storm-damaged-wind-turbine-taken-down-with-explosives-in-eastern-iowa/
  5. https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/wind-turbine-demolition-iowa-cedar-county-farm-acciona-freeman-green-energy