SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, Wis. — Friday was the last opportunity for Sheboygan County residents to officially object to the Plymouth Reliability Project, a proposed initiative that would bring electricity to many of their properties.

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSCW) held the public hearing at Lyndon City Hall to gather citizen feedback, which will be reviewed before the commission, led by utility ATC, makes a decision to reject or approve the project.

I have followed this process closely and previously spoken to local residents about their concerns about the project, including health and safety risks, disruption to agriculture and environmental impacts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
– A SHOCKING REALITY: Planned power lines threaten award-winning multi-generational farm

– On the defensive: Sheboygan County residents fight energy companies over property and environment

One of those people was Chris Kestell, the third-generation manager of his family’s farm, known worldwide for its award-winning Holstein cow embryos.

His mother Gin spoke at the public hearing on Friday afternoon.

“We didn’t know the impact this project would have on our eight-year-old grandson, who dreams of becoming a farmer one day,” she said in a choked voice.

“He plans to sell his valuable Pokémon collection and donate the money to N4N. In this way, he tries to secure his future as a farmer.”

Mikenzie Hammel, TMJ4

N4N, or Neighbors4Nighbors, is the local citizen group formed to oppose the power line project. The Kestells were one of the first to join in hopes of preserving their farm.

The younger grandson, Cole, was also brave enough to testify.

“If you don’t like it, don’t do it to other people,” he explained from a chair that was far too big for him.

Mikenzie Hammel, TMJ4

Carol Jean is also a farm owner and says she knows the negative impacts power lines have on property and people because one already runs through her land.

“I know those pops and shocks firsthand,” she noted. “We set up a two-person metal tree stand to scan the clearing for passing deer.”

On wetter days, any contact with this blind results in a strong electric shock through the skin. Jean said the blind is now unusable.

Mikenzie Hammel, TMJ4

Before the hearing, I spoke with Adam Redlich, a local resident who is also affected by the proposed alternative route for the power lines.

Although he said he is not a fan of public speaking, it is important to him to exercise his freedom of speech.

Watch: Sheboygan County residents speak out against proposed power line project

Sheboygan County residents speak out against planned power line project

“All you can do is fight for your rights,” Redlich noted. “If you don’t fight and try to make people aware of what’s going on, you’ll never know if you can make a difference.”

When he made a particular point in his speech to the PSCW, he was met with murmurs of approval from his neighbors in Sheboygan County.

Mikenzie Hammel, TMJ4

“I understand the need for power, but I also understand that the Commission’s job is to approve projects whose costs are justified beyond the US dollar.”

Members of ATC attended Friday’s public hearing. I met with Communications Project Manager Jody Lau to hear the company’s response to these concerned residents.

“Public meetings are a way to express their feelings and talk about the impacts on them. Do they have a sewer line that we don’t know about or something like that,” Lau noted. “Because we are fully aware that the route of a power line has an impact on the people whose property it crosses.”

Those who have not had the opportunity to provide public comment may do so through Monday through the PSCW’s online portal. The submission box can be found under Case 137-CE-205 on psc.wi.gov.

It’s time to pay attention to your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Report a typo or error // Send a news tip