Large lithium batteries next step in SD wind power expansion | Freeaccess | madisondailyleader.com

WAVERLY, S.D. – Retiree A.J. Howey has a hard time understanding why a Florida energy company would build a set of industrial-sized lithium-ion batteries near his rural homestead where he enjoys puttering around in the yard and raising exotic chickens.

Howey's property in Codington County lies amid miles of open farm and ranch land. He sees the lithium-ion batteries – which in rare cases can catch fire and release toxic chemicals – as a possible intrusion on his peaceful lifestyle. The proposed site is a third of a mile from his place.

Codington County retiree A.J. Howey, shown in his kitchen on Oct. 24, 2024, is worried about a battery storage system proposed to be built not far from his home near Waverly, S.D.

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This map shows the location of South Dakota wind power sites.

A proposed lithium-ion energy storage system would be built near this NextEra Energy Resources wind power substation, shown on Oct. 24, 2024, northeast of Waverly, S.D.

This map shows the location of South Dakota wind power sites.

South Dakota voters largely rejected ballot measures during the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.

South Dakota citizens widely chose Republican candidates for statewide and legislative offices in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.

Republicans took all available seats representing Lake County and District 8 residents, based on the results of the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.

WAVERLY, S.D. – Retiree A.J. Howey has a hard time understanding why a Florida energy company would build a set of industrial-sized lithium-ion batteries near his rural homestead where he enjo…

Check out final results here.

Check out final results here.

Final results are available here.

The runup to a major election can be a hectic time for election officials, whose tasks include training poll workers, testing tabulators, processing absentee ballots and providing voter information.

Nearly 6 in 10 South Dakotans plan to vote for Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, according to a scientific poll of 500 registered voters co-sponsored by So…

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Elementary school teacher Sarah Gross has seen the toll that low teacher salaries and minimal pay raises can take on teachers, schools and public education in general.

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