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Wind turbines may blow up insurance rates
A: Main, news
November 27, 2024
Wind turbines may blow up insurance rates
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR,

Opponents of wind turbines have been sounding the alarm for weeks, warning of the potential dangers of 121 turbines proposed to be built in western McIntosh County, near Lenna and Hanna.

Saundra Traywick, who lives near Luther in far Northeastern Oklahoma County, has traveled the state pointing out the impact she says the turbines have on the environment, water, livestock, wildlife, humans and property values.

District 13 State Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, pointed out another problem that may be created by turbines, one that had not been mentioned publicly until last week but one that has the potential of affecting everyone who has insurance, not just people who live close to the turbines.

“Your insurance rates will go up,” Hays told a gathering of more than 100 people at the VFW hall on Thursday, Nov. 21, who were there at the invitation of the McIntosh County GOP.

It was a regular monthly GOP meeting, but the general public was invited to hear a number of speakers talk about the proposed wind turbines, which could eventually number 900 and be seen around the lake as well as the county.

Hays had an insurance company before he turned to politics and won office in 2022.

“Here’s what’s happening right now on the insurance front,” he said. “About 1/3 of the insurance companies out there, if you have a wind turbine on your property they will not insure you, period. Another 1/3, if you have a wind turbine on your property, they will not insure you for any liability claim at all. They may insure you for damage to your property, but no liability at all. If a blade flies off and hits someone else’s house it’s up to you. Another 1/3 of them have made up their mind they will still offer liability, but the trend is going to no liability coverage.”

According to Hays, Oklahoma has the highest insurance premiums in the nation. “We are number one. Auto insurance has gone up 55 percent in the last three years,” he said.

Some insurance companies have actually left the state.

“If you have a wind turbine on your property, the way they’re going the rate for you you’re going to pay through the roof for that (liability) exposure. Nobody likes their insurance rates now, they’re not going to get any better with that liability exposure.

“Having said that, most people who have wind turbines on their property are not worried about their own property, just their liability.

“But everyone who lives around them, the insurance company is going to rate you, your property and your location,” Hays said.

Oklahoma’s propensity for tornadoes impacts the ratings of everyone.

Now, turbines also will impact everyone’s rates.

“Even if you don’t have one on your property more than likely if they start to build them around you your rating is going to put you at a higher risk category, therefore more than likely you will face higher premiums,” he said.

Hays explained that insurance companies “want to off-load risk.”

If your property is at risk from distant turbines, your rates will go up if the insurance company doesn’t leave the state.

“Insurance compasince.

are going to mitigate the risk and ship it out or shut it down and go someplace else that is profitable. If they can’t raise your rates so that they think it’s a good investment for them to be here, they’re going to leave. They’re in it to make money.”

Braving the festival, honoring a friend
A: Main, news
Braving the festival, honoring a friend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
September 3, 2025
Every Labor Day weekend since moving to Oklahoma, I thought about going to the Dusk to Dawn Blues Festival. But the idea of a yard party running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. was intimidating—and I could neve...
A: Main, news
Man injured diving into shallow water
September 3, 2025
A 22-year-old Yukon man was injured when he dove from a pontoon boat into shallow water at Lake Eufaula, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Patrick Tanner reportedly stopped his vessel to swim ...
A: Main, news
Man found dead in yard; possible suspect investigated
September 3, 2025
WARNER – Warner Police responded to a call early Saturday morning about a dead man laying outside of a residence in the area of Fifth and Third streets. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old...
A: Main, news
Wellness Day for seniors Sept. 16
September 3, 2025
Heritage Home Care’s fifth annual Senior Wellness Day will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 126 N. 1st St. (now Bridges Street), which is the former location of Family Dollar. The e...
A: Main, news
Looking ahead: Firm to help guide the way
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What will Eufaula look like in 50 years? Without a plan, it’s anybody’s guess. But the City Council has taken steps to remove at least some of the guesswork. At a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29, the ...
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
A: Main, news
Wine and Art Festival extravaganza Saturday
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 3, 2025
What: Vision Eufaula Wine & Art Festival When: Saturday Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: 150 N. Front St. Information: 405-248-2992 or visit visioneufaula.org The fourth annual Wine and Art Festival ...
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5 in race for state school superintendent
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5 in race for state school superintendent
By Jennifer Palmer Oklahoma Watch 
September 3, 2025
So far, five candidates are running to lead Oklahoma’s public education system as state superintendent in 2026. Former Tulsa school board members Jennettie Marshall, a Democrat, and Jerry Griffin, an ...
DOC Director stepping down
news
DOC Director stepping down
By KEATON ROSS OKLAHOMA WATCH 
September 3, 2025
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe, one of the highest paid officials in state government, will step down on Sept. 30 to take a private sector job. “I’m extremely proud of my tim...
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Class of ’65 reunion set for Sept. 12
September 3, 2025
Graduates of the Eufaula High School Class of 1965 will get together from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12, at the Legacy on Main Street, 224 N. Main St. Graduates of the classes of ’64 and ’66 are...
A site out of this world
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A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 3, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/ A...
Rest, reflections, and farewells
commentary
Rest, reflections, and farewells
By JOE DORMAN OICA CEO 
September 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – I hope your Labor Day weekend was full of relaxation. I schedule a vacation each year with friends to get away over this holiday which allows me to “charge up the batteries” for upcomi...
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