National Wind Watch: Alerts » Oregon

More tribute to Chadd Mitchell

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 16:20:34 +0000

[Chadd Mitchell was killed on Aug. 25, 2007, when a programming error in the Siemens wind turbine he was working in allowed the blades, which were braked but pitched in "full-power" position, to start spinning. The sudden release caused the blades to hit the tower, buckling it. Click here for story.]

Tana and Chadd’

Kinley, Kayla, and Zach

Zach, Tana, and Chadd

Chadd and Kinley

Chadd and brother Bradd

Chadd and Kinley

Click here for earlier tribute.

Tribute to Chadd Mitchell

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:11:27 +0000

Chadd grew up in California and was trained as a surgical tech in the Army. He moved to Goldendale several years ago and worked at Goldendale Aluminum, where he was a union shop steward. Goldendale is where he met his partner Tana, and they have a four year old daughter together, as well as one child each from previous relationships ages 14 and 16. When the aluminum plant closed 6 years ago Chadd got re-certified as a surgical tech and then came to work at Klickitat Valley Health here in Goldendale. That’s where he and I helped organize a union, and became best of friends. After securing the contract, the hospital started making noises about cutting back on surgical services, and Chadd possibly losing a significant amount of income. So he had just taken the wind power job in early July in order to have better wages and benefits to support his family. He was very happy with his new job, felt very appreciated, loved working outdoors and being more physical. He had also decided to run for Hospital District Commissioner, and asked me to run his campaign. He was looking foward to winning the election in November after making it through last Tuesday’s primary.

He was called in to do some OT this Saturday, doing routine maint. at the Klondike faciltiy just across the Columbia River in Oregon. We got the news he died about 4:30 pm, and I can still hardly believe he’s gone …

A New Star

I see a bright new star tonight
As I gaze up into the sky,
It glistens in a teardrop
As it drifts upon a sigh.

A little light all filled with soul
A twinkle so unlike the rest,
To me it’s brighter than the moon
More than any other, it’s the best.

A part of earth for just a while
Now the heavens are its home,
Here it was confined as life
There it’s free to roam.

A little gem to crown the sky
A jewel for all to see,
Its sparkle is for all mankind
Its memory, just for me.

In Loving Memory of Chadd Mitchell, Nov 16, 1972 — Aug 25, 2007

Chadd and I count the ballots for a union at KVH.

A portrait I took of Chadd outside my house.

Chadd inspiring his co-workers during a tough night of negotiations.

Chadd in a cropped picture from meeting with Washington’s governor.

The contract is ratified.

Chadd with his surgical team.

Petitioning management for better respect on the job.

Early victory party in the dining room.

Remembering Chadd at the wind tower site yesterday with select KVH employees and family

Oregon Trail threatened

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:25:48 +0000

The Oregon Trail lies in the corridor of the greatest potential for wind
energy in Oregon. One project has already been constructed on a historic route of the Oregon Trail in Oregon. Two more projects are under construction this summer on the main branch of the Oregon Trail in Oregon. Another project is nearing its final approval and construction is expected to begin next year. More projects are planned but are not yet in the permit process.

Senate Bill 823 in the Oregon Legislature seeks to require consideration of the known historic route of the Oregon Trail in Oregon and would require a review by the State Historic Preservation Office before a permit could be granted for development.

Two photos are attached. The Barlow-Klondike photo is on the branch of the Oregon Trail that turned southwest to the Barlow Road extension of the Oregon Trail across Barlow Pass on the south flank of Mount Hood. Mount Hood is the mountain behind the windmills. The Oregon Trail — Biglow photo is a scenic location on the main branch of the Oregon Trail north of the Barlow-Klondike site. This scenic view was recorded by multiple emigrants in their diaries as they plodded along. It will be filled with windmills the summer of 2007.