A recent news article, Wind Blows Money Into Pockets of Sherman County Residents, takes a look at the economic difference wind energy has made in Sherman County. This is the third consecutive year that checks will go out for Sherman County's residents' share of annual wind-energy revenues. Roughly 550 wind turbines have brought dramatic changes to the county. Twelve wind farms are now on line, producing 1,000 megawatts of alternative energy and providing the county government with $9 million annual revenues. The county also gives Wasco, Moro, Rufus and Grass Valley annual checks, and under the county's agreement with the wind companies, the payments will continue until 2025. There have been some bumps along the way, but wind power has made a difference. The county's per capita income was Oregon's second highest behind only Clackamas County in 2009, and they were last in per capita income among Oregon counties as late as 2004. You can read the article in its entirety on OregonLive.com