First Posted: 3/16/2015
WETZEL — A large group of residents converged at the Jackson Township Hall in Wetzel to voice concerns about stopping the construction of a 2,400-head hog barn.
Ernie Welch, who lives near the community, has reached a deal with Cooper Farms, signing a contract to build the facility on Converse-Roselm Road. However, some residents are up in arms about having what some described as a megafarm come into the small community, mostly known for the annual Wetzelland music fest held annually.
However, the town is also made up of many small-time farmers and residents looking for a quiet country life, a life they are saying a large hog farm would destroy.
“Just like they brought those damn windmills out here,” Don Hawkins said. “We moved out here because we want to see the sunset and live the country life. Move that s—- somewhere else.”
Residents asked both Welch and several representatives from Cooper Farms and agencies that would regulate the farm to reconsider the deal that has already been struck. The building was originally supposed to be built in September or October of last year but early snowfall pushed the building off until the spring.
Residents voiced many other concerns, including the smell, ammonia and other emissions that could potentially cause health problems, and potential problems with water supply just to name a few. Others accused Welch of trying to sneak the barn in without telling anyone. Residents were also concerned about the barn being less than a quarter mile from the community church, Zion Christian Union, which is on the same road.
“You guys have no moral compass,” resident Dan Edwards said to the Cooper officials and Welch. Edwards then asked for Welch to at least address the crowd so he could show his “arrogance.”
Welch defended his move. He said he understood the concerns and said they were legitimate, but that people were making it bigger than it would be.
“There is always a fear of the unknown,” Welch said. “A lot of those fears can be alleviated. We are good stewards. We are good neighbors. I live here too and I wouldn’t put myself in a bad situation. We will take every precaution that is possible.”
Cooper representatives said they provide the livestock for the barn and had strict environmentally friendly guidelines for the company, but most residents were not convinced. Edwards asked for some kind of guarantee that there would be no problems.
“The only guarantee we can give is we will make Ernie comply to our standards,” said Carl Link, representing Cooper Farms.
Resident Gerald Markly said it was a last effort to get both Welch and Cooper Farms to reconsider. He said the move is tearing up the church congregation and upsetting people, all in the name of greed.
“You are out destroying people’s lives in the name of $96,000 a year,” Markly said.
With the building postponed, construction is now expected sometime this spring.
