Wind turbines confuse weather radar

A Vermont meteorologist says he’s contacted weather forecasters in and near the state to ensure they’re aware of false storm readings created by wind turbines. Those readings are an unintended side effect of the wind farms cropping up on windy plateaus and mountains all over the nation. Andy Nash of the National Weather Service in South Burlington says computer technicians can program sophisticated meteorological radar equipment to avoid registering stationary objects such as hills and buildings, giving a clearer view of subtle weather patterns. But they have trouble “erasing” large moving objects such as clusters of wind turbines. The radar is designed to pick up changes in wind speed and direction, something encountered both in storms and near wind farms, The Burlington Free Press reported.

Talking cameras to stop crime in Nashua

The city of Nashua, N.H., is setting up at least three automated cameras that take photos of vandals and give them a voice warning that they are trespassing. Mayor Donnalee Lozeau says the city has been trying to crack down on graffiti. The cameras will be placed in unannounced locations in the next few weeks, The Telegraph reported. The motion-sensored FlashCAMs are made by a company called Qstar. They run on solar power and contain an infrared lens that can take high-resolution photos of people or license plate numbers in darkness more than 250 feet away.

Connecticut limits rehiring of retirees

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed an executive order to limit the number of retiring state employees who are rehired on temporary 120-day contracts. Such contracts have been signed to help smooth the transition of the state’s retirement incentive program. Rell has said more than 3,460 state workers have retired in a budget-cutting move. Under Rell’s order, retirees will be limited to no more than two 120-day contracts. Their pay will be limited to a maximum of 75 percent of their previous salary. Rell says the 120-day contracts are supposed to be used for only unusual circumstances. But she says she has heard too many reports of people double-dipping.