The Public is invited to a Community meeting in Callao, on 4/14/26 Regarding Proposed Power Line Upgrades ...

Community Meeting Regarding Proposed Power Line Upgrades - Tuesday 4/14/26 @ 9:30AM -

Friends, neighbors, and fellow landowners...

I'm reaching out regarding the proposed upgrade to the high-voltage transmission lines in our area and the impact this will have on our land, our homes, and our families. 

Many of you have already had contact with representatives coming onto or around your property. Some of those interactions have raised serious concerns - including damage to land, lack of clear communication, and actions that leave landowners feeling like they are being pushed rather than properly informed. 

We need to be very clear: this is not just a short-term project. This is a long-term change to our land that will affect us, our children, and the next generation that farms and lives here. 

One topic that continues to raise concern is electromagnetic fields (EMF) associated with high-voltage transmission lines. While organizations such as the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences state that the evidence is not conclusive, they also acknowledge that questions remain particularly when it comes to 

long-term exposure. 

There have also been legal cases and claims brought forward over the years regarding potential health impacts, which shows this is not a settled issue and continues to be debated. For many of us, when it comes to our families and our children, "not conclusive" does not mean "no risk." It means we should be paying attention, asking questions, and making informed decisions before agreeing to anything that will be in place for decades. 

EMF is only one part of a much bigger picture ...

We also need to consider: 

• Land damage and disruption from heavy equipment, construction, and access routes 

• Permanent changes to the landscape, including large structures and concrete foundations that will remain for decades 

• Loss of control over how our land is used under easements 

• Impact on farming operations, including maneuverability, drainage, and productivity Property value impacts, both now and in the future 

• There is also the issue of compensation. 

  Many of us are being presented with settlement offers that may seem significant at first glance. But when those payments are considered over the 30 to 40 year lifespan of these lines, they often amount to far less than the long-term value being given up. 

What might feel like a short-term financial gain today could turn into a long-term loss for your operation, your property value, and your family's future. 

In some cases, additional "improvements" or accommodations are being offered. It's important to understand that many of those are things that should be expected as part of responsible 

construction - not extras that justify signing away long-term rights. 

Another important point to consider is who truly benefits from these upgrades? These types of transmission upgrades are often part of broader efforts to increase regional grid capacity, including the ability to move power generated from large-scale projects such as solar fields and other energy developments. While those projects may be located in or near our region - including developments around the Kirksville area - the reality is that the increased transmission capacity does not necessarily translate into direct benefits for the landowners and residents who are most impacted by the infrastructure itself. 

In other words, we are being asked to carry the burden of these changes on our land, while the long-term benefits may largely serve areas outside of our immediate community. 

This is not just about today. 

This is about the long-term impact on your livelihood, your family, and the generations that will come after us. Too often, projects like this move forward because landowners are approached individually. When we stand alone, we have very little leverage. When we come together, we can ask better questions, share information, and make sure we are not being taken advantage of. 

For that reason, I would like to invite all affected landowners and nearby residents to attend a community meeting: 

Tuesday, April 14th 

9:30AM 

Callao Fire Protection District Station 1 (Across from 36 & 3 Cafe) 

103 Old Hwy 36 

Callao, MO 63534 

At this meeting, we will: 

• Share what we know 

• Discuss concerns openly 

• Talk through what we are being offered Identify questions that need to be answered Decide how we move forward as a community 

• No commitments Just information and conversation. 

If you have been contacted, expect to be contacted, or live anywhere near these proposed lines, your voice matters. 

Please share this with anyone who may be affected. 

We all care deeply about our land and the future of our community. Let's make sure we fully understand what is being asked of us - and what it will cost us - before any decisions are made. 

Sincerely, 

C. Tyler Hall

(660) 768 - 2767