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Bio-Diesel to Power Lincoln County School Buses Save Email Print
Posted: 11:07 PM Jun 12, 2008
Last Updated: 11:10 PM Jun 12, 2008
Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com

A | A | A

LINCOLN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) --- Many experts says the only way to stop rising gas prices right now is to just use less gas. But a groundbreaking energy project beginning right here in our region will put hundreds of the biofuel bandwagon and save thousands of dollars.

Here's the kicker -- it's operated by high school students.

Friday, United States Senator Jay Rockefeller and an FFA student will pour the first gallon of home grown biodiesel into a Lincoln County School bus tank. This is a fuel saving project that many say should be growing around the country.

FFA students at Lincoln County High say you can't find this bio-production equipment to convert vegetable oil into diesel fuel any where else in West Virginia. You can't find a large scale bio-processing plant like this anywhere on the eastern seaboard.

"It will help the environment, save money," Kacelyn Brogan, an FFA student, said. "Teach us a trade."

Students will make the biodiesel fuel from three main sources, used industrial cooking oil, they will grow canola seed and a greenhouse full of oil rich producing algae.

With local diesel prices at 5 dollars a gallon, the young eco-entrepreneurs say they'll make enough biodiesel - 500 gallons a week at just two dollars a gallon -- to fuel the district bus fleet and save 32 thousand dollars next school year.

"We'll have more money for classes and tips," Heather Hild, an FFA student, said. "It will be much cleaner."

Once the Lincoln County bus fleet has it's biofill, local farmers and diesel truck drivers may be topping their tanks here at school.

Biodiesel is also eco-friendly. It cuts exhaust emissions by 92%.

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Posted by: paige on Jul 31, 2008 at 02:45 PM
i think that a school being able to make it own fuel is wonderfuk

Posted by: Student on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I'm a 13 year old loving the enviroment.. And loving Bio-Diesel.. Just wondering, Has there been any problems with this so far?? it sounds like it can be a major money saver and it helps the enviroment in one swoop.. how much has it been researched?? I'd love to see this come through and spread through the nation... Good job!!!

Posted by: Tammie Ruth-Love on Jun 16, 2008 at 02:34 PM
That was my brother teaching the kids!! I know he wouldn't do anything to harm anyone. Vaughn has been working on bio-diesel for several years now. He has own children in his car, which is run on bio-diesel. I'm proud of the kids, trying to take care of their future and ours!! It might save this nation on money wise, so that maybe some of us can have our social security in our time, and these kids can receive it to. Yes it does smell like french fries, but we all live in a chemial valley. Someone is always coming up with something, that will cause cancer or some other problem. I don't think the school, would like these kids, do or make something, that could be VERY harmful to them and everyone else. You have to pick your pro's and con's. You go kids!!!!!!!!!!! I'm glad that my brother could help and teach you what you needed to know.

Posted by: Ron on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Way to go Lincoln County! I am interested in making Bio-diesel myself and would love to tour the processor site. Anyone have any info on tours?

Posted by: Childloke on Jun 14, 2008 at 12:53 PM
And to think LCHS students can excel in a new building, explore new technologies, and have great teachers. Thanks to the state taking over the school system. However, what did Lincoln County see in their media, The Lincoln Journal this week, stories of board members fussing over chairs and signs in the gymnasium. Signs and chairs that businesses purchased to assist LCHS in their success. I hope the state keeps control of Lincoln County. It will never prosper with people like Carol Smith, Thomas Ramey and Phoebe Harless on the board. Keep up the good work LCHS and Mr. Saxe. More importantly, keep up the great work LCHS students. You kids are the real adults in Lincoln County

Posted by: Doug on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:01 PM
It has become pretty evident that we don't need to buy foreign oil or pay 5.00 dallars gallon, when high school students ( in southern WV ) can make it. So why are things the way they are now? As the old saying goes it's people like Rockefeller and the oil companys STUPID ! ! Hitler done it, 60 years ago and they used coal also...

Posted by: Earnest on Jun 13, 2008 at 04:41 PM
It's amazing to me that some have concerns about possible adverse effects of chemicals on the students when we have hundreds of chemical plants with emissions, car exhaust, second hand smoke every day. We all are exposed to many chemical emissions that are harmful to us. The rest of the country needs to give this a serious thought about biodiesel production. Fuel will not get any cheaper.

Posted by: Janette on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:46 PM
These are high school students and it's about time they learned to do something of some benifit under supervision. Try it out on old Jay if more test are needed.

Posted by: Supportive on Jun 13, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Safety is always a top priority during scientific procedures in classrooms and I am certain that is the case in this biodiesel program. This is a very positive program that is teaching students about chemistry, entrepreneurship, and protecting the environment. Before assuming the worst, consider the benefits of a program like this. We are very fortunate to have such an active FFA club in our county that is innovative and has the best interests of students in mind at all times.

Posted by: Jason on Jun 13, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Shut up "Logan County" and "should these kids". There are risks with everything including riding the school bus and even breathing(they could breathe in your second hand BS). There are risks in life. This is a great idea and has the possibility to teach kids economics and the processes of producing fuel. Its nice to see Lincoln County is producing something other than illegal narcotics and more bums for THIS state to take care of. GO LINCOLN COUNTY, GREAT IDEA!

Posted by: YeeHaw on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:06 AM
About time these rugrats earned their keep. I don't see why we ever abolished child labor in the first place. While they are at it, why not have them plow the back 40 and grow crops that could be served in the cafeteria? Oh, and we could always put in Nike shoe factories right next to the school...why only let 3rd world country kids make any money? It's a win win for the school. It takes 1 teacher for 25 or so kids in a classroom. Why, one lineboss with a bullhorn could keep 80 or 100 kids busy in the field or plant! It's a money saver!

Posted by: Wv Hillbilly on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I dont know how all this is made or d effects,but IF it doesnt harm d kids good letm go.also couldnt this b produced n factories by adults? with protection? what about Ethylene? why havent we all switched? it is basically moonshine and VERY cheap 2 produce, our govt.doesnt want us 2 find "renewable"fuels high costs=more tax$,if this wouldve gotten d attention yrs ago that its getting now its hard 2 tell what we may have Brazil's been doing this 4 yrs. P>S> The fact that our prez is an oil man and has most of d mid east (the worlds main supplyer) has nothing 2 do with all of us getting raped at d pump

Posted by: Gonzo on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:14 AM
They aren't talking about a refinery where you have to break down all he impurities in he oil...if done correctly making biodeisel can have little to no affect at all on your health..which I believe you know anything about..you could make biodiesel from french fry grease and not have any health problems..now with that being said "logan county" and "should these kids" If making biodeisel was as harmful as you all think,, don't you think eating frenchfries 1 day a week would make you terminally ill for the rest of you life...hhaha what a crock ...do your Homework..People like you 2 are the reason gasoline is $4 a gallon..anyone that tries to come up with something knew you all shoot it down...the world is based on change..and if you can not change with it you should just crawl in a hole...

Posted by: In Logan County on Jun 13, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Biodiesel has been powering school buses for quite a while now.. However they do not subject the children to projects that may have adverse effects on their health. Biodiesel by design is a solvent and solvents have low flash points which means these childrens lungs may be getting something they are not bargaining for to save some money. Do the science experiment and record the results but please do not put children in harms way!!!!

Posted by: Should these kids be on Jun 13, 2008 at 08:37 AM
exposed to some of these chemicals to allow for a county school system to save money? OK before it starts I just want to say a science experiment is one thing but for them to produce for the county school system will require repeated exposure to some substances to break down the the impurities from the oils and is this such a good idea considering there has not been a lot of research to date concerning adverse effects of some of these chemicals on these young children. I applaud thier project but there is no mention of these children being protected from the possible long term effects so the county can save a few thousand dollars.

Posted by: Doug on Jun 13, 2008 at 02:25 AM
Don't forget coal, it can be used also ! Hitler done this 60 years ago and now it can be done in southern WV buy highschool students.? Why hasn't this practical tecnology been used on a commercial basis insted of buying foreign oil on the world market? Could it be the oil companys and their influence on our so called leaders? What ever, Rockefeller sure don't have anything to proud of or to be connended for here. He like Manchin just sticks his mug and name in every time when something note worthy happens ! I am one democrat that is sick of hearing their crap.

Posted by: Dianna on Jun 12, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Way to go Lincoln County! Nice to hear something good about the county. :)

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