A Data Center Offered $26 Million for Her Land. She Said No.
Summary
The Journal visits Maysville, Kentucky, where nearly blind resident Delcia Bear and her mother Ida are fighting a tech giant, likely Meta, over a proposed AI data center. Despite a $26 million offer, the pair refuse to sell their ancestral farm, citing deep religious convictions and a desire to preserve their land. The episode explores the resulting community divide, featuring local bar owner Danielle Rees who supports the project for economic reasons, while highlighting the tension between neighbors and the spiritual significance of the property.
Topics discussed
Off-road drive to Delcia's hidden clearing
Delcia's childhood, bullying, and horse Rebel
The data center threat and land history
Rejecting the $26 million land offer
Show intro and Credit Karma sponsor
Tour of Ida's home and the bats in the chimney
Invasive species and local wildlife lore
Why Delcia changed her mind about selling
AI as the Antichrist: Religious beliefs
Environmental concerns and national support
Songs and letters of support from fans
Lawsuits against neighbors and community tension
Suspicions that Meta is the developer
What would Jesus do? Final stance
Visit to The Thirsty Beaver biker bar
Bar owner Danielle's pro-data center view
Civil discourse rules and local debates
Patrons discuss jobs, noise, and cows
Danielle's business risks and stubbornness
Delcia's husband's ashes and son's custody
Feeding cattle and the original homestead
Gravestones and ghost stories on the land
Son's vision of the girls and final resolve
Closing remarks and credits
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