Free Republic

A peaceful Wisconsin city has been thrown into a frenzy as a mysterious company plans to build a $1.6billion data center on hundreds of acres of farmland. Menomonie is facing the largest development plans the historic city has ever seen - and its residents are fighting back. Known for its stunning landscapes and small-town feel, Menomonie may be home to a massive data center that citizens fear will drain the area of not only its charm, but its resources.

MENOMONIE - Each Sunday, the cafeteria at River Heights School is transformed into New Life Lutheran Church. Folding chairs are set up and lunch tables are pulled down to provide seating for the congregation and space for coffee, cookies and other goodies for post-service fellowship. Another table is set up in front of the folding chairs to serve as an altar, complete with a wooden cross made by parishioner and woodworker Art Alf, a banner with the church name is hung on the wall, and a piano is wheeled in to accompany songs during Sunday services. The church - a...

Pharmacist faces complaint over failure to dispense birth control (Published Tuesday, March 16, 2004 09:10:04 AM CST) Associated Press MADISON, Wis. -- The state Department of Regulation and Licensing has filed a complaint against a pharmacist who refused to fill a woman's birth control prescription because of his religious beliefs. The complaint against Neil Noesen was filed with the Wisconsin Examining Board over an incident that happened in the summer of 2002. It said Noesen, 30, was working as a fill-in pharmacist at the K-Mart Pharmacy in Menomonie and had told the managing pharmacist he wouldn't fill prescriptions for...