Marshfield Data Center Claims Spark Lawsuit
NSI A1, LLC and developer Trent Overhue filed a lawsuit against Katherine Wiltse, alleging she spread false claims about fire incidents at a Marshfield digital infrastructure facility to encourage opposition to a proposed data center in Springfield. The plaintiffs claim the posts delayed the Springfield project and caused more than $1 million in losses; the case remains pending.
NSI A1, LLC and developer Trent Overhue filed a civil lawsuit Aug. 27 in Wright County Circuit Court against Katherine Wiltse over social media posts concerning an alleged pair of fires at a digital infrastructure facility near Marshfield. The lawsuit says the claims were inaccurate and were used to encourage opposition to NSI A1's proposed 10-megawatt project at 2900 South National Avenue in Springfield.
The plaintiffs allege the posts harmed Overhue's reputation, affected potential tenants and investors, delayed the proposal and increased costs by more than $1 million. Overhue acknowledged residents' right to question or oppose data center development but argued that false statements and personal attacks cause actionable harm. The case, which seeks financial damages and a jury trial, has not been decided.