Cripes, a data center in SW Wisconsin? Now just you wait a Manitowoc Minute!

A community meeting called "Data Centers in the Driftless - A Community Conversation" was held in Potosi, Wisconsin to discuss concerns about potential data center projects in the region. The event was organized by local residents and drew a large crowd from across southwest Wisconsin. Comedian Charlie Berens, known for his "Manitowoc Minute" comedy videos, attended the event and spoke passionately about the need for transparency and community control over data center development. Berens criticized the lack of regulations around data centers, their water and energy usage, and the use of non-disclosure agreements by tech companies. He called for the industry to provide more detailed information about the environmental impact of data centers and to have open discussions with affected communities. Berens' speech was well-received by the audience, many of whom are concerned about protecting the rural character and natural resources of the Driftless region. The event also featured other speakers and drew the attention of local and regional media outlets, signaling the high level of community opposition to large-scale data center projects in the area.