Shortcuts | Aug. 26, 2010

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MENOMONIE PROPERTY OWNERS SUE CITY FOR GATEWAY PROJECT
A group of Menomonie residents veiling themselves under the name “Concerned Property Owners of Menomonie” recently filed a lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit comes after the Menomonie City Council approved plans for a new residential complex dubbed the “gateway project” where a vacant grocery store now sits. CPOM claims the development will adversely affect their quality of life, personal property, health, and safety. Other Menomonie residents have set the web abuzz with comments, many alleging that the lawsuit seeks to put a halt to something progressive for the city. The planned development would result in a four-story complex with retail stores on the first floor and student housing in the rest. Construction was slated to begin in August and finish a year later.

VALLEY GETS BROADBAND GRANT
The Chippewa Valley will soon receive a $11.7 million grant to be invested in the expansion of broadband internet services. All told, more than 200 miles of fiber optic cable will be laid underground and upwards of 1,300 square feet of WiMax (wireless) coverage will be installed. These services will directly improve communication among critical government, health, educational, and safety centers. The initial sum, made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be augmented by investment from partners of the Chippewa Valley Internetworking Consortium (CINC), and we can thank UW-Extension for conducting the grant application process.

UWEC, STOUT NAMED AMONG BEST UNIVERSITIES
In two studies released this month, UW-Eau Claire’s ranking among public and private institutions soared. U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” for 2011 ranked the school fifth among top public Midwestern universities, and 24th among all Midwestern colleges, both public and private. It also specified the school as one of 12 Midwestern institutions whose faculty members demonstrate an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. UW-Stout was recognized this year by the same magazine as a “top tier” institution, promoted from last year’s third tier ranking. The Princeton Review also bestowed UW-Eau Claire with one of 152 “Best Midwestern College” designations, scattered throughout a 12-state area.