" again, I must say--be glad its a sign and not a sandwich board! "

" I lived in Viroqua for approximately four years, beginning in 2001. One of the things I did appreciate was the smalltown feel of the community. The people were friendly and very helpful. My sentiment has to go with those who have expressed dismay that small mom and pop businesses are leaving town. As that happens, the city of Viroqua will lose much of the "personal touch" that has characterized it in the past. The service-type businesses that have moved into town are not there to help bolster the local economy. Businesses like Dahl's Pharmacy, Langhus Pharmacy, Nelson's, Buzzy's Furniture, and others, have proven over time their loyalty and dedication to the citizenry of Viroqua. Perhaps the city council and the powers that be (anyone who has lived in Viroqua for any time knows that these are two separate groups) should consider support of the hometown businesses as being a little more important than they have to this point. Evidence of such support could be shown by a willingness to allow the local businesses the opportunity to have scrolling signs on their property in addition to Walgreen's. While sign ordinances are probably necessary, and the time expended in drafting such ordinances is commendable, when these regulations are pushed to a point where feelings of ill-will are fosterd, perhaps a rethinking of the ordinance is in order. Don't sacrifice local pride and morale on the altar of the letter of the law. "

" I have to say we do have such a thing as a Neighborhood watch program….. What I am trying to say is, that someone did in fact see the crime in progress at the new Walgreen’s. Who?, well this was not done in a dark alley this was done out front were someone can see them from Kwik trip, someone has this information and should come forward, but they may not because this really is a small town and everyone knows everyone’s business..... I have to say Good luck to the law enforcement on catching the bad guys......... "

" I moved to this town a year ago and I must say it is the most behind times town I have ever seen.And may I add expensive.I truley dont know how people can afford to shop in the stores downtown.And the WAlmart here doesnt have alot to chose from in all aspects.And lets not go there to fill a prescription.Unless of course you have all day to wait for it. I have met a few people here and they are friendly and I am thankful for that. I guess In a nutshell I think that Walgreenns will be benifical for alot of the elderly people and this town should wake up and appreciate what it does have. "

" I remember when I was a young adult seeking employment in Viroqua. I was unable to find employment other than a cook or a waitress at the local restaurants. So, I had to move to another location for employment. A few decades ago, there were several opportunities for businesses such as 3M and other manufacturing businesses to build in Viroqua. But the board wanted to keep Viroqua a retirement town and the businesses built elsewhere. Because of the board's decision, Viroqua's population didn't grow for decades. So, they needed to bring in businesses that would help increase population, gov't tax breaks, and income. They did this by letting Wal Mart, Mc Donalds, Subyway, Pizza Hut, Culvers, TSC, and now Walgreens. These businesses closed down most of the mom and pop businesses in downtown Viroqua. As you can see, all of these new businesses pay minimum or barely above minimum wage, keeping the average family from the middle class level. A service town cannot survive in todays world. It's great that these businesses came to town, otherwise the town could not survive. When I saw how much real estate taxes was for a $150,000 house in Viroqua I was amazed. We don't even pay that much in La Crosse. I don't understand how anyone can afford to own their own house in Viroqua. Somehow you need to get the taxes down to a more controllable amount so the average family can purchase a house instead of renting. You need to take care of your locals otherwise Vernon County will always be the poorest county in Wisconsin. I remember Crawford County used to be the pooreset. Don't shut the doors on future opportunties. Keep growing and get involved with the community. Don't let certain people in your town make future judgement calls. Stand up for yourself and your family. I wished I had dont that back in the 80's then I would still be living in my hometown. But I had to create roots somewhere else. "

" I can-not understand Viroqua! They are fighting over a sign?? get with the future! Haveing a Walgreens is a wonderful business..maybe on the south end business, won't be jacking up their prices so much, If they know Us Residents have a choice. Seems, there is always a fight, about something..signs, horse's...running someone out of town! Maybe these vandals, Aren't vandals?? maybe someone trying to make walgreens go away.. I'm more than proud to have new store..!! Thanks Walgreens! Stick in there... "

" Why do so many people have the need to blame others? Unless you know who vandalized the Walgreens, then lets not assume it was kids, hippies or whoever. Also, stop blaming the police. I've had many good experiences with the police in Viroqua. They are helpful, friendly, professional, etc. They can't be everywhere all the time. Until you put on a badge and do their job, stop making it seem like they aren't doing enough. Lastly, this town does need a place for young people to hang out. Unless you want to watch NASCAR at the Firehouse or attend Happy Hour at the Viking, there's very little for the non-hippie types in this town to do. Could someone please open another Italian restaurant like Bella Luna/Bellisimo??? "

" I have to agree with ADH. Outsiders are not welcome here. My family and I have felt most unwelcome in this area, Viroqua included, since moving here 2 years ago. As for Walgreens' dilemma, I hope the store gets going strong and healthy and provides much-needed higher income to this town. After all, isn't Viroqua in the middle of Vernon County, the POOREST COUNTY IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN? Come on! In order for wages to come up to a level that is consistant with a living wage for ALL, someone has to pull their head out of the sand and pay the proper wage. I hope Walgreen's does the right thing and pays consistent with their other locations. "

" I have to say that I agree with NL. It is about time that Viroqua got with the times, and quit letting the newcomers take over the city. Send them back to Chicago or wherever they came from. Please let our town prosper with new business. We need more jobs here for our "own kids" to want to stay and raise families. If the ridgers don't like it, go home! However, vandalism is wrong, and should not be tolerated. Where were the police? "

" > We need new businesses in order for this town to prosper. a walgreens to "prosper"?!? so have upper-middle income professionals been holding off for DECADES from moving to viroqua because they couldn't get corny halloween decorations, pipe tobacco, and a good low-cost nasal spray ... all in the same location? how lucky that viroqua snapped-up this economic powerhouse before westby did! > Apparently the argument is that the signs will distract drivers and cause accidents. it's a hideous blight to the town at worst, and atypical when compared to other signage found in the downtown at best. there is nothing of that size and scope nearby. saying it's an "accidents" issue is red herring on your part ... it's tantamount to saying that a 25-story high rise in the middle of downtown is only being rebuffed because it's dangerous to low flying planes. "

" Im fairly new to town and have been both of the existing pharmacies and they are sub par to say the least. Their products are so outdated you have to go to wal-mart to get anything worth buying and yes, their prices are higher. Viva la Walgreens!!!! "

" Walgreens is NOT cheaper on any of their products than the "mom and pop" operations. Do a comparison yourself and see. Just another corporate welfare recipient that employs many low-wage, no benefit part-time people at taxpayer expense. I'm no "hippie" but the truth is the truth. "

" The police were too busy watching all the speeders go by.Or THEY were speeding and not using there turn signals. "

" I agree with ADH. It's all about this "in" crowd. Newcomers are very unwelcome here. All of these obtacles that Walgreens is running in to are so ridiculous. We need new businesses in order for this town to prosper. Maybe it would be more beneficial to build ANOTHER jail or prison or whatever it is. I don't remember any debates when that was being built. That really did a lot for this town didn't it? I don't see how that would attract more people, besides raising the population with criminals. Get with it Viroqua, we are in the 21st century. I think this whole sign issue is sickening. What is wrong with electronic signs? Apparently the argument is that the signs will distract drivers and cause accidents. Wow, if safety was really the issue, then how come there isn't any stop lights at that dangerous intersection of Main and Broadway. I think that is a bigger problem than electronic signs. Get new board members who will deal with real issues, like getting better clothing and shoe stores and a place for the younger crowd to go out and have fun. There are more places for senior citizens to go and have fun than there are for the younger people. Something is wrong with that. Hopefully, Viroqua will wake up soon, I'm just afraid that it will be too late and it will be a couple decades back in the past. "

" Why does everyone think it's kids! there are some long time business's that are going to close due to the new super drug store coming which is going to benifit Viroqua residents with more reasonable prices on prescriptions and saundries. And the sign issue, come on Viroqua get real, you have electronic signs at other establishments in your town why pick on Walgreens and Sleepy Hollow motors is it because there not owned by Dahl's or Petersons? "

" the police were to busy writing $10 for click it or ticket "

" Very negative comments so far.... I didn't read that Walgreens got special treatment for the sign anywhere. They submitted the request in time. Where were the citizens when the windows were broken? Why is someone accusing "hippies" of breaking the window? Call them by the right name... vandals. "

" Walgreens probably feels like the Marines in Bagdad. "

" Probably kids did it. Still serious though. I was more interested in the special treatement they get for the signage though. I'm not a fan of special treatment. Maybe some kids will throw rocks at that sign over and over. That would be a tragedy. "

" Damage to the new Walgreen on MAIN STREET---where were the police ? "

" I thought hippies were peace loving ? "