WHEATLAND, Wis. — The company behind the controversial Robin Energy Storage battery project announced it will hold a public “Community Forum” in Bristol as opposition to the proposed facility continues to intensify across Wheatland and surrounding communities.
According to a flyer distributed by the company, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Bristol. The notice states that “members of the project team, including safety, hydrology and project development specialists, will be on hand for a moderated community conversation.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The forum follows months of public pushback over the proposed battery facility, including prior Wheatland meetings where residents raised concerns about lithium battery fires, toxic gas releases, groundwater contamination, evacuation logistics, falling property values, insurance impacts, and the proximity of the proposed site to Wheatland Center School.
At previous public meetings, residents also criticized the company’s answers to questions about fire suppression, emergency response, environmental safeguards, and long-term liability. Several residents described Robin Energy as a “shell company” and said company representatives failed to adequately answer many of their concerns.
The controversy has also focused heavily on transparency. Town Chairman Jeff Butler previously acknowledged participating in a private meeting after the Town Plan Commission’s unanimous recommendation against the project. That meeting involved Samantha Kerkman, the town attorney, project representatives, and Fire Chief Louis Denko. Residents have said the timing of that meeting fueled concerns that efforts to advance the project were continuing behind closed doors despite local opposition.
(File Photos by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The land proposed for the project is owned by the Catherine H. Kerkman Irrevocable Income Only Trust, which bears the Kerkman family name and is believed by multiple sources to be connected by blood to Chad Kerkman. Samantha Kerkman is Chad Kerkman’s ex-wife, and several residents have publicly questioned why the county executive appeared involved in discussions surrounding the project despite the divorce and despite the project being a town-level matter rather than a county decision. No public official has disclosed the precise relationship between the trust and the proposed project on the record.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Residents have also questioned whether the project could move to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission after the developer withdrew from the local approval process. Opponents fear a state-level route could limit local control and potentially open the door to eminent domain.
The issue has become more politically charged because of proposed state legislation that would create annual utility aid payments for municipalities hosting battery storage facilities. For a 200-megawatt facility, the proposal could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in utility aid payments split between local governments. Multiple residents have suggested they believe the potential financial incentives are part of the reason the project continues to advance despite widespread public opposition.
The May 19 forum appears to be Robin Energy’s latest effort to address public opposition directly, even as many Wheatland residents continue urging local officials to fight the project rather than help revive it.
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
8 Responses
Great time to pitch my land sale to ruin the Kerkman deal!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll be there front row early😳😉😬
Thank you for pointing out another shady dealing. I’m thinking we need new leaders. Too much shadiness.
Bristol will def allow the battery storage, they don’t care about the citizens but love them some $$ and everyone’s detriment
About those batteries…
https://www.facebook.com/reel/859673390484884/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
When you ask Sam she will never say she is against it and not support the people. You can tell when she lies she doesn’t look the people in the eye .
Why she continues to keep this going isn’t hard to figure out . Payday
Lots of rumors out there now to recall her
We need true leadership with integrity and honesty . She should exit now like her buddy Robin Voss .What a major disappointment.
All these libtards who think “green energy” is the way of the future and “oh so important” don’t think of shit like this.
Losers
I don’t know why everyone has to link kirkman with boss, I think Voss did a good job. Kirkman on the other hand should be voted out in a primary.
Prediction : If anyone can ask her at this Robins Meeting on Tuesday if she supports this BESS in the Town of Wheatland , I’m betting the house she will answer it this way or someone from Robins will say , she’s hear just to listen .
People she’s been a total disaster for the county of Kenosha .