Local but Overlooked News: Old jobs cut, but a new opportunity could mean three-times as many openings in Wisconsin

Teri Barr joins The Maggie Daun Show for a weekly “Local but Overlooked News” segment, and discuss how training could help those losing their jobs; plus, expensive liquor is being targeted by thieves across the state.

One company leaves the state, another brings hundreds of jobs

The Energizer Battery Company is leaving central Wisconsin and taking close to 200 jobs with it. The manufacturing plant has been located in Portage for more than 130 years. Officials just filed the information with the Department of Workforce Development as required by the state. You can read the notification letter here. It also indicates the plant will permanently shut-down by the end of 2024.

This is the second Energizer plant to move out of Wisconsin in recent years. The company is based in the St. Louis area.

Meanwhile at the same time, we are learning about a start-up company, buying land in the Portage area with plans to build a new battery manufacturing plant. Wisconsin Battery Company will create hemp-based batteries, which are being called a new option to lithium batteries. Those with the start-up also say hemp-based batteries offer a longer life span and lower cost. 

And here’s the kicker – while Energizer is laying off 200 workers, those with the new plant tell city officials they hope to employ up to 600 people as the company gets up and running in the next year. 

The Portage location will also offer a battery recycling facility, use solar power, and include a daycare center for employees.

Expensive liquor is being targeted by thieves across Wisconsin

Crooks seem to have a new target these days – liquor stores. And the crime is happening across the state. There are two recent reports out of Cottage Grove and one from downtown Madison. There’s also one out of Eau Claire and three from the Wausau area. 

Police in every case say the thieves smashed the front door to get inside, and stole the most expensive liquor from the store.

So far, we only know of one arrest. Officers in Wausau say they caught up with a suspected crook when they pulled him over for drunk driving.