2014falltowertimes

The

Tower Times

City of Stoughton

Issue 4, Fall 2014

***NOTICE – City of Stoughton Tax Payers *** The City of Stoughton held a Public Hearing on November 11, 2014 to review the proposed 2015 City budget. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review at City Hall and at the Stoughton Library.

Tax Billing The Treasurer’s Office will send out bills by December 15th.

Tax payments can be mailed using the pre-addressed envelope provided to you with your tax bill, or made in person at Stoughton City Hall Deputy Treasurer’s Office. Please include the bottom portion of your tax bill with your payment.

First installment payments are due by January 31.

Please make first installment checks payable to the City of Stoughton Treasurer. Please note, NO CASH PAYMENTS will be accepted. We are no longer able to accept cash payments for real estate and personal property tax bills.

We continue to encourage taxpayers to make their payments through the mail

with the return envelope provided. If a written receipt is needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany the payment. Contact the Treasurer’s office if you have a question regarding your tax bill.

Lottery Tax Credits Did you move into your home during 2014? If you owned your home on January 1, 2014 and use it as your primary residence, you are eligible for a Lottery Credit on your property tax bill. Each year homeowners are able to claim a lottery tax credit on the first installment of their property tax bill. To be eligible for a lottery tax credit this year, you must have owned and resided in your home on January 1 of the current year.

This residence also must be where you live for more than six months of the year. Vacation homes, rental homes, businesses and bare land do not qualify for this credit. If you purchased your home after January 1, there are a limited number of circumstances that will allow you to receive the credit this year.

The credit amount varies by year and will not be determined until the beginning of December. For questions, to sign up for the credit or if the credit is not showing on your tax bill, please contact the City Treasurer’s office (873-6677) or the Office of the County Treasurer (266-4151).

If the lottery credit is not on your tax bill, please request a “Lottery Credit Claim Form” before you pay your taxes and your bill will be reduced.

Dog Licenses Taxpayers who traditionally come to City Hall in December to purchase dog licenses will still be able to do so, although licenses may also be conveniently purchased through the mail by sending a separate check payable to the City of Stoughton, to the attention of Dog License, City Hall (381 E. Main St., Stoughton, WI 53589), along with proof of rabies vaccination (which will be returned to you) and a self addressed stamped envelope. Licenses obtained in person can be purchased in the Receptionist’s Office.

The rates have remained the same for 2015: $16.00 unless the dog is spayed or neutered in which case the fee is $12.00.

2 Fall 2014

The Tower Times

Safety Tip Of The Month

Winter Safety Tips for Walking on Ice and Snow

Sharing the road with Emergency Vehicles

Helping our neighbors stay upright!

If you are in an intersection, drive on through the intersection before pulling over, or you may block the emergency vehicle’s path through the intersection.

WALK LIKE A PENGUIN! Take small, slow steps and point your feet out slightly like a penguin. Spreading your feet while walking on ice increases your center of gravity.

Do not pull over to the right if your vehicle will block a side road or driveway.

The emergency vehicle may need to turn into that road or driveway to get to the incident scene.

Walk flat footed with your weight directly over your feet as much as possible. Plant your feet firmly with each step. Look ahead when you walk and extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance. Wear warm gloves so you can keep your hands out of your pockets. This way, you can use your hands to break your fall if you do slip.

Here are a few tips about sharing the road with emergency vehicles.

Stoughton Area EMS

If the traffic light is red, stay where you are. If the light turns green before the emergency vehicle has passed, do not proceed on green. Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed or turned onto a different street.

When yielding to emergency vehicles, get in the habit of turning down the volume on the radio so you can hear any instructions or directions given out over the emergency vehicle’s loudspeaker. Your immediate reaction to such directions may be critically needed.

Shop with a Cop

Wear proper footwear. This may be boots or overshoes with grip soles such as rubber or neoprene composite. Leather or plastic soles will increase the risk of slipping.

Use care when entering or exiting a vehicle. Before standing brace yourself with your car door to provide some stability. Assume all wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery.

Focus you attention on walking. Talking on a cell phone or digging through a bag is distracting and can add to the risk of falling.

The Stoughton Police Department announces the inaugural “Shop with a Cop” event. Many agencies all over the United States have developed and put on this event for years with each agency putting its own flavor to the program. We at the Stoughton Police Department have decided that we should take up the reigns and establish a program of our own.

An ounce of prevention…Help keep walkways free of water/ice during the winter.

Time to “Fall Back”

We have raised money through donations of local business and individuals to invite a selection of children from each of the public elementary schools located in Stoughton and to have the child paired up with a Police Officer for a shopping excursion. While on this shopping trip the children will select some gifts for their immediate family at no charge to them or the family. It has long been known that establishing good relationships with the community is vital to Police work, as is taking care of the communities we serve.

This is our time to extend the hand of friendship and goodwill to the families and children that are in need. This is a non-religious activity but it is holiday themed event. The program is run through the Stoughton Police Department however the children have been selected by the public school district in the grades 2-4. In order To be eligible for selection the students must meet certain criteria. These criteria are, to be in economic need, to be performing adequately at their grade level, and can’t be subject to any disciplinary actions.

For the support of our community and everyone that has come together to make this event happen, we at the Stoughton Police Department thank you. It is good to know that the City of Stoughton, its business and residents, can come together to bring light to areas that would otherwise be dark.

Best wishes for the upcoming season!

Sincerely, Stoughton Police Department 321 S. 4th St., Stoughton WI, 53589 (608) 873-3374

The beginning and ending of Daylight Savings Time to most means to change their clocks, but as you are doing that it is a good idea to change the batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that your change the batteries in all detectors twice a year, and Daylight Savings Time it’s the perfect time to do it.

It is important to keep all the detectors up to date, which not only means replacing the batteries but also getting a new one when they are past their expiration date. Many people do not know that smoke and CO detectors actually expire. Most manufactures say 10 years for a smoke detector and 5 years for a CO detector.

A detector with a low battery or that is malfunctioning due to age will likely “Chirp” approximately every 30 seconds. This is indicating to you that the detector is no longer working properly, and, if no one in the home is reporting feeling ill you should first change the battery or replace the detector.

Having working Smoke detectors in your home is so important because 2 out of 3 fire deaths in the nation occur in homes where there were no smoke alarms, or the alarms were not working properly.

Working Carbon Monoxide detectors are vital because according to the CDC nearly 500 people die every year due to Carbon Monoxide poisoning, it is a colorless odorless gas that only a detector can recognize.

For more fire safety information please visit NFPA.org or stop in to see us at Stoughton Fire Department!

Snow And Ice Removal Requirements Sec. 64-13. Snow and ice removal.

Stoughton Permanent Medication Disposal

(a) The occupant or owner of any lot or parcel abutting on a public sidewalk shall remove therefrom by 9:00 a.m. on the second day following a snowfall, all snow, dirt, rubbish or refuse matter, and sprinkle ice with a material to prevent slipping. (For example: a snowfall occurs on Monday, the occupant or owner would have until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday).

If the occupant or owner does not comply with this section, the street commissioner or designee may issue a citation and may cause the work to be done and the expense reported to the city finance director, who shall annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land. The owner or occupant shall also be subject to a forfeiture for each violation of this section, with penalties as set forth in section 1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

The Stoughton Wellness Coalition provided a permanent medication disposal drop off box located at the front of the Stoughton Police Department. The drug drop off box is anonymous and available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Bring all medications in original containers (if possible) and cross off personal information with a black marker. You can place your prescription drugs, medication samples, over-the-counter medications and inhalers into the drug drop off box.

Sharps, needles and lancets will NOT be accepted in the drop box but can be collected at the two annual medication disposal events in Stoughton.

The Stoughton Wellness Coalition has been active since 2006. It is a coalition with Stoughton Hospital, the Stoughton Area School District and the City of Stoughton. The coalition promotes a collaborative approach to personal and community wellness through health promotion, educational programming and service to the Stoughton Area Community.

(b) No snow or ice removed from private property shall be deposited in the public ways in areas expected to be cleared by the city. This would include, but would not be limited to, pushing snow or ice across a public roadway or sidewalk; pushing or carrying and depositing snow or ice on a public way expected to be maintained for pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and the blowing or throwing of snow or ice onto a pedestrian or vehicular area. Violation of any of these provisions may result in penalties as set forth in section 1-3.

Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. If the occupant or owner does not comply with this section, the street commissioner may cause the work to be done and the expense reported to the city clerk who shall annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land.

Become a Hydrant Hero!

Stoughton firefighters are asking for your help this year in keeping the 600 fire hydrants in our community clear of snow.

As we all know, in Wisconsin snow accumulation can sometimes get pretty extreme. To firefighters that means not having good visibility, and poor access to fire hydrants, which can have devastating consequences.

Not being able to immediately gain access to a fire hydrant could mean slower response to extinguishing fires, which means a higher loss of property.

So now you’re asking yourself, what can I do to help my neighbors? Become a Hydrant Hero!

If you have a hydrant near your home keep at least a 3 foot by 3 foot area around the hydrant clear of snow, clear a path from the road to the hydrant for firefighters, and also keep it visible from the road.

(c) No snow or ice shall be deposited on private property without the owners consent.

Violation of this provision may result in penalties as set forth in section 1-3. Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

Taking a few extra minutes each time it snows to clear out the hydrant is the best thing you could do to improve the safety of your neighborhood.

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The Tower Times

Fall 2014 3

Traffic Visibility At Intersections

You Can Help Lakes and Streams During Winter

If you own a corner lot within the City of Stoughton, the following ordinance section may apply to you:

It’s very important to continue to pick up after your pet all year long, especially during winter. If you don’t pick up pet waste right away, it can soon be encased in snow and ice, ready to be carried away with melt water when it warms up. Grassy areas that would normally allow water to soak in are frozen during winter, so they’re more like a parking lot greatly increasing the surface area from which runoff flows. So, the bacteria and nutrients found in pet waste are much more likely to make their way to the nearest storm drain. And contrary to common belief, rain and melting snow that goes into storm drains does not go to the sewage treatment plant. Rather, it goes to the nearest lake or stream. So, be sure to continue to scoop the poop this winter and do your part to help keep lakes and streams free of pet waste. For more ideas on how you can help lakes and streams near you, go to www.myfairlakes.com.

Sec. 78-703. Visibility standards.

(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to alleviate or prevent congestion of public rights-of-way so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum requirements for the provision of vehicular visibility.

(2) Requirement. In order to provide a clear view of intersecting streets to motorists there shall be a triangular area of clear vision formed by the two intersecting streets and a chord connecting said centerlines, as determined by the director of planning and development. Generally, the following standards shall apply:

Table 78-703: Vision Clearance Triangle Standards Right-of-Way Width

Distance from Right-of-Way Intersection

66 feet or less

10 feet

more than 66 feet

20 feet

Within said triangular area, no signs, parking spaces, structures, or earthwork in excess of 30 inches, and no vegetation, fencing, nor other such obstructions between 30 inches and eight feet in height shall be permitted which exceeds 30 inches in height above either of the centerline elevations of said two streets. * This requirement also applies to snow.

Vision may be restored by:

• Trimming shrubs or hedges to a maximum height of 30 inches.

• Trimming low hanging tree branches to a minimum height of 8 feet.

• Removal of obstruction.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the City Planning Department at 608646-0421

Information for Dog and Cat Owners Being a dog owner requires all sorts of responsibility. One that is often overlooked is registering your dog with your city government and getting your dog licensed. State Statutes 174.07(1) (e) and City of Stoughton Ordinance Sec. 6-7(a-b) require dog owners to obtain an annual license by April 1 and requires all dogs five (5) months of age or older, to be vaccinated for rabies, and licensed. (You can find this information on our website at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/).

If the above isn’t reason enough for you to properly register your dog, here are a few more reasons why you should: 1. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on your dog’s collar is the fastest way help animal control and shelters quickly identify your dog and get him back to you safely. Even if your dog is microchipped, a license tag is immediately visible and doesn’t require a scanning device to read it.

2. Licensing lets people know that your pet has received required rabies vaccinations. Dogs cannot be issued licenses without proper up to date vaccinations.

3. The fee you pay for your dog license and license renewal helps support local animal shelters, this money helps to keep shelters open and supports the work of your local animal control.

5. It’s the law and it is less costly than the penalty for not vaccinating your dog. If your dog is found without a license, you can end up paying a municipal citation of $124.00 for each dog that is in violation.

Requirements

Licenses are valid as of January 1st and expire on December 31st. Licenses are to be purchased on an annual basis. Prior to issuance of a dog license, the owner will need to provide a current rabies vaccination certificate from a veterinarian.

Notification

Reminder notices are sent out with annual tax bills.

Cost

Neutered or Spayed dogs Non-Neutered or Non-spayed dogs

$12.00 $16.00

Late Fees

Per state Statutes 174.05(5), a $5.00 late fee will be assessed to each dog that has not been licensed prior to April 1st each year. [Dogs that are too young to be vaccinated by April 1st are exempt from this late fee.]

Location

Stoughton City Hall, 381 E. Main Street, Stoughton

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Register by Mail

For your convenience, you may purchase your license through the mail by sending a current rabies vaccination certificate from the veterinarian, along with a self addressed stamped envelope and a check made payable to the City of Stoughton. Your license and documentation will be returned to you.

Code Of Ordinances Regarding Dogs and Cats

(Ordinances can be found on the City Website at: http://www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/) (Code 1986, § 12.14(1)) Sec. 6-4. - Dogs and cats not to run at large.

No dog or cat shall be at large and any person may seize, impound or restrain any dog or cat which he finds running at large. * Sec. 6-3. - Definitions.

Note: These standards are only for private property not for parking on public lands or anywhere in the street Right-of-Way.

A recreational vehicle is any of the following: motor home, camping trailer, travel trailer, boat/trailer, snowmobile/trailer, ATV/ trailer or similar vehicles/trailers.

At large means off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner or a member of his immediate family over 12 years of age, either by leash or otherwise; or under the control of an employee of the dog’s or cat’s owner; but a dog or cat within the motor vehicle of its owner or employee of such owner shall be deemed upon the owner’s premises.

Cat means all domesticated members of felis catus domesticus, male or female.

Dog means all domesticated members of canis familiaris, male or female.

Recreational vehicles:

Leash means a cord, thong or chain not more than 12 feet long by which the dog or cat is controlled by the person accompanying it.

(b) Shall not be parked or stored within a front or street yard except for (a) above.

Officer means any official with the power and authority of an officer of the peace.

Parking or storage of recreational vehicles in residential, office, and business districts are permitted in the following manner: (a) Shall be parked or stored within dedicated, hard surfaced, parking spaces (not on grass) and shall be a minimum of five feet from any private property line or right-of- way line. (c) Shall be owned by the resident who is occupying the property on which the vehicle is parked or stored. (d) Are permitted only for storage purposes except mobile homes and campers may be used for overnight sleeping for a maximum of 14 days in one calendar year. (e) May not be connected to wastewater or sanitary sewer lines, or electricity except for charging of batteries. (f) May not be used for storage of goods, materials or equipment other than those items considered to be part of the unit or essential for its use.

If you have any questions regarding this regulation please contact the Zoning Administrator at 608646-0421.

Owner means any person owning, harboring or keeping a dog or cat and the occupant of any premises on which a dog or cat remains or to which it customarily returns daily for a period of ten days is presumed to be harboring or keeping the dog or cat within the meaning of this chapter.

(Code 1986, §§ 10.05(14), 12.14(2))

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Private Property Parking Standards For Recreational Vehicles

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday 8 am-5 pm, Sunday 8 am-noon

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4 Fall 2014

The Tower Times

Put Your Sidewalk and Driveway on a Low-Salt Diet* Outdoor Storage Of Unsightly Items For safety reasons, we need to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow. However, choosing the right product and using it correctly is important to help protect our water resources.

1. Shovel early, shovel often. There’s no substitute for muscle and elbow grease for snow and ice removal. Remove as much snow as you can during the storm if possible. Use a hoe or other tools to chip or scrape ice off the surface before any deicers are applied. Deicers work best when there is only a thin layer of snow or ice that must be melted. Divert the melting snow away from your sidewalk and driveway to an area where ice won’t be a problem.

2. Buy early. Make sure to buy your deicing product well before the big storm hits, otherwise you will be looking at empty shelves, and have few, if any, environmental choices to make at the store.

3. Check the label. The table below shows how the main ingredients of common de-icing products compare. Check the package closely to see what you’re buying—often a product may contain several of the ingredients listed below, but the first one listed is usually the main ingredient.

On the label:

Works Down to:

Cost

Environmental Concerns

No person shall store or accumulate outdoors on his own land any of the following unsightly items unless such land is zoned to permit such storage or accumulation: • Motor vehicles, boats, or aircraft not in operating condition.

• Junk, salvage, old machinery or fencing materials.

• Commercial trucks, tractors or trailers.

• Building materials, construction or earth moving equipment not being used on a building project currently in progress.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the Building Inspector at 608-873-7626.

Outdoor Firewood Storage Requirements Sec. 78-723. Outdoor storage of firewood standards.

(1) No person shall store firewood in the front yard on residentially zoned property, except that firewood may be temporarily stored in the front yard for a period of 30 days from the date of its delivery.

(2) Firewood should be neatly stacked and may not be stacked closer than two feet to any lot line and not higher than six feet from grade, except adjacent to a fence where firewood can be stacked against the fence as high as the fence. Fences as used in this section shall not include hedges and other vegetation.

4. Apply salt early, but sparingly. No matter which chloride product you choose, a little goes a long way. Additional salt won’t speed up the melting process, so follow directions for application carefully and remember to first remove as much snow and ice as you can. The recommended application rate for sodium chloride is about a handful per square yard. Calcium chloride works at much colder temperatures and you need a lot less (about a handful per three square yards— about the area of a single bed). Choose calcium chloride over sodium chloride when you can.

5. Avoid kitty litter and ashes. Although these products may seem environmentally friendlier, they don’t work to melt snow and ice—they merely provide some traction and make a mess on your floors. Stick with sand for traction, which is cheaper and easier to clean up.

6. Avoid Products that Contain Urea. Urea has been recommended as a safer alternative, reasoning that it does not contain chlorides and, as a form of nitrogen, will help fertilize your yard when it washes off. However, urea- based deicing products are a poor choice as it is fairly expensive and performs poorly when temperatures drop below 20 degrees F. The application rate for urea during a single deicing is ten times greater than that needed to fertilize the same area of your yard, and ultimately, very little of the urea will actually get onto your lawn, but will end up washing into the street and storm drain and eventually to the nearest lake or stream. Given that nitrogen is a problem for surface water resources, it doesn’t make sense to use nitrogen-based products for de- icing.

(3) All brush, debris and refuse from processing of firewood shall be promptly and properly disposed of and shall not be allowed to remain on the premises.

(4) Woodpiles that contain diseased wood that is capable of transmitting disease to healthy trees and woodpiles that harbor or are infested or inhabited by rats or other vermin are public nuisances and may be abated pursuant to the provisions of this Code of Ordinances.

(5) Not more than 20 percent of the side and rear yard may be used for storage of firewood at any one time.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the Planning Department at 608-6460421.

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The Tower Times

Fall 2014 5

Save Money— Use Less Salt This Winter Salt and sand contribute greatly to lake and stream pollution. Once it’s spread on parking lots, streets, sidewalks and driveways, it’s on its way to the nearest lake or stream and cannot be recovered. Fifty pounds of salt (one large bag) can pollute 10,000 gallons of water — which is equivalent to one teaspoon in a five-gallon bucket of water.

Municipalities are working to cut salt use while still keeping streets safe. So, let’s all save money this winter with these helpful tips and help the lakes and streams at the same time.

Stoughton’s Historic Districts Did you know that Stoughton has five historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places? Listing in the National Register recognizes officially the significance of a property or district to the heritage of the state and the nation. The National Register is the official national list of historical, architectural, engineering and archeological properties and districts worthy of preservation.

• Always use a shovel first, especially if the pavement temperature is 32°F or more — don’t waste money on deicers.

The Main Street District stretches from the Romanesque Revival City Hall on the east to the Yahara River on the west. Buildings are mostly Italianate, Queen Anne, and NeoClassical styles constructed from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth century.

• Reserve deicers for ice, not snow. Shovel as soon as possible so that wet, heavy snow doesn’t have the opportunity to turn to ice.

The East Side Historic District has over 80 historic homes, and rests atop the plateau south of the bend of the Yahara River, just above Stoughton’s cluster of old tobacco warehouses, lumber yards, and the Milwaukee and St. Paul Depot. Over one-half of the district houses were constructed between 1900 and 1910. The Queen Anne Style is popular in this neighborhood, but the Classical Revival, Arts and Crafts bungalow and American Foursquare styles are also well represented.

• All salt is not created equal. Various types of deicers perform differently at different temperature ranges. The most common and cheapest is sodium chloride (“rock salt”), but doesn’t work when the pavement is colder than 15°F. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride cost more, but you’ll use less and it works in colder temps.

The Northwest Side Historic District has more than 300 homes, and is located on a gently sloping ridge that rises above Stoughton’s Main Street and the Yahara River. The approximately eighteen-block area between the Yahara River, McKinley, Van Buren and Main Streets is testament to the city’s Golden Age – the years between about 1885 and 1915 when local businesses flourished and many residents built handsome houses.

There are several examples of Greek Revival and Italianate Style houses in the Northwest Stoughton Historic District, but the area is most distinguished by its many examples of the exuberant Queen Anne style.

• Consider getting a pavement thermometer (~$30) to help determine pavement temperatures, which can vary widely depending on how much sun shines on your driveway. (Plus, they’re kind of fun to play with.)

The Southwest Side Historic District, with about 120 homes, is a twenty block area between South Monroe, South Page, Oak and Main Streets. It is testament to the city’s past building traditions as well as the present interest in neighborhood conservation. There are fine examples of the Queen Anne Style in the district, many of them spacious houses originally designed for single-family occupancy. However, there are a number of simple, vernacular Greek Revival houses from the 1860s and 1870s, and good examples of the more ornate Italianate Style, popular here between about 1860 and 1880.

• Measure your sidewalk and driveway so you know how much you need. A general guideline is to use 1-3 cups of salt per 1,000 square feet. Save money by using only what is needed.

The East Park Historic District occupies a picturesque corner of east Stoughton that is perched on a hill above the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Depot and a group of historic tobacco warehouses. This area had no residential development until 1913. As created in 2002, the East Park Historic District now includes 19 houses along Park and S. Lynn streets. The first five were built between 1913 and 1915, and were followed by seven between 1919 and 1921, and four between 1926 and 1935. The last house was built in 1952. Many are good examples of the bungalow and Period Revival styles popular in Wisconsin cities in the early 20th century.

• Apply liquid salt to the pavement before the storm and shovel a little while it’s snowing. After the storm, shovel before using any salt. Most times, you won’t need any. Use deicers on ice, don’t waste it on snow.

• You can use 30% less deicer if you wet your salt with some water before applying it.

• While salt is sometimes mixed with sand to keep the sand from freezing into a solid block, it’s not a good idea to use both at the same time on your sidewalk. The salt will melt the ice, but when it refreezes, the sand will be frozen below the surface where it can’t do any good. Choose one or the other. Try removing the ice by hand first before using either sand or salt.

For more information about the city’s historic districts, visit www.stoughtonlandmarks.com or contact Zoning Administrator Michael Stacey at (608) 646-0421 or mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us.

• If you have an area that tends to ice up, consider making it a priority to remedy next summer so you won’t need to deice in the future.

Be a “Label Reader”!

Read the label on the ice melt product so that you know exactly what you are spending your hardearned cash on. If the bag doesn’t say otherwise, it’s probably sodium chloride, but you’re better off using something that says exactly what’s in the bag. Some products claiming to be “green” or “pet safe” are simply chloride compounds. You can always ask for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product—it will show percentages so that you can see if you are paying for pretty packaging of rock salt. And while you’re reading, be sure to follow the application rates. You need much less of some products than others, so be sure not to waste money by over applying.

The Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership is working with the Rock River Stormwater Group to reduce the amount of pollution making its way to our lakes and streams. The Yahara chain of lakes and the Yahara River both ultimately drain to the Rock River. Both groups thank you for helping to Renew the Rock by reducing stormwater pollution throughout the Rock River area. Learn more at www.myfairlakes.com and www.renewtherock.com.

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6 Fall 2014

The Tower Times 1000 Books Before Kindergarten This year, the Stoughton Public Library launched a new early literacy initiative: “1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” We challenge parents and caregivers to read 1000 books with their child before he or she enters kindergarten. We provide fun reading logs, a child’s eye-level progress chart to track milestone completions, and jungle animal stickers to celebrate every 100 books read.

Second Floor Renovation Fundraising Campaign Renovation Highlights

In partnership with the City of Stoughton, our goal is to provide a safer and more welcoming space for the Stoughton community.

• Install library grade shelving • Increase square footage • Increase display space • Increase space for teens • Improve lighting • Install more outlets for laptop users • Replace carpeting • Enlarge meeting rooms • Purchase new seating, tables & desks The project will also include other important improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

To accomplish these renovations, the Stoughton Public Library is committed to raising $250,000.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far!

Your tax deductible donation can be made at the Stoughton Public Library or mailed to: Stoughton Public Library Fundraising Committee, P.O. Box 571, Stoughton, WI 53589. Thank you very much for your support!

Thanks to generous donations from the Stoughton Kiwanis and Conant Automotive, we were able to purchase incentive books as well. Each child will receive a free book after reading 500 books and again at 1000 books.

Provide your children with literature-rich foundations to prepare them for success in school. This ongoing program is open to any child aged 0-5 who is not yet in school. Come by the Children’s Desk to sign up. You can enroll any time, and the program runs year-round.

Friends of the Library The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and improving library services, materials, and facilities for the Stoughton community; encouraging gifts and bequests to the library; and promoting the broadest possible use of its facilities, materials and services.

The next meeting is Wednesday, December 10 at 6:15 p.m. Friends membership is open to all, and the Friends are looking for new members to help plan events.

Visit the Library The Stoughton Public Library, located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the corner of 4th & Main, just west of the clock tower in downtown Stoughton.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5. Closed Sunday. There is no charge for a library card – just bring in picture identification with proof of current address. If your ID does not show your current address, please bring another proof of address such as a piece of mail, personal check, lease agreement, etc…. Parents must sign the registration form for children under age 18.

How to Get More Involved

Your library card can be used in any public library in Adams, Columbia, Dane, Green, Portage, Sauk, or Wood counties, all members of the South Central Library System, and materials may be returned to any library. Call the Library at 873-6281 or visit online at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org and on Facebook.

Victorian Weekend Fundraiser

Calendar of Library Events

There are many ways to lend a hand such as holding fundraisers, writing letters to the local paper, and asking others to make donations to support the second floor renovation. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Fundraising Co-Chair Denise Duranczyk at 873-8302.

Saturday, December 6 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Stop by the Library to enjoy Victorian Holiday Weekend activities. Listen to the Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers. Enjoy hot chocolate, cider, and homemade treats to help raise money for the Stoughton Public Library’s second floor renovation project.

Library Survey Tell us what you think! The Library is conducting a short survey about its hours. To take the survey, visit the Library’s website: www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org, or pick up a paper copy at the Library.

eBooks,

Databases, and Computer Help

Library staff can help you find books and other library materials, help you get started on the internet, give you an introduction to the library’s online databases, and provide introductory or in-depth help to borrow Library eBooks. Contact the Library for more information.

December

Music on the Mezz featuring the Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers.

Join us Monday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. for a free concert by the outstanding Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers. Come early for a good seat!

Community Play Dates

Wednesdays December 3, 10 & 17, 10-11am Play, explore early literacy activities, read board books, sing songs and make art projects. We are also inviting community helpers to be on hand to answer questions for parents about important issues such as nutrition, immunizations, developmental stages and choosing childcare providers. For parents and their children ages 0-5. No registration required.

Teen Chess Club

Thursday, December 4, 3:15-4pm Meet in the Teen Area where volunteers from the Stoughton Area Senior Center will be on hand to teach you how to play chess. Already know how to play? Challenge others to a game instead. For ages 10 and up. No registration required.

Adult Craft Club - String Craft Thursday, December 4, 6:30-8pm

Create a unique craft using string, nails and a board. You can create letters, numbers or a variety of shapes. No experience necessary. Teens welcome with an adult. Call 873-6281 to register. Please bring your own hammer.

Victorian Weekend Fundraiser

Saturday, December 6 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Stop by the Library to enjoy Victorian Holiday Weekend activities. Listen to the Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers. Enjoy hot chocolate, cider, and homemade treats to help raise money for the Stoughton Public Library’s second floor renovation project.

Writing Series: Polishing Your First Chapter Saturday, December 13, 2-3pm

First impressions count—and if you don’t wow readers on your first page, they may decide not to continue reading your book. Local author Sarah Monette (who also writes under the pen name Katherine Addison) will talk about revising your first chapter so it will make the strongest impact on agents, editors and readers. Enjoy a free cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For adults as well as teens in grades 6 and above. No registration required. Sarah will happily sign copies of her books after the program if you wish to bring them with you.

LEGO Club

Saturday, December 20, 10-10:45am Use the library’s LEGOs to build a masterpiece! All ages. No registration required.

January, 2015

Music on the Mezz Guitar Extravaganza Tuesday, January 6, 2015

You are invited to a free concert presented by the extraordinary Madison Classical Guitar Society. Enjoy performances by Madison’s most outstanding classical guitar performers, teachers, and students.

Come early for the best seats.

Winter Story Times

Wednesdays, January 21-March 25, 10-10:35am Fridays, January 23 – March 27, 9:30-10:05am Enjoy circle time, stories, songs, crafts and early literacy activities. For children ages 0-5. No preregistration required.

Teen Activities

Check with the Library for a schedule of 2015 teen activities.

The Tower Times

Fall 2014 7

Senior Center

Circle of Care: Caregiver Open House RSVP Volunteer Drivers

Madrigal Dinner Show

Tuesday, December 2, 5:30 -7:00 pm

Tuesday, December 9, 12:00 pm

Do you help your parents clean the house?

Assist your spouse with personal care?

Prepare meals for a neighbor?

Take someone grocery shopping?

Volunteer Drivers help adults 60 years of age and older and veterans, without access to personal transportation. Volunteers respond to requests for medical and medically-related trips. Drivers are eligible for mileage reimbursement at 51 cents per mile and personal accident and excess liability insurance is provided.

If you can help, contact Gene Kundert from RSVP at 441-7896, gkundert@rsvpdan.org or Teressa Pellett at the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 873-8585, TPellett@ci.stoughton.wi.us.

Help your older brother with bill paying?

Manage medical appointments for someone?

If so, you are a caregiver.

Caregiving can be a balancing act, especially if you’re employed, have other responsibilities or have health problems of your own.

You can be a family caregiver without even realizing it. You might not even think about what you do. But care giving is vitally important, and support is available.

On December 2, enjoy a light meal, learn about supportive resources to assist your loved one, as well as techniques to relax and take care of yourself, and enter to win a door prize.

Jean Mueller, Caregiver Training Coordinator from Catholic Charities Aging Services will speak on “Finding the Balance in Caregiving.”

DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER: NO MEALS WILL BE SERVED WHEN STOUGHTON SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED DUE TO SNOW OR OTHER DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS.

AA For Older Adults BOB’s GROUP is an open, non-smoking gathering each Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 pm at the Stoughton Area Senior Center.

The group meets in the second floor Stoughton Room. A privacy entrance is available off the parking lot at the rear of the building. The only requirement for attendance is a desire to stop drinking. Questions? Call Earl G. at (608)698-0419, or email him at earlg@fsmad.org

Senior Center Case Managers will be available to answer questions regarding services to assist with your caregiver needs.

Emergency Preparedness for Winter

Pre-registration is required, 873-8585. If leaving your loved one is a concern, please inquire when you call as paid respite care options are available for you to attend.

Wednesday, December 3, 1:00 pm

Volunteer Driver Programs Are you a safe driver, willing to use your own vehicle, and can spare a couple of hours per month to provide an essential service to older adults and veterans in the Stoughton area? If so, the Stoughton Area Senior Center requests your help with:

Home Delivered Meal Drivers Volunteers pick up and deliver meals to home delivered meal recipients. Drivers are eligible for reimbursement at 51 cents per mile and provided with free excess liability insurance. The program is extremely flexible and can work around individual schedules. We also welcome businesses, spouses or partners to help out and enhance the volunteer experience.

Hope you all had an enjoyable summer; it’s time to start thinking about putting the mower away and dusting off the snow shovels. Hopefully we don’t experience the same cold and snowy winter as last year.

In this article you will also find important information on services provided by the Street Department and helpful hints to prepare you for the winter. In this edition you will find helpful information on Christmas Tree Collection, electronicwaste drop off site, winter parking regulations, and snow removal.

We want your feedback, is this information beneficial? What else will you like to see published in Street Talks? Lets us know by calling 873-6303 or email at kmanthe@ci.stoughton.wi.us

Recycling News The City of Stoughton is working with local residents and businesses to raise awareness about reducing the use of plastic single use bags. The City will be doing an educational campaign to inform residents about changing the way they get their store products bagged.

To kick start the effort to reduce plastic single use bags, please consider purchasing re-useable bags (most stores offer a .5 cent per bag rebate) that you can use over and over or ask for paper when out shopping. Plastic single use bags are not good for the environment and this is your chance to help out and protect the environment.

If you do use plastic single use bags, please recycle properly and return them to the store and place in recycling containers, usually located just inside the entrance/exit door. ****PLEASE READ IMPORTANT INFORMATION****

John Duggleby Holiday Sing-A-Long Tuesday, December 23, 1:00 pm

Get into the Holiday Spirit with a traditional Holiday Sing-A-Long.

This musical celebration features many songs people know and can sing, plus a few surprises. Lyric sheets will be available, so all we need is your voice! Many of our most familiar holiday standards were popularized in the past 70 years, and the audience will be challenged to guess who first recorded them. The holidays hold deep meaning for many people, and this show is designed to evoke fond memories.

Old Time Fiddlers Tuesday, December 30, 1:00 pm.

Join us for our annual “Between the Holidays” celebration with one of our favorite local groups!

Elvis is in the Building

Ryan Jensen from Dane County Emergency Management will be giving a presentation on personal emergency preparedness at the Stoughton Senior Center. Part of the presentation will focus on helping attendees develop their own emergency preparedness kits by identifying personal items that should be placed in these kits.

Please contact the Senior Center to register.

Join us on January 13, 1:00 pm as we celebrate Elvis’ Birthday with musician Alan Graveen.

Christmas Tree Decorating

We are very excited to be starting an afternoon Book Discussion Group with support for the Stoughton Public Library. On the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm, Stoughton Public Library staff will lead these discussions.

Thursday, December 4, 9:30-11:00 am Come and help St. Ann’s Second graders in making ornaments, decorating our Christmas Tree, and making the Stoughton Area Senior Center festive for all our Holiday events and activities.

Book Discussion with the Stoughton Public Library

January 28th at 1:00 pm – “How to Save a Life” by Sara Zarr February 25th at 1:00 pm – “The Art Forger” by Barbara Shapiro For more information on these and other activities please contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 248 W. Main Street, Stoughton WI, 53589 (608) 873-8585 * www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/senior

STREET TALKS

Snow Emergency

E-Waste Drop-off

Encumbrance Permits

A snow emergency is handled differently in the City of Stoughton. Most area communities have alternate side parking daily from mid November to mid April. Stoughton institutes alternate side parking only when a snow emergency is called. A snow emergency is called when 3 inches or more of snow is forecasted or 3 inches or more has fallen or as conditions warrant (ice storm, etc).

The snow emergency lasts for 3 days and vehicle owners must abide with alternate side parking during this time frame. Notifications are made on the three (3) local television channels, most local radio channels, posted on city web page, and message on street department voice mail system.

You can also sign up for direct email notifications on city web page. It’s really helpful to move your vehicle(s) completely off the street if possible; it makes for a better plowed street and improves plowing time efficiency and you don’t have to shovel snow to get your vehicle out.

The E-waste collection has been a very successful program, thanks to the residents for bringing in their E-waste items to be properly disposed.

This service is available only to City of Stoughton residents. City residents can still bring their e-waste items to Street Department during normal business hours to be properly disposed. City residents will need to check in at the Street Department office and show ID to verify city residency. If you have any questions, please contact us at (608) 873-6303. At this time there is no fee charged to drop off acceptable items.

An encumbrance permit is required if you are going to leave a dumpster or POD in the street or city right-of-way for more than 2 hours. Permits can be obtained at the Street Department office or online at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us and click on street department tab and then permits link. Cost is $25 dollars and the permit is good for 30 days, when it can be renewed for another $25 dollars.

Snow Removal from Driveways/Sidewalks

• Video display devices, monitors

Our snow plow operators take a lot of pride in cleaning the snow off the streets. Nothing looks better then a freshly plowed street! So please, when you clean your driveways and sidewalks of snow do not blow or throw snow back into the street (city ordinance 64-13 (b) prohibits this). Please deposit your snow on your front yard; it can use the extra moisture and keeps it off the street. Let us know if you witness anyone violating this ordinance.

• DVD, VCR, DVR & Video

Sand/Salt Mixture A salt/sand mixture is available only for city residents at the Street Department at 515 S. Fourth Street. Bring your own small container/pail. The salt/sand box is located along Fourth Street.

• To report a pothole, please call the Street Department 873-6303

Christmas Collection Schedule

• Yardwaste Site is closed for the year and will re-open Thursday April 2, 2015

Crews will be out from Monday January 5th to Friday January 30th collecting Christmas Trees.

Make sure tree stand, all lights and ornaments are removed. Trees must be at the curbside and not buried in the snow. Wreaths and roping must have all wire removed.

• Fall Leaf Collection completed for year. Look for Spring Leaf Collection Schedule in future Tower Times Publications

The Stoughton High School Madrigal singers and musicians present their annual dinner show for the Stoughton Area Senior Center on Tuesday, December 9 at 12:00pm. Please make reservations by noon Dec. 5th. Cost for the dinner and show is $8.00. Come and enjoy some holiday cheer! Wassail!!

List of Acceptable Items • Televisions

• Desktop Computers • Laptops • Printers, scanners, copiers • Fax machines • Keyboards, mice, hard drives, flash drives, external modems & other computer devices NOTE: With computers make sure to remove all personal information or take out the hard drive and destroy it.

NOTE: No Microwaves - they can be placed out at the end of the month for bulky item collection.

Refuse & Recycling Cart Placement Still have a few residents that don’t follow guidelines for proper cart placement. John’s Disposal Service Inc. and the City of Stoughton request and require that carts not be placed in the street, but instead place refuse carts on the terrace or your driveway approach. Please place cart(s) a minimum of 2 feet apart at the end of your driveway or terrace area. Please do not set carts to close to mailboxes, trees, and light poles.

Keeping the carts out of the street also allows street crews to effectively sweep streets, vacuum leaves and plow snow during the fall and winter season.

Mailbox Placement To reduce the chances that your mailbox may be hit by a snow plow during winter, you still have time to move your mailbox and follow US Postal regulations and place your mailbox 40-42 inches above the road surface and back 6 inches from the curb with the door down.

Following these guidelines will increase productivity by snow plow operators.

These articles will be published in Tower Times issues and placed on the city street department web site at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us with time related information. While on the web site, check out Frequently Asked Questions.

In closing, in the last addition of “Street Talks” I asked for your help with communicating with your neighbors about policies, collection schedules or letting us know about these violations. I want to “Thanks” to all the residents who contacted us, it was very helpful for us to be able to reach out to residents who were not aware or were just plain not following guidelines. So please continue to communicate with your neighbors and let them know about city policies, schedules, and guidelines.

Feel free to call me with any questions; I hope you find some helpful information.

Until the next time, finish those fall chores and bundle up for winter :) Sincerely, Karl Manthe Street Superintendent Karl Manthe 608-873-6303 kmanthe@ci.stoughton.wi.us

8 Fall 2014

The Tower Times Futsal

Futsal is an indoor version of soccer that is played around the world. Players participate in “open-play” games that encourage creativity, develop foot skills, and teamwork. Soccer coaches will give tips when appropriate. Futsal has been instrumental in developing soccer talent in Brazil. A drop-in fee of $5 is also available.

Please contact the Recreation Department if you would like to use this option as there might be changes to the classes.

Upcoming Youth Activities

Place: Fox Prairie Gym

Little Viking Basketball - 1st Grade

Days: Tuesdays – Grades 1-2 and 5-8, Thursdays – Grades 3-4

This session will cover six weeks where players will learn the basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. The first session will involve more teaching the fundamentals and the second session will involve more small sided games. A certified coach will be teaching the class. Parents are welcome to volunteer and assist with coaching activities if they would like to be involved and learn about basketball coaching. Participants will receive a 25 inch basketball. The classes are for this age group is for both girls and boys.

Fee: $20 – Residents, $28 – Non-Residents

Dates

Times

1-2

1131.404

1/6-1/27

6:15-7:15 pm

3-4

1131.405

1/8-1/29

6:15-7:15 pm

Gym: Yahara School

5-8

1131.406

1/6-1/29

7:20-8:20 pm

Fee: $40 – Residents, $48 – Non-Residents

Learn to Skate

Days

Dates

Program Code

Thursdays 1/8-2/12 1120.404 Saturdays 1/10-2/14 1120.405

Little Viking Basketball - 2nd Grade

This session will cover 12 classes where players will learn the basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. The first session will involve more teaching the fundamentals and the second session will involve more small sided games. A certified coach will be teaching the class. Parents are welcome to volunteer and assist with coaching activities if they would like to be involved and learn about basketball coaching. Participants will receive a 25 inch basketball. This program is two days per week. Weekday classes are the evening times and Saturday classes are the morning times.

Coaches from the Stoughton Youth Hockey Association will be helping children learn to skate in our skating lesson program again. The skating lessons are open to students’ ages 4 years and above and all skill levels. The classes will be broken down into groups by skill level once they “hit” the ice. The emphasis on this program is having fun while learning to skate. A limited amount of daily skate rentals are available at the Mandt Community Center (873-7528) and long-term rentals are available through Middleton Sports & Fitness (836-3931).

Program Code

Boys

Thursdays & Saturdays

1/8-2/14

1120.410

Girls

Tuesdays & Saturdays

1/6-2/14

1120.411

Junior Viking Basketball - 3-4th Grade

This session will cover 12 classes where players will learn the basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. The first session will involve more teaching the fundamentals and the second session will involve more small sided games. A certified coach will be teaching the class. Parents are welcome to volunteer and assist with coaching activities if they would like to be involved and learn about basketball coaching. Participants will receive a 27.5 inch basketball.

Weekday classes are the evening times and Saturday classes are the morning times.

Gym & Days: G irls - Thursday and Saturdays at River Bluff, Boys - T hursdays at Community Building, Saturdays at River Bluff Times: Girls & Boys on Thursdays from 6:45-7:45 pm, Girls on Saturdays from 10:05-11:05 am, Boys on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00 am Fee: $40 – Residents, $48 – Non-Residents Registration Deadline: 12/27 Gender

Dates

Program Code

Boys 1/8-2/14 1120.410 Girls 1/8-2/14 1120.411

High School Recreational Basketball League

We are once again offering a basketball league open to all high school students except players involved on high school teams.

Players will sign up individually and teams will be created through a draft process.

Days: Tuesdays Dates: 1/13-2/17 Times: 6:00-9:00 pm, game times will vary Location: Sandhill Gym Program Code: 1122.400 Fee: $40 – Residents, $48 – Non-Residents Draft: 1/6 at 5:00 pm at the Youth Center

Youth Open Gym Basketball

Fee: $30

Ski Club Trips

We will be once again offering trips to local ski hills this winter.

Trips take place on Friday evenings in January and February. We take multiple trips to Cascade Mountain, Devils Head, and Tyrol basin. More information will be available in late December.

Gym Games for Little Tykes

This program will introduce children to several different games that range from t-ball to animal tag. This is great opportunity to keep your little ones active in the colder months.

Days: Saturdays Dates: 1/10 – 2/14 Times: 9:00 - 9:45 am Who: Ages 4 - Pre K

Dates: 1/10-2/21, No Class on 2/7

Program Code: 1270.400

Ages: 4+

Fee: $30 - Residents, $38 - Non-Res.

Program Code: 1240.400

Registration Deadline: 1/2

Fee: $60 – Residents, $70 – Non-Residents

The Kids Chef - Traditional Tacos Class

Norse Park Outdoor Skating Rink

Dates

Min/Max Registrations: 35/54

Location: Yahara Gym

Fee: $45 – Residents, $53 – Non-Residents Days

Pick-up/Drop-off Time: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Days & Times: Saturdays, 10:45-11:30 am

Registration Deadline: 1/2

Gender

Day & Date: Saturday, December 13

Location: Mandt Community Center

Gym: Yahara – Weekdays, Community Building - Saturdays Registration Deadline: 12/27

Who: Adults (children may go, but must be accompanied by an adult)

Program Code: 3260.400

Max class size: 16 Program Code

Registration Deadline: 12/27

Join us on a trip to Chicago on our holiday shopping trip! Avoid the hassle of driving and parking in Chicago and enjoy a stress free coach bus ride. Michigan Avenue will have everything on your holiday shopping list. For more information on the stores and restaurants on Michigan Avenue visit www.themagnificentmile.com.

Pick-up/Drop-off Location: City Hall

Deadline: One week before session starts Grades

Chicago Holiday Shopping Trip

We will be having the ice rink at Norse Park open this winter.

The open and close dates are all dependent on weather so please check your emails or our Facebook page for the latest updates.

Upcoming Adult Activities Pickleball Open Gym

Join instructor Lily Kilfoy in this cooking class for kids ages 6-12.

Lily introduces kids to less familiar ingredients, basic cooking techniques, tools and kitchen safety-all while having hands- on fun! In this class, participants will prepare authentic Mexican tacos and make homemade corn tortillas using a traditional press.

Ages: Children Ages 6-12 Times: 12:00-1:15 pm Location: Stoughton Youth Center

Pickleball is a fun game for all ages. It is a racquet game that combines elements from table tennis, tennis, and badminton. We will be providing nets, balls, and court markers. Please bring your own racquet.

Date: 12/20

Who: Adults

Program Code: 1311.400

Fee: $40 season membership or $2 drop-in

Holiday Treat Workshop

Min/Max Participants: 6/10 Fee: $17

Dates: 9/30-4/28

Kristy Manthe, local baking enthusiast, will be teaching parents and their children the art of making holidays treats. Participants will decorate cookies and make homemade caramel corn. Treats will be taken home so please bring a container to class. Everything to make the cookies and caramel corn will be provided. Please bring an apron if you wish.

Closed: 11/4, 12/23, 12/30, 3/31

Ages: Children Ages 6-12

Wednesdays

Times: 10:00 am – Noon

Dates: 10/1-4/29

Location: Fire Station Training Room

Closed: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31, 1/7, 4/1

Date: 12/13

Fridays

Fee: $15

Dates: 10/3-5/1

Program Code: 1310.400

Closed: 11/28, 12/26, 1/2, 4/3

Lowell Park Community Garden

Times: 9:00-11:00 am Location: Yahara Gym Tuesdays

Adult Open Gym Basketball

It is only $2 to attend an open gym. Please pay the on-site supervisor as you enter the gym. Basketballs are not provided.

Saturdays Times: 12:00-1:30 pm in December, 1:00-2:30 pm in January-March Dates: 12/20, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/ 7, 3/14

2015 will be our fourth year of having a community garden at Lowell Park. Gardening is a great family recreation activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The plots at our community garden are 15 feet by 20 feet and they are $35 apiece. Garden rules and applications are available on our website, www.cityofstoughton. com/rec, under park links. Please call or stop by our office for more information.

How to Reserve a Park Shelter

Dates: 12/21, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15

Park shelters in the city can be reserved two different ways. The first way is to go to our website and go through the online reservation process. This process will allow individuals to search for open dates and seek amenities that they need for their gathering. The other way is to fill out a Park Shelter reservation forms. These forms can be found at our website or at the Recreation Department office.

For more details, see our website, www.cityofstougton.com/rec.

Location: High School Field House

How to Register for an Activity

Location: Community Building Gym Sundays Times: 12:30-2:00 pm

We will be having an open gym on Monday nights this winter for children. Please bring your own ball if attending. A gym supervisor will be present.

Adult Group Fitness Classes

https://apm.activecommunities.com/stoughtonrec/Home and click on ‘View Activities’ for a complete listing of classes.

Days: Mondays

Zumba - Tuesday and Thursday Evenings

Dates: 11/3-3/16

Vinyasa Yoga - Wednesday and Sunday Evenings

Paper Registration - Paper registration forms can be found in our seasonal activity guides that are inserted into the Great Dane in March and August. The form can also be found on our website www.cityofstoughton.com/rec

Closed: 12/22, 12/29

Beginner’s Yoga - Sunday Evenings

Stoughton Parks & Recreation

Times: 6:30-7:30 pm

Kettlebell Amp’d - Monday Evenings

Grades: 3-8th. Younger children can attend but must be accompanied by an adult

PiYo Strength - Saturday Mornings

Fee: $2

We offer many different group fitness classes. All of these classes will have sessions that start in January or are available as a drop-in.

Pound Fitness - Saturday Mornings R.I.P.P.E.D. - Tuesday and Thursday Mornings

381 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 Phone: 608-873-6746 • Fax: 608-873-5519 Email: stoughtonrecreation@ci.stoughton.wi.us Website: www.cityofstoughton.com/rec Online Registration Website: https://apm.activecommunities.com/stoughtonrec/

The Tower Times

Fall 2014 9

Celebrate the Holidays Safely Keep your family safe during the holidays by keeping electrical safety in mind and by following these simple safety tips...

Outdoor Lighting

• Before you buy lights for use outside, read the packaging or the tag on the cord to make sure they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside.

• If your outdoor decorating requires a ladder, always look up first before raising it. Don’t raise ladders or other extended objects into or near power lines.

• Planning to string lights in outdoor trees? Make sure tree limbs haven’t grown into or near electric lines. Branches and even entire trees can become energized if they contact the line.

• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.

Go Ahead, Deck the Halls!

• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

• Don’t overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.

This holiday season, Stoughton Utilities is reminding homeowners and businesses about the benefits and advantages of energy efficient lighting options to help customers stretch their holiday dollar and trim their holiday energy bill. To help you get started, we’ll even give you up to two strands of LED holiday lights for free throughout the month of November!

• Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords-you could damage the wire or insulation, which could lead to an electrical shock or fire.

Stoughton Utilities customers can receive one strand of LED holiday lights for free when they exchange one strand of older incandescent holiday lights. They can receive a second strand of LED lights when they exchange a second string of holiday lights AND make a donation of at least three non-perishable food items for the Stoughton Food Pantry.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Compared to standard incandescent holiday lights, LED holiday lights use up to 90 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light, cost significantly less to operate, and last longer than standard lights.

LEDs and CFLs also emit much less heat than traditional lights, greatly reducing the risk of fire hazards, and do not have the same components that cause traditional lights to burn out or combust.

Stoughton Utilities also wants customers to be aware of safe operating practices for all types of holiday lighting.

• Always remember to turn off tree and decorative lights, both indoors and outdoors, before leaving home or going to bed.

• Always check last year’s leftover lights for cracked or broken sockets, frayed insulation or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged cords.

Indoor Lighting

• Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

• Inside your home route cords so they won’t trip anyone. Additionally, don’t place them under rugs, appliances or other objects, as they may overheat if covered or become worn and cause a fire.

• Pets and toddlers sometimes become attracted to electrical cords. It’s a good idea to secure cords so that they are not easily reached.

• Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings. This could create an electrical shock.

Trimming the Tree

• Whether artificial or freshly cut, a tree should be kept a safe distance away from all sources of heat, including fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”

• Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood.

This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

For more holiday energy-saving ideas, contact us at (608) 873-3379. Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season!

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

• Before you buy lights for use outdoors, read the packaging and the tag on the cord to make sure they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside!

• It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• For both inside and outside lighting projects, follow the rule of using no more than three sets of lights on a single extension cord to prevent overheating and reduce the chance of fire.

• Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy and safe holiday season!

Winter Utility Bills With winter rapidly approaching, Stoughton Utilities would like to remind our customers of the importance of paying their monthly utility bills during the winter months. Each month, SU has to pay our wholesale power provider for the electricity that we distribute to Stoughton homes and business, even if those customers don’t pay us. Unpaid bills contribute to increased utility rates for all customers.

Failing to keep up with your account during the winter months can have serious repercussions, potentially including one or more of the following: • By not paying during the winter, you will inevitably find yourself with a very large balance due in the spring. If the average customer with a $150 monthly bill goes all winter without paying, they will owe over $1,000 in April, and that balance may be required to be paid in full, and can result in a disconnection of service.

• Failure to pay your winter bills will cause Stoughton Utilities to require a mandatory security deposit to be posted on your account. The deposit required for customers who do not pay during the winter will be the total of the four highest consecutive month’s bills during the last 12 months of service. Using the average $150 monthly bill, you may be required to pay a security deposit of $600 in April, and that’s in addition to your full past-due balance.

• Stoughton Utilities may choose take you to small claims court for any delinquent balance, where we may seek damages of up to three times the unpaid balance.

Give the Gift of Light This holiday season, you can give the gift of light to a neighbor or loved one.

Stoughton Utilities is offering gift certificates which can be used towards any customer’s utility bill. Gift certificates may be purchased for any amount. Stop by the utility office at 600 South Fourth Street, call us at (608) 873-3379, or email us at CustomerService@StoughtonUtilities.com for more information.

Save Time and Money With Automatic Payments How would you like to never have to write another check to Stoughton Utilities? You can make this happen, simply by enrolling in one of our automatic payment programs. Each month on the due-date, the billed amount due will be deducted from your checking or savings account, or charged to your credit or debit card. All banking information is securely stored and encrypted within our systems, and you’ll never have to transmit your sensitive account numbers through the mail again.

You can add, cancel, or change your automatic payment program participation at any time. Simply give us a call at 873-3379 or send an email to CustomerService@StoughtonUtilities.com and one of our customer service representatives will get you started.

• Stoughton Utilities may submit your account to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) for collections through the State Debt Collection Initiative. The DOR will attempt to deduct payment from your state tax refund, garnish your wages, or place a bank levy on the funds in your checking or savings account. In addition, the DOR will charge an additional fee of 15% of the unpaid balance.

Making an effort to keep your account balance under control during the winter months is very important. If you are finding it difficult to make the monthly payment, please keep in mind that even minimal amounts will help keep your balance from growing out of control. Please contact us to set up a deferred payment arrangement, or to obtain numbers to call for winter payment assistance. It may seem as though you’re saving money by not paying your utility bill, but in the end it can wind up costing you much more.

During the holidays, as well as throughout the remainder of the heating season, we know it can be very difficult for many families to meet their normal living expenses. Taking advantage of Stoughton Utilities Budget Billing Option allows you to plan ahead for a utility bill that will be a fixed amount each month. The amount of your payment will be the average of your monthly charges. The amount will be reviewed and adjusted twice a year to be sure that the monthly payment stays similar to your monthly usage.

If you have questions about your bill, would like to sign up for the Budget Billing option, or need to establish a deferred payment arrangement for your delinquent balance, please give us a call at (608) 873-3379.

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Create A Better Future

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program

As a customer of Stoughton Utilities, you can purchase renewable energy blocks to offset a part or all of your electrical usage through our Renewable Energy Program. Renewable energy is generated from clean, green energy sources such as wind, biogas, and the sun, and is purchased in 300 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks; each block costs $3.

As a customer of Stoughton Utilities, you may be eligible for the State of Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

This program was established to help members of our state with limited financial resources to cover their winter energy costs, including both electricity and natural gas or other heating fuels.

Purchasing one block of renewable energy each month for one year has the equivalent impact on the environment as not driving a car for six months and avoids emitting over three tons of carbon dioxide.

WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a one-time benefit payment during the heating season of October 1-May 15. The funding pays a portion of the household’s costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs, and will not cover any part of your water or wastewater charges.

In Stoughton, 429 residential and business customers purchase 1,080 blocks of renewable energy each month, which results in 324,000 kWh of renewable energy generated and sold, enough to power 462 averagesized homes in Wisconsin.

The amount of the non-heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to Stoughton Utilities, and is applied to future bills to reduce the required monthly payment.

To learn more about the utility’s Renewable Energy or Green Power for Business programs, or to enroll your home or business, please call (608) 873-3379 or visit us online at renewable.stoughtonutilities.com.

If you live in a dwelling that is heated using electricity instead of gas or oil, then you are may also be eligible for WHEAP heating assistance. This is an additional onetime payment during the heating season that pays a portion of your heating costs.

Under the eligibility requirements, customers at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income may qualify for WHEAP assistance, including: • A single person with an annual income below $25,151 per year; • A couple without children with an annual income below $32,890;

Wisconsin winters always seem to bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small snowstorm can result in a large power outage. Our overhead power lines and poles are directly exposed to the wind, snow, sleet, and ice, all of which have the power to cause severe damage. Once the lights go off it’s too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t get caught searching in the dark for a flashlight or candles.

Medical Equipment

• A family of three with an annual income below $40,628; • A family of four with an income of up to $48,367; • Guidelines for additional household sizes can be found online at homeenergyplus.wi.gov.

Customers who did not qualify for assistance a few years ago may now be eligible. To determine eligibility, applicants must provide the following to their local social services or energy services office: • Proof of income for the past three months for all household members 18 years or older;

If you or a family member relies on medical equipment powered by electricity, create an emergency plan and create a designated neighbor, friend, or family member that you can temporarily relocate to during prolonged outages. We cannot assure any customer that a storm or equipment problem will not interrupt power, so you should consider purchasing a battery backup system to keep your critical needs equipment running during brief outages.

Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equipment and regularly test the equipment’s back-up power sources. If your condition warrants immediate attention, always contact 911 for assistance.

• Social Security cards for everyone in the household; • Utility bills (heating and electric) for the past 12 months; • If applicable, a rent certificate or landlord’s statement verifying that heat is included in the rent.

If you are approved for energy assistance through WHEAP, you will receive bill payment assistance for both your Alliant Energy natural gas bill (or other heating provider), as well as your Stoughton Utilities electric bill.

To apply for energy assistance, please contact Energy Services Inc. at (608) 267-8601 to schedule an appointment. You may apply anytime from October 1, 2014 through May 15, 2015.

Give Them A Brake!

Working outdoors in Wisconsin’s harsh winters is hard enough, but when utility crews have to deal with dangerous drivers in work zones, it only makes it that much more difficult. Whether it’s around electric linemen restoring a power outage or a water crew repairing a water main break, work zones are no place for impatience or aggressive driving. The added seconds you may save while speeding through a work zone are not worth placing your utility’s worker’s lives at risk.

Be Prepared For Power Outages

UTILITY WORK AHEAD

Tragically, over 1,000 people die across the nation every year in road work zones. Please follow these important tips for safely driving in road work zones. Your life – and ours- depend on it!

• Keep a safe distance from traffic barriers, construction equipment, utility workers, and other traffic.

• Always slow to work zone speed limits, or slower.

• Pay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and vehicles may be working near the road.

• Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use.

Sump Pumps and Cordless Phones

Your sump pump runs on electricity, so consider a battery back-up. Choose one that will switch on automatically if an outage occurs. Your cordless phone will not work during a power outage; consider a spare plug-in telephone, or keep your cell phone handy for emergency situations.

Generators

Test your generator every 30 days to make certain that it is in good operating condition. Always follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation. If back-feeding your generator into your home’s electrical system, ALWAYS use a transfer switch or disconnect your main breaker switch. Failure to do so could injure or kill our lineman working to restore our system, or bystanders who come into contact with wires on the ground.

Assemble An Emergency Kit

Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit that’s easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items: • Working Flashlights • Battery-Operated Radio for news & weather reports • Batteries for Flashlights & Radio • Candles & Matches • Blankets! This is extremely important during the winter since your furnace can not run without electricity.

• Watch for and follow all warning, lane closure, and construction detour signs.

• Bottled Water (City customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not)

• Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.

• Canned or Dried Food

• Always buckle up.

• A Corded Telephone (cordless phones don’t work when power is out.)

Tree Branches vs. Electric Wires Tree limbs that come in contact with power lines are a major cause of electrical outages, and limbs that touch electric power lines can become energized or even break and fall, bringing the lines down with them. This risk is increased over the winter months due to the heavy weight added as a result of snow and ice accumulation, as well as the high winds that frequently accompany winter storms.

To reduce outages caused by tree contact, Stoughton Utilities prunes trees away from its power lines on a planned five-year cycle. Our line clearance program is one of many efforts we employ to help ensure the reliability of your electrical service, and for many years, our program has been honored with the Tree Line USA award.

Like the majority of utilities nationwide, Stoughton Utilities does not routinely trim around service drops. The service drop is the wire that runs from the pole to your home or business. This line serves only you, and each individual property owner is responsible for keeping it clear of trees and branches. These overhead service lines have insulation on them to protect the wires from incidental contact with energized lines so individuals who are comfortable and responsible around electric wires can easily and safely remove the branches with appropriate tools and equipment for the job. Individuals that don’t feel safe or comfortable around electric wires should always hire a professional tree trimming contractor.

When lights flicker during storms and on windy days, it can usually be explained by trees making contacts with overhead power lines located throughout our service territory. This may be happening on the wires between poles located along streets, alleys, or back and side yards, and may not necessarily be happening in front of your homes or on your service drop wire.

Please alert us to any line issue that requires immediate attention, such as broken or dead limbs hanging on or over power lines. Also, remember to take a look up while planning to plant a tree on private property. If you see power lines where the tree will eventually grow, please plant a type of tree that is appropriate for the location and has a limited maximum height. For more information on our line clearance program or information on maintaining your service drop, please contact us.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

• Remember that electric garage door openers will not function during a power outage. Place your unit on “manual” if possible.

• Electric sump pumps and pumps used for rural customer’s wells also will not work during a power outage.

• Protect electrical equipment from possible surges when power is restored. Use surge suppression devices to protect sensitive equipment such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, televisions, stereos and major appliances - or simply unplug them.

• A power outage may affect the operation of security and alarm systems.

• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible.

Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently.

• Blinds and curtains will help shield against the heat of the sun, so while the air-conditioning is off you should keep your windows covered.

• If you leave your home or business, switch on a light that can be seen from the street. Our crews often “spot check” to ensure all customers have their electricity back on. Try to shut all other appliances and electrical equipment off.

• For the safety of everyone, stay clear of crews, vehicles and equipment in the area.

• After the power is restored, you can safely reconnect appliances and equipment, and reset devices that operate on timers.

• Stoughton Utilities’ drinking water and wastewater treatment processes will be active during an outage.

Create a Family Plan

Parents: make sure your children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a caretaker. Make sure they know how to stay warm, and check in with them frequently.

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Appliance Recycling Program

Look For Air Leaks, and Stay Warm

Are you stuck with older, inefficient appliances that are still in use? Did you know they’re costing you extra money on your energy bills? We think it’s time to break free. When you’re ready to get rid of your old refrigerators or freezers still in working condition, Stoughton Utilities will arrange for, and cover the costs of pick-up, haul-away and responsible recycling. We’ll even pay you up to $80!

You tell your kids they’re heating the Great Outdoors when they don’t keep the windows shut or close the door behind them. You could be doing the same thing without even knowing it. Your heated indoor air could be leaking out of your house through the tiny cracks and holes around phone lines, electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, and around windows and doors.

Now that the warm weather of summer and autumn is giving way to the cooler temperatures and harsh winds of winter, it’s important to prepare your home for the change in seasons. Finding and sealing the air leaks that create drafty cold spots in your home is a simple home maintenance chore that can potentially save you 5% to 30% in heating costs over the winter.

Take a walk around the outside of your house and you may see little gaps where the inside light shines through around window frames, wall-mounted air conditioners, exhaust vents and more. To find the cracks and holes too small to see, close all your windows and doors, turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and then hold a smoke stick or lit incense stick near each door, window, and exterior wall outlet. If the smoke rises undisturbed, then you are leak free, but if the rising smoke is noticeably disturbed, then you have a small hole or crack to fill.

Once you find the locations where cold air is leaking in, seal them with caulk or weather stripping to keep your warm air indoors where it belongs.

Support Stoughton Non-Profits

By Enrolling in Project RoundUP Stoughton Utilities began our Project RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to further assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Currently 374 of your neighbors participate in the program with voluntary monthly contributions. In 2014 alone, we collected and awarded $2,000 in funds to two local non-profit. The customers that participate in this program are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities over a century ago.

About Project RoundUP

Stoughton Utilities customers can opt to enroll in the voluntary RoundUP program. Each month, your utility bill will “round up” to the next highest dollar amount. This small tax-deductible contribution may seem like only pennies a month to you, but the dollars add up quickly when many customers participate. All contributions are tax-deductible and a summary for the prior year is mailed each January.

Refrigerators built before 1993 can use two to three times more energy than newer, high-efficiency models. Many homeowners keep a second fridge or stand-alone freezer in their garage or basement. Recycling these appliances can save you approximately $150 a year on your energy bills.

Cash-back rewards through the Appliance Recycling Program are available to residential customers and subject to the following criteria: • $40 for each refrigerator and freezer (limit 2 per customer per calendar year).

• Refrigerator or freezer must be: o Between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size. o Clean and empty on the day of pick up, and in working condition. o Accessible with a clear and safe path of removal.

• The removal team will not risk injury; remove personal effects or modify your home (e.g. remove doors or railings) to have the unit(s) removed safely If you have an old refrigerator or freezer in working condition, scheduling a pick-up is fast and easy.

To start saving money on your energy bills simply call the appliance turn-in center’s toll free number at (855) 398-5226 to schedule a pickup. Customers may also sign up for appliance pickups online at http://incentives.stoughtonutilities.com.

If you are just disposing of a dehumidifier, air conditioner unit, or other small appliance and live inside the City limits, you can simply put it out with your trash on the last garbage pick-up day of each month. John’s Disposal will collect any small appliances and responsibly recycle them. Please note that this does not include televisions or other electronics. If you have a non-working unit, please contact John’s Disposal to arrange a pick-up for a fee.

Customer Contribution

The typical contribution per program participant is approximately $6.00 per year. Amongst all participating customers, over $2,000 is raised each year and awarded by the Stoughton Utilities Committee twice annually to local community service organizations.

How It Works

Contributing through the RoundUP program is really very simple. Each month Stoughton Utilities will round up your utility bill to the next full dollar. For example, if your bill is $41.17, it would be rounded up to $42.00 and your monthly contribution will be $0.83. Your maximum contribution per year could be $11.88, but generally will be less than that and averages around $6 per year.

If you also participate in our Budget Billing program, the actual costs of your monthly service will be rounded up and not your monthly payment. Your budgeted payment will not change as a result of enrollment in Project RoundUP.

Major Funding Categories

Collected funds are administered by the Stoughton Utilities Committee and overseen by the Stoughton City Council. Donations are awarded bi-annually to qualifying registered applicants selected by the Stoughton Utilities Committee. Selection is based upon the merits of the application and the intended use of the funds.

To qualify for funding, organizations and projects must generally be related to community service, economic development, education and youth, environment, emergency energy assistance or disaster relief.

Although there are many worthy charitable and educational projects and community needs in our local area, the limited availability of funds requires us to establish these funding priority categories.

Contributed funds will be used geographically within the area served by Stoughton Utilities and will include the City of Stoughton and the Townships of Dunn, Dunkirk, Pleasant Springs, Porter, and Rutland. Organizations which provide programs and benefits to people who live in this geographic area are eligible for funding consideration, even if the organization is headquartered elsewhere.

We always welcome new applicants, so if you are aware of any local non-profit organization that would like to be considered for future donations, please have them contact us for an application.

Past Recipients

Past recipients of funds include the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, American Legion Post 59, Friends of the Stoughton Area Youth Center, the Friends of the Stoughton Public Library, Martin Luther Christian School, Shalom Holistic Health Services, Stoughton Area Resource Team (START), Stoughton Holiday Fund, Stoughton Lions and Lionesses Clubs, Stoughton United Ministries, and the Stoughton Wellness Coalition.

If you are a customer and would like to sign up to participate in the program, or if you’re a non-profit organization that could benefit from a donation from Stoughton Utilities’ RoundUP program, please contact us at (608) 873-3379 or online at http://roundup.stoughtonutilities.com.

Is It Really flushable?

A lot of personal hygiene products claim to be sewer and septic safe, but before you actually flush them down the toilet, think again. There are only two items that should ever be flushed: human waste and standard toilet paper. All other products such as baby wipes, moist towelettes, “flushable” wipes, paper towels, rags, cloth diapers, cleaning pads, and more should always be discarded in the trash, not the toilet. These products do not break down in the sanitary sewer system, and can clog laterals, sewer mains, pumps, all of which can lead to sewer backups into homes and businesses.

Upcoming Events Managing Anxiety Just in time for the holiday season, join Dr. Daniel Staddler, Family Practice Physician, to learn how to manage and decrease aspects of anxiety in your life.

Wednesday, December 3rd at 6 p.m. FREE The class will be held in the Bryant Health Education Center in the lower level of the hospital. To register, please contact Sonja at 873-2356 or pr3@stohosp.com.

Please register early, space is limited.

Love Light Celebration Thursday, December 4th at 4:30 p.m.

Stoughton Hospital Lobby Special program, music and refreshments Please join us to make this the brightest holiday season ever. Help us light our Love Light Trees and let the light shine for those you cherish. Send in your Love Light contribution today. For more information or a contribution form, please go to stoughtonhospital.com.

No pre-registration is needed. The proceeds from the 2014 donations will go toward the purchase of new defibrillators for the hospital.

Freedom through Forgiveness Not being able to forgive can lead to pain in many areas of our lives. We know we should forgive, we want to forgive, but how? Join instructor Tim Markle, to learn methods of working toward forgiveness and learning to live a forgiving life.

Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. FREE Beginning Jan 7th through Feb 4th - 5 weeks. The classes will be held in the Bryant Health Education Center in the lower level of the hospital. To register, please contact Sonja at 873-2356 or pr3@stohosp.com Please register early, space is limited.

If you need to discard hazardous materials, visit the Dane County clean sweep collection site. You can find more information at www.danecountycleansweep.com.

If you need to dispose of unused prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins, you can safely do so at any MedDrop site, including the drop box located outside the Stoughton Police Department’s main entrance. More information, as well as a listing of other MedDrop sites can be found at www.safercommunity.net/meddrop.php.

900 Ridge Street Stoughton, WI 53589

stoughtonhospital.com

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What we put down our drains and toilets can not only clog our sanitary sewer and septic systems, but they also can negatively impact our environment and put our health at risk. Hazardous materials such as motor oil, antifreeze, paint and paint thinners, mercury, and even unused pharmaceutical drugs can remain in our waterways even after treatment.

12 - The Tower Times - Fall 2014

Old Man Winter Is Moving In For The Season!

Is Your Vehicle Prepared?

(608) 873-8800

Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. Closed

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