The
Tower Times
City of Stoughton
Issue 3, Fall 2017
nOtice – city OF StOughtOn taX PayerS
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 The City of Stoughton held a Public Hearing on Treasurer’s office if you have a question regarding your November 14, 2017 to review the proposed 2018 tax bill. City budget. A copy of the proposed budget will Lottery Tax Credits be available for review at City Hall and at the Did you move into your home during 2017? If you Stoughton Library or it is available on the owned your home on January 1, 2017 and use it as city’s website. your primary residence, you are eligible for a Lottery Tax Billing Credit on your property tax bill. Each year homeowners The Treasurer’s Office will send are able to claim a lottery tax credit on the first out bills by December 21st. Tax installment of their property tax bill. To be eligible for payments can be mailed using the a lottery tax credit this year, you must have owned and pre-addressed envelope provided resided in your home on January 1 of the current year. to you with your tax bill, or This residence also must be where you live for more made in person at Stoughton than six months of the year. Vacation homes, rental City Hall Deputy Treasurer’s homes, businesses and bare land do not qualify for this Office. Please include the credit. If you purchased your home after January 1, bottom portion of your tax there are a limited number of circumstances that will bill with your payment. allow you to receive the credit this year. First installment payments The credit amount varies by year and will not be are due by January 31, determined until the beginning of December. For 2018. Please make first questions, to sign up for the credit or if the credit installment checks payable is not showing on your tax bill, please contact the to the City of Stoughton City Treasurer’s office (873-6677) or the Office of the Treasurer. Please note, NO County Treasurer (266-4151). CASH PAYMENTS will be If the lottery credit is not on your tax bill, please accepted. We are no longer able to accept cash payments request a “Lottery Credit Claim Form” before you pay your taxes and your bill will be reduced. for real estate and personal property tax bills. If you Dog Licenses choose to pay in installments, Taxpayers who traditionally come to City Hall in your second installment is December to purchase dog licenses will still be able paid directly to the Dane to do so, although licenses may also be conveniently County Treasurer. purchased through the mail by sending a separate check payable to the City of Stoughton, to the We continue to encourage attention of Dog License, City Hall (381 E. Main St., taxpayers to make Stoughton, WI 53589), along with proof of rabies their payments 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 2018: $16.00 unless the dog is spayed or neutered in which case the fee is $12.00.
2 Fall 2017
The Tower Times
Outdoor Firewood Storage Requirements
Traffic Visibility at Intersections
Sec. 78-723. Outdoor storage of firewood standards.
If you own a corner lot within the City of Stoughton, the following ordinance section may apply to you:
Sec. 78-703. Visibility standards. (1) No person shall store firewood in the front yard on residentially zoned property, except that firewood may be temporarily stored in (1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to alleviate or prevent the front yard for a period of 30 days from the date of its delivery. congestion of public rights-of-way so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum require(2) Firewood should be neatly stacked and may not be stacked ments for the provision of vehicular visibility. 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 (2) Requirement. In order to provide a clear view of intersecting against the fence as high as the fence. Fences as used in this sec- streets to motorists there shall be a triangular area of clear vision formed by the two intersecting streets and a chord connecting said tion shall not include hedges and other vegetation. centerlines, as determined by the director of planning and develop(3) All brush, debris and refuse from processing of firewood shall ment. Generally, the following standards shall apply: be promptly and properly disposed of and shall not be allowed to Table 78-703: Vision Clearance Triangle Standards remain on the premises. Right-of-Way Width Distance from Right-of-Way Intersection (4) Woodpiles that contain diseased wood that is capable of trans66 feet or less 10 feet mitting disease to healthy trees and woodpiles that harbor or are more than 66 feet 20 feet infested or inhabited by rats or other vermin are public nuisances and may be abated pursuant to the provisions of this Code of Or- Within said triangular area, no signs, parking spaces, structures, or earthwork in excess of 30 inches, and no vegetation, fencing, dinances. nor other such obstructions between 30 inches and eight feet in (5) Not more than 20 percent of the side and rear yard may be used height shall be permitted which exceeds 30 inches in height above for storage of firewood at any one time. either of the centerline elevations of said two streets. If you have any questions regarding outdoor firewood storage This requirement also applies to snow. please contact the Planning Department at 608-646-0421. Vision may be restored by: • Trimming shrubs or hedges to a maximum height of 30 inches. now and ce emoval equirements • Trimming low hanging tree branches to a minimum height of 8 feet. • Removal of obstruction. Sec. 64-13. Snow and ice removal. If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the (a) The occupant or owner of any lot or City Planning Department at 608-646-0421. parcel abutting on a public sidewalk, other than the parcels located in the downtown corridor specified in section 64-13(c), 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 director of public works or their 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.
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(b) No snow or ice removed from private property, other than the parcels located in the downtown corridor specified in section 64-13(c), 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 rivate roperty arking tandards penalties as set forth in section 1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. If the occupant or owner ecreational ehicles does not comply with this section, the director of public works may for cause the work to be done and the expense reported to the city Note: these standards are only for private property, not for parkfinance director who shall annually enter such expense on the tax ing on public lands or anywhere in the street right-of-way. roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land. A recreational vehicle is any of the following: motor home, jet ski, (c) The occupant or owner of any lot or parcel abutting a public boat, all trailers, campers, snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, sidewalk in the downtown corridor, specified below, shall re- ATV’s and similar vehicles. move therefrom all snow, dirt, rubbish or refuse matter to the curb line and sprinkle ice with a material to prevent slipping Parking and storage of recreational vehicles and trailers in residential, within 24 hours after the conclusion of a snowfall. Violation of office, and business districts are permitted in the following manner: any of these provisions may result in penalties as set forth in sec- Recreational vehicles and trailers: tion 1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate (a) Parked or stored within the front yard or side yard must be on violation. If the occupant or owner does not comply with this sec- a driveway that is made of a dust free, continual hard surface such tion, the director of public works may cause the work to be done as concrete or asphalt pavement and shall be a minimum of five and the expense reported to the city finance director who shall feet from any private property line or right-of-way line. Permeable annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against pavement including turfstone is also allowable. The side yard shall the lot or parcel of land. end at the rear of the home.
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“Downtown corridor” defined:
Main Street-Railroad Track to S. Page Street Water Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street Division Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street Forrest Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street Fourth Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street Tree & Shrubbery Growth Fall is a good time to trim any low hanging tree branches or overgrowth of shrubs that are in the public sidewalk area.
Why?
• Trees and shrubs may become a safety hazard if allowed to grow into pedestrian walkways • Trees and shrubs can cause a vision issue between pedestrians and traffic By City Ordinance, tree limbs are not allowed to grow below 9 feet above a sidewalk, and shrubbery/plantings are not allowed to encroach into the sidewalk area. If you are planning on doing yard care, check with the Stoughton Public Works department for the best time to trim trees and shrubs. Some species require trimming at certain times of the year, and the Public Works department has a schedule for brush collection throughout the year. Check their website for more information at: www.cityofstoughton.com/streets or call 608-873-6303. If you have any questions regarding this issue, contact the Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421.
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Take Action to Protect our Waters this Fall and Winter! As the weather cools and the days of splashing around on the lake fade away it’s easy to forget about the health of our waters. Take action to protect our waters by: 1. Keeping streets leaf-free this fall In the fall, keeping leaf litter off of streets before it rains can reduce the amount of phosphorus in urban stormwater by 80% compared to no leaf removal! Before the rain… • Safely remove leaves from the street in front of your home. • Mulch or Compost leaves on your property. • Sign up to receive Leaf-free Streets Rain Alerts this fall (Oct. 1Nov. 30). Alerts will be issued (via text or email) 1-2 days before a significant rain event reminding you that it’s time to remove street leaves. To learn more or to sign up for Leaf-free Streets Rain Alerts visit: www.ripple-effects.com. 2. Cleaning up pet waste It is very important to continue to pick up after your pet all year long, especially during winter. Pet waste can become encased in snow and ice, and carried away with melt water when it warms up. The bacteria and nutrients found in the waste make their way to the nearest storm drain, and then flow into the nearest lake or stream. 3. Reducing salt usage As snow season draws near, consider this: sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common form of salt used for de-icing roads and walkways. It is used so much that it has become a water pollutant. It is very difficult and costly to remove once it is in the water, so prevention is very important. This winter… • Remove snow as soon as possible so that it is less likely to turn to ice. • Treat before a storm to help prevent ice buildup so less de-icer is needed. • Use sand for traction, it is safe and effective, but be sure to sweep up excess • Consider using the following alternatives: Liquid magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride (all 3 work better than regular salt in colder temps), calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate. • Read the label- know which ice melt product you are using, in what temperatures it will be effective, and how much to use.
Working to Keep Roads Safe while Protecting our Waters this Winter Whether you’re a fan of the snow or secretly hoping the mild fall will continue right into spring, winter is coming and City of Stoughton crews are ready. Our goal is to keep roads, parking lots and sidewalks safe this winter by using the right amount of salt. More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to winter salt use. Excess salt can harm plants and animals, pollute our water, damage buildings and corrode vehicles, roads and bridges. Did you know that 1 teaspoon of salt can pollute 5 gallons of water? Once you put salt down, it doesn’t go away. Instead, it travels into our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, putting our aquatic life at risk and endangering our freshwater resources. The good news is that a little salt can go a long way if applied properly.
The City of Stoughton is using sensible salting practices such as calibrating our plow trucks to put down the proper amount of salt and pre-wetting salt as it’s applied during the storm. Before the snow season, each truck is calibrated to only put down a specific amount of salt as it goes down the road. The truth is, we don’t need to use that much salt to be effective. Our plow trucks put down roughly 300-400 lbs. of salt per lane mile depending on the conditions. Furthermore, each plow truck is equipped with a spray bar that pre-wets the salt before it hits the road. The practice of pre-wetting activates the salt resulting in faster melting. It also (b) May be parked in the rear yard, beyond the rear of the home helps the salt stick to the pavement making it less likely to bounce without the need for a hard surface, subject to all other conditions. off the road before it can work. Note: Corner lots have two fronts. These practices allow us to keep roads, parking lots and sidewalks (c) Shall be owned by the resident who is occupying the property safe while reducing salt use and our impact to our ponds, wetlands and the Yahara River. Please join us in our effort to become Salt on which the vehicle or trailer is parked or stored. Wise by taking some simple actions this winter: (d) Are permitted only for storage purposes except mobile homes and campers may be used for overnight sleeping for a maximum of • Shovel: Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice. The more snow you remove manually, the less salt you will 14 days in one calendar year. have to use and the more effective it will be. (e) May not be connected to wastewater or sanitary sewer lines, or • Scatter: Believe it or not, just a coffee mug of salt is enough to electricity except for charging of batteries. treat an entire 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares. (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 • Switch: When pavement temps drop below 15, salt won’t work. Switch to sand for traction or a different ice melter that works in for its use. lower temperatures. (g) Shall be placed a minimum of five feet from all property lines • Hire a salt wise applicator: If you hire a contractor to remove and shall not be parked within any easement. snow and ice, let them know you are WI Salt Wise! Some local (h) Maximum number allowed outside of a building per property is three applicators have been trained in winter maintenance practices that unless the property is zoned and approved for such outdoor storage. reduce environmental impact. Ask if they’ve been trained and what (i) A trailer with multiple recreational vehicles on it shall be con- practices they use. sidered one recreational vehicle, but all recreational vehicles on the • Look for proper salt use at the stores & businesses you visit. If trailer shall be owned by the resident occupying the property on they’re using the right amount of salt, tell them thank you! If not, which the trailer is parked. let them know about WI Salt Wise. (j) Individual canoes, kayaks and similar vehicles not on a trailer • Be Salt Wise All Year: The salt you put in your water softener ends are exempt from these requirements. up in local fresh-water streams. New, efficient softeners use less If you have any questions regarding this regulation please contact than one bag per month. If you’re using more, have a professional tune up your softener or invest in a new, high-efficiency model. the Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421.
The Tower Times Outdoor Storage of Unsightly Items Sec. 10-318 outdoor storage of unsightly items.
Fall 2017 3 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 Neo-Classical styles constructed from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth century.
Historic Districts
No person shall store or accumulate outdoors on his own land any of the following unsightly items unless such land is zoned 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 to permit such storage or accumulation: Stoughton’s cluster of old tobacco warehouses, lumber yards, and • Motor vehicles, boats, or aircraft not in operating condition. the Milwaukee and St. Paul Depot. Over one-half of the district houses were constructed between 1900 and 1910. The Queen Anne • Junk, salvage, old machinery or fencing materials. Style is popular in this neighborhood, but the Classical Revival, • Commercial trucks, tractors or trailers. Arts and Crafts bungalow and American Foursquare styles are also • Building materials, construction or earth moving equipment not well represented. being used on a building project currently in progress. The Northwest Side Historic District has more than 300 homes, and is If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the located on a gently sloping ridge that rises above Stoughton’s Main Street and the Yahara River. The approximately eighteen-block Building Inspector at 608-873-7626. area between the Yahara River, McKinley, Van Buren and Main Streets is testament to the city’s Golden Age – the years between ree hrubbery rowth about 1885 and 1915 when local businesses flourished and many residents built handsome houses. There are several examples of Fall is a good time to trim any low hanging tree branches or overGreek Revival and Italianate Style houses in the Northwest Stoughgrowth of shrubs that are in the public sidewalk area. ton Historic District, but the area is most distinguished by its many A complete listing of all national and State registered buildings can be obtained at the Wisconsin Historical Society website (wisconWhy? examples of the exuberant Queen Anne style. sinhistory.org). The Stoughton Landmarks Commission publishes * Trees and shrubs may become a safety hazard if allowed to grow The Southwest Side Historic District, with about 120 homes, is a brochures, maps, walking tours, and maintains a website highlightinto pedestrian walkways twenty-block area between South Monroe, South Page, Oak and ing the City’s historic buildings and districts. The City of Stoughton Main Streets. It is testament to the city’s past building traditions as is also listed as a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the Wiscon* Trees and shrubs can cause a vision issue between pedestrians well as the present interest in neighborhood conservation. There sin Historic Preservation Officer and the U.S. Department of the and traffic are fine examples of the Queen Anne Style in the district, many of Interior. Municipalities designated as CLGs must demonstrate the By City Ordinance, tree limbs are not allowed to grow below 9 feet them spacious houses originally designed for single-family occu- following: enforce appropriate local ordinances for the designation above a sidewalk, and shrubbery/plantings are not allowed to en- pancy. However, there are a number of simple, vernacular Greek and protection of historic properties; establish a qualified historic croach into the sidewalk area. Revival houses from the 1860s and 1870s, and good examples of preservation commission by local ordinance; maintain a system the more ornate Italianate Style, popular here between about 1860 for the survey and inventory of historic properties; and provide If you are planning on doing yard care, check with the Stoughton and 1880. for public participation in the local historic preservation program. Public Works department for the best time to trim trees and shrubs. Some species require trimming at certain times of the year, and The East Park Historic District occupies a picturesque corner of east CLGs such as Stoughton are able to apply for Wisconsin Historic the Public Works department has a schedule for brush collection Stoughton that is perched on a hill above the Chicago, Milwau- Preservation Fund sub-grants to be used for eligible CLG activities. throughout the year. Check their website for more information at: kee, and St. Paul Railroad Depot and a group of historic tobacco CLGs are also able to officially comment on National Register of www.cityofstoughton.com/streets or call 608-873-6303. warehouses. This area had no residential development until 1913. Historic Places nominations. As created in 2002, the East Park Historic District now includes If you have any questions regarding this issue, contact the Zoning 19 houses along Park and S. Lynn streets. The first five were built In addition to State and nationally-designated landmarks, the Administrator at 608-646-0421. between 1913 and 1915, and were followed by seven between 1919 Wisconsin Historical Society’s Architecture and History Inventory and 1921, and four between 1926 and 1935. The last house was (AHI) contains data on a wide range of historic properties throughbuilt in 1952. Many are good examples of the bungalow and Period out the State—such as round barns, cast iron bridges, commercial toughton s istoric istricts Revival styles popular in Wisconsin cities in the early 20th century. buildings, school houses, and homes— that create Wisconsin’s distinct cultural landscape. The AHI includes over 1,300 docuDid you know that Stoughton has five historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places? Listing in the National Register For more information about the city’s historic districts, visit www. mented structures in the City of Stoughton. recognizes officially the significance of a property or district to the stoughtonlandmarks.com or contact Zoning Administrator Michael heritage of the state and the nation. The National Register is the Stacey at (608) 646-0421 or mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us. official national list of historical, architectural, engineering and archeological properties and districts worthy of preservation.
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The Tower Times
4 Fall 2017
neWS from the Stoughton area Senior Center
did yOu knOw StOughtOn haS itS Own memOry caFÉ?
nOvember iS natiOnal Family caregiver mOnth
Chess, Free
Fridays, 10:00 AM
Community Bingo, $1
Every 3rd Wednesday, 1:00 PM We, at the Senior Center respect the important Cribbage, Free work family caregivers Every Monday 1:00 PM provide to their loved ones. Caregiving can be a strenDime Jingle uous and lonely journey, Every 2nd Wednesday, 1:00 PM but it doesn’t need to be. Euchre There are many programs Every 4th Saturday, 7:00 PM and services (i.e. respite, food, legal, financial, medical, transportation) to reduce one’s load. Give us a call if you, or Over the Hill Bingo the person you care for, is 55 years or older. Our staff will be happy Every 4th Tues. 1:00PM to help you plan and problem-solve ways to help improve your Bring a “White Elephant” prize situation. Remember: To be most effective, caregivers should know 2 Pool Tables, Free/Daily and honor their limits. The best gift a care recipient can give their Sheepshead, Free care recipient is their own good health. Thurs. 1:30 PM to 4:15 PM Would you like a safe place to take a break and to talk through your challenges with other caregivers? Consider attending a local support group Train Dominoes, Free (see a list on our website or Yahara Senior News newsletter) or register Thursday 1:00 PM for a free phone learning session at www.caregiverteleconnection.org. For more information, call Jane DeBroux, Dane County Caregiver Coordina- Upcoming Events What is a Memory Café? Entertainment: Stoughton High Schools’ Heartstrings A Memory Café is a free social gathering where individuals with tor at 261-5679. Wednesday, November 15, 3:00-4:00 PM memory loss and their care partners can get together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. Stoughton High School’s Heartstrings Since its first gathering in May, attendees have enjoyed talks from local presenters about Wisconsin’s dairy industry, Stoughton’s Veteran Memorial Park, the history of Stoughton’s Coffee Break, and Dane County Library’s Home Service Program. They’ve even had a visit and snuggle from a sweet newborn. Attendees have also made ice cream, made “cake in a mug,” taste-tested different apples, painted pumpkins and played dice games. Each gathering involves reminiscing and fun trivia related to that month’s theme and ends with a nod to Stoughton’s Norwegian heritage: an “Ole and Lena” joke. Each meeting is facilitated by Jennifer Erb, Activity Director of Stoughton Hospital’s Geriatric Psychiatry Program and Kari Orn, Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Silver Alert Coordinator. The Stoughton Group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month from 9:30-11:00AM at the Stoughton Library, Carnegie Room. The next meeting is Dec. 5 and the topic is Holiday Fun.
OngOing grOuPS/claSSeS at the StOughtOn area SeniOr center
program is a collaboration of music students who want to create connections Memory Cafés are designed for people with memory loss, mild in the community through small group cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The Programs For Your Mind & Body performances. Get ready for some interMemory Café is open to anyone without formal referral or assess- See the Senior Center’s Yahara Senior News for dates and regis- active fun with music ment. Those with dementia or memory issues may attend unac- tration. companied when appropriate, or with family, friends or care partComputer Class: Technology News Reflexology ners. Thursday, November 16, 3 PM Heidi Fromi provides this form of massage View the slides at: goo.gl/7nSKVV This group is not suitable for people with dementia to attend alone that applies deep pressure to reflex points on if they have specific care needs such as problems with inconti- the feet. It opens nerve pathways to increase We’ll talk about what’s new, useful, and nence, mobility issues that require aid, high levels of anxiety, dis- circulation and create a sense of balance fun in computer-based devices and aporientation or history of wandering. plications in 2018, including wireless within the body. Prices are $25 for 30 minutes charging and easier unlocking. We’ll or $45 for 60 minutes. Questions? Contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center focus on popular phones, tablets, and at (608) 873-8585. computers, and touch upon other adHealing Touch Sessions Amber Maves, HTP-A will offer free energy healing therapy ses- vances, such as virtual reality, electronsions. Healing Touch utilizes light or near body touch to clear, bal- ic assistants, robots, and smart glasses. edicare art nnual ance and energize our systems to promote health & healing for the No prior experience is needed. mind, body and spirit. Sign up at our reception desk! Who should attend?
m P da enrOllment PeriOd
Chair Massage Therapy Services
Scholarly Scoop
Friday, November 17, 10:00-11:00 AM It’s that time again! The Medicare Part D Annual Enrollment Period Lisa Resch, LMT offers massages in the office space right next to began on October 15th and continues until December 7th of 2017. the Senior Center Building. Massage prices are: $20 for first 15 Join us for an engaging lecture by Dr. Ted Gimbel Associate Professor of Political Science. This is the time frame when Medicare Beneficiaries are able to en- minutes then $1 per minute. roll in and/or change their Part C and/or Part D plans. During this Who are the Amish? time, a person on Medicare can: Fitness & Wellness Wednesday, November 29, 3:00 PM Cornhole/Bean Bags, Free • Join a Part D plan; Professor Louden begins by presenting an overview contrasting 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 11:00 AM • Drop a Part D plan; widely-held myths with facts about the Amish and closely related Chair Exercise, $2/class religious groups such as the Mennonites, of which he is a prac• Switch to a new Part D plan; Mon. Wed. & Fri. 8:00 AM ticing member. He will cover history, tenets of faith of the various • Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare; branches, life style customs, and much more. After the presentaLine Dancing, Free or tion, Dr. Louden welcomes the chance to talk with you and answer Tuesdays, 2:30 PM your questions. • Join a Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage. Ping Pong, Free Speaker Information: Mark Louden is a linguist who received his Changes made during this annual enrollment time period will be- Mondays 3:00 PM training in Germanic linguistics at Cornell University. A fluent come effective on January 1, 2018. It is highly recommended that Doubles: Wednesday 3:00 PM speaker of Pennsylvania Dutch, he has published extensively on anyone on a current Medicare Part D plan at least check to make Singles: Friday 10:30 AM this language and other German-American varieties, as well as sure they are still enrolled in the best plan for their needs going into Yiddish. In addition to his position as a Professor of German, he the new year. Part D plans are contractually allowed to change the Tai Chi, $7/class co-directs the Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies Mondays, 10:30 AM terms of coverage every year, which means that plans are allowed and is affiliated with the Center for Jewish Studies and the Mayrent to change premiums, formularies (list of covered medications), Tai Chi –Advanced, $10/class Institute for Yiddish Culture. pharmacy networks, etc. Mondays, 1:00 PM The simplest way to evaluate an existing Part D plan or choose a new plan is to go to the www.medicare.gov website and use the Zumba Gold, $5/class “planfinder” tool to search potential plans. For assistance with Wednesdays, 5:00 PM plan finding, you may contact: Skill Development • Your local Elder Benefit Specialist through the ADRC of Dane County at 608-240-7400
Computer/Tech Help, Free
Tues. & Thurs., 9:00 - 11:30 AM or by appointment, morning or • A case manager or a Medicare Part D-trained volunteer at the afternoon. Come with your computer or tech questions. We have 4 computers, 3 iPads & WiFi. Stoughton Senior Center at 608-873-8585 AND • The Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Part D helpline (ages Third Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM. Various Tech Topics will 60+) at (855) 677-2783 be covered. Check Newsletter for exact topic. • The Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Medigap helpline at Creative Writing Class, Free (800) 242-1060 Last Tuesday of month at 1:00 PM • The Disability Rights Wisconsin Part D help line (ages 18-59) at Handiwork, Free (800) 926-4862 Mondays, 1:00 PM Bring your current handiwork project & join the conversation. UW Conversation Partners Are you available to chat with an international student via Skype or FaceTime? There are students from about 130 countries studying at the UW-Madison. Some are in undergraduate or graduate programs, some are visiting scholars, and some are here in full time English language classes. Many struggle to make American friends. This is where you come in…We would like to match you with one international student. You would “meet together” each week via skype or FaceTime, just to chat for less than an hour. You would be welcome to use the computers in the computer lab, or your own computer or other device. Training and contact information for your international student conversation partner would be provided. We would hope that your partnership could continue for about one semester (January – May). For more information or to sign up, please contact Tricia Nicoll at 873-8585 or tnicoll@ ci.stoughton.wi.us
Norwegian Language Class, $10/class
Wednesdays, 9:00 - 11:00 AM No registration needed. New students welcome!
Rosemaling Group, Free Wednesdays 9:15AM
Wood Shop, Free/Daily
Must take a safety course to use the shop.
Social & Recreation Bridge, Free
Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM
Bunco, $1.00
Every 1st Tuesday, 1:00 PM
Cooking for 1 or 2
Thursday, November 30, 1:30-3:00 PM Cooking class will consist of learning how to prepare marinades for chicken breast, stuffing chicken breast and making a grilled chicken salad. We will also be making the sides for each chicken breast. The items we will be cooking include: pesto mozzarella stuffed chicken breast, garlic grilled stuffed chicken breast and grilled balsamic chicken salad with spiced pecans. Registration required, space is limited. Cost is $7.00.
Christmas Tree Decorating
Friday, December 1 9:30-11:00 AM Come and help St. Anne’s students in making ornaments, playing games, decorating cookies and our Christmas Tree at the Stoughton Senior Center.
Madrigal Dinner
Tuesday, December 5, 12:00 PM The Stoughton High School Madrigal singers and musicians present their annual dinner show. Please make reservations by noon Dec. 1st. Cost for the dinner and show is $8.00. Come and enjoy some holiday cheer! Wassail!!
New I-39/90 and County N interchange Q & A session Wed. Dec. 6, 10:30 AM
The Tower Times
Fall 2017 5
Intro to Spanish
his memories of seasonal farm life and the one-room country school out on Oak Grove Ridge, which was the social heart of the community, from the basket social to the Christmas program and the end-of-the-year school picnic. Join Scheckel on his nostalgic Cost is $75 per student for the biweekly six week course. This class and evocative journey back to a simpler time when life revolved will give participants the chance to learn and practice the basics of around family, farm, Church, and seasons. Larry and his wife, Ann, Spanish grammar, vocabulary associated with travel and beginning will use a PowerPoint program as a catalyst to a discussion of rural conversation skills. life in the middle 1900s Instructor: Holly Tellander, MA, Ed. is a long-time educator, academic coach, tutor and second-language learner. She holds a Travelogue-Iceland Master of Education in Bilingual and Multicultural Education and Wednesday, January 24, 3:00 PM a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She is the owner of This month our DVD travel takes us to Iceland. “The land of fire Avant Academic Coaching and Consultation. Register at the front and ice and the midnight sun;” Iceland travel offers visitors one desk or call 873-8585. of the most amazing and spectacular European experiences. Its virtues touted in the literary works of Nobel Laureates, its pristine Level 3 Spanish nature and extraordinary landscapes make this a unique destinaMondays & Wednesday, January 8 – February 14 tion sure to take your breath away more than once. 2:00-3:00 PM (January 15, 2:30-3:30) Continuation class of Intro and Level 2 Spanish. Appetite for the Arts Friday, February 2, 11:45-12:45 Mondays & Wednesdays, January 8-February 14 3:00-4:00 PM (Jan. 15 3:30-4:30)
Margaret Cummins – “Christmas at Balmoral” Monday, December 11, 3:00-4:00 PM
Join the Christmas festivities at Balmoral Castle. Meet Margaret Cummins, head housekeeper of Balmoral during the reign of Queen Victoria, as she prepares for the arrival of the royal couple and their nine children. Margaret served the royal family for seventy-eight years, working her way up from the scullery to a position of trust and management. She was a personal confidant of the Queen, very rare in class conscious Victorian England. In this program the audience is the staff, being instructed on the do’s and don’ts of Royal service.
Entertainment – Jesse Walker Wednesday, December 20, 3:00 PM
Join Jesse Walker for an afternoon of old time Christmas music with all the old favorites!
Computer Class: Hour of Code
Thursday, December 21, 3 PM, 2nd floor Mandt Room View the slides at: goo.gl/oS1y4k
Join Michael Hecht for an interesting art lesson about Van Gogh and Gauguin. Learn about their world, peers, influences and legacy. We will be offering a special meal for this program. For information contact the Senior Center.
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
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. According to the Hour of Code website, anyone, anywhere, ages 4 to 104 can participate. Here at SASC, we’ll cover three topics related to computer code: (1) a brief history of computing, (2) how programming works, and (3) short, simple examples to show what computer code does. More at hourofcode.com. No computer coding experience is needed.
STOUGHTON
Harping Around the World
Thursday, January 11, 12:00-1:00 PM
OPERA HOUSE ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄2017-2018 ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅❄ ❅ ❅❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ Merry Wishes! ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅❄ ❄ ❄ ❄❅❄❄❅❄❅❄ ❅❄❅❄❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄❅ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅❄❅❄❅ ❅❄❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄ ❅❄❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ AT ❄ ❄❅DROP OFF YOUR ❅ DRY CLEANING ❄ Looking for the PERFECT GIFT? ❅ ❄ ❄❅ Join us for a special lunch and harp music from Shari Sarazin as she brings us music from around the world. Contact the Senior Center for more information.
A Farm Boy Remembers Tuesday, January 16, 3:00 PM
• Michael Perry • Nov 16
• Pieta Brown • Mar 10
Larry Scheckel takes us back to his boyhood days, growing up with eight siblings on the Crawford County 238-acre farm 2 miles from Seneca, Wisconsin, in the 1940s and 1950s in the hill country of southwestern Wisconsin. With both humor and grace, he shares
• Dave Simonett (from Trampled By Turtles) • Nov 17
• Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands • Mar 15
• Jim Lauderdale • Nov 18
• The Railsplitters • Mar 16
• The Dustbowl Revival • Nov 30
• The Subdudes • Mar 17
• Playtime Productions—The Little Match Girl • Nov 18
• The Quebe Sisters • Mar 22
• Ho Ho Joe and the Stanton Holiday Show • Dec 2
• Charlie Parr • Mar 23
• Jeffrey Foucault & Kris Delmhorst • Dec 8
• The Harp Twins: Camille and Kennerly • Mar 24
• Billy Strings • Dec 9
• The Steel Wheels • Apr 5
• Stoughton Festival Choir &
• Rhonda Vincent & the Rage • Apr 6
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Rosanne Cash • Apr 12 & 13
City Band—Christmas Concert • Dec 10
1621 E. Main St., Stoughton • 873-8112
• Steely Dane • Feb 10
• UW Russian Folk Orchestra • Apr 14
• Davina and the Vagabonds • Feb 16
• Patty Larkin • Apr 19
• House of Waters • Feb 17
• An Evening with Rodney Crowell • Apr 20
• Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives—
• Del McCoury Band • Apr 21
• Asleep at the Wheel • April 28 & 29
The Way Out West Tour (TWO SHOWS!) • Feb 24
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• I’m With Her• Feb 28
• Playtime Productions—The Reluctant Dragon • Apr/May TBA
• Sierra Hull• March 1
• Lou & Peter Berryman • May 4
• An Evening with Dailey & Vincent • Mar 2
• Hot Rize • May 5
• Riders in the Sky • Mar 3
• Harmonious Wail • May 11
• Fox Prairie Elementary • Mar 6 & 7
• An Evening with Sam Bush • May 12
• The SteelDrivers • Mar 8
• Michael Hecht: Tribute to Tennessee Williams • May 30
• BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet • Mar 9
• Stoughton Chamber Singers • June 1
• Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society • June Date TBA
Help preserve the past by giving a present
Use our planned giving to support the future legacy of the arts at the Opera House. Your donations help support programs, performers, and maintenance at this unique facility.
Lake Mills Cleaners offers FREE Pick-up & Delivery through our Pharmacy!
BIRTHDAYS • CHRISTMAS • ANNIVERSARY
Tickets to Opera House events are always the right size and a night out at a great show is remembered forever. Our gift cards NEVER EXPIRE and can be used for any regular season event. There are no additional fees or charges to purchase gift cards online!
Give the gift they’ll never forget!
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The Tower Times
6 Fall 2017
yOuth activitieS Youth Painting – Let it Snow
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.
For this class the children will be doing a painting of a darling winter snowman scene. They will be using acrylic paint on a 16 x 20 canvas. Throughout this painting we will be working of shading and blending along with background, middle ground and foreground. I will walk them through Place: Fox Prairie Gym step by step but each child will be able to put their Days: Tuesdays – Grades 1-2 and 5-8, Thursdays – Grades 3-4 own personal touch on their project. These paintings turn out beautiful and will work as a wonderful holiday gift or Fee: $25 – Residents, $33 – Non-Residents a treasured piece to hang in your home for the winter! Deadline: One week before session starts Day & Date: Monday, November 27 (No School Day) Max class size: 16 Time: 9:00-11:00 am Ages: 5 to 12 year olds Location: Stoughton Youth Center Fee: $40 Program Code: 1383.303 Minimum/Maximum Participants: 10/20
Youth Painting – Owl Always Love You Description: The kids will love painting these darling owls for Valentine’s Day! They will be using acrylic paint on a 16 x 20 canvas. Throughout the painting will be talking about background, middle ground and foreground. These paintings turn out colorful and whimsical and they are so much fun to do! These painting will be a wonderful Valentines gift or a treasured piece of art to hang in your home during the Valentine season. Each child will walk away with a masterpiece which they will love to show off! Day & Date: Saturday, January 27 Time: 9:00-11:00 am Ages: 5 to 12 year olds Location: Stoughton Youth Center Fee: $40 Program Code: 1383.304 Minimum/Maximum Participants: 10/20
The Kids Chef – Edible Gifts
The Kids Chef Lily Kilfoy is back in this hands-on cooking class for kids ages 5-12 years old. Lily gets kids in the kitchen at a young age and introduces them to delicious dishes and thoughtful themes. Savory and sweet snack mixes, jars of jam, popcorn and date balls, cookies galore, quick breads and cheese spreads. There is nothing quite as nice as a homemade gift, especially one that can be eaten. In this class, kids will have a blast as they work together to create edible gifts. Vegetarian and nut-free. Ages: Children Ages 5-12 Times: 12:00-1:15 pm Location: Stoughton Youth Center Date: 12/9 Main/Max Participants: 6/15 Fee: $20 Program Code: 1311.401
Little Viking Basketball – Kindergarten & First Grades
Session I Grades 1-2 3-4 5-8
Program Code Dates 1131.400 11/14-12/19, No 11/21 1131.401 11/16-12/21, No 11/23 1131.402 11/14-12/19, No 11/21
Session II Grades 1-2 3-4 5-8
Program Code 1131.404 1131.405 1131.406
Times 6:15-7:15 pm 6:15-7:15 pm 7:20-8:20 pm
Chicago Shopping Trip
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 http://www.themagnificentmile.com. Who: Adults (children may go, but must be accompanied by an adult) Date: December 9 Day: Saturday Pick-up/Drop-off Time: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Pick-up/Drop-off Location: City Hall Program Code: 3260.400 Min. Registrations: 25 Fee: $40
hOw tO Sign-uP FOr an activity? 1. Online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/stoughtonrec/Home
Dates 1/16-2/13 1/18-2/15 1/16-2/13
Times 6:15-7:15 pm 6:15-7:15 pm 7:20-8:20 pm
High School Rec Basketball League
2. In person at our office in City Hall. We are open from 7:304:30pm Monday-Friday. 3. Mail us a completed registration form.
2018 Shelter reServatiOnS
We are once again offering a basketball league open to all high school students except players involved on high school teams. Park shelters in the city can be reserved two different ways. The Players will sign up individually and teams will be created through first way is to go to our website and go through the online reservation process. This process will allow individuals to search for a draft process. open dates and seek amenities that they need for their gathering. Days: Tuesdays 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 Team Practice Day & Time: 12/5, 6:00-7:30 pm office. For more details, see our website, www.stoughtonrec.com/ Game Dates: 12/12, 12/19, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 parks. The first day to reserve a shelter for 2018 is January 2, 2018. Times: 6:00-9:00 pm, game times will vary Location: Sandhill Gym Program Code: 1122.400 Fee: $50 – Residents, $60 – Non-Residents Draft: 11/28 at 5:00 pm at the Youth Center
adult activitieS Pickleball Open Gym Membership
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. The schedule can be found at stoughtonrec.com/opengym Who: Adults Fee: $40 season membership or $2 Drop-In Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Times: 9:00-Noon Location: Yahara Gym
Zumba Drop-In Classes
We will be having Drop-In classes around the holidays due to irregular scheduling. The cost is $5 per class and it can be paid at the class. Class dates are 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18. Time and location are the same as the class sessions.
Drop-In Yoga
Improve flexibility and circulation, strengthen and tone muscles, and relieve stress with our yoga class. Classes are taught by our certified instructor who specializes in Vinyasa style yoga. This is yoga class is for people who participate in yoga on a regular basis or prefer an intense workout. Wear loose fitting clothing, bare feet or socks. Please bring a yoga mat as they’re not provided. The schedule for classes can be found on our website at www.stoughtonrec.com/programs.
This program will cover six classes where players will be introduced to basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. 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 basDays: Sundays and Wednesdays ketball. The classes are for this age group is for both girls and boys. Times: 6:15 – 7:15 pm Days & Dates: Saturdays, 1/6-2/10 Location: 2nd Floor of Youth Center Grades, Times, Program Code: Kindergarten, 9:00-9:45 am, 1120.401 Ages: 16+ 1st Grade, 10:00-10:45am, 1120.404 Gym: Yahara School
Drop-In Fee: $5
*There are basketball programs for children in grades 3-8 that already have started. However, we may have room available. Please contact us if you have a child who would like to play.
Punch Cards: A 10 visit punch card can be purchased for $40
Stoughton Parks & Recreation 381 E. Main Street Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-6746 www.stoughtonrec.com www.facebook.com/stoughtonrec www.twitter.com/stoughtonrec
The Tower Times
Fall 2017 7
Stoughton Public Library: Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage!
enJOy Fall & winter @ the library!
bOOk recOmmendatiOn
Adult Craft Club: Remake it!
from Richard MacDonald, Director of the Stoughton Public Library
Wednesday, November 8, 3:00 pm at the Senior Center (please note that date is November)
The Stoughton Public Library is located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the “When the English Fall” by David Williams corner of 4th & Main, just west of the clock tower in downtown I decided to read this book because I thought it was science fiction, Stoughton. and I like to read science fiction. Even though the book starts with “a Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5, Sunday 1-5. catastrophic solar storm brings about the collapse of modern civilization,” I soon discovered that this book is not science fiction. Even There is no charge for a library card – just bring in picture ID with though it’s not I kept reading and discovered that it’s a great story! proof of current address. If your ID does not show your current address, please bring another proof of address such as a piece of The book is written in diary form by an Amish man about his and mail, personal check, utility bill, etc. Parents must sign the regis- his family’s experiences in rural Pennsylvania. “The English” is what the Amish call the rest of us. All technology has collapsed betration form for children under age 16. cause of a freak solar storm, and the Amish hardly notice, at first. In addition to offering books, eBooks, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers, and programs for people of all ages, the Library But in the cities, few people have stored food and water, and withalso has meeting rooms, a copy machine, and can offer you one- out electricity people don’t know what to do. As time goes on desperation and violence spread from the cities to the rural areas and on-one help with your eBook reader. the peaceful Amish must decide what to do. But the book does not For more information, visit us online at www.stoughtonpublicli- focus on the violence. The violence happens “off stage,” and we brary.org, on Facebook, or call at 873-6281. The Library will be feel Jacob’s pain, worry, and fear when he learns of it. The book closed Thursday, November 23 for Thanksgiving. focuses on the challenges that peaceful non-violent people must deal with to preserve the gentle way of life that they cherish. Jacob, the writer of the diary, must protect his family, help his Amish dOPt a agaZine at the ibrary neighbors, and decide how to deal the events the happen “When the English Fall.” This David Williams’ debut novel. He is a teaching Are you looking for a holiday gift for the perelder in the Presbyterian Church in northern Virginia. son who has everything? Or perhaps a way to honor an important person in your life, or memorialize a loved one who has passed on?
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library eventS
Sponsor a yearly subscription to a magazine enjoyed by Stoughton Public Library patrons. We will acknowledge your kind donation with a personalized nameplate displayed on the magazine’s cover for a year. Please contact Jane Groshan at (608) 873-6281 or email jgroshan@stolib.org to ask about magazine adoption availability and subscription cost.
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Take a vintage doily and make something amazing! Choose a doily from our stash and try one of the cool ways to repurpose them. Will you make a bowl? A wall hanging? Something in a frame? Materials and inspiration supplied! Registration required. 873-6281
Writing Series: Voice, Character, and Theme Saturday, December 9, 10-11 am
Strong voice, vibrant characters, and a compelling theme set great stories apart from mediocre ones. But how do you develop these characteristics in your own writing? If you like, bring an example of a favorite book and/or movie for group discussion. Enjoy a free cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For adults as well as teens ages 14 and up. No registration required.
Music on the Mezz – Guitars of the Solstice Sunday, December 17, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Members of the Madison Classical Guitar Society return for a concert of outstanding guitar and lute music. This performance will include music from the very old to the very new. A must hear for all classical guitar enthusiasts
Check the Library website for more information, www.stolib.org
November Events
Adult Book Discussion
UW-Madison’s Go Big Read: “Hillbilly Elegy” by J. D. Vance Tuesday, November 28, 6:30 pm – Library Wednesday, November 29, 1:00 pm - Senior Center
Donation acknowledgment plates will either run April-March or This year’s UW-Madison Go Big Read selecOctober-September depending on when the donation is received. tion is a powerful account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America’s elcOme tO the OOk rOuPS white working class, written by a former MaThere are now openings for additional readers in the Stoughton rine and Yale Law School graduate. Public Library’s book discussion groups. Join us as we talk about Music on the Mezz – Stoughton High books!
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Thursday, December 7, 6:30 pm
!
For more information, visit us online at
www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org,
on Facebook
www.facebook.com/StoughtonPublicLibrary
or call at 873-6281
School This group reads a variety of titles both nonfiction and fiction. It Madrigal Singers
General Adult Book Discussion
meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, and Thursday, November 30, 7:00 pm the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Enjoy a holiday concert by this ever popular and exceptionally talented group; Ryan Casey directing.
The Foundation
This is Library’s science fiction/fantasy book group, named in hon- Friends of the Stoughton Library Book Sale or of science fiction grand master Isaac Asimov’s famous Foun- Thursday, November 30-Sunday, December 3 dation Trilogy. The Foundation explores themes, authors, short Friends Members Preview Night: Thursday, November 30 from stories, and novels, and meets the first Wednesday of the month 5:00-7:00 pm. at 6:30 p.m. The book sale is open to the public on: Thursday, November 30, 7:00- 8:45 pm Thursdays With Murder Thursdays With Murder is the Library’s mystery and crime fiction Friday, December 1, 9:00 am – 4:45 pm book discussion group. This group also explores themes, authors, Saturday, December 2, 9:00 am – 3:45 pm and novels. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month, with no Make-a-Donation Bag Sale: Sunday, December 3, 1:00 – 4:45 pm meeting in December.
December Events
JOin the FriendS OF the library
Music on the Mezz – Madrigal Singers Reprise Saturday, December 2, 9:30 a.m.
The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library is a non-profit organi- Missed last Thursday’s concert? Enjoy a short reprise by this this zation devoted to promoting and improving library services, mate- ever popular and exceptionally talented group as they begin their rials, and facilities for the Stoughton community; encouraging gifts Victorian Weekend tour of Stoughton. Ryan Casey directing. and bequests to the library; and promoting the broadest possible Music on the Mezz – Liquid Courage use of Library facilities, materials and services. Sunday, December 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m. The Library relies on money raised by various Friends events to supplement its budget. Without these funds, the Children’s Sum- Four members of Madison’s Capitol Chordsmen choir, this Madimer Library Program would not be able to afford many of the pre- son area barbershop quartet is guaranteed to please! Liquid Coursenters for programs, as well as purchase supplies and reading age started with 4 men at a local restaurant wondering if the paincentive prizes. The Adult Summer Reading Program and the Adult trons might enjoy a tune from a group that had only sung a handful Craft Club receive their funding from the annual Friends donation. of times together. The Friends donation is used to purchase high-demand DVDs and The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion books for the Lucky Day collections, replace worn or lost copies Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m. - “The Time Machine” & “The of books and DVDs, and provide more magazine subscriptions for War of the Worlds” the collection. These are just a few of the ways the Friends assist End the year with two classics by H. G. Wells. Wells has been the Library. credited with establishing several extraterrestrial themes which Friends’ membership levels range from $10 to $100 a year. In ad- continue to be expanded upon by science fiction writers to this day. dition to becoming a member, you can help out with book sales, Family Music Time fundraisers, and more. More information at the Library! Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00-10:30 am, December 7-22 The next event will be the Friends of the Library Book Sale: Thursday, November 30 through Sunday, December 3. See below for Music Together®-trained teacher Eliza Tyksinski will be here with her guitar for six sessions of singing, dancing, circle time and playing with more information. musical instruments and toys. Ages 2-5 (younger siblings welcome). No registration required. Come to one or both sessions per week.
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8 Fall 2017
The Tower Times
City of Stoughton Department of Public Works Garbage and Recycling Cart Placement
Unsung Heroes
Winter Preparedness
It’s 5:30 pm and it’s starting to snow. You’re at home eating a warm dinner with your family. Meanwhile, the snow plow driver comes back to work after just completing a nine-hour shift at 4 pm. It’s now 7:30 pm and you watch the Packers on Monday Night Football with your family inside your cozy living room as blizzard conditions blanket the area making travel nearly impossible. Meanwhile, the plow driver battles to keep the main roads open as the blinding snow continues to fall. It’s now 10:30 pm and you get yourself ready for bed after a Packer victory and snuggle in under your warm covers. Meanwhile, the plow driver knocks the ice off the windshield wipers as the snow continues to fall and the temperatures plummet. It’s now 2 am and you’re sleeping soundly dreaming that Aaron Rodgers made a miraculous comeback to lead the green and gold to a Super Bowl championship after his injury earlier in the season. Meanwhile, the snow is finally starting to slow down and the plow driver starts on their residential route after the main roads are clear. At 6:30 am you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. You shovel your driveway and then have a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, the plow driver finally has a chance to stop and eat something after battling the snow and ice all night to keep the roads clear so you can go to work, get your kids to school or complete your daily errands. By 8 am you get the kids to school and yourself to work safely. Meanwhile, the plow driver is just finishing up their route after spending almost 15 hours working to keep the streets safe. Exhausted from plowing all night, the plow driver is finally able to go home only to find a snow-covered driveway with a frozen wind roll of snow and ice at the end near the street placed there by the plow who was just doing their job to keep the streets safe for all to travel on.
Love it or hate it, winter is on our doorstep. Here are some tips to To avoid broken carts and to aid in the clearing help you prepare for the impending snow season: of snow from the entire roadway, please place your garbage and recycling carts in your driveDriving on Snow Covered or Icy Roads way apron or on the terrace. When carts are When ice and snow are present on roadways, follow these safety placed in the roadway, they may get damaged tips to ensure your safety: and would be the responsibility of the homeowner to replace. • When travel is not necessary, Stay Home!
Our plow drivers sacrifice more than most people know. Yes, they get paid for their time, but you can’t replace time away from your family and friends with a paycheck. The dedicated staff that keeps your streets, parking lots, and walking paths clear give up their weekends, holidays, watching major sporting events like the Super Bowl to make sure you have safe roads to travel on. They are our unsung heroes that deserve to be appreciated for what they do and what they sacrifice to help keep you safe.
• Use a good shovel that is the right size. A shovel that is too short or too long may cause overextension.
Please try to help the plow drivers out by getting your car off the road if there is snow in the forecast. It just makes the job of clearing the streets that much more difficult if there are cars to plow around. If a snow emergency is declared, even/odd parking will be in effect. More information later in the article about snow emergencies.
Snow Emergency
• If travel is necessary, give yourself extra time as traffic will be moving slower than normal when there is snow and icy road conditions.
The declaration of a snow emergency will occur when three inches or more of snow is forecasted or three inches have • Stay back a safe distance fallen, or as condifrom plow trucks and do tions warrant. Notice not pass them. will be given to the • Clean off windows and scrape windows and mirrors to make sure police department you can see. Use the defroster to keep windows clean. and to the same Madison news outlets that • Turn your lights on. Be visible. the Stoughton Area School District uses for school closings. Notice • Take extra care when driving on bridges and overpasses, which will also be posted on the street department web site and the local can freeze before other road surfaces. cable TV station. • Brake with care. Avoid jamming on the breaks. Use a “light During a snow emergency declaration, vehicles shall park only on touch” on the brakes to have a controlled deceleration and stop. the even side of the street on even-numbered days, and on the odd Even if your vehicle has anti-lock braking, you should brake lightly side of the street on odd-numbered days from midnight to 8:00 am. to avoid skidding. Remember that the date changes after midnight. • SLOW DOWN! You can sign up to get an email notification when snow emergencies are declared. Type “Snow Emergency Notification” in the Shoveling Snow search box on the main page of the city website. Enter your email Snow shoveling and heavy address and click “Submit”. lifting can cause strains and sprains to the back, shoulders and wrists. Follow a rush eaf ollection ates few simple rules to be safe while shoveling snow: Brush Pick Up
2018 B
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(Fourth Monday of the months listed below)
• Stretch and warm up your muscles and joints before shoveling.
Weeks of:
January 22nd April 23rd June 25th August 27th
• Push snow instead of liftOctober 22nd ing. If you must lift a loaded shovel, use your legs. Consider taking smaller scoops to avoid Note: Brush must be put out by 7:00 am on Monday of the collection week. heavy lifting.
Leaf Collection
• Take breaks to avoid overexertion. • Do not push snow into the street.
Weekly starting October 15th – the end of November (weather dependent)
• Clear snow around fire hydrants and sidewalk ramps.
Christmas Tree Collection
• Be especially cautious if you are at risk due to heart disease.
• Salt sidewalks and driveways as needed. A little goes a long ways. Weeks of: January 8th
You may not know we were there, but you would know if we weren’t.
January 15th January 22nd
Join Us In Celebrating 55 Years!
Note: Christmas trees must be put out by 7:00 am on Monday of the collection week.
A wonderful holiday awaits you during Our Open House Weekend! Dec. 1-3, 2017. Beautifully designed wreaths, arrangements, swags, garland and hundreds of ornaments on display.
Yard Waste Site 1051 Collings Rd
April 2nd - November 20th Tuesday’s 1 pm – 7 Pm Thursday’s 1 pm – 7 pm Saturday’s 9am – 5pm
STOUGHTON FLORAL
Note: To protect the safety of the staff and public, the yard waste site may close early during inclement weather.
168 E. MAIN STREET, DOWNTOWN STOUGHTON 873-6173 or 866-595-6800 Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm; Sat. 8am to 3pm stoughtonfloral.com
For more information, please visit the city webpage at www.cityofstoughton.com
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Celebrate the Holidays with Friends and Family
3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton
(608) 205-9300
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Take the stress out of the holidays by enjoying an evening out
The Tower Times
Fall 2017 9
StOughtOn leadS natiOn in uSe OF renewable energy Stoughton Utilities recently earned national recognition for its leadership in the use of renewable energy. The utility ranked tenth in the nation on the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) annual list of leading utility green power programs by customer participation rate. Based on 2016 customer participation, five percent of utility customers in Stoughton purchased green power equal to all or a portion of their electricity usage. NREL will release the 2017 national average for customer participation later this year. “We’re very grateful to our community for their enthusiastic response to our renewable energy programs,” Robert Kardasz, Utilities Director said. “Making the NREL lists shows that even small communities can make a difference when we work together.”
gO ahead, deck the hallS! 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. 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.
Community members in Stoughton purchase electricity from clean, green sources by participating in their utility’s Renewable Energy and Green Power for Business Programs. Customers pay $3.00 per month for blocks of renewable energy equal to some or all of their monthly electric usage. A block is the equivalent of 300 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Stoughton Utilities customers can choose to purchase enough blocks to cover some or all of their energy usage each month. This reduces the amount of energy generated by coal, oil and natural gas. The utility’s renewable programs are provided through its nonprofit power supplier, WPPI Energy, and Stoughton Utilities is a member-owner of WPPI Energy. Using information provided by utilities, NREL develops “Top 10” rankings of utility programs in the following categories: total sales of renewable energy to program participants, total number of customer participants, customer participation rate, and green power sales as a percentage of total utility retail electricity sales. The lists are compiled each year based on United States utilities’ green power program performance in the previous year. NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. To view NREL’s “Top 10” lists for 2016, visit www.nrel.gov/ analysis/green-power.html.
Stoughton Utilities customers can easily enroll or increase their participation in the Renewable Energy Program by logging in to My Account online, or can learn more about the program and its benefits to To help customers start saving, we are giving customers one strand of LED holiday lights and one the environment and our community at stoughtonutilities.com/renewable. holiday light timer for free, while supplies last!
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ive he iFt OF ight Stoughton Utilities customers can receive one strand of LED holiday lights when they exchange one strand of older incandescent lights. New for 2017, customers may bring in non-perishable food items This holiday season, give the gift of light to a neighbor or loved one. Stoughton Utilities is offering gift for donation to the Stoughton Food Pantry to receive a free holiday light timer. certificates which can be used towards any customer’s utility bill. Gift certificates may be purchased Not only are LED holiday lights energy efficient, but they greatly reduce the risk of fire because they for any amount. Stop by the utility office at 600 South Fourth Street, call us at (608) 873-3379, or emit much less heat than traditional lights. Since they do not have the same components that cause email us at CustomerService@stoughtonutilities.com for more information. traditional lights to burn out or combust, they also last for many holiday seasons. Stoughton Utilities also wants customers to be aware of safe operating practices for all types of holiday lighting.
Celebrate the holidays safely
Keep your family safe during the holidays by keeping electrical safety in mind and by following • Always remember to turn off tree and decorative lights, both indoors and outdoors, before leaving these simple safety tips... home or going to bed. Use a holiday light timer to make this easier. Outdoor Lighting
• Always check last year’s leftover lights for cracked or broken sockets, frayed insulation or bare • Before you buy lights for use outside, read the packaging or the tag on the cord to make sure wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged cords. they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use in• Before you buy lights for use outdoors, read the packaging and the tag on the cord to make sure door lighting outside. they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside! • If your outdoor decorating requires a ladder, al• Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations. ways look up first before raising it. Don’t raise ladFor more holiday energy-saving ideas, visit us online at stoughtonutilities.com. Stoughton Utilities ders or other extended objects into or near power lines. wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season!
StOughtOn utilitieS rOunduP PrOgram dOnateS $1,000 tO FriendS OF lake kegOnSa The Stoughton Utilities Committee voted to award the most recent Project Round-Up donation of $1,000 to the Friends of Lake Kegonsa Society (FOLKS). The Friends of Lake Kegonsa will use these funds to help improve water quality in Lake Kegonsa by reducing phosphorous, which is a major contributor to algae growth. Their efforts include carp removal from the lake, and community education about runoff, leaf management, and the negative impacts phosphorous has on the lake. Currently, the organization is working with Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to remove 1,000,000 lbs of carp from the lake over 5 years.
• 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. • 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. • 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 began our Project RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to further assist local Indoor Lighting non-profit organizations in our community. Many of your neighbors participate in the program with • Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make voluntary monthly contributions. Each year, over $2,000 is collected and awarded to local non-profits. sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. The customers that participate in this program are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities over a century ago. • 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. 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 • Inside your home route cords so they won’t trip anyone. Additionally, don’t place them under rugs, may seem like only pennies a month to you, but the dollars add up quickly when many customers appliances or other objects, as they may overheat if covered or become worn and cause a fire. participate. All contributions are tax-deductible and a summary for the prior year is mailed each • Pets and toddlers sometimes become attracted to electrical cords. It’s a good idea to secure cords so January. that they are not easily reached. 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. If • Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch covyou are a customer and would like to sign up to participate in the program, please log in to My Ac- erings. This could create an electrical shock. count online at stoughtonutilities.com, or contact us by phone. 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 tOughtOn tilitieS nnOunceS or portable heaters.
S u a cOSt-eFFective new wind energy reSOurce
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
Utility customers in Stoughton will soon receive even more of their electricity from cost-effective renewable energy thanks to a recently announced agreement between Stoughton Utilities’ not-for-profit • Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wholesale power supplier, WPPI Energy, and Invenergy. Under the agreement, WPPI Energy will pur- wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to chase the output from Invenergy’s 132-megawatt Bishop Hill III Wind Energy Center. keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Be “This highly cost-effective resource is an excellent addition to our utility’s power supply”, said Util- sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms ities Director Robert Kardasz. “When Bishop Hill III comes online in 2018, we will more than double can dry live trees out rapidly. the amount of energy we receive from wind resources, and our power supply will be more than 40 • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. percent emission-free.” Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they The wind energy center, which will be constructed in Henry County, Illinois, is expected to begin will not be knocked down.
commercial operation in 2018. WPPI Energy will purchase the electricity from Bishop Hill III through • It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going mid-2040 in order to serve its 51-member utilities across Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Iowa, in- to bed. cluding Stoughton Utilities. • For both inside and outside lighting projects, follow the rule of using no more than three sets of lights “We project that Bishop Hill III will be more cost-effective than other opportunities currently available on a single extension cord to prevent overheating and reduce the chance of fire. to meet our member communities’ long-term needs,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI • Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations. Energy. The addition of Bishop Hill III will bring to more than 20 percent the total portion of Stoughton Util- Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season! ities’ power supply that comes from renewable energy. The agreement represents WPPI Energy’s largest renewable energy purchase to date.
The Tower Times
10 Fall 2017
winter utility billS
wiScOnSin hOme energy aSSiStance PrOgram
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.
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.
Making an effort to keep your account balance under control during the winter months is very important. Here are some tips to help keep your winter electric costs manageable:
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.
• If you are finding it difficult to make the monthly payment, please keep in mind that even partial payments will help keep your balance from growing out of control. Try to pay as much of your bill as you can each month. You can also make weekly payments to keep the payment amounts manageable. Paying online is quick and easy using My Account.
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.
• We can work with you to establish a deferred payment agreement to address your balance. These agreements require a down payment, and then regular installment payments until the balance is paid. • Please continue reading below to obtain contact information for winter Energy Assistance. Eligible customers will receive a one-time benefit to help cover their winter electrical expenses.
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 heat• Contact us to enroll in our Budget Billing program to avoid bill fluctuations and have a predictable ing assistance. This is an additional one-time payment during the heating season that pays a portion monthly bill. With this program, your utility bill is a fixed amount each month, with a payment of your heating costs. amount equal to the average of your monthly charges. The amount will be reviewed and adjusted Under the eligibility requirements, customers at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income may twice a year to be sure that the monthly payment stays similar to your monthly usage. You can find qualify for WHEAP assistance, including: out what your Budget Billing amount would be, and easily enroll or cancel by logging in to My Account online, or by giving us a call. • A single person with an annual income below $26,601 per year; • Consider enrolling in AutoPay and having your monthly bill automatically deducted each month. • A couple without children with an annual income below $34,785; Enrollment is simple, and can be done online by logging in to My Account. • A family of three with an annual income below $42,970; Failing to keep up with your account during the winter months can have serious repercussions, • A family of four with an income of up to $51,155; potentially including one or more of the following: • Guidelines for additional household sizes can be found online at www.stoughtonutilities.com. • 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 To determine eligibility, applicants must provide the following to their local social services or energy over $1,000 in April, and that balance may be required to be paid in full or result in a disconnection services office: of service. • Proof of income for the past three months for all household members 18 years or older; • Failure to pay your winter bills may cause Stoughton Utilities to require a mandatory security de• Social Security cards for everyone in the household; posit 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 • Utility bills (heating and electric) for the past 12 months; service. Using the average $150 monthly bill, you may be required to pay a security deposit of $600 • If applicable, a rent certificate or landlord’s statement verifying that heat is included in the rent. in April, and that’s in addition to your full past-due balance. If you are approved for energy assistance through WHEAP, you will receive bill payment assistance • Stoughton Utilities may choose to take you to small claims court for any delinquent balance, where for both your Alliant Energy natural gas bill (or other heating provider), as well as your Stoughton we may seek damages of up to three times the unpaid balance. Utilities electric bill. • Stoughton Utilities may submit your account to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) for To apply for energy assistance, please contact Energy Services Inc. at (608) 267-8601 to schedule an collections through the State Debt Collection Initiative. The DOR will attempt to deduct payment appointment. You may apply anytime from October 1 through May 15. 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.
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ree rancheS vS lectric ireS If you have questions about your bill, would like to sign up for our Budget Billing program, or need to establish a deferred payment arrangement for your delinquent balance, please give us a call at (608) Tree limbs that come in contact with power lines are a major cause of electrical outages, and limbs 873-3379. 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 of snow and ice accumulation, as well as the high winds that frequently accompany winter storms.
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.
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.
UTILITY WORK AHEAD
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 Tragically, over 1,000 people die across the nation every year in road energized lines so individuals who are comfortable and responsible around electric wires can easily work zones. Please follow these important tips for safely driving in and safely remove the branches with appropriate tools and equipment for the job. Individuals that road work zones. Your life – and ours- depend on it! don’t feel safe or comfortable around electric wires should always hire a professional tree trimming • Keep a safe distance from traffic barriers, construction equipment, utility workers, and other traffic. 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 • Pay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and the wires between poles located along streets, alleys, or back and side yards, and may not necessarily vehicles may be working near the road. be happening in front of your homes or on your service drop wire. • Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use. 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 • Watch for and follow all warning, lane closure, and construction detour signs. property. If you see power lines where the tree will eventually grow, please plant a type of tree that • Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination. 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. • Always buckle up. • Always slow to work zone speed limits, or slower.
lOOk FOr air leakS, and Stay warm
The Ultimate Holiday Gift…
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.
Wisconsin Style!
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.
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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.
The Tower Times
Fall 2017 11
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Momentary Outages
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.
Interference from wildlife is the most common cause of power outages at public utilities. As the weather gets cooler, small animals such as squirrels are more likely to be attracted to electric equipment and the heat that they give off, which can cause disruptions and outages in your electric service.
Medical Equipment
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.
Momentary outages are a sign our system is working. Occasional momentary power outages have always existed and are, in fact, an indication that our electric delivery system is operating safely and correctly. A number of conditions can affect the electric system and result in a momentary power outage: • Wildlife and other animals • Lightning, wind, ice • Tree branches • A contractor dig-in into buried facilities
Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equipment and regularly test the equipment’s What happens during a momentary outage? back-up power sources. If your condition warrants immediate attention, always contact 911 for as- Our electric system is designed to sense unsafe or unstable conditions affecting the flow of electricity sistance. on a power line - a tree branch or an animal contacting our wires, or weather conditions such as wind, ice or lightning. When the system senses a disturbance, the electric current is automatically Sump Pumps and Cordless Phones interrupted by a device called a recloser, similar to the fuses or circuit breakers in a home. In most Your sump pump runs on electricity, so consider a battery back-up. Choose one that cases, within a few seconds, these electrical devices will instantly and safely reclose the circuit to will switch on automatically if an outage occurs. Your cordless phone will not work restore power. Occasionally, the device will retrip because the problem still exists on the line. This will during a power outage; consider a spare plug-in telephone, or keep your cell phone cause momentary interruptions and flickering lights. Normally, after three consecutive operations, handy for emergency situations. the recloser locks in the open position. This results in an extended outage requiring the attention of a utility crew.
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.
Using reclosers and other devices for temporary disturbances actually increases the reliability of the circuit. Their operation means that our system is operating exactly as it was designed in order to protect the public from hazardous situations and minimize extended power outages. Without automatic reclosing, a power interruption would continue until a utility employee could travel to the location of the problem, determine the cause and manually restore the power.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Can anything be done to minimize the impact?
• Batteries for Flashlights & Radio • Candles & Matches
We are very concerned about power interruptions of any length - and are committed to providing safe, reliable electric service. When power is interrupted, be assured that our crews are dispatched quickly to safely restore electric power to our customers.
• Blankets! This is extremely important during the winter since your furnace can not run without electricity.
How Common are Momentary Outages?
Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit There are ways customers can minimize the effect of momentary interruptions on voltage-sensitive devices or equipment. If you’re a business customer, our service representatives can provide inthat’s easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items: formation about UPS equipment-Uninterrupted Power Supplies and about CVTs (Constant Voltage • Working Flashlights Transformers) which are used in many commercial and industrial applications to maintain service and voltage levels. • Battery-Operated Radio for news & weather reports
• Bottled Water (City customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not) • Canned or Dried Food • A Corded Telephone (cordless phones don’t work when power is out.)
The national average for momentary service interruptions is five times per customer per year. In parts of the country where lightning strikes are more common, momentary outages are more frequent. Our system is designed and maintained to help minimize the frequency of momentary outages.
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 • Remember that electric garage door openers will not function during a power outage. Place your ever be flushed: human waste and standard toilet paper. unit on “manual” if possible. All other products such as baby wipes, moist towelettes, • Electric sump pumps and pumps used for rural customer’s wells also will not work during a power “flushable” wipes, paper towels, rags, cloth diapers, cleanoutage. ing pads, and more should always be discarded in the trash, not the toilet. These products do not break down • Protect electrical equipment from possible surges when power is restored. Use surge suppression in the sanitary sewer system, and can clog laterals, sewer devices to protect sensitive equipment such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, televimains, pumps, all of which can lead to sewer backups into sions, stereos and major appliances - or simply unplug them. homes and businesses. • A power outage may affect the operation of security and alarm systems. What we put down our drains and toilets can not only clog • Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. our sanitary sewer and septic systems, but they also can Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently. negatively impact our environment and put our health at risk. Hazardous materials such as motor oil, antifreeze, • Blinds and curtains will help shield against the heat of the sun, so while the air-conditioning is off paint and paint thinners, mercury, and even unused pharyou should keep your windows covered. maceutical drugs can remain in our waterways even after • If you leave your home or business, switch on a light that can be seen from the street. Our crews treatment. often “spot check” to ensure all customers have their electricity back on. Try to shut all other appliIf you need to discard hazardous materials, visit the Dane ances and electrical equipment off. County clean sweep collection site. You can find more in• For the safety of everyone, stay clear of crews, vehicles and equipment in the area. formation at danecountycleansweep.com. Other Things to Keep in Mind
• After the power is restored, you can safely reconnect appliances and equipment, and reset devices that operate on timers.
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 • Stoughton Utilities’ drinking water and wastewater treatment processes will be active during an be found at safercommunity.net/meddrop.php. outage.
Create a Family Plan
There’s No Natural Resource Like Community
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. At Stoughton Utilities, “local” isn’t a buzzword. It’s a promise. We’ve been a part of the Stoughton community for 126 years, and have always promised our neighbors a few things. Clean, affordable power; giving back through public nline illing and ay investment; scholarships and education; helping folks with enerGo green, go paperless! gy-saving advice and ways to lower How would you like to never again open your mailbox to utility bills. And to put Stoughton’s receive your Stoughton Utilities statement, or to never have future – your future – first. to write another check to pay your bill? You can make this Stoughton Utilities believes affordable public power strengthens our community and helps our neighhappen, simply by enrolling in paperless E-Billing, making bors. That’s why, through WPPI Energy, we’re partnering with other local not-for-profit utilities to your payments online using My Account, or enrolling in share resources and lower costs. our AutoPay program.
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These choices are simple, convenient, and smart. With paperless billing, there are no bills to mail, file, or to clutter your mailbox. You can manage the entire bill-paying process online, including access 24 hours a day to view past bills, payment activity, and flexible payment options. Going paperless also keeps you in control of the security of your personal information, as well as reduces your impact on the environment. By enrolling in AutoPay, the billed amount due will be deducted each month on the due date from your checking or savings account, or charged to your credit or debit card. Log in to My Account online at stoughtonutilities.com to go paperless today. In addition to payments and E-Billing, My Account also allows you to manage other payment and billing options, including Budget Billing, RoundUP, and renewable energy. We have also added new and improved ways to monitor and review your energy and water consumption. You can compare your bills to those of other customers near your neighborhood, analyze your present and past bills to learn more about how your usage has changed over time, see how the weather may be affecting your consumption patterns, and more.
With public power from Stoughton Utilities, the decisions we make, and the good we do for the environment happens right here. To learn more, please visit us online at WhyPublicPower.org or at stoughtonutilities.com.
For more information visit our website, www.stoughtonutilities.com
12 - The Tower Times - Fall 2017
Old Man Winter Will Soon Be Here For The Season!
Is Your Vehicle Prepared?
We take care of your family by taking care of your family's car!
(608) 873-8800
Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. Closed
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