2018 tower times spring

The

Tower Times

City of Stoughton

Issue 1, Spring 2018

Election Day Poll Workers Needed!

Compensation: $10/hour Hours: 6 :30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Position Objectives: The City of Stoughton Clerk’s Office is looking for individuals to help serve the public by providing the most fair and efficient elections possible. By serving as a poll worker, you have the chance to give back to your community and to meet the citizens of the City of Stoughton.

Why do we need poll workers?

Without the help of poll workers, the election cannot be held. Poll workers assist with registering new voters, administering ballots to voters, and ensuring that the election laws of the state are followed precisely.

What are the requirements to be a poll worker?

• Must be a registered and qualified voter of Dane County •M ust enjoy working with the public •M ust be able to work for an entire election day shift (7-8 hours) •M ust help with all setup/ reconciliation of election (depending on shift worked) All City of Stoughton Poll Workers are compensated $10.00/ hour for their time at the polling place. The Clerk’s office will make sure that you are trained on all election laws and procedures. A training session is held before every election.

If you are interested in helping the City of Stoughton’s voters, please complete an application and mail to 381 E Main St, Stoughton, WI 53589. Applications for the position of poll worker can be found on the City of Stoughton website. Please call the Stoughton City Clerk’s Office at 608-873-6677, if you have any questions.

2 Spring 2018

The Tower Times Building/Zoning Permit Information

2018 City of Stoughton Hall of Fame Inductee Presentation The public is invited and encouraged to attend the 2018 City of Stoughton Hall of Fame Inductee Presentation to be held Thursday, August 9th at the Gazebo in beautiful Rotary Park. The presentation will be held at 5:45 PM before the Craig Mason Combo performance. We are proud to announce William Parry Murphy, winner of the Nobel Prize in 1934 as this year’s inductee.

A building/zoning permit is required for the following: • New home and addition construction* •D eck installation* • F encing installation*

Please mark your calendars now to come to Rotary Park August 9th at 5:45 PM to witness the induction. In case of inclement weather, we will move indoors to the Fire Station training room.

• Home remodels and repairs* (no fee if cost including labor is under $500) • Accessory structures such as a shed, pergola or gazebo*

Volunteers Needed - River & Trail Why You Should Know Where Clean-up Day! Your Property Stakes Are Located The annual river and tail clean-up day will be Saturday, April 21st. We are looking for volunteers to help pick up trash that may have accumulated over the past year. Trash bags will be provided. Please bring your own work gloves.

It is very helpful to know exactly where your property stakes (lot lines) are when:

Meeting Location: Pedestrian Bridge at Division Street Park

Garage Sale Signage Information Garage sale signs may be placed in the parkrow or terrace, in front of the residence where the sale is being held, for a period not to exceed three (3) days and no more than three (3) times in a calendar year.

Signs may also be placed in the parkrow or terrace at various intersections for the days of the sale; such signs shall not have a height greater than 2 ½ feet from grade and shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area, two (2) feet in height and two (2) feet in width.

• Roofing and Siding (no fee if cost including labor is under $500) Window replacement (no fee • if cost including labor is under $500)

• Buying a home/property so you know what you are buying and for future reference;

When: Saturday, April 21st at 9:00 to 11:00 am

• Swimming pool installation* For pools with a water depth greater than 36 inches

• Zero lot line requests for two family duplex structures - Certified survey map required.

• Landscaping including plant• Signage* ing trees and shrubs so they are planted to allow future growth • Driveways and public sidewalks* (no fee for sidewalks) to remain on your property; • Seeking to install: fencing, an accessory structure or adding onto • Razing or moving structures* your home, so when applying for a permit you can easily draft a plan to show where the new structure will be located;

• Trying to locate any recorded easements.

• Erosion control and storm water management* • New furnace, retrofit furnace and air conditioning

• Any type of Electrical and Plumbing Many times we hear people say they were told or they assumed their property stakes are where a fence, planting, transformer or • A plan is required to be submitted along with the permit application power pole is located. In fact, that is seldom the case. The only way to be certain is to locate the lot corner stakes as follows: A building permit is not required for the

• A plat map which shows the dimensions of a property may be following: obtained from the Department of Planning & Development at no • Repainting the interior or exterior of your building charge to you. This document can be picked up at City Hall, 381 E. Main Street or emailed/faxed/mailed to you. The plat map of • I nstalling storm windows, storm doors and screens your property will give you a reference to start from and makes it • I nstalling gutters and downspouts much easier once one stake is found; • Landscaping - Not recommended to be placed in any easement • The stakes which are sometimes called “irons” or “monuments” and should be planted to allow for growth to remain on your vary in size but are typically approximately a 1-inch solid stake, property. Also, there are vision corner requirements at intersec1.5 feet long and buried at ground level or by as much as a foot tions and driveways. deep or more at each corner of the property; GARAGE SALE SIGNS ARE NOT TO BE ATTACHED TO UTILI• Concrete/block patios TY POLES, TREES, TRAFFIC REGULATORY STRUCTURES OR • A long tape measure is helpful to aid in your search; • Retaining walls – Must be on your property and not in any easeFENCES AND SHALL NOT OBSTRUCT VISION FOR VEHICULAR • Renting a metal detector may also be helpful in locating the lot ments.

TRAFFIC. stakes; • Children’s play equipment - May not be placed in any easements.

NO MORE THAN 3 SALES ARE ALLOWED PER YEAR. A SALE OF UP TO 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN LENGTH SHALL BE CONSID- • Ask neighbors if they have an idea where the lot stakes are locatObtaining a building/zoning permit ed to aid in your search; ERED ONE TIME. A building/zoning permit may be obtained, after approval of appli• D

epartment of Planning & Development staff will assist but cannot If you have any questions regarding garage sale signage, please cation materials, by the Department of Planning & Development, locate lot stakes for you. City staff cannot come to your property to contact the City Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421. located at City Hall, 381 E. Main Street. Hours are Monday – Friday locate your property lines or take sides in a dispute over a private 7:30am – 4:30pm property stake location. Property stake disputes between property owners are a legal issue and are not regulated by City Ordinances; Information necessary for the application • If lot stakes cannot be found, a licensed land surveyor may be 1. Name, address, email and phone number of applicant. hired to locate them and in some cases restake them. State law 2. Type of improvement. requires that lot stakes are not removed however that does not mean they have not been inadvertently removed. Also, many his- 3. Name and address of person completing work. toric areas originally had wood stakes. Surveyors can be found 4. Contractors shall provide Dwelling Contractor Certification and in the Yellow Pages or contact the City staff person below for Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. information. The cost of a survey can vary greatly so it pays to 5. Estimated cost. check costs; • Over time property stakes may be removed or buried beneath 6. Square footage of improvement if applicable. retaining walls, paved driveways, concrete walks, plantings etc… 7. Site plan of building/improvement including lot lines and all dimaking them more difficult to find; mensions if applicable (a survey may be necessary).

• In many cases a survey is required for new home construction, 8. Additional information may be required depending on the projbuilding additions, detached accessory structures or other major ect. projects.

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• The Department of Planning & Development may have a site plan What if I don’t get a permit? or survey for homes that have been recently constructed. Con- If a permit is required, but not obtained, fees will be doubled. Adtact the Building Inspector at 608-873-7626 regarding a plan or ditionally, a citation may be issued. Any construction that does not comply with codes or ordinances will need to be brought into survey. compliance.

For questions related to locating your lot stakes contact the City The main objective for obtaining a building permit is to assure that Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421. structures are constructed according to the Uniform Dwelling Code requirements. This is done to make the structure safe from defects and protects the owner.

Chalet Veterinary Clinic Family Pet Care at its Best

Check out the City of Stoughton web-site at www.cityofstoughton. com/planning for more information and applications. Click on the applications and information link.

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton (608) 873-8112

For questions, please call the Department of Planning & Development at:

Onsite or In Store!

Director of Planning & Development: 608-873-6619

Cell Phone Repairs Broken Screen Charge Ports Water Damage Data Transfer and Much More...

EVANSVILLE 613 E. Main St. 608-882-0680

Zoning Administration: 608-646-0421 Building Inspection: 608-873-7626 Administrative Assistant: 608-873-7626

OREGON 1015 N. Main St. 608-835-2980 adno=460767-01

Mon. - Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

adno=565531-01

STOUGHTON 2384 Jackson St. 608-877-9548

Information and applications:

The Tower Times Temporary Shelter Regulations The regulations applicable to temporary shelters are as follows: Zoning code section 78206(9) (i) states, “Temporary Shelter. Description: These shelters are typically supported by poles, have a fabric roof and/or sides and are usually used to cover automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, or firewood on a temporary or permanent basis. These structures are not designed for snow loading that can occur during the winter months. These shelters are not permitted in any zoning district in the City of Stoughton.”

Spring 2018 3

Private Property Parking Standards For Recreational Vehicles Note: these standards are only for private property, not for parking on public lands or anywhere in the street rightof-way.

You Can Help

There are many things each of us can do to prevent storm water pollution.

•U se salt sparingly during the winter.

• Sweep up any excess salt or sand left over from the snow shoveling season.

• Clean up pet waste year round–bury it properly or put it in the garbage.

• Keep cars well maintained repairing leaks; but consider walking, public transportation or riding a bike whenever you can.

A recreational vehicle is any of the following: motor home, jet ski, boat, all trailers, campers, snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, • Direct rainwater away from paved areas to lawns or gardens ATV’s and similar vehicles. where it can soak in.

Parking and storage of recreational vehicles and trailers in resi• Keep leaves and grass clippings out of the street. Compost yard dential, office, and business districts are permitted in the following waste, debris and leaves. manner: • Get a soil test before applying fertilizer to your lawn. Don’t pay Recreational vehicles and trailers: for something you don’t need. If a test shows that your lawn (a) Parked or stored within the front yard or side yard must be on does need fertilizer, apply it according to directions and carefully a driveway that is made of a dust free, continual hard surface clean up any spills on paved surfaces. such as concrete or asphalt pavement and shall be a minimum of five feet from any private property line or right-of-way line. • Wash your car on the lawn or at a car wash that sends its used These structures are not alwater to the sewage treatment plant.

Permeable pavement including turfstone is also allowable. The lowed to be used to cover vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, side yard shall end at the rear of the home.

• Prevent soil erosion. firewood, etc… (b) May be parked in the rear yard, beyond the rear of the home • Don’t let anything but rain go down the storm drain or into the These structures may be used temporarily for shade over a deck, without the need for a hard surface, subject to all other condiditch. patio or lawn area and for garage sales. tions. Note: Corner lots have two fronts.

Visit the following websites for more information on how you can If you have any questions regarding this ordinance section please (c) Shall be owned by the resident who is occupying the property help our lakes and streams: contact the City Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421 or mstacon which the vehicle or trailer is parked or stored. ey@ci.stoughton.wi.us www.ripple-effects.com/dvdrelease (d) Are permitted only for storage purposes except mobile homes and campers may be used for overnight sleeping for a maxi- www.ripple-effects.com/mycommunity oxious eeds and rass mum of 14 days in one calendar year. www.cityofstoughton.com/planning click on link to Storm Water (e) May not be connected to wastewater or sanitary sewer lines, or Management nformation electricity except for charging of batteries.

“Noxious weed” deake a ifference nstall a ain (f) May not be used for storage of goods, materials or equipment fined by the State other than those items considered to be part of the unit or esof Wisconsin Statarden sential for its use. ute § 66.0407(1) (b), “means Canada (g) Shall be placed a minimum of five feet from all property lines Rain gardens (shallow depresthistle, leafy spurge, sions planted with native wildand shall not be parked within any easement. field bindweed flowers) soak up rainwater or (h) Maximum number allowed outside of a building per property melted snow from your rooftop, (creeping Jenny), is three unless the property is zoned and approved for such driveway and lawn. They are and any other weed outdoor storage. the government positioned to collect water from body of any munici(i) A trailer with multiple recreational vehicles on it shall be consid- downspouts or at a low-point pality or the county ered one recreational vehicle, but all recreational vehicles on the in the yard where drainage natboard of any county trailer shall be owned by the resident occupying the property on urally occurs. The gardens alby ordinance or resolution declares to be noxious within its respeclow water to soak into the soil which the trailer is parked. tive boundaries.” rather than running off to the nearest lake or stream. (j) Individual canoes, kayaks and similar vehicles not on a trailer Noxious weeds, as defined by the above Wis. Statute, are not alA rain garden can soak up to 30% more water than a traditional are exempt from these requirements. lowed in the City of Stoughton. The City of Stoughton does not have lawn. Why is that important? Because the water from rain and If you have any questions regarding this regulation please contact snow that runs off our roofs and driveways to the streets and an ordinance or resolution for any additional noxious weeds. the Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421. through the storm drain system to our lakes carries with it all sorts Property owners in the City of Stoughton who allow the above of pollutants like fertilizers, oil, pet waste and more. Whatever is in named noxious weeds to grow and/or allow grass/weeds to exceed the street—garbage, pet waste, oil, etc.—gets washed to the near1-foot in height, are in violation of the City of Stoughton Public pringtime rings ore han est lake or stream.

Nuisance Ordinance Section 58-8(6). A citation may be issued to

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S B M T Flowers With Those Showers

the property owner after notice of violation. Additionally, the City may contract to have the grass and/or weeds mowed and bill the While this winter feels as though it will never end, eventually, the property owner. One notice will be sent per year. snow and ice will melt and there will be spring showers. The rain Violations are found through weekly inspections by Department of and snow melt flows across streets, driveways, parking lots and Planning & Development staff. If you have any questions related rooftops and transports sand, salt, last fall’s leaves, oil, trash and to this issue, contact the City Building Inspector at 608-873-7626. many other pollutants directly to storm drains, which eventually ends up in our lakes and streams.

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Mature rain gardens are easy to maintain. Once plants get established, very little weeding is needed. Do not install a rain garden in any easement designed to convey underground electric, water, wastewater and stormwater.

Besides helping our lakes and streams, rain gardens are aesthetically pleasing and provide habitat for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects—including dragonflies that eat mosquitoes. You can Some mistakenly think that water running off streets goes into a make a big difference by devoting a small amount of space, time sewage treatment plant. But the truth is that it goes right to our and money to the creation of a rain garden. lakes and streams.

Visit www.ripple-effects.com/raingardens to learn more about rain gardens.

Take Care of Business at the Stoughton Public Library Maintaining your competitive business edge is a never-ending challenge, and you want reliable answers to your every-day questions. Whether you have questions about starting a new business, establishing an employee compensation program, or expanding your business through an online store, the Stoughton Public Library is the right place for answers.

Stoughton Public Library: Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage!

Enjoy Spring & Summer @ the Library!

These online information resources can help you find the reliable answers you need. All you need is a library card to access most of them from home because they’re made available by the Stoughton Public Library, the South Central Library System, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) through the BadgerLink project, and funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. As an added bonus you can also any of the librarians for additional help.

Genealogy Resources

The Stoughton Public Library is located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the corner of 4th & Main, just west of Do you have specific questions about your family’s histothe clock tower in downtown Stoughton. ry? Need more information about how to conduct genealogical research? Either way, the Stoughton Public Library Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5, Sunday is the right place for answers.!

1-5.

Search EBSCOHost for general genealogy or family history There is no charge for a library card – just bring in picture ID with articles and book reviews. Many articles are available in proof of current address. If your ID does not show your current adfull text. Tens of millions of searchable newspaper pagdress, please bring another proof of address such as a piece of mail, es, dating as far back as the 1700s, are available through personal check, utility bill, etc. Parents must sign the registration NewspaperARCHIVE. You can also obtain access to geneform for children under age 16. alogy records and books, including census data, local hisIn addition to offering books, eBooks, DVDs, audio books, magatories, tax rolls, cemetery lists, military rosters, and more through HeritageQuest. zines, newspapers, and programs for people of all ages, the Library Another great genealogy resource is AncestryLibrary (available in-library only) for access to genealso has meeting rooms, a copy machine, and can offer you one-onalogy information in more than 4,000 databases, including census data, passenger lists, the Social one help with your eBook reader.

Security Death Index, and much more.

For more information, visit us online at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.

You can also search WorldCat: a database of millions of records describing books and other library org, on Facebook, or call at 873-6281. The Library will be closed materials from around the world. Use it to find items you are unable to find in LINKcat, then ask your Thursday, November 23 for Thanksgiving. library to request it for you.

4 Spring 2018

The Tower Times

Consumer Information

Library Events

You work hard for your money. When you make a major purchase and want to ensure that you get the most for you money try one of our consumer resources. Magazine articles are available through EBSCOHost, including the full content of Consumer Reports. EBSCOHost also includes a searchable collection of eBooks. Directory information for about 12 million U.S. businesses of all sizes is available through ReferenceUSA Business. Regional and national newspapers are available through Newspaper Source Plus. Access to Newspaper Source Plus is provided as part of the BadgerLink project.

Check the Library website for more information. www.stolib.org

Health & Wellness Managing your health, fitness, nutrition and recreation needs can be a challenge, and the Stoughton Public Library is the right place for answers!

For topics related to health and wellness use EBSCOHost for magazine and newspaper articles. You can be search everything simultaneously, or you can search individual resources. These include Health Source - Consumer Edition, Health Source - Nursing/Academic Edition, the American Hospital Formulary Service Consumer Medication Information, and MEDLINE. MEDLINE is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s premier bibliographic database that contains more than 24 million references to journal articles in life sciences with a concentration on biomedicine.

All these resources and more are brought to you by the Stoughton Public Library and the South Central Library System, serving Adams, Columbia, Dane, Green, Portage, Sauk & Wood counties.

Adopt A Magazine At The Library Are you looking for a way to honor an important person in your life, or memorialize a loved one who has passed on?

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.

Donation acknowledgment plates will either run April-March or October-September depending on when the donation is received.

Turn the Pages!

There are immediate openings for additional readers in the Stoughton Public Library’s book discussion groups. Join us as we turn the pages and talk about books!

Page Turners

This group reads a variety of titles both nonfiction and fiction. It meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, and the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

The Foundation

This is the Library’s science fiction/fantasy book group, named in honor of science fiction grand master Isaac Asimov’s famous Foundation Trilogy. The Foundation explores themes, authors, short stories, and novels, and meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. A trip the Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium is planned for Wednesday, October 3.

April

Craft Club: Decorate It!

Thursday, April 5, 6:30 pm (at the library) Tuesday, April 24, 10:00 am (at the Senior Center) Ceramics take another year off as we switch to a mosaic of a different variety! Join us and make a mosaic on a box using scrapbook paper and modge podge. All materials provided. Registration is required.

Music on the Mezz – Miles McConnell, Classical Guitar Sunday, April 8, 2:00 pm

Mr. McConnell currently teaches applied guitar at Clarke University and Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He also maintains an active schedule, teaching and performing concerts. Notable recent solo performances include a concert on the Bayfield Summer Concerts Series, a performance at the Waupaca Bach Festival. In 2017, he participated in Camino Guitar, in Carrion de Los Condes, Spain.

Sherlock Week and Escape from Baker Street April 9 – 15

Check the website and Facebook for more information.

Researching Your Historic Home Tuesday, April 17, 6:30 pm

Have you ever been curious about when your house was built and who occupied it over the years? Join Ingrid Thompson with R Olde House Society as she shares a number of resources available to help you launch your search. No registration required.

Teen Triwizard Tournament Friday, April 20 6:45-9:15 pm

Join us after hours for a night of fun and competition, in the name of Harry Potter. Explore the Hogwarts grounds and complete challenges to see who is a true Champion! Open to grades 6 and up.

Registration required; call 873-6281 to sign up starting April 10.

Children’s Painting Series: The Picture Factory Sunday, April 22, 2:00 pm

Children ages 5-8 are invited to join us for this large-scale collaborative painting project. We’ll work collaboratively to create a bunch of pictures which will be turned into a three-dimensional art display in the library. Since we will be moving around the room quickly, unfortunately, younger children will not be able to participate, but we will have art and craft supplies available “on the side” for younger siblings to play with. Wear clothes that can get messy!

Registration required; call 873-6281 to sign up starting March 11.

Are you a fan of the classic novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? Or do you prefer watching portrayals by Robert Downey, Jr., Lucy Liu, and Benedict Cumberbatch? Join us as we link the literature of Sherlock to contemporary interpretations. This will be an amazing week of displays, activities, prizes, and programs! Generous Page Turners Adult Book Discussion funding provided by Beyond the Page, which helps Dane County Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate libraries offer amazing humanities activities.

Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 pm at the library Wednesday, April 25, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center Pizza & Art Tuesday April 3, 3:30-5:30 pm Join us this month as we discuss Before We Were Yours by Lisa Always wanted to be in an art show? Now is your chance! Teens in Wingate. This novel is based on a real-life scandal, in which Georgrades 6 and up; come and create some Sherlock Holmes-inspired gia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, art that will go on display during the library’s Sherlock Week. Bo- kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country. People magazine called this book “a poignant, engrossing nus: Try out our new pizza maker. tale about sibling love and the toll of secrets.”

The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion Wednesday April 4, 6:30 pm The fantasy of Robin Hobb

A Gentle Talk on Alzheimer’s Thursday, April 26 at 1:00 pm

Join us for a presentation by Michael Hecht, Dementia Care SpeRobin Hobb is the pen name of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden. cialist for Skaalen Retirement Services. He will discuss caring for Take your pick from The Dragon Keeper, first of a series; Ship of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and techniques for implementing dinMagic, also first of a series; or The Inheritance & Other Stories, a ing assistance, communication, leisure activities, and more. stand-alone collection.

K9 Ole Demonstration Monday, April 9, 6:30 pm

Music on the Mezz – Telling Your Family Story With Music and Poetry

Sunday, April 29, 2:00 pm Come meet Ole, Stoughton’s police dog, and Officer O’Neil. They will help us learn what it takes to be a police dog and handler. Composer, singer, and genealogist Ron McCabe presents a differThere will even be a demonstration of Ole at work. This K9 pro- ent way to share your family history. gram is best suited for adults (families may prefer to attend our May event on 4/12). No registration is required.

Stop Hounding Me: the influence of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes.

Tuesday, April 10, 6:30 pm

The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion

Wednesday May 2, 6:30 pm the science fiction of Robert Charles Wilson

Read The Hound of the Baskervilles and join us in discussing the novel. Library Director Richard MacDonald will cover the influence of Edgar Allen Poe on Conan Doyle, and Doyle’s influence on the development of the mystery genre. We’ll also discuss how Sherlock has continued to appear in literature over the years. Copies of the book will be available on the second floor of the library. No registration necessary. A door prize will be given away!

Wilson is a popular, contemporary American-Canadian science fiction writer. He has won the Hugo Award, the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, three Prix Aurora Awards, and the Philip K. Dick Award.

Escape From Baker Street

The library has Spring Fever! This month we will be planting herbs and decorating their containers to make a one of a kind herb garden to keep or give. All materials are provided.

Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 pm (for adults) Thursday, April 12, 4:00 pm (for teens in grades 6 and above) Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm (for teens in grades 6 and above)

Apply Sherlock’s methods of deduction to solve clues and puzzle your way out of Baker Street. Space is limited and registration is reThursdays With Murder quired. Please call (608)873-6281, email storef@stolib.org, or stop This is the Library’s mystery and crime fiction book discussion at the 2nd Floor Information Desk to register. group. In its seventh year, this group explores themes, authors, and novels. Meetings are the second Thursday of the month, with Improv Club Wednesday, April 11, 3:30 pm no meeting in December.

Join the Friends of the Library

Summer Reading Starts Soon!

Craft Club: Plant It!

Thursday, May 3, 6:30 pm

Thursdays with Murder: Mystery Book Discussion Thursday, May 10, 6:30 pm – Bookstore Mysteries

Enjoy mysteries in which the sleuth runs a bookstore. Authors include Lawrence Block, Carolyn Hart, Walter Mosley, M.K. Wren, and more.

Page Turners Adult Book Discussion Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig

Teens in grades 6 and up can expect to enjoy sleuth-inspired Tuesday, May 22, 6:30 pm at the library games during this session of Improv Club! No registration required. Wednesday, May 23, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center

We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig.

Join us as we journey with 11-year old Donal between Montana and WisconSee Stoughton’s K9 police dog, Ole, in action in this child-oriented sin (and back again) as he comes of age demonstration. All ages. No registration required. in the 1950s. Published in 2015, this The Library relies on money raised by various Friends events to novel was named a Best Book of the Thursdays with Murder: Mystery Book Discussion supplement the its budget. Without these funds, the Children’s Year by Kirkus Reviews.

Thursday, April 12, 6:30 pm – Stories by Alexander McCall Smith Summer Library Program would not be able to afford many of the presenters for programs, as well as purchase supplies and reading Tonight we compare the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency with the incentive prizes. The Adult Summer Reading Program and the Adult Sunday Philosophy Club.

Craft Club receive their funding from the annual Friends donation.

The Friends donation is used to purchase high-demand DVDs and Sherlock on the Screen books for the Lucky Day collections, replace worn or lost copies Friday, April 13 (all day) of books and DVDs, and provide more magazine subscriptions for Stop in the Madison Community Foundation room (Study Room the collection. These are just a few of the ways the Friends assist #2) and view a Sherlockian movie or show of your choice! the Library.

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

K9 Ole All Ages Demonstration Thursday, April 12, 3:30pm Fire Station Training Room

For more information, visit us online at

Friends’ membership levels range from $10 to $100 a year. In addition to becoming a member, you can help out with book sales, fundraisers, and more. More information at the Library!

The next event will be the Friends of the Library Pie Place at Syttende Mai; followed by a booksale which is May 31 - June 2.

Improv Club

Wednesdays, April 11 & 25, 3:30-4:30 pm Play around. Hone your acting skills. Laugh like crazy. Open to grades 6 and up.

www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org,

on Facebook

www.facebook.com/StoughtonPublicLibrary

or call at 873-6281

The Tower Times

Spring 2018 5

News from the Stoughton Area Senior Center John Beutel’s Music Appreciation Series is Back!

Social & Recreation

Scholarly Scoop

Bridge, Free

Friday, April 20, 10:00 AM

Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM

This series is open to anyone who loves music and would like to learn more about it.

Bunco, $1.00

Join Adam Paddock, Assistant Professor of History, UW Whitewater as he presents “Slave Trade, Alliances, and Subterfuge: The Downfall of African States, 1700 to 1920”

When: Mondays at 3:00 PM, March 19–May 7, 2018

Fridays, 10:00 AM

Where: Stoughton Opera House Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated

Every 1st Tuesday, 1:00 PM

Chess, Free

Community Bingo, $1

Every 3rd Wednesday, 1:00 PM

Cribbage, Free

• April 2-The UW Madison graduate ensemble “The Perlman Piano Every Monday 1:00 PM Trio”(violin, cello, piano)

Dime Jingle

• April 9-Mark Kroos, North Carolina, the rarely heard “Double Every 2nd Wednesday, 1:00 PM Nicked Guitar” •A pril 16-Stoughton High School Solo Ensemble Students • April 23-Luke Carmichael Valmadrid, Violin and Viola solos plus a piano quartet (piano and string quartet).

Euchre

Tuesdays, 1:00PM, Every 4th Saturday, 7:00 PM

Over the Hill Bingo

• Roundtrip airfare-departs MKE October 10, 2018 • 5 nights in first class hotel-Reykjavik • 7 meals included • Professional Tour Director • Sightseeing and Admissions per Itinerary Call Cindy for more information at 608-873-8585

Ongoing Groups/Classes at the Stoughton Area Senior Center Programs for Your Mind & Body

See the Senior Center’s Yahara Senior News for dates and registration.

Reflexology

Heidi Fromi provides this form of massage that applies deep pressure to reflex points on the feet. It opens nerve pathways to increase circulation and create a sense of balance within the body.

Prices are $25 for 30 minutes or $45 for 60 minutes.

Chair Exercise, $2/class Mon. Wed. & Fri. 8:00 AM

Line Dancing, Free Tuesdays, 2:30 PM

Ping Pong, Free

Mondays & Wednesdays 3:00 PM Fridays 10:30 AM

Train Dominoes, Free Thursday 1:00 PM

Every 1st Tuesday, 9:30-11:30AM, Stoughton Library, Carnegie Room April 3: Stoughton High School Strings Ensemble Performance May 1: 1-Year Celebration Party!

A Memory Café is a social gathering for individuals with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other dementias to meet in a relaxed environment to share common interests.

For details please call (608) 873-8585.

Euchre

Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 1:00 PM Join us for a new weekly day-time euchre group. All abilities are welcome!

Hospice 101

Wednesday, April 4, 1:00 PM

Ukulele Class

Wednesdays, April 4 – May 2, 1:30-3:00 PM

First Friday Movie

Friday, April 6, 1:00 PM

Tai Chi –Advanced, $10/class

Understanding Your Insurance

Skill Development

Computer/Tech Help, Free

Tues. & Thurs., 9:00 - 11:30 AM or by appointment.

Come with your computer or tech questions. We have 4 computers, 3 iPads & WiFi AND, 3rd Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM. Various Tech Topics will be covered. Check Newsletter for exact topic.

Creative Writing Class, Free Last Tuesday of month at 1:00 PM

Handiwork, Free Mondays,1:00 PM

Bring your current handiwork project & join the conversation.

Norwegian Language Class, $10/class Wednesdays, 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, April 11, 3:00 PM

Tuesday, May 1, 2:30 PM

Join representatives from Old National Bank as they provide information on keeping seniors safe from fraud. They will provide information on common scams, what to do if you suspect your fraudulent scams and how to protect yourself.

Appetite for the Arts

Thursday, May 3, 11:30 Lunch, 12:00-12:45 Program Join Michael Hecht for an interesting art lesson about DaVinci. Enjoy selected artworks including the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper as well as learn about DaVinci’s influence on artistic peers. The artistic work of Michelangelo and Caravaggio, an in-depth look at the photography of Lewis Hine (the Skyscraper). Sign up by May 1st.

Pain Relief Presentation

Wednesday, May 9, 10:00 AM The presentation will take about 30 minutes and will focus on what peripheral neuropathy is, the sign and symptoms, strategies for comfort and what clinics have to offer.

Scholarly Scoop

Four Seasons Theatre Show Wednesday, May 23, 1:00 PM

Four Seasons Theatre will be here with their 2018 outreach program, “The Best of Broadway: Stephen Sondheim.” Sondheim began his career as a lyricist on classic musicals like Gypsy and West Side Story, and revolutionized Broadway as both a lyricist and composer with groundbreaking shows like Company, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods. Join us as we bring you the best local performers singing songs from throughout Sondheim’s long, celebrated career.

Medicare Minutes

Tuesday, April 17, 3:00 PM Join representatives from the Agency on Aging of Dane County as they outline how Medicare and Medicaid work together, rules for enrolling and what Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) is all about.

Netbook, Laptop, and Desktop Computers

Rosemaling Group, Free

View the slides at goo.gl/6m1iQc

Must take a safety course to use the shop.

Wednesday, April 25, 3:00 PM

Join us for another Through the Ages event! We will be placing our painted rocks (from the fall project) out in our Stoughton community for others to find. If you’d rather stay in join us for the PG Rated family movie HOP.

Thursday, April 19, 3 PM

Wood Shop, Free/Daily

Travelogue

Joe Bawulsk will be here to discuss the four parts of a contractual agreement; what to expect during a claim process and what to do Mallards Baseball Game Outing if you disagree; what happens if a lawsuit is filed against you; Q&A Wednesday, June 27th this year at 12:05 PM and/or stories from a claim manager.

Please sign up by June 1st if you are interested in attending. Outing includes transportation, ticket, meal and baseball cap! The cost is Rock Distribution & Family Movie HOP $15 (hat, cold cut sandwich, chips, and a bottle of water) Friday, April 13, 1:00 PM

No registration needed. New students welcome!

Wednesdays 9:15AM

Ceramics take another year off as we switch to a mosaic of a different variety. Join us and the Stoughton Public Library and make a mosaic on a box using scrapbook paper and modge podge. All materials provided. Sign up by April 20th.

Friday, May 18, 10:00 AM Join Judy for a five week class on how to play the ukulele. All ma- Join the Stoughton Senior Center in welcoming Dan Baumgardt, terials will be provided including the instrument that you can take Assistant Professor of Professional Writing for a lecture on “Gramhome with you and return the last day of class. The cost is $40 and mar. Rules. Revised?” sign up is required by April 2nd as space is limited

Mondays, 10:30 AM

Mondays & Fridays 10AM, 2nd Fri.10:30AM

Tuesday, April 24, 10:00-11:30 AM

Money Safety for Seniors

Thurs. 1:30 PM- 4:15 PM

Tai Chi, $7/class

Wii Bowling & League, Free

Decorate It! Paper Mosaic

Memory Café

Sheepshead

Wonder: The inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman.

Born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school until now, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade.

Mondays, 1:00 PM

Bringing Up Baby: This is a 1938 American screwball comedy film starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.

Upcoming Events

2 Pool Tables, Free/Daily

Ever wonder what hospice care is? Or how it can help you or a Chair Massage Therapy Services loved one? How do you pay for it? Join Amy Cowan from Agrace Lisa Resch, LMT offers massages in the office space right next to Hospice Care for an informal presentation to answer all your questhe Senior Center Building. Massage prices are: $20 for first 15 tions. Please register by April 2nd. minutes then $1 per minute.

Fitness & Wellness

Friday Apr. 20, 1:00 PM

After spawning one of the planets first complex civilizations, the North African country of Egypt continues to draw tourists and curiosity-seekers by the thousands.

Renowned for its mysterious pyramids at Giza— one of the seven wonders of the ancient world— modern Egypt also has much more to offer prospective visitors, including the bustling cities of Cairo and Alexandria, the dam at Aswan and the renowned Nile River.

Every 4th Tues. 1:00PM. Bring a “White Elephant” prize • April 30-Dr. Scot Teeple, (Conductor of the UW Wind Ensemble) will do a presentation on Music at the UW and Teaching Music Pinochle Wednesdays, 1:00 PM in the 21st Century

Join Stoughton Area Senior Center on a 7 Day Iceland Explorer Tour

Classic Movie Friday

We’ll talk about personal desktop computers for 2018. Even though many people rely on a smartphone or tablet for computer operations, others need advanced features - a large screen, full keyboard, numeric keypad, or artist’s tools for work and hobbies, for instance. The presentation describes which laptops, notebooks, netbooks, and desktop computers might be most compatible with your situation. Feel free to bring your computer along. No prior experience with a particular computer is needed.

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

6 Spring 2018

The Tower Times

2018 Park Projects

Yahara River Whitewater Park

The Yahara River Whitewater Park is a long-term project to better utilize the Yahara River recreationally and help revitalize the area. We are at the conceptual design phase of the project which is near There are plans to extend the existing trail from Amundson Park to behind Stoughton Hospital. The beginning. A steering committee is being formed for the project and the committee will assist with trail will run along the river, be 10 feet wide, and will be asphalt. Stoughton Hospital has a trail on decision-making and communication with stakeholder groups. UW-Extension has agreed to provide their property that will connect this trail to Ridge Street. This trail is open to the public. The trail ex- the City with an economic impact analysis for the project that will give us an idea how successful it would be. The project would include the whitewater rapids (class 1-2), a river walk and trail extentension is scheduled to be completed this summer. sions, and a rental facility.

Amundson Trail Extension

How much will the project cost?

The conceptual design which is scheduled to be finished in May will provide cost estimates. We are exploring grant funding options and other fundraising options.

Is the river capable of having a whitewater park?

There is a nine foot drop at the Stoughton dam at Fourth Street. The whitewater rapids typically need 12-18 inches to be created. The Yahara River flows between 200 to 400 CFS and these have been built in rivers with as little as 30 CFS of flow.

How will this affect fishing?

There are hundreds of these parks across the country. Most fisherman in these areas are surprised how much the fishing improved. This is mainly due to fish habitat being improved. Fish passages can be built-in to the whitewater rapids.

How much would it cost to use?

It would be free to use. Revenue would be captured through rentals of kayaks and canoes. The rental operation could be run by the City or in a public-private partnership.

How will water levels be affected upstream and downstream of the Stoughton dam?

The engineering firm we hired to do the conceptual design says that they can engineer the park so the water levels upstream and downstream of the dam would remain consistent to what they are today.

Is the river clean enough?

Mandt Park Pickleball Courts

Pickleball is a racquet style game using plastic balls that are similar to a whiffle ball. We have a growing number of people playing Pickleball in Stoughton. Many of them play in the morning time during the week at East Park where there are two courts painted on the tennis court. The two courts are not enough to accommodate everyone who gathers to play. The basketball court is underutilized and in needing of repair which offered a location for a larger pickleball complex. The pickleball complex will feature six courts. This project was supported by donations from the Stoughton Lions Club and the Bryant Foundation.

Nordic Ridge Park Grand Opening

Criddle Park is scheduled to have its playground replaced in 2019 with a natural playground. Natural playgrounds have been found to build creativity in children and offer opportunities to build movement skills. We will be hosting an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 10th from 5:306:30 pm in the Hall of Fame Room at City Hall.

We invite anyone interested in the project and especially neighbors of the park.

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Criddle Park Natural Playground

Nordic Ridge Park is scheduled to be open on Saturday, June 9th. Nordic Ridge Park will include Stoughton’s first splash pad, athletic field, and park shelter. Generous donations from Stoughton Rotary and Stoughton businesses have helped furnish the shelter with tables and benches. The shelter and splash pad will be powered by a solar panel. The shelter is available to be reserved after the June 9-10th weekend.

183 E. Main Street Downtown Stoughton

We have discussed this with an environmental consulting firm that has been working with the Redevelopment Authority.

They believe that if any contaminated sediment was found, that the City would be eligible for federal grants to clean it up. The engineering firm has told us that the water quality is better here than in many of the other existing parks.

The Tower Times

Spring 2018 7

Activities & Events

Youth Tennis Lessons (Ages 3-18)

Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learning to Train

Youth Activities

Youth Lacrosse Spring Skills Camp FUNdamentals, Learning to Train

This program is for children in grades 1st-4th and all skill levels. The philosophy behind the program is to teach basic skills and fundamentals, develop athletic skills, make new friends, and most importantly have fun! The camp is coached by Stoughton High School Coach Josh Wollin and assistants. All equipment will be provided.

Days: Sundays Dates: April 22 - May 20 Time: 5:00-6:00 PM Location: Fox Prairie Lacrosse Fields Fee: $30 – Resident, $38 – Non-Resident Registration Deadline: April 16 Grades Program Code 1-2 1301.100 3-4 1301.101

Learn to Play Girls Softball League (Grades K – 2)* FUNdamentals

Our youth softball program focuses on developing softball FUNdamentals, athletic skills, and the love of sports. Thursdays will feature a one hour practice, and Sundays will have both practices and informal games. The games will feature coach pitch or t-ball depending on the player’s ability level. Practices will focus on the FUNdamentals of softball such as proper overhand throwing motion. There is a wide range of ages for this program which means that there will be a wide variety of skill levels. Children will be grouped based on skill level so they are challenged appropriately.

Players are responsible to bring their own glove. All other equipment is provided.

We need volunteer coaches for this program. We will be hosting a coaches training on May 26th where coaches will go through the drills and activities that happen in practices and will learn how to run the games.

Who: Children entering grades K-2 Program Code: 1100.209 Game Days & Dates: Sundays, June 3 – July 22 Practice Days & Dates: Thursdays, May 31 – July 19 Times: Sundays 6:15 – 7:15 pm, Thursdays 6:00-7:00 pm Place: Racetrack Park Diamond #1 Fees: Resident - $45, Non-Resident - $53 Deadline: Register by May 20 Coaches: Volunteers needed. Training day and time is Tuesday, May 22nd at 5:30 pm

Learn-to-Play Ultimate Frisbee Clinic Learning to Train

Stoughton Parks and Recreation Department and Premier Tennis and Fitness are working together to bring top notch professional tennis lessons to Stoughton area children and adults. Skills that will be covered consist of serving, forehand, backhand, and footwork, along with learning the rules of the game and how to score.

Two Ultimate Frisbee Learn to Play clinics are being offered is for boys and girls in middle school. No previous ultimate or disc throwing experience necessary. Come out and learn to play Barry Hankel, the Tennis Director at PTF, will be overseeing the pro- the fastest growing sport in the country from members of the high gram. Barry is a former three-time all-conference Division 1 tennis school Ultimate teams. After each clinic, there will be a home game player at UW-Green Bay, and he has taught tennis for 14 years. He of the respective team so you can cheer on SHS as they compete was Director of Junior Tennis at Western Racquet and Fitness in against other local teams.

Green Bay and before that was Director of Tennis at Green Bay Tennis Grades: 5-8 Center for three years. He has had well over a hundred students qualify for the state tournament during his teaching days and has taught Days & Dates: Girls: Wednesday May 2nd; Boys: Thursday May 3rd Time: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm many players that have gone on to play all levels of college tennis.

Location: Stoughton High School front soccer field *Session 1 is a 4 week spring seminar Fee: Free Ages: 3-6 Gender Days Dates Program Code Using Quick Start approach, children are taught using balls that bounce Girls Wednesday May 2 1301.100 lower and move slower than regular tennis balls so they are easier to hit. Boys Thursday May 3 1301.101 Ages 7-8 Rally Cap T-Ball (Boys & Girls Ages 4 –Pre K)* Children will further develop tennis strokes, ground strokes, volleys, Active Start and the serve. Footwork drills and point playing will be introduced.

T-Ball provides the perfect introduction Ages 9-12 Students will refine stroke mechanics with major emphasis on im- to the American pastime. Each week proving the consistency and accuracy of ground strokes, volleys, will be divided into a separate practice time of 30 minutes and a game time of overheads, and learning the rules of the game.

30 minutes. Teams will have 6-7 chilAges 13-18 dren to make the games move along This group is designed for the high school players and/or advanced at a faster pace and more playing time middle schoolers. Drills become more intense and focused on for each child. Practices will focus on strategy, point play for singles and doubles. the FUNdamentals of baseball such as proper grip on the ball and throwing Lesson Details motion. Practice plans will be provided to coaches. Players are reSession Age Group Dates Program Code Fee sponsible to bring their own glove. All other equipment is provided.

Session 1 Ages 3-6 April 28-May 19 1180.200 $20 Session 1 Ages 7-8 April 28-May 19 1180.203 $20 Program Code: 1111.200 Session 1 Ages 9-12 April 28-May 19 1180.206 $40 Days & Dates: Sundays, June 3 – July 29, No Games on Session 1 Ages 13-18 April 28-May 19 1180.209 $50 Times: 4:45, and 5:30 PM Game Times. Please note that practice *There are summer session dates. Please go to our website, www. could start as early as 4:15 PM stoughtonrec.com, for more information.

Place: Racetrack Park Fees: Resident - $45 Non-Resident - $53 Days: Saturday Mornings Adults 8:00-9:00am Ages 3-6 - 9:00-9:45am, Deadline: Register by May 20 Times: Ages 7-8 – 9:45-10:30 am, Ages 9-12 – 10:30-Noon, Coaches: Volunteers are needed. Coaches training will be on May Ages 13-18 – Noon-1:30 pm 23rd at 6:00 pm Registration Deadline: May 25 or when full Location: S ession 1 - Norse Park, Sessions 2 & 3 – High School Tennis Courts Min/Max Participants/Class: 6/16 Rain Make Up: T he following Friday will be used for any classes rained out.

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8 Spring 2018 Spring Miniball Soccer Active Start

The Tower Times Campfire Cooking

Summertime is in full swing, and that means camping and making meals in the great outdoors. Pizza pockets, pudgy pies, smores gaStart your little Pele on his or her way to a lifelong love of recreation lore, and much more. In this class, participants will make multiple activities. Nothing compares to soccer for an introduction to structured recipes that can be recreated around the campfire. team sports. The emphasis on this program is having fun, getting your child to like sports, and developing their physical literacy. This pro- Ages: Children 5-12 gram isn’t intended on teaching high level soccer skills to your child Times: 12:00-1:15 pm because of the ages of the participants. Volunteer coaches needed!

Location: Stoughton Youth Center Date: June 9 Days: Sundays Min/Max Participants: 8/12 Dates: April 15 to May 20 Fee: $20 Location: Racetrack Park Program Code: 1311.400 Fee: $40 – Resident, $45 – Non-Resident Registration Deadline: March 31 Coaches: V olunteers are needed. Coaches training will take place dult ctivities on April 5 at 5:30 at Racetrack Park.

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Intro to Pickleball Clinics

We are partnering with veteran Pickleball players to offer introductory clinics for new pickleball players. There will be one clinic a month during the summer on a Saturday morning. The veteran players will go over the basics of game play including the rules, equipment, and techniques.

Days & Dates: Saturdays, 5/12, 6/9, 7/14, 8/11 Times: 10:00-11:00 am Location: East Park Pickleball Courts Who: All Ages

Gazebo Musikk

This will be our fourth summer of offering Gazebo Musikk! Gazebo Musikk are weekly concerts at Rotary Park in the summer. These shows wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors and help from Ridge Road Relics: Pebble Art Class Ages Program Code Times Tricia Suess. Check out the Gazebo Musikk Facebook page for the Put your craft skills into motion as you create a spring time wall 3 – 4 year olds 1130.100 2:00-2:45 pm latest information - https://www.facebook.com/gazebomusikk/ hanging using pebbles and reclaimed wood boards.

Choose from 3 – 4 year olds 1130.101 3:00-3:45 pm a flower design or birds on a branch.

All materials will be provided When: Thursdays evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm starting May 31st 1130.102 4:00-4:45 pm 5 year olds and there is the opportunity to customize colors and styles to suit Where: Rotary Park (next to the fire station) your preferences.

Little Gridders Flag Football (Pre-K) Cost: Free!

Active Start Where: Stoughton Youth Center 2018 Lineup This program will introduce four and five year olds to the sport of Fee: $35 Date Band Who: Ages 16+ football. A head coach and high school players will run parent/ child pairs through a variety of fun games and activities that teach Deadline: One week prior to class May 31 Stone Barone & The MadTones movement skills (dodging, running, throwing) to future gridiron Min/Max Participants: 6/12 June 7 Peter Kocher stars. Each week will consist of a practice and a fun scrimmage. Day June 14 Mike & Jamie McCloskey & Friends Date Time Program Code Soft footballs will be used.

June 21 Kelsey Miles Sunday May 6 1:00-4:00 pm 1374.100 June 28 Madtown Mannish Boys Days: Tuesdays July 5 Old Tin Can String Band Drop-In Vinyasa Yoga Dates: April 17 - May 22 July 12 RetroBus Active for Life Times: 5:30-6:30 pm July 19 The Rotation Location: Racetrack Park (green space near barn and playground) Improve flexibility and circulation, strengthen and tone muscles, July 26 Blue Spruce Ages: Pre-K, Ages 4+ and relieve stress with our yoga class. Classes are taught by our August 2 The Dirty Groove Fee: $30 – Residents. $38 – Non-Residents (Shirts are included) certified instructor who specializes in Vinyasa style yoga. This is August 9* Craig Mason Combo Program Code: 1152.100 yoga class is for people who participate in yoga on a regular basis August 16 JP Cyr & The Midnightmen or prefer an intense workout. Wear loose fitting clothing, bare feet August 23 All That Jazz Beginning and Advanced Pottery or socks. Please bring a yoga mat as they’re not provided. The August 30 The Grouvin’ Bros.

This pottery class is designed for beginning through advanced stuschedule for classes can be found on our website at www.stoughdents of mixed ages. Basic hand building and wheel throwing will Prior to the start of the August 9th performance, Stoughton born tonrec.com/programs. be demonstrated while presenting many project ideas. Beginning William Parry Murphy will be inducted into the Stoughton Hall of students will be guided through a series of projects designed to help Days: Sundays and Wednesdays Fame. Mr. Murphy won a Nobel Prize in 1934 in medicine based on them learn form, design, pattern, and craftsmanship. All students Times: 6:15 – 7:15 pm his work on anemia and the treatment of it. will complete dinnerware that can be used at home and will have Location: 2nd Floor of Youth Center an opportunity to use the pottery wheel. The finished pottery is safe Ages: 16+ to use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There are 5 working Drop-In Fee: $5 roll each toughton s days, 1 glazing day, and a short 20 minute pickup day at the end.

Punch Cards: A 10 visit punch card can be purchased for $40 orwegian un ark Classes will be held at Green Road Pottery on Main St. Stoughton.

Days & Dates: Tuesdays, April 3 to May 15. May 8 is glazing day Tennis Lessons for Adults Active for Life and May 15 is pottery pick-up day.

Time: 5:30-7:00 pm.

Premier Tennis & Fitness Club coaches will be providing tennis lesLocation: Green Road Pottery (261 W. Main St) sons this summer with us. All levels are welcome from Beginner to Ages: 9+ Advanced. Drills will work on technique, strategy, and point play.

Min/Max Participant: 3/8 Drills will be fast paced and keep you moving.

Fee: $130 Session Dates Program Code Fee Program Code: 1364.199 Session 1 April 28-May 19 2180.209 $30 Potted Daisies! *More sessions are planned for the summer.

For this class each child will be painting their own potted daisies!

They will be using acrylic paint on a 16 x 20 canvas. Throughout Days: Saturday Mornings the painting will be talking about primary, secondary and com- Times: 8:00-9:00 am plimentary colors. We will also talk about bold, bright, colorful Registration Deadline: One week before class or when full graphics. These paintings turn out colorful and whimsical and they Place: S ession 1 – Norse Park, Sessions 2 & 3 – High School Tennis Courts are so much fun to do! Each child will take home a masterpiece Min/Max Participants/Class: 6/16 that they will be excited to show off!!

Day & Date: Friday, April 13 (No School Day) Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am Location: Stoughton Youth Center (567 E. Main St) Ages: 5+ Min/Max Participant: 10/20 Program Code: 1383.100 Fee: $40 Deadline: Friday, April 6 or when full

The Kids Chef

Lily Kilfoy, AKA “The Kids Chef” is a cooking instructor and freelance chef from Madison, Wisconsin. Her goal as an instructor is to expose children to the many benefits of cooking through hands- on experiences that develop skills to be used for life. It is also to teach children about healthy foods and cooking at a young age so that they can carry these values into adulthood.

Brunch

Brunch is that blissful combination of breakfast and lunch that we all love on a late and lazy weekend morning or afternoon. Fluffy pancakes or scones, fresh fruits, excellent egg dishes, comforting casseroles and more. In this class, participants will prepare some great grub and learn Lily’s take on a delicious brunch.

Ages: Children 5-12 Times: 12:00-1:15 pm Location: Stoughton Youth Center Date: April 14 Min/Max Participants: 8/12 Fee: $20 Program Code: 1311.301

Sweets with Strawberries

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Visit our award winning aquatic park. Enjoy the best beach of beach experiences that includes clean city water, sandy zero depth entry, and large inflatable play structures!

Troll Beach is the result of a complete makeover of the Mandt Park Pool. New innovative play structures, a rebuilt full concession stand, pool chairs and umbrellas, are just a few of the updates for this historic pool.

Our trained lifeguards are ready to welcome your group for a day of great swimming and Norwegian-like hospitality.

Winner of the 2012 Wisconsin Parks & Recreation Association Outstanding Aquatic Facility Design Award.

Open: Everyday beginning June 9, 2018 Hours: 12-5 PM

Daily Rates

Resident 16+ - $4.00 Resident 15U - $3.00 Active for Life Non-Resident 16+ - $5.00 Non-Resident 15U - $4.00 Wednesday Umpired League Our Wednesday night league features a 12 game season and end of Group Rates (15+ People) - $3.00 season City Tournament with the Friday leagues. This league will Birthday Parties – Please contact us for more information. have two umpires and will use ASA rules with some local modificaSeason Pass Rates tions. Anticipated start date for the 2017 season is May 16. Team Resident Family Pass - $90.00 registration forms can be found on www.stoughtonrec.com/sports.

Resident Single Pass - $65.00 Non-Resident Family Pass - $110.00 Friday Self-Umpired Leagues Our Friday night leagues will be self-umpired this summer. This Non-Resident Single Pass - $80.00 will allow the league fee to be lower, league expansion, and use of Racetrack Park diamonds 3 and 4. We will provide a diamond ow to eserve a ark helter supervisor who has umpiring experience to handle rule discrepancies. Anticipated start date for the 2017 season is May 18. Team Park shelters in the city can be reserved two different ways. The registration forms can be found on www.stoughtonrec.com/sports. first way is to go to our website and go through the online reservation process. This process will allow individuals to search for Adult Coed Softball open dates and seek amenities that they need for their gathering.

Active for Life The other way is to fill out a Park Shelter reservation forms. These These games are played on Friday evenings to help kick off a great so- forms can be found at our website or at the Recreation Department cial night out. Games are played at Mandt and Racetrack Parks. Men office. For more details, see our website – www.stoughtonrec.com are required to use wood bats in this league. Women can use any ASA approved bat. Contact the Recreation Department or go online for an toughton rea outh enter entry form. Contact the Recreation Department if you would like to be put on a free agent list. Anticipated start date for 2017 is May 11. rograms Deadline for turning in a team registration is April 20. Team registraThe Stoughton Area Youth Center (SAYC) is open and better than tion forms can be found on www.stoughtonrec.com/sports ever! The SAYC will be a leader in youth development and healthy Pickleball Summer Membership lifestyle choices. Not only is the center “the” place to be for stuActive for Life dents 5-8 during after-school hours, the program has expanded to Pickleball is a fun game for all ages. It is a racquet game that com- include high school students with great programming that is both bines elements from table tennis, tennis, and badminton. Summer fun and educational.

Adult Slow Pitch Softball

Summer is just around the corner, and that means the sweetest local strawberries are growing. Cakes, cookies, bars, shakes, sorbets, membership includes access to the storage shed near the East Park and more. in this class we’ll use the bursting berry to whip up an pickleball/tennis court. The storage shed is stocked with balls, array of delicious desserts. nets, and wooden racquets. The fee helps us purchase and replace equipment for the program.

Ages: Children 5-12 Times: 12:00-1:15 pm Program Code: 3355.200 Location: Stoughton Youth Center Dates: May – September Date: May 12 Place: East Park Min/Max Participants: 8/12 Fees: $20 Fee: $20 Program Code: 1311.302\

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Regular hours: 3 :00-6:00 PM after school 12:00-5:00 PM during the summer and non-school weekdays Location: 567 E. Main Street Phone: 608-877-9980 Staff: Greg Hoyte, ghoyte@ci.stoughton.wi.us

The Tower Times

Spring 2018 9

Department of Public Works 2018 Road Construction and Maintenance Projects

Yard Waste Site

This year the City, along with Stoughton Utilities will be reconstructing 6 roadways, one culvert replacement and crack filling of over 45 roads and 6 parking lots.

Crews will be working on spot replacement of deteriorated asphalt throughout the community. Work on these roadways will begin late spring and all projects will be wrapped up by late summer early fall. Please visit the city website for updates on specific project schedules and progress at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us .

The City of Stoughton Forestry DiviYard Waste Site will be opening on Tuesday, April 3rd and will sion offers you a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate life, love and stay open until November 20th {weather permitting}. accomplishments while making a Hours: (weather permitting) meaningful contribution to your comTuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 7:00pm munity by planting a tree.

Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm Trees leave a living, growing legacy for our future generations to NOTE: Site may close early due to inclement weather or darkness. cherish and enjoy. Trees can be planted in a city park or in the terAn annual resident sticker will be required and can be purchased race area in front of your home or business if the area is suitable for $20.00 at the Yard Waste site during hours of operation. When for tree planting. Your name, or the person you are memorializing the site is closed, a permit can be purchased at the Public Works or honoring will be inscribed on a plaque located at the Public Works Facility. The cost Department during normal business hours. to purchase a tree, which Sticker must be permanently affixed to lower left hand corner of the includes planting and infront windshield driver’s side. A 2nd sticker is available for $5.00 scribed plaque, is $325. for multiple vehicles. If your sticker is lost there will be a $5.00 If you are interested in charge for replacement. purchasing a tree, please fill out the application beRegulations: low. The City Forester will • All size brush is now accepted at the site and is dumped in a contact you to discuss the designated spot. type of tree to be planted • Yard Waste is defined as grass, leaves, garden waste, plant debris and the location. and wood products that are less than 1/4 inch in diameter (size Please note that the placement of permanent markers or plaques of #2 pencil) & 6 inches in length. are not permitted within the city right-of-way.

• No manufactured wood products will be accepted i.e. boards, timbers If you are interested in the participating in the Memory Tree Pro• Bags/Containers contents will be emptied onto the ground in a gram, please contact City Forester, John Kemppainen, at 608-646designated area and retained by user for reuse or dispose of them 0414 or via email jkemppainen@ci.stoughton.wi.us in the marked container on site.

Road Reconstruction Projects Veterans Rd (CTH N) – Hwy 51 to CTH A

Academy St – Veterans Rd (CTH N) to East St East St Culvert Replacement Vernon St – Academy to Kristi Kristi Ln– Vernon to Dead End Forrest St – Main to Jefferson Gjertson – Main to Hamilton

Other Infrastructure Improvements Include: Bjoin Park Tennis Court Surface Replacement

Security Camera System Upgrades to Park Shelter Park Bench Replacement Program Continues Spot Asphalt Replacement Asphalt Crack Sealing

2018 Brush Collection Brush must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the following dates: • Monday, April 23 • Monday, June 25

Site Location:

Dunkirk Township Brush Site, 1051 Collins Road, Dunkirk, WI

•N o illegal dumping will be permitted.

•T he site may not be used by Commercial Contractors.

• If you wish to dispose of your yard waste when the site is not open you may drop off your yard waste at the Dane County Compost Centers. Call (608) 266-4139 for information and recorded messages of times and locations or visit the website http://www. countyofdane.com/pwht/recycle/compost_sites.aspx

City of Stoughton Memory Tree Program

Public Works Facility to Break Ground Spring of 2018

Construction waste is not accepted at yard waste site

Leaf Collection Spring Leaf Collection

Weeks of: April 2nd, 9th and 16th

Fall Leaf Collection

• Monday, August 27

Weeks of: October 15th, 22ndand 29th November 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th

• Monday, October 22

Please Follow These Instructions:

The Stoughton Public Works Department has been looking at option to expand their current facility since 2002 when an initial space • Please rake leaves as soon as they fall as leaf collection trucks needs study was conducted. In 2013, the city once again took up the task of looking at what options were available to combat the space will be out daily to collect needs that had been evident for almost two decades. They contract•R ake leaves away from mailboxes, posts/signs and fire hydrants ed Angus Young and Associates to complete a master plan for a new Public Works Facility based on the needs of the department in 2013 •D o not put leaves in gutter or street and beyond. The study highlighted a need for additional space, a •N o brush, rocks or garbage in with the leaves cold storage garage, a larger fleet maintenance area and more outside yard space that separates the public from the active yard.

• L eaves should not be bagged • Rake leaves to your terrace (area between sidewalk & curb)

The City purchased 13 acres near the intersection or Racetrack Rd and Hwy A in 2013 as the future site of the new Public Works Fa***Leaves may be taken to the Yard Waste site (a permit is re- cility. In 2017, the City once again enlisted architecture firm, Angus quired - the cost is $20.00) located at 1051 Collins Road in the Young and Associates, to move forward with the design and develTown of Dunkirk. The site will remain open until Tuesday, Novem- opment phase of the new facility. City staff spent countless hours ber 21, 2017. (WEATHER PRINTING) working with the architect to design a building that fit the departIf you have questions, please call the Public Works Department ment’s needs for today and into the future. The building had to function efficiently and be designed to maximize space. Staff were office at 608-873-6303. careful, however, not to overbuild the facility as cost was always a Easy and Effective Tips for Leaf Clean up To consideration as the team progressed through the design process.

• Leave adequate room on the street to accommodate the large equipment

Help Dane County’s Lakes, Rivers & Streams

The main facility totals just over 69,000 sf of space which includes As the leaves turn glorious colors and fall onto the yards and lawns of administrative office space, mildly heated garage space, fleet mainDane County residents, it’s time to “Love Your Lakes, Don’t Leaf Them.” tenance and mezzanine storage space. There is a 14,000 sf cold storage building and a 3,600 sf salt shed as well.

How You Can Help

Please be patient as collection is done as quickly as possible and The Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership shares the may take up to a week to get through the entire city. Inclement following easy tips. weather, volume and mechanical problems may also create delays. • Keep leaves out of the street: Leaves in the street get washed directly to lakes and streams when it rains. Even if the leaves never move, NOTE: You also have the option to take brush to the yard waste rainwater running over and through them makes and carries a nusite (with annual permit) at a cost of $20.00. trient-rich tea directly to the storm drains and lakes and streams.

Per City Ordinance 62-2 -- Dumping in Park Row Prohibited.

“Brush or leaves may be stored in the park row no more than • Mulch: Probably the simplest and easiest thing to do is to use your lawn mower to mulch leaves directly on your lawn. If you ten (10) days prior to the scheduled collection time authorized prefer to bag your grass clippings and shredded leaves, you can by the city”. empty them on your vegetable and flowerbeds or around your Plan your trimming around the scheduled pickup to eliminate havtrees and shrubs to help suppress weeds. ing brush out for long periods of time. Once an area has been collected, the crews will not return to that area until the next sched- • Compost: Save time, money and water and improve your gardens and the environment by turning leaves into “black gold.” **Go uled collection. Due to varying conditions specific collections days to http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/publications/recyof the week cannot be projected for any area. cle/publsw072.pdf to learn more about composting. If you don’t After November if you have brush to dispose of please see the note have the room in your yard, you can take your leaves to one of below for Madison drop off site information. the three County compost sites. Go to www.countyofdane.com/ pwht/recycle/compost_sites.aspxfor more information.

PLEASE NOTE: Brush will not be picked up if a contractor has cut/ trimmed your tree(s). Please have the contractor haul the brush • Rake: If you rake, pile leaves on the terrace, not in the street. Coveraway. ing the piles with a tarp helps to prevent them from blowing around and reduce nutrients that can leach from them during a rain.

Bid documents were sent out in late December of 2017 and were opened in January of 2018. The city received seven competitive bids from qualified contractors. The construction contract was awarded to Kenneth F. Sullivan Co. of Madison, WI for $7,544,300, which includes a solar array that will generate enough energy to offset the energy consumption of the entire building. This project is projected to cost tax payers $5.75 per $100,000 of equalized value per year. Over the life of the 20 year loan, this will cost tax payer’s $115 per $100,000.

Go to http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/home.managlt.pdf for great ideas on turning leaves and other yard “wastes” into valu- Sullivan is expected to break ground in early spring of 2018 and able, useful amendments for your yard and gardens. have the project completed by late 2018 or early 2019.

10 Spring 2018

Service Disconnections Resume April 15 Stoughton Utilities is advising electric and water customers who are behind on their bills to immediately pay any delinquent balances or make payment arrangements with the utility to avoid service disconnection.

Wisconsin’s Winter Emergency Period, often referred to as the moratorium on residential service disconnection, ends April 15. After that date, utilities statewide may begin to disconnect service to customers who are past due on payment of their electric bills for any period of time, including the winter months.

Stoughton Utilities will disconnect all accounts with severely delinquent balances on April 19.

Unpaid utility bills drive up costs for the whole community due to the fact that any balance that is uncollectable is essentially recovered from the entire customer base through future rates. It is Stoughton Utilities’ goal to do whatever we can to collect unpaid bills, while also helping customers avoid service disruptions for nonpayment by working with them to establish deferred payment arrangements.

Situations can arise, making it difficult for customers to pay their bills

The Tower Times

Stoughton Utilities RoundUp Program Donates $1,000 to Eyes of Hope Stoughton Laura Roeven from Eyes of Hope Stoughton recently accepted a check for $1,000 from Stoughton Utilities. The donation is part of our RoundUP program, a voluntary program that ‘rounds up’ customers’ utility bills to the next whole dollar. All proceeds are distributed to and benefit local community organizations.

The mission of Eyes of Hope is to provide young people in the community with after school and summer programs that advance their academic and social development, encouraging them to become lifelong contributors to the community. Eyes of Hope Stoughton will use funds to provide weekly after school activities for Stoughton youth, including preparing healthy meals, crafts, and field trips.

Stoughton Utilities began the RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to further assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Over five percent of Stoughton Utilities customers have voluntarily chosen to participate in the program and are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities over a century ago.

Your maximum contribution per year could be $11.88; however, the average contribution per program participant is just $6.00 per year. Customers wishing to participate in the RoundUP program, or non-profit organizations requesting to be considered for future donations, may sign up online by logging in to My Account, or by calling Stoughton Utilities customer service at (608) 873-3379.

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nnual rinking ater uality eport However, to avoid disconnection, we urge customers to contact us to make the appropriate payment arrangements. If you are behind on your payments, we would like to help you get on a track to bringStoughton Utilities issues an annual water quality report with important information about the source ing your account current by scheduling payments that fall within your budget and schedule. Failure and quality of your municipal drinking water. In an effort to lower our environmental impact, this to do so will eventually result in electric service disconnection. report will be published online for you to view at your convenience.

You can contact Stoughton Utilities to establish a deferred payment arrangement. If you are eligible, We are proud to announce that we continue to meet or surpass all state and federal water quality we will work with you individually to negotiate payment options based upon your unique financial standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Stoughton Utilities is continually working to improve situation. Any arrangement will require a down-payment of at least one-third the past-due balance. water quality and protect our water resources. We are committed to ensuring the quality of your water remains at the highest possible level.

Guidelines for deferred payment agreements Deferred payment arrangements cannot be offered to any tenant customer that meets one or more of You can view the full report at CCR.stoughtonutilities.com. the following criteria: If you do not have internet access, or if you prefer a physical copy of the annual report, please contact • The residential tenant has greater than $100 of account arrearages that are more than 90 days past due. our office at (608) 873-3379 and we will mail a paper copy to your home or business.

• The tenant has defaulted on a deferred payment agreement in the past 12 months.

• The residential tenant is responsible for account arrearages that were placed on any property owner’s tax bill in the City of Stoughton in the past 24 months.

• The residential tenant has any balance that accrued during the winter moratorium that is more than 80 days past due.

Assistance is still available

Various low-income assistance programs are offered to Stoughton Utilities customers. To apply for energy assistance, customers should immediately call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947). An appointment is necessary, and assistance payments may take up to six weeks to be received. Even if you are approved, disconnection will not be postponed until after we receive the funds from the state, so be sure to try to get in early.

Any pending customer deposit requirements will be cancelled or refunded upon income verification and energy assistance approval; please request that your EA representative send us official approval documentation to speed up the process.

Customers can review their account balances and make payments online by logging in to My Account.

To make payment arrangements or to explore payment options, please contact us at (608) 873-3379, or at CustomerService@stoughtonutilities.com.

Public Power Scholarship Available As your locally owned, not-for-profit utility, Stoughton Utilities works to not only provide reliable, cost effective utility services, but to also support and enrich the community. Stoughton Utilities believes that investing in the education of our youth is an investment in our community. One way we do this is to offer an annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a student graduating from Stoughton High School. Applicants are given the option to submit an essay on the values of Public Power and energy conservation, or to complete a Home Energy Audit and submit a summary of their findings. The scholarship recipient will be chosen based on submitted application materials. To be eligible, the student’s parents or legal guardians must be a customer of Stoughton Utilities. Application materials are due by May 1. Visit our website at stoughtonutilities.com for complete application guidelines and materials.

Sustainable Stoughton’s 2nd Annual Earth Day Expo Stoughton Utilities will be joining other local non-profits, businesses and vendors at Sustainable Stoughton’s 2nd Annual Earth Day Expo. The Earth Day Expo will take place on April 21 at The Lagaret, 515 East Main Street, from 10AM to 5PM. Visit us at the expo to enroll in our Choose Renewable program and you will be entered into a drawing to win a free smart thermostat! Smart thermostats connect to wi-fi and “learn” your habits to help you manage heating and cooling costs. All customers who commit to purchasing clean energy through our Choose Renewable program through the end of May will be given a chance to win. Visit our website for more information at stoughtonutilities.com.

The Tower Times

Spring 2018 11

Work Safely with Digger’s Hotline It’s been a long winter, but spring is just around the corner. With the return of beautiful weather approaching, your plans for outside work may be starting to grow -build a deck, plant some trees, or install a gym set for the kids. If your list includes any digging, state law (Wisconsin Statute 182.0175) requires you to notify Diggers Hotline at least three days in advance.

Diggers Hotline is a statewide notification system developed to provide excavators and the general public with the ability to inform multiple owners of underground facilities of intended non-emergency excavation via a single telephone call.

You may contact Diggers Hotline at 811 from any phone year-round. You must allow three working days (excluding weekends and holidays) notice for the location of the underground facilities prior to digging.

Diggers Hotline will process three types of calls: 1) excavation 2) planning of excavation, and 3) safe working clearance information for overhead lines. The call center will ask for an address or location information. Specific marking instructions also will need to be provided. Once the locate is completed, you have ten calendar days to begin your excavation work before you must call to have the underground facilities relocated.

Please note that there are no charges to individual customers for this service. For more information on Wisconsin’s Digger’s Hotline program, please visit www.diggershotline.com.

Earn Bill Credits for New ENERGY STAR Appliances

Don’t Fall Victim to Utility Scams Scammers frequently take advantage of worried utility customers using the threat of disconnection for unpaid bills to squeeze money out of businesses and residential customers.

Stoughton Utilities customers can receive a $25 bill credit incentive on the purchase of certain ENERGY STAR® rated products. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.

There are a few variations of this scam:

Incentives are available for qualified ENERGY STAR:

• A person arrives at your home or business and demands immediate payment on the spot to avoid disconnection.

Dehumidifiers

Residential Freezers

• A person calls your home or business and states you will be disconnected within a short period of time unless you make an immediate payment over the phone using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Several businesses in Stoughton were recently targeted with this scam.

Residential Clothes Dryers

Residential Refrigerators

Residential Clothes Washers

Room Air Cleaners

• A person visits your home or business offering utility payment assistance. If you pay some money up front, they will match it or provide additional funds to assist in payment.

To qualify for this rebate, products must be listed as an ENERGY STAR appliance at energystar.gov, and must be purchased in 2018. Completed forms and sales receipts must be received prior to December 1, 2018. Customers can receive up to two rebates per household, subject to available program funding.

Residential Dishwashers

• A person calls or visits your home or business stating that the meter is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced at your expense, or that an unpaid new customer deposit For more information about Stoughton Utilities’ energy efficiency programs and services, visit stoughtonutilities.com/incentives is due and failure to pay immediately will result in disconnection.

Every year, variations of a utility scam pop up in various Wisconsin communities, including Stoughton and Madison. In all cases the scammer preys upon people’s fears, frequently in low-income neighborhoods, and uses high-pressure intimidation tactics to get the victim to make a payment.

To avoid falling victim to a scam, keep the following in mind:

As Temperatures Rise, Your Utility Bill Doesn’t Have To Heating and cooling make up more than half the average electric bill – and that’s why controlling the summer heat without constantly using the AC can make a difference.

• We will never contact you by phone or in-person and demand immediate payment. We will never Locally owned, not-for-profit Stoughton Utilities recommends the following ways to use energy wisely contact you for payment or threaten to disconnect outside of our regular business hours. during the summer months: •W e will never require payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer, or any other specific payment method. We accept payment by your choice of check, credit/debit card, money order, or cash • Replace the filter on your window air conditioner or in your home’s heating/cooling system. (at our office).

• For homes with central air, keep the area around the AC unit clear of grass, branches, leaves and shrubs. Make sure the compressor and condenser are clear of debris.

• We will never accept a customer payment in the field. Utility staff is prohibited from requesting

or accepting any type of payment when visiting your home or business. All cash payments must be • Central air units should be checked and cleaned annually by a trained professional. made at our office.

• Fix air leaks. First, find the leaks using the “smoke trick.” Light a stick of incense and hold it where • We will never request your social security or driver’s license number over the phone or at your a window AC unit and window frame meet. For a home with central air, hold the incense stick near home. When we contact you, we will have all of your specific account information, including name, duct connections. Blowing smoke indicates a leak. Use foil tape for small gaps; foam and tape for address, account number, and balance. window AC units.

• We will never require a payment to repair or replace an electric or water meter.

• We will always arrive at your home in a marked vehicle. Stoughton Utilities field staff uses white trucks with the blue SU logo on the door.

• Set your programmable thermostat up or down for eight hours at a time to reduce cooling expenses.

A level of 78 degrees while at home and 85 degrees while away will help maintain comfort, while saving you money.

• We will always carry photo identification with our name, photo, and the SU logo printed on the • Make the most of the cool air in the home. Use ceiling fans or whole-room air circulation fans.

The air movement in the room can make it feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Keep blinds or shades down plastic ID card. during the day.

Always be cautious

If you are ever in doubt of a call you receive, immediately end the call and contact SU Customer Service at (608) 873-3379. We will verify whether or not it was an employee that contacted you. Scammers can manipulate the caller ID to mask their number and make it appear they are calling from the utility, so exercise caution even if the caller ID states it is coming from our phone number.

If anyone claiming to be a Stoughton Utilities employee visits your home or business, request to see their utility ID card. If they appear and request money, immediately call the police. If you are ever in doubt about a technician’s visit, contact SU customer service at (608) 873-3379 to verify the employee’s identity and the cause for their visit.

DROP OFF YOUR DRY CLEANING AT

• Maintain air flow throughout the house by keeping doors open. Shutting off rooms can throw off your AC system.

For more information visit our website, www.stoughtonutilities.com

Think Spring!

“Great waterfront dining, drinks & fun!”

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Sunday Breakfast

• Proud to be Serving the Stoughton Community for Over 55 Years!

• Family Owned and Operated • Stop In During Happy Hour Fridays 3-5pm 1/2 Price Single Stem Flowers (Cash & Carry)

Lake Mills Cleaners offers FREE Pick-up & Delivery through our Pharmacy!

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm; Sat 8 am-5 pm; Sun 8 am-12 noon

Live Entertainment on the Patio - Fri. Evenings Beginning Memorial Day Weekend (Weather Permitting)

3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton 608-205-9300 • springersonthelake.com

168 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI Flower Phone: 873-6173 or 866-595-6800 Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat. 8am-3pm

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873-3244

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STOUGHTON FLORAL

12 Spring Tower Times - April 4, 2018

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Good thing I just had this serviced at Conant Auto!!

We take car e of your family, by taking car e of your family’s car Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. Closed

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton • conantauto.com • (608) 873-8800 Friend us on Facebook • Home of the 2 year, 24,000 mile warranty

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