The
Tower Times
City of Stoughton
Issue 2, Summer 2019
Mayors Note It has been over one year since I took office. With the help and support of the community, staff and volunteers, I am happy to report the progress we have made. Since the last publication you will see many initiatives including the transition of city offices to the McFarland State Bank. I am pleased to report the McFarland State Bank has continued to operate in the downtown building as well. I am proud of the work staff has done to prepare the building and the ongoing improvements. Working with The Stoughton Opera House Friends Association (SOFA), we are excited about the possibilities afforded for Opera House expansion.
We are waiting for results of soil testing and decisions to be made regarding grants for the Riverfront Development and the Whitewater Park. Parks & Recreation projects that have been approved include: Criddle Park and Nordic Ridge playgrounds, Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, selection of MSA as the Mandt Park Master Plan consultant and Phase II Whitewater Park Design and Engineering. In spite of a difficult retail environment, several new shops opened or relocated in Stoughton including; Ocean Counseling, Main Event Resale, Midwest Best, Babyface Family Photography, 1833 Speakeasy, Financial Innovation, Abel Contemporary Gallery and Shakers Saloon.
Phase 1 of Kettle Park West (KPW) continues with the construction of the Kettle West Senior Living scheduled to open in the fall, the Tru Hotel by Hilton and the addition of T & T Nails. Nordic Ridge will participate in the Madison Builders Association Parade of Homes for the third year in a row. Annexation and development plans on Highway 51 North continues.
Remodeling/additions have occurred or are completed at Edge One and Dairyland Electric in the Business Park North, and Green Road Pottery on Main St. Completion of the Nordic Ridge Apartments is near. Durr Universal celebrated 60 years in business and Cummins celebrated 100 years!
The Stoughton Redevelopment Authority (RDA) has proposals from Master Developers for consideration of the former industrial site along the Yahara River. We expect the selection process to conclude in the fall. Soil testing and demolition of the former Public Works building is expected yet this year.
• Several road and utility improvement projects to be completed this summer.
We are actively supporting business owners by: restructuring the Revolving Loan Fund, applying for grants, creating better parking opportunities, and engineering sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. Expanding the Opera House and the Downtown Revitalization Committee are at their early stages of developing plans. Other notables include:
• The building across from the library was removed • The Social Media Policy is ready for implementation • Honey Bee and Chicken ordinances/applications were approved • Grants were awarded for Shared Ride Taxi, Public Works garage and Parks & Recreation projects • Application/form for Permit to Excavate in Public Right-ofWay were approved • TIF and Debt Management policies were updated • Electronic Smoking Device ordnance were approved Progress is the key to move Stoughton forward. I am proud of the number of great initiatives staff and community members have accomplished together in the last year.
Mayor Tim Swadley
2 Summer 2019
The Tower Times
Deck Information BEFORE INSTALLING A DECK THERE ARE A FEW REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED ATTENTION. 1. OBTAIN A PERMIT: NO DECK SHALL BE ERECTED OR REPLACED WITHIN THE CITY UNTIL A PERMIT IS OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AT CITY HALL. A COMPLETED DECK FRAMING WORKSHEET AND A DETAILED PLAN SHOWING LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED DECK IN RELATION TO THE LOT LINES AND THE HOUSE IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO APPROVAL. LOT STAKES MAY NEED TO BE LOCATED THEN CITY STAFF WILL VERIFY THE STAKES PRIOR TO PERMIT ISSUANCE. 2. PLACEMENT: DECKS FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENCES MUST ADHERE TO THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SPECIFIC ZONING DISTRICT WHERE LOCATED. CONTACT THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TO FIND OUT THE SPECIFIC SETBACK FOR YOUR SITUATION. 3. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS: FOR ATTACHED DECKS, IT IS REQUIRED TO USE 48-INCH DEEP FOOTINGS TO PREVENT HEAVING. A GUARDRAIL IS REQUIRED FOR DECKS MORE THAN 2-FEET ABOVE GROUND. THE MINIMUM HEIGHT FOR A GUARDRAIL IS 3-FEET AND THE GUARDRAIL MUST RESTRICT THE PASSING OF A 4-INCH OR LARGER SPHERE THROUGH SPACING. 4. CONTACT DIGGERS HOTLINE: PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION AT 1-800-242-8511. 5. CALL FOR AN INSPECTION: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CALL FOR AN INSPECTION. AN INSPECTION IS REQUIRED AFTER DIGGING THE HOLES FOR THE FOOTINGS, PRIOR TO POURING CONCRETE. THE BUILDING INSPECTOR CAN BE REACHED AT 608-873-7626. THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING DECKS PLEASE CALL THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AT 873-7626 OR THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AT 608-646-0421.
Fence Installation BEFORE INSTALLING A FENCE, THERE ARE A FEW REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED ATTENTION. 1. LOCATE YOUR LOT LINES: THERE SHOULD BE METAL STAKES BURIED AT EACH CORNER OF YOUR LOT. TALK WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS AND/OR USE A METAL DETECTOR TO HELP FIND THE STAKES. COPIES OF ANY LOT WITHIN THE CITY OF STOUGHTON CAN BE ATTAINED FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL AID IN FINDING STAKES AND TO DRAW A SITE PLAN. IF LOT STAKES CANNOT BE LOCATED, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO HIRE A SURVEYOR. THERE IS A VERIFICATION INSPECTION OF THE LOT STAKES REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STAFF PRIOR TO PERMIT ISSUANCE. 2. OBTAIN A PERMIT: NO FENCE SHALL BE ERECTED WITHIN THE CITY UNTIL A PERMIT IS OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AT CITY HALL. A DETAILED PLAN SHOWING WHERE YOUR FENCE WILL BE LOCATED IS NECESSARY, INCLUDING DISTANCES FROM LOT LINES AND ANY STRUCTURES. A SAMPLE SITE PLAN IS PROVIDED WITH THE ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION. 3. PLACEMENT: FENCES MAY BE INSTALLED A MINIMUM OF 3 FEET FROM SIDE AND REAR LOT LINES, UNLESS THE ADJACENT OWNER CONSENTS IN WRITING TO THE ENTRANCE UPON SUCH OWNER’S LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTENANCE; OR A MAINTENANCE FREE FENCE IS BEING INSTALLED, IN WHICH CASE THE FENCE MAY HAVE A MINIMUM SETBACK OF 6 INCHES FROM THE LOT LINES. SIDE AND REAR YARD FENCES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS SHALL NOT BE MORE THAN 6 FEET IN HEIGHT FROM GRADE. FRONT YARD FENCES SHALL NOT EXCEED 4 FEET IN HEIGHT FROM GRADE. 4. EASEMENTS & GREENWAYS: FENCES SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED IN UTILITY EASEMENTS DESIGNED TO CONVEY WASTEWATER, ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION, WATER DISTRIBUTION, OR STORMWATER DRAINAGE AND SHALL BE PROHIBITED FROM DEDICATED GREENWAYS. THERE ARE ALSO DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS.
Noxious Weeds and Grass Information
Outdoor Storage of Unsightly Items
Noxious weeds, as defined by Wis. Statute § 66.0407(1)(b), are not allowed in the City of Stoughton.
SEC. 10-318 OUTDOOR STORAGE OF UNSIGHTLY ITEMS.
Property owners in the City of Stoughton who allow noxious weeds to grow and/or allow grass/weeds to exceed 1-foot in height, are in violation of the City of Stoughton Public Nuisance Ordinance Section 58-8(6). A citation may be issued to the property owner after notice of violation. Additionally, the City may contract to have the grass and/ or weeds mowed, and bill the property owner. One notice will be sent per year.
NO PERSON SHALL STORE OR ACCUMULATE OUTDOORS ON HIS OWN LAND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING UNSIGHTLY ITEMS UNLESS SUCH LAND IS ZONED TO PERMIT SUCH STORAGE OR ACCUMULATION:
Violations are found through weekly inspections by Department of Planning & Development staff. If you have any questions related to this issue, contact the City Building Inspector at 608-873-7626.
• MOTOR VEHICLES, BOATS, OR AIRCRAFT NOT IN OPERATING CONDITION.
Unlicensed And Inoperable Vehicles
• COMMERCIAL TRUCKS, TRACTORS OR TRAILERS.
• ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE STORED OUTSIDE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY UNLESS ZONED FOR SUCH STORAGE.
• BUILDING MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION OR EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT NOT BEING USED ON A BUILDING PROJECT CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS.
• MAY POSE A DANGER DUE TO LOOSE, SHARP, OR JAGGED PARTS, TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SMALL CHILDREN WHO ARE OFTEN ATTRACTED TO JUNK MOTOR VEHICLES.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AT 608-873-7626.
• MAY CONTAIN FLUIDS THAT, IF LEAKED, MAY CONTAMINATE THE ENVIRONMENT OR MAY BE A FIRE HAZARD.
Healthy Yards… Healthy Lakes and Streams
SOME AVAILABLE OPTIONS ARE: • THE VEHICLE MAY BE PLACED IN A CLOSED GARAGE. • THE VEHICLE MAY BE MADE OPERABLE. • IF UNLICENSED (REGISTRATION HAS EXPIRED), A LICENSE MAY BE OBTAINED. • LOCAL SALVAGE YARDS OFTEN PAY $CASH FOR MOTOR VEHICLES WITH A TITLE, OR MAKE A DONATION TO ST. VINCENT DEPAUL OR OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. SOME PROPERTY OWNERS STORE INOPERABLE OR UNLICENSED VEHICLES ON THEIR PROPERTY WITH THE EVENTUAL PLAN TO MAKE THEM ROAD WORTHY. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY MAY REDUCE PROPERTY VALUES AND CAN POSE A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE CONTACT THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AT 608-646-0421 or email mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us
Swimming Pool Information BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OR ASSEMBLY OF A POOL, THERE ARE A FEW REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED ATTENTION. 1. OBTAIN A PERMIT: ABOVE GROUND POOLS HAVING A WATER DEPTH GREATER THAN THIRTY-SIX INCHES AT ANY POINT SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUCTED OR ASSEMBLED WITHIN THE CITY UNTIL A PERMIT IS OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AT CITY HALL, 381 E. MAIN STREET. ALL IN GROUND POOLS REQUIRE A PERMIT. A DIMENSIONED PLAN SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED POOL AND FENCING IN RELATION TO THE LOT LINES IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO APPROVAL. THE APPLICANT WILL NEED TO LOCATE LOT STAKES AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL NEED TO VERIFY THE STAKES HAVE BEEN LOCATED PRIOR TO PERMIT ISSUANCE. 2. PLACEMENT: POOLS MAY BE INSTALLED ON REAR OR SIDE LOTS ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE CLOSER THAN IS PERMITTED IN THE ZONING CODE FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING AND IN NO CASE SHALL THE WATER LINE OF ANY POOL BE LESS THAN 6 FEET FROM ANY LOT LINE. PER CODE, NO POOL SHALL BE LOCATED UNDER OR OVER ELECTRICAL SERVICES. POOLS AND FENCING SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED IN UTILITY EASEMENTS DESIGNED TO CONVEY ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION, WATER DISTRIBUTION, WASTEWATER, OR STORMWATER DRAINAGE AND SHALL BE PROHIBITED FROM DEDICATED GREENWAYS.
THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING FENCES PLEASE CALL THE CITY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AT 608-646-0421.
3. FENCING: POOLS THAT ARE NOT ENCLOSED BY A PERMANENT BUILDING AND HAVE A WATER DEPTH GREATER THAN THIRTY-SIX INCHES SHALL BE COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BY A FENCE TO PREVENT ACCESS. SUCH FENCE SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN FIVE FEET IN HEIGHT AND SHALL BE PLACED NOT LESS THAN FOUR FEET FROM THE POOL EDGE, CONSTRUCTED SO AS NOT TO HAVE HOLES OR OPENINGS LARGER THAN FOUR INCHES IN ONE DIMENSION. GATES AND DOORS SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CLOSING AND SELF-LATCHING DEVICES, LOCATED NEAR THE TOP OF THE GATE, ON THE POOLSIDE OF THE ENCLOSURE.
DROP OFF YOUR DRY CLEANING AT
4. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS: THE FOLLOWING CLEARANCES MUST BE ADHERED TO AND SHOWN ON THE PLAN:
5. CONTACT DIGGERS HOTLINE: PRIOR TO PLACEMENT AT 1-800-242-8511.
• UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 5 FEET FROM THE OUTER EDGE OF THE INSIDE OF THE POOL. IF CLOSER THAN 5 FEET, THE CONDUCTORS SHALL BE IN CONDUIT; • OVERHEAD ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 22.5 FEET IN ANY DIRECTION TO THE WATER LEVEL, EDGE OF WATER SURFACE, BASE OF PLATFORM, OR PERMANENTLY ANCHORED RAFT. • THE HORIZONTAL LIMIT OF CLEARANCE MEASURED FROM THE INSIDE WALL OF THE POOL SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 10 FEET.
Lake Mills Cleaners offers FREE Pick-up & Delivery through our Pharmacy!
CONTACT DIGGERS HOTLINE AT 1-800-242-8511 OR 811 PRIOR TO PLACEMENT.
www.mcglynnrx.com 873-3244
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm; Sat 8 am-5 pm; Sun 8 am-12 noon
adno=86719
100 E. Main Street, Downtown Stoughton
• JUNK, SALVAGE, OLD MACHINERY OR FENCING MATERIALS.
THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING POOLS PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AT 608-646-0421 or EMAIL to mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us
What we do in our yards can directly affect our lakes and streams. Before using fertilizer on your lawn or gardens, test your soil. A $15 soil test will show if your soil is lacking anything and if fertilizer needs to be applied. Instructions and forms from the UW Soil and Plant Analysis Lab are online at https:// uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/soil-samples/lawn-garden/. Results will tell you exactly what you need for healthy lawn and gardens. If your test shows you do indeed need fertilizer, be sure to clean up any that lands on your sidewalk, driveway or other hard surfaces. If left on paved areas, it can easily make its way to the nearest lake or stream with the next rainfall. Keeping leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste, which contain nitrogen and phosphorus, out of the street also help prevent lakes and streams from becoming green and scummy. When these nutrients wash into lakes and streams, they can promote algae blooms and excessive weed growth (which can lower oxygen levels in the water) and may release ammonia (toxic to fish). Healthy yards add to the beauty and value of your home. They can also help our lakes and streams by allowing rainwater to soak into the soil rather than running off to the nearest storm drain. So, do your part and keep your lakes and streams healthy by using fertilizers only if and where they are needed. Visit the following websites for more information on how you can help our lakes and streams: www.ripple-effects.com www.cityofstoughton.com/planning click on the link to Storm Water Utility
Make a Difference… Install a Rain Garden Rain gardens (shallow depressions planted with native wildflowers) soak up rainwater or melted snow from your rooftop, driveway and lawn. They are positioned to collect water from downspouts or at a low-point in the yard where drainage naturally occurs. The gardens allow water to soak into the soil rather than running off to the nearest lake or stream. A rain garden can soak up to 30% more water than a traditional lawn. Why is that important? Because the water from rain and snow that runs off our roofs and driveways to the streets and through the storm drain system to our lakes carries with it all sorts of pollutants like fertilizers, oil, pet waste and more. Whatever is in the street—garbage, pet waste, oil, etc.—gets washed to the nearest lake or stream. 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 make a big difference by devoting a small amount of space, time and money to the creation of a rain garden. Visit www.ripple-effects.com to learn more about rain gardens.
The Tower Times
Summer 2019 3
Prohibition of Illicit Discharges Discharge of any material other than stormwater into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is prohibited in the City of Stoughton. Stormwater refers to surface runoff and drainage of rainfall and snow or ice melt. The storm sewer system includes roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, and constructed channels or storm drains. City of Stoughton Municipal Code section 10-136(e)(1) states, “No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the MS4 or waters of the state located within the city any materials, including, but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality
standards, other than stormwater. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illicit discharge to the MS4 is prohibited. The following non-stormwater discharges or flows are generally not considered illicit discharges if done in a non-polluting manner: water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, uncontaminated groundwater infiltration, uncontaminated pumped groundwater, discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, irrigation water, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, dechlorinated swimming pool water, street wash water and firefighting.”
Activities & Events
Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall forfeit no less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and also pay fees and disbursements incurred in the prosecution of such violations. Each and every day during which a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. If you have any questions regarding this ordinance, please contact the Building Inspector at 608-873-7626.
Fall Miniball Soccer Active Start
Youth Activities
Start your little Pele on his or her way to a lifelong love of recreation activities. Nothing compares to soccer for an introduction to structured team sports. The emphasis on this program is having fun, getting your child to like sports, and developing their physical literacy. This program isn’t intended on teaching high level soccer skills to your child because of the ages of the participants. Volunteer coaches needed!
Youth Lacrosse Summer 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 Days: Sundays camp is coached by Stoughton High School Coach Josh Wollin and assistants. All equipment will be provided. Dates: September 8 – October 13 Days: Monday-Thursday Location: Racetrack Park Dates: August 5-8, 12-16
Fee: $40 – Resident, $45 – Non-Resident
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Registration Deadline: September 1
Location: Racetrack Park (near batting cage)
Coaches: Volunteers are needed. Coaches training will take place on September 4th at City Hall.
Fee: $35 – Resident, $43 – Non-Resident
Ages
Registration Deadline: July 29th
3 – 4 year olds
Grades Program Code 1-2 1301.200
Program Code
Times
1130.300
2:00-2:45 pm
3 – 4 year olds
1130.301
3:00-3:45 pm
5 year olds
1130.302
4:00-4:45 pm
NFL Youth Flag Football
3-4 1301.201
FUNdamentals, Learning to Train
Youth Tennis Lessons (Ages 3-18) Session 3
The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. This is a great way to introduce your child to the basic fundaStoughton Parks and Recreation Department and Premier Tennis and Fitness are working together to bring mentals of football and be active. Each player will receive an authentic reversible NFL Flag Football jersey. top notch professional tennis lessons to Stoughton area children and adults. Skills that will be covered consist NFL Flag (Grades K-3) – House Leagues of serving, forehand, backhand, and footwork, along with learning the rules of the game and how to score. The grades K-1 and 2-3 programs are house leagues that will always play other Stoughton teams at Barry Hankel, the Tennis Director at PTF, will be overseeing the program. Barry is a former three-time all-con- Racetrack Park. The K-1 league will feature the coach playing quarterback to make the games run ference Division 1 tennis player at UW-Green Bay, and he has taught tennis for 14 years. He was Director of smooth. Games will be played on Saturday mornings. Teams for this age group typically practice one Junior Tennis at Western Racquet and Fitness in Green Bay and before that was Director of Tennis at Green day a week during the season. Practice night is at the discretion of the coach. Bay Tennis Center for three years. He has had well over a hundred students qualify for the state tournament League/Grade Program Code Game Times during his teaching days and has taught many players that have gone on to play all levels of college tennis. K-1 1150.300 9:00 am Ages 3-6 2-3 1150.301 10:15 am Using Quick Start approach, children are taught using balls that bounce lower and move slower than Game Dates: Saturdays, September 7 – October 19 (September 7 is an official practice day) regular tennis balls so they are easier to hit. Practice Starts: The week of August 19th Ages 7-8 Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learning to Train
Children will further develop tennis strokes, ground strokes, volleys, and the serve. Footwork drills and point playing will be introduced.
Place: Racetrack Park
Fees: Resident - $65 Non-Resident - $73 Deadline: Register by August 1
Ages 9-12
Students will refine stroke mechanics with major emphasis on improving the consistency and accura- Coaches: Volunteers are needed. Coaches meeting will be August 12 at 5:30 pm. At the City Hall. cy of ground strokes, volleys, overheads, and learning the rules of the game. NFL Flag (Grades 4-8) – Travel Leagues Learn to Train, Train to Train Ages 13-18 This group is designed for the high school players and/or advanced middle schoolers. Drills become The grades 4-8 programs are local travel leagues. Other communities involved with the leagues are Cross Plains, Fitchburg, Verona, McFarland, Monona, Cottage Grove and Mount Horeb. Teams will more intense and focused on strategy, point play for singles and doubles. play seven regular season games and an end of season tournament. Teams for these age groups Lesson Details typically practice 1-2 times per week. Practice night(s) are at the discretion of the coach. There is no make-up date for the tournament if it is rained out. Session Age Group Dates Program Code Fee Session 3
Ages 3-6
July 20-August 17
1180.202
$25
League/Grade
Program Code
Session 3
Ages 7-8
July 20-August 17
1180.205
$25
4 1150.302
Session 3
Ages 9-12
July 20-August 17
1180.208
$50
5 1150.303
Session 3
Ages 13-18
July 20-August 17
1180.208
$50
6 1150.304
*There are summer session dates. Please go to our website, www.stoughtonrec.com, for more information.
7-8
Days: Saturday Mornings
Game Dates: Saturdays, September 7 – October 19
1150.305
Times: Ages 3-6 - 9:00-:9:45am, Ages 7-8 – 9:45-10:30 am, Ages 9-12 – 10:30-Noon, Ages 13-18 – Noon-1:30 pm
Tournament Date: Saturday, October 26
Registration Deadline: July 13 or when full
Place: Racetrack Park for home games. Road games will be played at various Dane County communities.
Location: High School Tennis Courts
Fees: Resident - $75 Non-Resident - $83
Min/Max Participants/Class: 6/16
Deadline: Register by August 1
Rain Make Up: The following Friday will be used for any classes rained out.
Coaches: Volunteers are needed. Coaches meeting will be August 12 at 5:30pm at City Hall.
Game Times: Vary throughout the season. Games are typically in the morning and early afternoon.
4 Summer 2019
The Tower Times
Adult Activities
Park Projects
Active for Life
Criddle Park Natural/Adventure Playground
Tennis Lessons for Adults
GRG Playscapes has been hired to design and install a natural/adventure playground at Criddle Park. Premier Tennis & Fitness Club coaches will be providing tennis lessons this summer with us. All levels They will be modifying the existing play structure and keeping the main wood support posts. All new are welcome from Beginner to Advanced. Drills will work on technique, strategy, and point play. Drills decking and railings will be installed on the main structure. There will also be a nest swing, overhead will be fast paced and keep you moving. ring climber, sand area, rope bridge, net climber, and new climbers. The project is scheduled to be Session Dates Program Code Fee completed by the end of July. Session 3
July 20-August 17
2180.211
$35
Days: Saturday Mornings Times: 8:00-9:00 am Registration Deadline: One week before class or when full Place: High School Tennis Courts Min/Max Participants/Class: 6/16
Fall 3 on 3 Basketball Active for Life
Grades: High School (Currently) - Adult Dates: September 9– October 28 (8 weeks) Days: Monday Nights Time: 6:00–9:00 pm Place: Yahara School Gym Fee: $90/team (Register by August 28)
Adult Flag Football League Active for Life
This will be the sixth year of our adult flag football league. The league features a 4 on 4 passing style that is action packed. Players sign up as a team. If you would like to get on a free agent list, contact the Recreation Department.
Lions Pickleball Courts at Mandt Park
Time: 6:00-10:00 PM
The grand opening for the Lions Club Pickleball Courts at Mandt Park was on June 1st! Fencing was installed in the spring which limits balls rolling to other courts and improves safety. The courts are free and open to the public. There is a summer pickleball membership option available through the Parks and Recreation Department which provides balls and racquets.
Where: Racetrack Park
Yahara Riverfront Development Update
Who: Men Age: Adult When: Thursday’s, September 5 – October 24 (8 weeks)
If you drove or walked by the river in May or June, you may have seen workers probing the water in a boat. They were Fees and roster are due at the Recreation Department by August 21st or until league is filled. Sched- working on sediment sampling and bathymetric survey for the whitewater park. This work will let the City know what ules will be made and emailed to managers. is in the sediment and how much. It also provides a map of Adult Fall Softball the natural river bottom that is used for the design of the Active for Life park. When this work is completed a 60% prelim design We offer a fall softball league on Tuesday nights. The season features a seven game season that starts and hydraulic analysis will be completed. This will provide in September and runs through October. Fees and roster due to the Recreation Department by August an idea of what the actual park will look like including water levels and flows. 20th or before league is full. Registration: $250/team
Mandt Park Master Plan
Who: Men Age: Adults When: Tuesdays, September 3rd – October 15th Time: 6:00-10:00pm Where: Racetrack Park Registration: $150.00 per team
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 Tricia Suess. Check out the Gazebo Musikk Facebook page for the latest information - https://www. facebook.com/gazebomusikk/ When: Thursdays evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm starting May 31st Where: Rotary Park (next to the fire station) Cost: Free!
2019 Lineup
Date Band July 18
The Rotation
July 25
Hypheria
August 1
Blue Spruce
August 8
Jakes Room
August 15
The Grouvin’ Bros
August 22:
The Adam Bartels Band
August 29
Panchromatic Steel
Troll Beach
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. Hours: Noon-5:00 pm daily, 6:00-8:00 pm evening swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays Resident Pricing: Ages 16+ - $4, Ages 15U - $3 Non-Resident Pricing: Ages 16+ - $5, Ages 15U - $4 Take off $1 for evening swim rates on Tuesdays and Thursdays Last Day: August 17th!
Stoughton Area Youth Center 2019 Programs
The Stoughton Area Youth Center (SAYC) is open and better than ever! The SAYC will be a leader in youth development and healthy lifestyle choices. Not only is the center “the” place to be for students 5-8 during after-school hours, the program has expanded to include high school students with great programming that is both fun and educational. 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
MSA was hired to complete a master plan for Mandt Park. The plan will help shape the future of Mandt Park. Project Manager Dan Williams has 30 years of experience with parks and waterfront planning. One way to gather input for the plan is through an online survey that can be accessed by this link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRW53PK
Stoughton Parks & Recreation, 381 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-6746 • www.stoughtonrec.com
The Tower Times
Summer 2019 5
Stoughton Public Library: Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage!
Summer Reading Program in Full Swing!
New Equipment: Microfilm Reader and Printer/Scanner
The Library’s annual Summer Library Program for all ages began June 1, but there’s still plenty of time to sign up and explore “A Universe of Stories.” The program runs through August 10th.
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we’ve added a new printer/scanner on the 2nd floor. You can now quickly scan documents to PDF and send them via email.
• Children ages 0-11: Stop by the summer reading desk on the first floor to register. • Teens and adults: Visit the 2nd Floor Information Desk to learn more. • Teens entering grade 6 in the fall can chose to do the Children’s program one more year or start the Teen program this summer. • Earn prizes for reading, attend fun activities, and keep your reading skills in excellent shape during the summer!
Stoughton Public Library: The Basics The Stoughton Public Library is located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the corner of 4th & Main, just west of the clock tower in downtown Stoughton. Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5. Closed Sundays until September 8. There is no charge for a library card – just bring in picture ID with proof of current address. If your ID does not list your current address, please bring another proof of address such as a piece of mail, personal check, utility bill, etc. Parents must sign the registration form for children under age 16. In addition to offering books, eBooks, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers, and programs for people of all ages, the Library also has meeting rooms, a copy machine and scanner, and can offer you one-on-one help with your eBook reader. For more information, visit us online at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org, on Facebook, or call our information desk at 873-6281. Please note that the library will be closed Monday, September 2.
Adopt-A-Magazine at the Library 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.
The same anonymous donor also provided a new microfilm reader station for our local history collection on the mezzanine level. Genealogists and researchers exploring Stoughton’s early years should check out our extensive collection of local history materials, including our Kvamme Collection, vertical files, vital records index, and microfilm copies of Stoughton newspapers going back to 1876.
Library Book Discussion Groups (see events listing below) 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 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. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays With Murder is the Library’s mystery and crime fiction book discussion group. Now in its eighth year, the group reads mostly crime and murder mystery novels, but also dabbles in short stories and true crime. Meetings are the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 at the Library, with no meeting in December.
Library Events Visit stolib.org and click on Calendar for more information
Summer Storytimes Baby Story Time
Mondays at 9:30 am, June 17-August 5 (no story time July 1) Enjoy rhymes, fingerplays, sensory playtime, and board books with your baby. No registration required. Ages 0-23 months (older siblings are welcome).
Baby Evening Story Time
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, June 26, July 10, July 24 Enjoy rhymes, fingerplays, sensory playtime, and board books with your baby. No registration required. Ages 0-23 months (older siblings are welcome).
Morning Story Time
Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays at 9:30 am, June 19-August 9 (no story time July 3-5)
Donation acknowledgment plates will run October-September or April-March depending on when the donation is received.
Join us for stories, songs, early literacy playtime, a craft, and more! Ages 0-5. No registration required.
September Events Featuring Art and Live Music
Evening Story Time
Mark your calendars now for two exciting events taking place this September:
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, June 18, July 16, July 30 Join us for stories, songs, early literacy playtime, a craft, and more! Ages 0-6. Wear your pajamas if you like! No registration required.
July
Summer Library Program Finale: My Mother the Astronaut Tuesday, August 13, 6:30-8:00 pm Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Rd. B
From 6:30-7, enjoy free sundaes provided by Culver’s of Stoughton. At 7:00, Traveling Lantern theater company will present “My Mother Was an Astronaut.” Aquarius can’t wait to go to NASA and find out what it’s like to be in space! She visits Mission Control where she meets scientists and engineers who teach her all about space travel. This show is interactive and children will become the solar system, learn about rockets, propulsion, and g-forces, conduct experiments, and find out what it’s like to live in space. All ages. No registration required. Completion of Summer Library Program not required.
Page Turners Book Discussion: My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout Tuesday, August 27, 6:30 pm at the library Wednesday, August 28, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center
In Pulitzer Prize-winner Strout’s fifth novel, Lucy Barton is recovering in a hospital bed from what was to have been a routine operation when she receives a visit from her estranged mother. For the first time in years, the two reconnect as Lucy begins to reckon with her troubled childhood.
September
The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion: Time Travel Tales Too Good to Miss Wednesday September 4, 6:30 pm
Readers can chose from a variety of novels and short stories exploring what is arguably the most popular trope in science fiction writing: time travel.
*Sunday Hours Resume on Sunday, September 8, 1:00-5:00 pm* Clarinet and Friends: A Concert at the Stoughton Village Players Theater Sunday, September 8, 2:00 pm
This special benefit concert at the Stoughton Village Players Theater (255 E Main St., right next door to the library). The concert features former library director (and classically trained clarinetist) Richard MacDonald accompanied by some of the best musicians and performers in Dane County. Proceeds will benefit the Stoughton Public Library and the Stoughton Village Players Theater.
Thursdays with Murder: The Alienist by Caleb Carr Thursday, September 12, 6:30 pm
Awarded the 1995 Anthony Award for Best First Novel, this is Carr’s first book featuring Dr. Laszlo Kreizler set in late-nineteenth century New York City. The novel follows Kreizler as he works alongside police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to solve a series of gruesome murders using the then- untested methods of fingerprinting and forensic psychology.
Page Turners Adult Book Discussion: Virgil Wander by Leif Enger Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 pm at the library Wednesday, September 25, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center
In the opening pages of this, the first novel in a decade from Enger, the eponymous movie house owner and town curmudgeon careens off the road and into the icy waters of Lake Superior. He survives, but with his memories and faculties drastically altered. In the wake of the accident, he sets about trying to revive his dying Upper-Midwestern town of Greenstone, Minnesota with the help of some eccentric locals.
Join us on Sunday, September 8, at 2:00 PM for “Clarinet and Friends,” a special benefit concert at the Stoughton Village Players Theater, right next door to the library. The concert features former library director (and classical Richard MacDonald accompanied by some of the best musicians and performers in Dane County. Proceeds will benefit the Stoughton Public Library and the Stoughton Village Players Theater.
Guessing Game Jar
On Saturday, September 28 the Stoughton Public Library will once again take part in the annual Art Walk Stoughton in the downtown arts & entertainment district. The Library will be one of a dozen venues hosting art by local and regional artists along with live music and refreshments. More information at www.artwalkstoughton.com.
Page Turners Book Discussion: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Library will once again be one of a dozen venues hosting art by local and regional artists along with live music and refreshments. Artists and musicians are TBD, but check our online events calendar and artwalkstoughton.com for more information.
Join us at either the Library or the Senior Center as we discuss Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel, set in 1974, about a haunted Vietnam vet and former POW who moves his family to the Alaskan wilderness.
October
Join the Friends of the Library The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and improving library services, materials, and facilities for the Stoughton community; encouraging gifts and bequests to the library; and promoting the broadest possible use of Library facilities, materials and services. The Library relies on money raised by various Friends events to supplement the its budget. Without these funds, the Children’s Summer Library Program would not be able to afford many of the program presenters or to purchase supplies and reading incentive prizes. The Adult Summer Reading Program and the Adult Craft Club also receive their funding from the annual Friends donation. The Friends donation is used to purchase high-demand DVDs and books for the Lucky Day collections, replace worn or lost copies of books and DVDs, and provide more magazine subscriptions for the collection. These are just a few of the ways the Friends assist the Library. 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 Fall Fundraiser on October 13.
July 1-31
Guess how many items are in our guessing game jar. The five closest guessers will win a kaleidoscope lamp that illuminates colorful patterns on your ceiling in the dark. Be sure to share your favorite summer read so far on your guess slip—we will list the most popular books on our website and Facebook page. Ages 3-11.
Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 pm at the Library Wednesday, July 24, 1:00 pm at the Stoughton Senior Center
August
The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion: Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card Wednesday August 7, 6:30 pm
In August, we’ll discuss Orson Scott Card’s parallel novel, Ender’s Shadow, which describes the events in Card’s award-winning Ender’s Game from the point of view of Bean, a minor character in the original Ender books.
Thursdays with Murder: Mystery Book Discussion: Mysteries with Recipes Thursday, August 8, 6:30 pm
Readers can chose from three different authors of “foodie” mysteries this month: Diane Mott Davidson, JoAnne Fluke, or Laura Childs. We’ll compare the authors and their books while exploring this popular type of “cozy” mystery.
Check our online calendar at stolib.org for the latest news about events at the Stoughton Public Library!
Art Walk Stoughton: Live Music and Art at the Library Saturday, September 28, 9-5
The Foundation: Science Fiction & Fantasy book discussion group: Military Science Fiction Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 pm
Join us as we explore this popular science fiction subgenre in which otherworldly armies wielding futuristic weapons battle for intergalactic supremacy. Choose one or more titles from authors like John Scalzi, David Weber, Tanya Huff, Jack Campbell, and others. Books are available on the second floor of the library.
Thursdays With Murder: Mystery book discussion group: The Victorian Mystery Thursday, October 10, 6:30 pm
This month, we’ll discuss Anne Perry’s novels featuring Victorian-era police inspectors: Thomas Pitt and William Monk. Participants can choose from dozens of books in either series. Books are available on the second floor of the library.
Page Turners Adult Book Discussions: Sourdough by Robin Sloan Tuesday, October 22, 6:30 pm at the library Wednesday, October 23, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center
No need to register; please join us for either session! This month’s title is Sourdough by Robin Sloan. Copies are available on the second floor of the library.
6 Summer 2019
The Tower Times
News from the Stoughton Area Senior Center
Ukelele Instructional Classes
Michael Hecht: Great Painters and Their Paintings
Are you interested in a beginner classes and an introduction into playing the ukulele? We will be putting together classes, beginning this fall, and are gathering information on the interest level and availability. Please stop by the reception desk and provide your information so that we can best plan for the program this September.
Friday, August 2, 12:30 PM Join us for a program on the works of Grant Wood, Caravaggio, Winslow Homer and Claude Monet. Sign up in advance
Senior Vs. Senior Pool Tournament
QiGong Classes
Tuesday, August 6, 12:00-2:00PM
Tuesday, July 9-August 20 1:00-2:00 PM Join JoChern for the next 6-week session. Cost is $36 for the session or $7.00 drop-in rate.
Outing: Fermenting Cellars Winery Outing Thursday July 18, Depart at 1:30 PM
Stoughton High School Senior football players will be here to play a friendly game of pool with our pool players.
Through the Ages – Miller and Mike Show Wednesday, August 7, 3:00-4:00 PM
Featuring the talents of former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus clowns Miller & Mike, this Fermenting Cellars Winery is located in a beautiful country log cabin home in the rolling hills of family comedy show includes physical comedy, juggling, audience participation, magic, and other southern Wisconsin. They offer a variety of dry and sweet, red and white, a dessert coffee wine and random acts of entertainment a single run fortified wine. Owned and operated by Bill and Mary Eckert, along with the help of their sons. Cost is $25 for tastings and transportation. Sign up by July 16, (608) 873-8585.
Bird House Build
Through the Ages - Coin Collecting
Thursday, August 8, 1:00-3:00 PM
Tuesday, July 20, 1:00PM
The Cummins Community Involvement Team (CIT) has a long history of volunteering within the Stoughton community. The group’s goal is to improve the community through environmental, social and educational service throughout Dane County. Annually, this team is involved in a variety of local efforts from park and highway cleanups, to volunteering with the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Stoughton Food Pantry. Members also dedicate time with youth, educating and getting them excited about careers in a S.T.E.M. field. Whether it be job shadowing or Lego engine builds, the Cummins Community Involvement Team is eager to engage with students of all ages! Now the team wants to collaborate and build birdhouses for all the beautiful birds that share our community with us! Volunteers will be able to assemble a birdhouse and bring it home! Pick a spot and watch as your backyard turns into a songbird paradise! Sign up by August 6th.
Bill Barreau will provide information to and your family about how to get started in collecting coins. He is a member of the State of Wisconsin American Numismatic Association and Madison Area Coin Club, and collects coins, paper money, Depression scripts, and many types of foreign money. This is open to all ages.
Movies Every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month See Yahara Senior News newsletter for movie titles.
Outing: Milton House
Healthy Salads and Desserts: Fresh No-Cook Ideas for One or More
Tuesday, August 6, Depart at 10:00 AM, Tour begins at 10:30 AM
Your hour-long guided tour of the Milton House includes a detailed account of Milton’s past. Established in 1838, Milton was a community ahead of its time. Founded on progressive ideals, the community was known for its abolitionist mindset and belief in social equality. The Milton House has the Monday, July 22, 2:00-3:30 PM distinction of being the last, certified Underground Railroad Station in Wisconsin that can be toured. With Summer in swing, these are some great salad, snack and cool dessert ideas that you can pre- You will be able to walk the very path of history as you travel through the same secret passageway pare ahead of time and keep for the week! Chef Richard from Chefs for Seniors will guide you through that ushered freedom seekers to shelter on the Underground Railroad. Cost is $6/person. Call (608) making your own Salad in a Jar and give a Q&A full of good nutrition tips and the services Chefs for 873-8585 to sign-up by August 2nd to reserve your spot as space is limited. Seniors provides. The meal tips and recipes provided are great for preparing for an individual and no cooking is required. Cost is $4. Sign up by July 18.
Wellness Wednesday: Advanced Care Planning
Entertainment: Shari Sarazin
Wednesday, August 14, 1:00 PM
Advance care planning involves making deeply personal decision about the care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. The sometimes-difficult process involves evalJoin Shari as she presents ‘Musical Summertime Travels’ with her Celtic harp. She will play/sing an- uating beliefs and values, confronting your own mortality and exploring care options at the end of cient Celtic melodies to contemporary love ballads, along with creatively spun originals. life. However, by completing advance directives, you maintain control of your health care, identify what you want and who should speak for your, and bring peace of mind, to yourself, your loved ones and your caregivers. This training will give you ideas for how to present advance directives, steps in oney afety for eniors completing advance directives, advice on selecting a health care agent, and other important considerations. Sign up in advance Wednesday, July 24, 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 23, 1:30 PM
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Old National’s Money $afety for Seniors course outlines how to detect, protect against and report the financial exploitation of seniors.” If you or a loved one has been a victim of financial fraud you know raft lub rap t the damage it can cause. Please join us to learn more about how avoid frauds and scams. Sign up in Tuesday, August 20, 10:00 AM advance Use driftwood from Lake Michigan to make a cool mobile, jewelry holder or key rack. All materials provided! Sign up required at the Senior Center.
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Summer Senior Center Cookout
Pottery Class
Tuesday, July 30 12:00 PM
Join us for our annual summer cookout. Enjoy music from Catfish River Revue and lunch provided by Kim that will include BBQ chicken, salad and dessert. Please make your reservations by Friday, July Wednesday, August 21, 10:00AM-11:15AM 26. Cost is $5.00 per person Meet at Green Road Pottery (across the street from the Senior Center) for this single session class. In this class you will be able to make and decorate functional pottery. You will start with a ball of clay and hand build a cereal bowl, mug, plate, vase, or other items of your own design. You will choose educing isk actors a glaze color, and your work will be finished for you in about 4 weeks. Everything you make will be safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven. In 1 hour you can make 1-2 items. Cost is $25. Wednesday, July 31 1:00 PM Sign up by August 19. Did you know that 80% of chronic illnesses – including heart disease – are the direct result of unhealthy lifestyle choices? Taking control of your heart health before a heart event occurs is the smart thing to do! Join us to learn what your risks are and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible. rane oundation resentation Brianna O’Neil, an Exercise Physiologist from Stoughton Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation, will be preTuesday, August 27, 1:00-2:00 PM senting on how you can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease. Sign up in advance. You’re invited to listen to a presentation that talks about the International Crane Foundation, this beautiful group of birds that we protect, and what is currently happening on their site.
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Chalet Veterinary Clinic Family Pet Care at its Best
1621 E. Main St., Stoughton (608) 873-8112
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“Great waterfront dining, drinks & fun!” Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Sunday Breakfast
• Proud to be Serving the Stoughton Community for over 56 years! • Family Owned and Operated • Stop In During Happy Hour Fridays 3-5pm 1/2 Price Single Stem Flowers (Cash & Carry)
Live Entertainment on the Patio - Fri. Evenings
STOUGHTON FLORAL
3097 Sunnyside St., Stoughton • Closed Mon & Tues 608-205-9300 • springersonthelake.com
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm; Open Sat. 8am-3pm
(Weather Permitting)
Mon. - Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lovely as a Summer’s Day!
adno=86721
168 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI Flower Phone: 873-6173 or 866-595-6800
www.stoughtonfloral.com
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The Tower Times Brewers Game Wednesday, August 28, Depart at 11:15AM, Game begins at 1:10 PM
Summer 2019 7 Skill Development Computer/Tech Help
Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:30 AM or by appointment. Come with your technology questions. We have 4 Help us cheer on the Brewers with they play the Saint Louis Cardinals. Sign up at the reception desk computers, 3 iPads & WiFi. to reserve your seat. The cost for the ticket and coach bus from the Senior Center is $55 per person Computer Class Summer Off and is non-refundable. Payment must be made by August 1st. Watch newsletter for Fall topics.
Jessica Michna as Cordelia Harvey – “Angel in a Gray Bonnet”
Creative Writing Class
Wednesday, September 4, 1:30-2:30 PM
Register with Madison College 12:00PM
Cordelia Perrine Harvey came to Wisconsin as a young school mistress. She would meet and marry Louis Harvey, who would rise to the governorship of Wisconsin.
Norwegian Language Class
Last Tues. of month at 1:00 PM
Hardanger Class Summer Off
Wed., 9:00 - 11:00 AM. No registration needed $10/class. New students welcome!
Cordelia’s life unraveled when she was widowed after less than three months in the Governor’s Rosemaling Group Mansion. Her husband’s tragic drowning left Cordelia rudderless and without purpose. She would set Wed., 9:15 AM (no instruction; bring own projects and supplies) aside her grief to become the healing angel of a nation wracked by civil war. Some consider her the mother of the modern Veteran’s Administration. Wood Carving Class Thursdays 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Register with Madison College
Wellness Wednesday: Senior Gadgets
Wood Shop Daily
Wednesday, September 11, 2:00 PM
Must take a safety course to use the shop.
SSM Health will provide you with both low and high tech tools/medical equipment/electronic devices that help make health related tasks easier. Sign up in advance.
Bridge, Free
Rosemaling: Beginning and Intermediate Tuesdays, September 17-October 22. 6 week session from 6-8:00 p.m. Beginning: no supplies needed Intermediate: bring supplies with you Cost is $70 payable first night of class. There may be a small additional charge for misc. items needed during class. Questions can be directed to Mary at 920-728-0620 or Kim at 608-843-0565. Call the Senior Center to register.
KG and The Ranger Wednesday, September 18, 1:00PM
Social & Recreation Mondays, 9:30 AM & Thursdays, 9 AM
Bunco, $1.00
Every 1st Tuesday, 1:00 PM
Chess, Free
Fridays, 10:00 AM
Community Bingo, $1
Every 3rd Wednesday, 1:00 PM
Cribbage, Free
Every Monday 1:00 PM
Dime Jingle
Every 2nd Wednesday, 1:00 PM
Discovering KG & The Ranger is like turning back the pages of time. They will transport you back to Euchre the days of the dime matinees and the Silver Screen heroes like Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers and Tuesdays, 1:00PM. Every 4th Saturday, 7:00 PM Gene Autry. They are known for their creative harmony arrangements plus award-winning harmony yodeling. From familiar songs to the less well-known rare gems, they give them all their own unique Handiwork Group Monday, 1:00 PM. Bring your own project and join us. sound. There is no doubt about their “mission” to keep these wonderful songs alive.
Apple iPhones, iPads, iPad Minis, Macs: Basics and Q&A Thursday, September 19, 3 PM, 2nd floor Mandt Room
Mahjong
Mondays, 12:30 PM
Pinochle
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM
Pool Tables, Free/Daily
We’ll discuss tips for managing phone calls, text messages, and email, and finding answers to questions, followed by Q&A. Optional: Bring along your questions and favorite device. No prior experience Sheepshead Thurs. 1:30 PM- 4:15 PM is needed.
Scholarly Scoop September 20, 10-11AM Join Heather Niemeier, as she provides information on obesity and behavioral weight loss.
Non-Apple Phones and Tablets: Basics and Q&A Thursday, October 17, 3 PM, 2nd floor Mandt Room We’ll discuss tips for managing phone calls, text messages, and email, and finding answers to questions. Optional: Bring along your questions and favorite device. No prior experience is needed.
Ongoing Groups/Classes at the Stoughton Area Senior Center Fitness & Wellness Chair Stretch $2/class
Train Dominoes, Free Thursday 1:00
Ukulele Group Thursday 1:00
Support Groups Held At The Senior Center Grief Support Group
3rd Wednesday of the Month, 2:00-3:30 PM. Stoughton Area Senior Center, Mandt Room
Low Vision Support Group
3rd Thursday of the Month, 1:00-2:30 PM. Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room
Memory Loss Caregivers Support Group
2nd Thursday of the Month, 2:00-3:30 PM. Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room
Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers Support Group
2nd Tuesday of the Month, 10:00-11:30 AM. Stoughton Area Senior Center, Mandt Room
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
4th Wednesday of the month, 1:30-3:00PM. Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room
Memory Café
Mon. Wed. Fri. 8:00 AM
Tuesday, August 13 (2nd Tuesday this month) 9:30-11:30 AM. Stoughton Hospital, Bryant Education Center
Chair Massage-In Annex
Topic: Musical Performance with Dave Welo
Line Dancing–Free
A Memory Café is a social gathering for individuals with memory loss to meet in a relaxed environment and to share common interests. Questions? Call 873-8585.
Ping Pong–Free
Free Memory Screening
Registration required. 873-8585. 3rd Tues. Appts.10 AM-12 PM. $20 for 15 min. Tuesdays 2:30 PM
Mon. & Wed. 3 PM, Friday 10:30 AM
Qi Gong–Free
Mondays & Thursdays 9:30 AM
Classical Stretch
Thursdays 11 AM to Noon Free
Reflexology Check Calendar
Appts. 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. $25/30 Mins. $45/60 Mins.
Tai Chi $7/class
Mondays 10:30 AM
Friday, September 13, 9:00AM- 12:00PM Stoughton Public Library, 304 S. Fourth Street Keep losing your keys? Forget why you walked into a room? For anyone who might be thinking their memory isn’t quite what it used to be, the Aging and Disability Resource Center is offering a free memory screening. This free, confidential memory screening is aimed at promoting early detection of memory problems and appropriate intervention. The memory screen consists of questions and tasks designed to screen for memory, celllanguage skills and thinking abilities. The person who administers the screening will review the results with the person being screened, and suggest whether the person should follow up with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for more extensive testing. Contact the Stoughton Library (608) 873-6281 to schedule your Free Memory Screen.
Tai Chi Advanced $10/class Mondays 1:00 PM
Wii Bowling & League
Mondays & Fridays 10 AM, 2nd Fri.-10:30 AM
Qi Gong with Jo Chern
$36/6-week, Tuesdays 1:00 PM. Call 873-8585 to sign up for next session.
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
8 Summer 2019
The Tower Times
Department of Public Works You may not know we were there, but you would know if we weren’t.
Dams are not a Place to Play
Yard Waste and Compost Site
Every year people are killed or seriously injured at dams. Most of these accidents could have been avoided by simply not getting close to the dam, understanding the potential dangers, and obeying the warning signs. The Fourth Street Dam is not a place to play.
The yard waste and compost site is located at 1101 Collins Road (off County Hwy A). The site accepts yardwaste (grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, and sod), shrubbery, and brush. The site is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The yard waste site will remain open until Tuesday, November 19th (weather permitting). A $20 permit for Stoughton residents and a $25 permit for non-residents is required to use the site and is good for the entire season. Permits can be purchased at the Department of Public Works located at 2439 County Rd A during normal business hours or at the yardwaste site during hours of operations. Note: The yard waste site may close at any time for inclement weather (thunderstorms, tornado warnings, etc). Safety for the public and our employees is taken very seriously.
The current just upstream of the dam can be very strong, especially during the high flows that we have been experiencing, and can pull watercraft or swimmers into and through the dam. The turbulent discharge, sometimes called the “boil”, can trap a swimmer under the water. If you should happen to get caught in the boil, you should curl up, dive to the bottom, and swim or crawl downstream as shown in the picture. The diagram below shows the areas that should be avoided by boaters and swimmers. The headwater, boil, and headrace pose a potential danger to human health and safety. If you are going to portage around the dam, please use the designated “take out” area just south of the dam and re-enter downstream of the Fourth St bridge.
Permits All permit forms can be found on the City website at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us by clicking “I Want To”, then “License, Permits, Forms and Applications”. Permit forms may also be picked up at the Public Works Department office located at 2439 County Rd A. Please return all completed permit forms to the Public Works office. Obstruction Permits: An Obstruction permit, formerly encumbrance permit, is required if you wish to temporarily store objects in the street such as a dumpster or POD for more than 2 hours. The fee is $25 dollars and the permit is good for 30 days. The permit can be renewed for another 30 days for an additional $25 dollars. Permits can be obtained from the Department of Public Works Facility.
Fourth St Dam Critical Danger Zones
Excavation in the Right-of-Way Permit: A excavation in the ROW permit, formerly street opening permit, is required if you or a contractor works within the city right-a-way. Permit applications and costs can be found on the City of Stoughton website.
B. turbulent dam discharge, or “boil” can trap swimmers under water.
Street Closing Permits: Public streets may be temporarily closed (block parties, running events) for the use of private citizens and non-profit organizations provided said individual organization applies for a Special Event permit and the completed application is submitted to the Public Works Department 30 days prior to the event.
A. Headwater of the dam can create dangerous currents that can pull boats and swimmers into the dam.
C. The headrace, which flows through the old power house, could pose a threat to safety if a person were to go over spillway.
Driving in Work Zones The safety of our staff and the contractors that work in our community is paramount. The workers aren’t there to try to inconvenience you or impede your travels. Rather, they are there to improve the roadways we all depend on to get where we need to go. When you see construction signs and orange barrels, take your foot off the gas, get off the phone and keep your eyes on the road.
Mailbox Placement To reduce the chances that your mailbox may be hit by a snow plow during winter, you still have time to move your mailbox and follow US Postal regulations and place your mailbox 40-42 inches above the road surface and back 6 inches from the curb when the door is in the down position.
E-Waste Drop-off
Remember, when you enter a work zone, be patient. Worrying about the time and traffic won’t get you anywhere faster. Instead, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. These tips can help you get in and out of a work zone safely:
Electronic waste can be recycled at the Department of Public Works Facility located at 2439 County Rd A. This service is available only to City of Stoughton residents. There is a $15 fee per TV or computer monitor no matter the size. All other items listed below are accepted free of charge. City residents can bring their e-waste items to the Department of Public Works during normal business hours. City residents will need to check in at the Public Works office and show proof of city residency. If you have any questions, please contact us at (608) 873-6303.
• Don’t Text and Drive. It can wait and it’s against the law.
List of Acceptable Items:
• Stay Alert. Eliminate distractions like eating, drinking, fiddling with the stereo.
• Televisions ($15 per item)
• Expect the unexpected. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road.
• Computer Monitor ($15 per item)
• Slow down. The faster you go the longer it takes to stop.
• Laptops
• Give yourself room. Rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crashes, so don’t tailgate.
• Printers, scanners, copiers
• Allow about three seconds of braking distance. Look for signs. Orange, diamond-shaped signs usually give you ample warning of lane closings, construction areas, and flaggers and other workers ahead.
• Fax machines
• Be patient. If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Observe the signs until you see one that says you’ve left the work zone.
• Keyboards, mice, hard drives, flash drives, external modems & other computer devices
• Plan ahead. Leave early or map out an alternate route.
NOTE: No Microwaves, dehumidifiers or household appliances will be collected at the e-waste drop off. They can be placed out at the end of the month for bulky item trash collection by John’s Disposal.
• Follow the law. Slow down and move over, if possible, when you see flashing lights
Upcoming Brush Collection Schedule Monday, August 26th, 2019 Monday, October 28th, 2019 The intent of the brush collection program is for city staff to pick up limbs that have either fallen or have been trimmed by homeowners and not to collect whole trees that have been taken down. Limbs should be cut to lengths of no more than 10 feet long and 8 inches in diameter. Limbs should be placed parallel with the roadway on the terrace for collection. Brush must be set out on the terrace by 7:00 am the Monday of brush collection. Crews will work through the city as fast as possible. Plan your trimming around the scheduled pickup to eliminate having brush out for long periods of time. Once an area has been collected, the crews will not return to that area until the next scheduled collection. In order to keep the city looking at its best, please do not place brush on the terrace more than 10 days prior to the collection day. Per City Ordinance 62-2 -- Dumping in Park Row Prohibited. “Brush or leaves may be stored in the park row no more than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled collection time authorized by the city”. Trees cut or trimmed by a contractor, shall be removed by your contractor and not placed in the terrace for collection. The City of Stoughton will not take brush that has been cut by a contractor. You should make sure that disposal of all tree material is part of your quote when getting prices for trimming or tree removal.
Fall Leaf Collection Schedule Weekly from October 14th to November 25th (Depending on weather) The Department of Public Works provides fall curbside leaf collection for city residents. Leaf collection is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and when leaves start to fall. It is important to make sure leaves are placed in the terrace (area between curb and sidewalk) for collection. It is against city ordinance to rake leaves into the gutter/street. Leaves raked into the street often wash into the stormwater system and pollute our lakes and rivers. Our leaf vacuums need to be close to the curb line of the street and it really helps if you can keep that area free of parked vehicles and trailers. Grass Clippings: When mowing your lawn, make sure to keep the grass clippings on your property and do not blow or sweep clippings from the driveway or sidewalk into the street. It is against city ordinance to place yard waste in the street which will be strictly enforced.
• Computer Tower
• Video display devices • DVD, VCR, DVR & Video
The Public Works Department does not collect hazardous household materials at our facility, but the following information will assist you with proper disposal of hazardous household materials utilizing the clean sweep program at the Dane County Facility. Additional fees may apply. Web Site: http://www.danecountycleansweep.com/ Clean Sweep provides an opportunity for residents of Madison and Dane County to safely dispose of hazardous waste. Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00-2:45, Saturday: 8:00-10:45, Closed Sunday and Holidays. 7102 US Hwy 12, Madison WI 53718 (Beltline/12/18 East toward Cambridge) across from the Yahara Hills Golf Course at the Dane County Landfill.
Refuse & Recycling Cart Placement John’s Disposal Service Inc. and the City of Stoughton request that carts not be placed in the street, but instead be placed on the park row or in your driveway approach. Please place cart(s) a minimum of 2 feet apart. Please do not set carts to close to mailboxes, trees, light poles or any other objects. Keeping the carts out of the street also allows street crews to effectively sweep streets, vacuum leaves and plow snow. Bulk items are collected once a month Bulk items will be collected on the last service day of the month. Bulky pick up is for any extra garbage or recycling you have or for items that are too big to fit into the carts. Place all large items including furniture, carpeting, large metal items, large cardboard boxes (emptied and flattened) and appliances 6ft. away from your trash or recycling cart. Small items such as automotive batteries, tires (2 per home per month – 8 per year), and drain oil (in sealed 1-5 gallon containers) should also be 6ft. away from the carts. Construction materials should be in 32 gallon cans and weigh less than 60 lbs. Extra paper or other recycling should be in clear plastic bags and placed at the street 6ft. away from the carts. Bulk Collection does not include yard waste or hazardous materials. Please call John’s Disposal at 888-473-4701 for any questions or concerns related to solid waste collection or missed trash or recycling pick-up. Please place all materials out the night before or by 6 am on your day of service. For more information regarding collection schedules, please visit John’s Disposal website: www.johnsdisposal.com
Please feel free to call the Department of Public Works at 608-873-6303 with any questions or concerns you may have. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
The Tower Times
Summer 2019 9
Opera House 2019-20 Season Highlights The 2019-20 Opera House Season is so good it’s hard to pick a favorite. With many unforgettable acts returning to the stage, there are even more new shows we can’t wait to see. On the list of anticipated performances are Kaki King, Taj Mahal Trio, Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, Carsie Blanton, Richard Thompson, Gina Chavez, Emo Philips, Pokey LaFarge, The Flatlanders, Ron Artis II & the Truth, Peter Rowan, Steve Earle, Iris Dement, Michael Perry, Darrell Scott and so many more.
favorites.
Since we can’t tell you about them all, the Opera House staff has chosen to highlight a couple artists we’re looking forward to— some for the first time and others as beloved
Nicki Dowland, House Manager This season brings a number of artists that will perform at the Opera House for the first time. This is such an exciting thing to witness. Musicians simply love this room, and the energy for first-timers can be truly electrifying. One artist that I’m most excited about is David L. Harris making his Opera House debut on February 29th. We get to see a lot of folk music, Bluegrass, and country coming through. While those artists are experts and certainly no less entertaining, I seem to get most excited by the jazz offerings, lately. Modern jazz has a way of getting into the nooks and crannies of the room, and pulling your attention in a different way. I can’t wait to hear the sounds of David L. Harris’ trombone dance around the room. The last time The Edgar Knecht Trio played the Opera House, I had no idea what I was in for. The date was Oct 2nd, and I had started working at the Opera House just days before the show. The band
Giving Back to the community with Project RoundUP Stoughton Utilities began our Project RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to further assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Many of your neighbors participate in the program with voluntary monthly contributions. Each year, over $2,000 is collected and awarded to local non-profits. Most recently, $500 was donated to the Stoughton United Methodist Food Pantry, which provides food to those in need in our community as well as nutrition education, free blood pressure screening, and a summer food program for families with children. An additional $500 was donated to the Stoughton Police Department Safety Camp, which helps elementary school children learn to avoid risky behaviors and adopt safe, healthy habits.
About Project RoundUP
started playing these mesmerizing songs that were unlike anything I’d ever heard. The magic of the Opera House wrapped around me and made me focus on the trio’s playing like I hadn’t ever done before at a concert. The music – a combination of classical, jazz, and German folk music was exquisite. Between songs, Edgar prepared the audience for the next musical journey by describing each composition with this soothing accent and poetic portrayals of what was to come. I’m thrilled to have them back on September 17th.
Victoria Flynn, Box Office Manager Unflinching is how I think of comedian Jena Friedman. Her stoicism plays to her strengths when confronting hard issues in today’s political climate. Since watching her 2018 spot on Conan, I have been a fan of her sharp, timely wit. It will be a thrilling change of pace for the Opera House and one I’m sure will be memorable. Jena Friedman appears on Friday, November 8th. The Opera House auditorium has a way casting a spell over concert-goers. Time and again we encounter exclamations of surprise and awe when someone new enters the theater. It’s often likened to visiting another time. This December 15th I’m envisioning an even more immersive time-traveling experience when the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra sets up on stage and plays the original historic scores while classic holiday themed silent films—The Frozen North with Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy’s Big Business, the first film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and A Night Before Christmas—are screened in the background. This is going to be quite a family holiday treat. Considering Opera House classics, I always look forward to Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. With great professionalism, Marty and his band bring a full day of top-notch country and Americana to the stage laced with humor and all around good feelings. This season they’re playing Saturday, March 21 at 3 & 7 pm. I’d grab my favorite seats quick because they always have a soldout show! Season tickets go on sale to members at 9 am on Monday, August 5 and to the general public at 9 am on Monday, August 19. To see the full schedule for yourself, visit www.stoughtonoperahouse.com or call the Box Office at 608.877.4400 to request your free Arts & Culture Guide.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit that is easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items: • Working flashlights • Battery-operated radio for news & weather reports • Batteries for flashlights & radios • Candles & matches to provide emergency lighting • Blankets • Bottled water (city customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not)
Stoughton Utilities customers can opt to enroll in the voluntary RoundUP program. Each month, your • Canned or dried food utility bill will “round up” to the next highest dollar amount. This small tax-deductible contribution • A corded or cellular telephone (cordless landline phones do not work when power is out) may seem like only pennies a month to you, but the dollars add up quickly when many customers participate. All contributions are tax-deductible and a summary for the prior year is mailed each Other Things to Keep in Mind January. • Avoid any downed power lines, and never attempt to touch or move one, even if you are certain it is not live. A shock from a downed line can Customer Contribution easily kill or severely injure – avoid the line and contact us immediately! The typical contribution per program participant is approximately $6.00 per year. Amongst all partic• Remember that electric garage door openers will not function during a ipating customers, over $2,000 is raised each year and awarded by the Stoughton Utilities Committee power outage. Place your unit on “manual” if possible. twice annually to local community service organizations. • Electric sump pumps will not work during a power outage. If you live in a low-lying area, you may want to consider purchasing a battery Selection for funding is based upon the merits of the application and the intended use of the funds. To backup for your sump pump to keep your basement dry, even during a qualify for funding, organizations and projects must generally be related to community service, ecoprolonged outage. nomic development, education and youth, environment, emergency energy assistance or disaster relief. Although there are many worthy charitable and educational projects and community needs in our • Pumps used for rural customer’s wells will not operate during a power outage. Be sure to have a supply of drinking water ready. local area, the limited availability of funds requires us to establish these funding priority categories.
Major Funding Categories
We always welcome new applicants, so if you are aware of any local non-profit organization that • Protect electrical equipment from possible surges when power is restored. Use surge suppression devices to protect sensitive equipment such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, telewould like to be considered for future donations, please have them contact us for an application. visions, stereos and major appliances - or simply unplug them. If you are a customer and would like to sign up to participate in the program, please log in to My • A power outage may affect the operation of security and alarm systems. Account online at stoughtonutilities.com, or contact us by phone.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently.
Summertime in Wisconsin can bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small storm can result in • Blinds and curtains will help shield against the heat of the sun, so while the air-conditioning is off you should keep your windows covered. a large power outage. Severe storms are inevitable, and may strike at any time. Once the lights go off, it is too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t be caught searching in the dark for a flashlight • If you leave your home or business, switch on a light that will be able to be seen from the street or candles. once power is restored. Our crews often “spot check” to ensure all customers have their electricity back on.
Medical Equipment
If you or a family member relies on medical equipment powered by electricity, create an emergency plan. We cannot assure any customer that a storm or equipment problem will not interrupt power. Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equipment and regularly test the equipment’s back-up power sources.
Generators
• For the safety of everyone, stay clear of crews, vehicles and equipment in the area. • After the power is restored, you can safely reconnect appliances and equipment, and reset devices that operate on timers. • Stoughton Utilities’ drinking water and wastewater treatment processes will be active during an outage.
Test your generator every 30 days to make certain that it is in good operating condition. Always follow • Create a Family Plan. Make sure children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home manufacturer’s directions for safe operation. If back-feeding your generator into your home’s elecalone or with a caretaker. trical system, ALWAYS use a transfer switch or disconnect your main breaker switch. Failure to do so could injure or kill our lineman working to restore our system, or bystanders who come into contact with wires on the ground.
10 Summer 2019
The Tower Times Give Them a Brake! Slow down, and drive safely in utility work zones. Working outdoors during Wisconsin’s hot summers and unpredictable storms is hard enough, but when utility crews have to deal with dangerous drivers in work zones, it only makes it that much more difficult. Whether it’s around electric linemen restoring a power outage or a water crew repairing a water main break, work zones are no place for impatience or aggressive driving. The added seconds you may save while speeding through a work zone are not worth placing your utility’s worker’s lives at risk.
UTILITY WORK AHEAD
Tragically, over 1,000 people die across the nation every year in road work zones. Please follow these important tips for safely driving in road work zones. Your life, and ours, depends on it! • Always buckle up. • Pay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and vehicles may be working near the road. • Always slow down, and travel at posted work zone speed limits. • Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use. • Keep a safe distance from traffic barriers, construction equipment, utility workers, and other traffic. • Watch for and follow all warning, lane closure, and construction detour signs. • Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
Help Us Keep Sewer Costs Down By Reducing Clear Water Treatment What is clear water? Clear water is a source of unwanted water that enters the sanitary sewer system. Clear water can enter into the sanitary sewers through leaky manhole covers and broken sewer mains or laterals, but a very common source is from improperly installed sump pumps that discharge into the sewer rather than outside. Why is “clear water” a problem? Clear water does not belong in the sanitary sewer system. If it enters the sanitary sewers, this clear water mixes with the raw sewage and takes up much-needed capacity in the system. The mixture must be conveyed and treated just like sanitary waste. When sanitary sewers fill to capacity, (like traffic backing up on the freeway), waste can back up into residents’ basements or possibly overflow into the river. Clear water needs to be kept separate from sewage and conveyed through storm sewers or drainage ditches, or absorbed into the ground. Stoughton Utilities maintains a clear water reduction program and routinely replaces aging infrastructure that can lead to the entry of clear water, but we need your help too. How can I, as a property owner, make a difference? By eliminating improper connections to the sanitary sewer, you will significantly reduce the flow of clear water to the sanitary system, which helps keep wastewater rates low. A commonly found problem in homes is sump pumps that discharge to the sanitary sewer, either through a connection to the floor drain or to a laundry tub, rather than being properly piped to discharge outside the home into your yard.
Work Safely with Digger’s Hotline With the return of beautiful weather, 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 yearround. You must allow three working days (excluding weekends and holidays) notice for the location of the underground facilities prior to digging.
Consider this: An eight-inch sanitary sewer can handle wastewater from up to 200 homes. However, it takes only eight sump pumps discharging into the sewer to overload this same eight-inch sanitary sewer pipe. My basement has never flooded because of a sewer backup, so why should I bother? If plumbing on your property conveys clear water into the sanitary sewer, it may cause a backup and flooding in your neighbor’s basement. It may also add to sewer overflows, potentially leading to the pollution of local rivers and waterways. In addition, improper sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system are illegal, and a violation of Section 74-89 of the City of Stoughton Municipal Code of Ordinances that prohibits clear water (ground water or surface water) discharge into the sanitary sewer system. How do I know if my home has improper connections? If you believe your sump pump discharges to any location other than outside your home, Stoughton Utilities encourages you to work with a licensed plumber to inspect your property and locate any source of clear water improperly entering the sanitary system. If problems are detected, it is up to each property owner to have the problems corrected.
Diggers Hotline will process three types of calls: 1) excavation 2) planning of excavation, and 3) safe What other steps can I take to decrease the risk of basement backups and damage to my property? 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, • Adjust the grade around the foundation to slope away from your home. you have ten calendar days to begin your excavation work before you must call to have the under- • Install downspout extension six feet from the foundation. ground facilities relocated. • Install sump pump discharge line extensions and increase sump pump capacity. Please note that there are no charges to individual customers for this service. For more information on • Repair or replace sanitary sewer laterals connected to your home if leaks are found. Wisconsin’s Digger’s Hotline program, please visit www.diggershotline.com • Install backflow prevention devices.
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. Locally owned, not-for-profit Stoughton Utilities recommends the following ways to use energy wisely during the summer months: • Replace the filter on your window air conditioner or in your home’s heating/cooling system. • 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. • Central air units should be checked and cleaned annually by a trained professional. • Fix air leaks. First, find the leaks using the “smoke trick.” Light a stick of incense and hold it where a window AC unit and window frame meet. For a home with central air, hold the incense stick near duct connections. Blowing smoke indicates a leak. Use foil tape for small gaps; foam and tape for window AC units. • 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. • 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 during the day. • Maintain air flow throughout the house by keeping doors open. Shutting off rooms can throw off your AC system.
The Tower Times What Causes Rusty Water? Customers occasionally ask us, “what causes dirty or rusty water, and is it safe to drink?” Rusty water may look and taste unpleasant, and possibly stain sinks and clothing, but it is not a health concern. Rust is oxidized iron, and is introduced to tap water from the corrosion of the water mains under the street and/or the plumbing inside your home, apartment, or business. Tap water can turn brown, red, orange, or yellow due to the iron particles that break free from corroded iron or steel pipes. Corroded pipes are common in most North American cities, where many water systems were originally installed over a century ago. You can determine if your water discoloration is caused by the municipal water supply or your home’s internal plumbing.
Discoloration Caused by Water Mains
Rust and sediment is always present at the bottom of water mains, and regularly mixes with drinking water in microscopic amounts. Certain events can stir up the sediment in the water mains, causing discoloration as the particulates become visible to the naked eye, including water main breaks, water main replacement during construction projects, vehicular accidents involving a fire hydrant, firefighting efforts with high water use, or other disturbances that cause a significant change in water flow. Water discoloration can also occur in areas of low water flow, such as cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads. Stoughton Utilities flushes our 70 miles of water mains at least once per year, which allows us to not only remove any sediment that has accumulated in the mains, but to also verify the proper operation of hydrants and valves and maintain firefighting capabilities. Although this flushing is essential to provide high water quality and prevent long-term sedimentation and discoloration issues, it can cause short-term discoloration as the sediment is disturbed due to the higher water flows. When sediment gets stirred up in the water system, the resulting discoloration will typically last approximately 2-4 hours or less. After this time, the sediment will settle back out and the water will become clear. You can speed up the process by turning on the cold water tap at full pressure nearest where the water enters your home, such as a basement laundry tub, or a first-floor sink, and allowing the water to run until it is clear. During these periods, it’s important to try to avoid using hot water, as the sediment can be drawn into your hot water heater’s water tank, which could require you to have to flush the tank later.
Signs the discoloration is from the underground water system • Only the cold water is discolored.
• The discoloration affects all faucets and taps in your home or business. • The discoloration takes two or more minutes to clear when running a tap at full pressure. • The discoloration continues to be present hours after your first notice it.
Discoloration Caused by Your Plumbing
Just like the underground water mains corrode over time, so does the plumbing inside your home, apartment, or business. You can often know that the discoloration is a problem with your internal plumbing if rust appears only in your hot water, comes only from certain faucets, or clears very quickly after running the water. Internal plumbing is typically constructed using either copper or galvanized steel. Copper pipes are generally considered to be better, since they last longer and typically don’t significantly affect water quality as they age. Galvanized steel pipes, on the other hand, typically last twenty years before they show signs of corrosion and rust. Replacing galvanized steel plumbing with copper can improve your internal water quality and prevent discoloration, but it’s important to never connect copper pipes directly to steel pipes, as this can actually increase the corrosion of the steel. Be sure to use the proper dielectric couplings when connecting the two dissimilar pipe materials.
Summer 2019 11 Signs the discoloration is caused by your internal plumbing
• The water is discolored every morning, or when first used after several hours of inactivity. • The water clears after it has run for a few seconds or minutes. • The discoloration affects only certain faucets, but not all of them. • The discoloration affects only the hot water, and the cold water tap runs clear. • The discoloration clears after changing a water filter located inside your property.
Laundry Tips
If you were in the process of washing laundry during a discoloration event, rewash the laundry once the water has cleared. Be sure to not dry them in the clothes dryer before treating the stains or rewashing, as the heat may cause the stains to set, and make them difficult or impossible to remove. When washing, use a rust stain remover or regular detergent, but never use chlorine bleach which can react with iron to form a permanent stain.
Contact Us
If you’ve reviewed the tips above and determined that your water’s discoloration appears to be caused by the municipal underground water system, please contact us and our customer service staff will review your situation and dispatch a water operator to analyze your neighborhood’s water quality.
Outdoor Water Use When using water outdoors for watering lawns and gardens or refilling your pool, please keep in mind that Stoughton Utilities does not offer sewer or wastewater billing credits unless you have already installed a secondary “water-only” meter to measure the usage that goes only to your outside faucets. To have a water-only meter, you will first need to work with a plumber to complete in-house piping revisions to create a separate water line to your outside faucets and/or sprinkler system. Once that is complete, Stoughton Utilities will physically install a second meter in your home. Your primary meter will measure all water consumed inside the home, and standard wastewater charges will apply to its measured usage. The second meter will only measure all water consumed outside the home, and wastewater charges will not apply since it’s known that this water is not going down the drain. Water-only meters must remain in place throughout the year, and must be installed for a minimum of 12-months. In addition to your plumbing costs, Stoughton Utilities charges a one-time installation fee of $40.00 to set and activate the second meter. After that, there is a $9.00 monthly charge that is in addition to your current monthly charges, and any metered usage is billed at $2.82 per every 1,000 gallons of water used.
Who will benefit?
You must consume at least 22,000 gallons of water annually through your outside faucets and/or sprinkler systems in order to offset the additional monthly charges and therefore benefit from a water-only meter. Below are a few simplified scenarios in which a customer would benefit: • You have a pool with a water capacity in excess of 22,000 gallons and you drain and refill it at least annually, or you have a smaller pool that you occasionally refill or top off. • You frequently water your lawn, running sprinklers for at least an approximate average of minutes per day (approximately 212 gallons) between Memorial Day and mid-September. • You have large areas of landscaping and gardens that are frequently watered with similar amounts as listed above. • You have a construction or other business and frequently fill tanks with water for use outdoors or offsite. • Or any combination of the above
12 - The Tower Times - Summer 2019
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