Tower Times Fall 2010

The Tower Times Issue 2, Fall 2010

n City Of Stoughto

S T O P fo r P e d e st r i a n s ! ! ! !

The law requires vehicles to STOP for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

We have a beautiful downtown filled with retail stores, art galleries, a movie theater, our wonderful library, restaurants and a new coffee shop. I encourage everyone to talk a walk through our downtown and discover all that it has to offer residents and visitors alike.

I have been hearing increased concerns that it is not safe to cross Main Street in this area.

I urge all those driving through the downtown to STOP for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

STOP and wait until pedestrians have crossed from curb to curb. Let’s work together to ensure that our community is welcoming and safe for all to enjoy.

Donna Olson, Mayor City of Stoughton

Having a hard time crossing the street?

Stoughton Police Department Registration Information:

The Stoughton Police Department is planning to address this issue on Highway 51 (Main Street) throughout the City. Stoughton Police have teamed up with the Mayor’s Office, Senior Center, EMS and Street Department to educate the public on Pedestrian Safety. After the education phase, enforcement efforts will begin.

Hours Stoughton Police Department will be doing transactions are as follows.

Mondays Tuesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays

Some of the City crosswalks are equipped with pedestrian flags and more are planned. Here are some of the pedestrian and driver tips from the Safe Community Coalition.

8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The different transactions the Stoughton Police Department will be doing are:

Tips for assertive but safe pedestrians:

Issue Plate & Title Used In-State Vehicle MV-1 & Title $19.50 Issue Plate & Title Used Out-of State Vehicle MV-1 & Title $19.50 Transfer Plates & Title Used In-State Vehicle MV-1 & Title $19.50 Title Only- Used In-State Vehicle

MV-1 & Title $19.50 Title Only- Used Out-of-State Vehicle

MV-1 & Title $19.50 Replacement Title

MV-1 & Title $19.50 Renew Plate $8.00

Point to the other side of the street with the flag high, while standing with at least one foot in the street (the legal trigger for drivers to yield). Look assertive!! If there’s an empty parked car that can protect you, cross the parking lane in front of it so you are more visible to drivers.

Gauge the traffic in the lane nearest you, and make and maintain eye contact with the first driver who has to time make a gradual stop (Cars take a long time to stop; at 25 mph allow 75 feet or about five car lengths, up to double that if you’re doing this for the first time, if you’re a slow walker, for speeders, or for bad weather conditions). Let cars who are too close to stop go on by.

Maintain eye contact with your selected driver; step out into his lane only when you are sure the driver is going to stop.

The above fees DO NOT include WI DOT fees (registration, taxes, etc.) We accept cash, checks or money orders made out to Stoughton Police Dept.

Safely cross the lane in front of the stopped car while looking for the first car in the next lane whose driver can easily stop. Then maintain eye contact with that driver. Move carefully in front of the new car across the lane as it stops. Repeat lane by lane until you have crossed all traffic lanes.

Stoughton Police Department 321 South 4th Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 (608) 873-3374 (608) 873-0286 Fax

IMPORTANT: Whenever you can (without being distracted) give drivers a smile, a wave, or “Thanks!” to demonstrate to drivers that pedestrians appreciate their courtesy!

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION:

Remember that the flag is a helpful tool, but you still have to use normal caution. Don’t ever step into the path of a car when you are not sure the driver will stop.

UNLICENSED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES: Are not allowed to be stored for more than 15 days on private property unless zoned for such storage.

Tips for responsible drivers:

Obey the speed limit and keep well behind cars in front of you, so you can easily stop for pedestrians, and be well-positioned when the car ahead of you does stop.

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.

Watch street edges and sidewalks AHEAD carefully for pedestrians and when you see someone obviously ready to cross, apply your brakes early and gently so the car behind you can stop, too.

May contain fluids that, if leaked, may contaminate the environment or may be a fire hazard.

Always assume a pedestrian is crossing the street whenever a driver in front of you, or in the lane next to you, slows down or stops. Never pass a slowed or stopped car until you are sure no one is crossing the street. Fine: $222.50! It’s extremely dangerous!

The vehicle may be placed in a closed garage.

A NUMBER OF OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE: The vehicle may be made operable.

If unlicensed, a license may be obtained.

Stop for the pedestrian at least a car length or two short of the crosswalk so cars behind you and the pedestrian can more easily see each other around your car.

Local salvage yards often pay $ cash for motor vehicles with a title or make a donation to St.Vincent Depaul.

Remember that the next time you may be the pedestrian, and this pedestrian may be the driver waiting for you. And thanks for stopping!

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.

Link to Safe Community Coalition and Stoughton Police websites: www.safercommunity.net/trafficsafety/community_safety/ pedflags.html www.cityofstoughton.com/police

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the zoning administrator at 608-646-0421

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moths emerge between mid-July and early August. As adults, gypsy moths are easy to overlook. Flightless female gypsy moth adults are about an inch-and-a-half long and white with black chevronshaped markings.

Friendly Reminders from the Street Department: Attention - Businesses & Homeowners:

Males are mottled brown and often take flight in search of females on summer afternoons. Although they live for only two weeks and consume no food, adult gypsy moths leave behind egg masses from which the next generation of destructive caterpillars will hatch the following spring.

There is a city ordinance prohibiting yard waste in the street. We are asking that you be sure to keep the grass clippings on your property when mowing and do not blow or sweep clippings from the driveway and sidewalks into the streets.

Brush Pick Up:

Because gypsy moth egg masses are often transported inadvertently on firewood and other outdoor items, it is important to be on the lookout. Gypsy moth egg masses are tan or buff in color. They are roughly oval-shaped and about the size of a quarter. Covered in a hairy felt-like substance, egg masses can be found in almost any sheltered spot. Common places to find egg masses include the underside of tree limbs, or tucked into furrows on bark, but they also occur on cars, playground equipment and patio furniture.

Properly sized brush if a maximum of 4” in diameter and for length (12 to 15 ft) – or longer if you can manually get it to the curb yourself.

• Plan your trimming around the scheduled pick up to eliminate the brush from sitting out for lengthy periods.

• Brush should be at the curb by 7AM on the first Monday of the month (unless Monday is a holiday, then Tuesday).

• Crews start at a different part of the city each month and once they have gone through an area they will not be back until the following month.

• Do NOT place brush in the street.

Rootballs are prohibited – please dispose of at the Madison Landfill (267-1502) • Do NOT mix debris in with the brush If a contractor trims or removes a tree from your property, they also need to remove the brush the city crew will NOT pick it up.

If you find an egg mass on your property in the spring, you can prevent up to 1,000 larva from hatching by scraping the egg mass into a container and microwaving it for two minutes or placing it in a jar of soapy water for two days. You may also opt to use an insecticidal spray (such as Golden Pest Spray Oil) to kill gypsy moth larvae. In either case, wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.

To learn more about identifying and managing gypsy moth egg masses see: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/FR-171A.pdf

Yard Waste Site: 1) $20.00 Annual sticker(s) must be permanently affixed to the lower left hand corner of the front windshield of the vehicle.

2) ACCEPTABLE materials are: grass, leaves, garden waste and wood products less than ¼ inches in diameter (size of a pencil) 3) NOT ACCEPTABLE materials are: root balls, trees, branches or large brush.

Please do not drop off yard waste when site is closed as it is considered illegal dumping and is subject to a fine. The site may close early due to inclement weather or darkness.

Gypsy Moth: Please contact the Street Department at 873-6303 if you suspect that any of your tree(s) may have gypsy moths. The city arborist will then inspect the tree(s).

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION:

BE ON THE LOOKOUT ……..

The gypsy moth is a serious pest. Although they prefer oak, gypsy moth caterpillars will feed opportunistically on the leaves of hundreds of different trees and shrubs. In large populations, gypsy moth can defoliate trees and kill those that are already under stress. In addition, some people experience allergic reactions caused by contact with gypsy moth egg cases or caterpillars.

TREE & SHRUBBERY GROWTH: May become a safety hazard if allowed to grow into pedestrian walkways.

May cause a vision problem between pedestrians and traffic.

By ordinance, tree limbs are not allowed to grow below 9 feet above a sidewalk and shrubbery/plantings are not allowed to encroach into the sidewalk area

Like other moths and butterflies, gypsy moths experience four distinct life stages. Each spring (typically in late April) gypsy moth caterpillars hatch and begin their destructive feeding frenzy. The gypsy moth is both most damaging and most recognizable in its caterpillar form. Look for colorful caterpillars with five pairs of blue dots and six pairs of red dots running along the length of the back. Unlike tent caterpillars, gypsy moth caterpillars do not build silk tents and they can quickly strip trees of all vegetation.

It is a good idea to check with the Stoughton Street Dept. for the best time to trim trees and shrubs as some species require trimming at certain times of the year and the street dept. picks up limbs at certain times of the month.

Contact the Street Dept. at 608-873-6303 or check their web site at www.cityofstoughton.com/streets

By the middle of July, the full-grown gypsy moth caterpillar looks for a sheltered place to transform into a pupa. Its soft skin is replaced by a hard, dark brown protective shell. Within this immobile shell, the insect undergoes metamorphosis. Adult

If you have any questions regarding this issue, contact the zoning administrator at 608-646-0421

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To celebrate Public Power Week, the employees of Stoughton Utilities invite our customers to our third annual

Paint, Plaster, and Clawfoot Tubs:

Power • River Task Force -1Public yr-2011work Walk on development of our at trails, river clean up and activities.

Virgin Lake Park • Redevelopment Authority (RDA) (Alternate)- RDA You could win one of these great prizes! focuses on redevelopment Grand prizes – and increasing tax base.

Stoughton’s Own “R Olde House Society” Kicks Off Its 20th Anniversary Year

By Sharon Beckman

Your choice of a new ENERGY STAR® clothes washer

Most of these committees make recommendations for activities or refrigerator Second prizes – committee of the council, although that go through a standing ENERGY STAR® lighting fixtures there are some exceptions.

Please let us know where you might We will have gifts and treats the walkers. like to serve, so we can contact youfor when openings occur.

These items will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 50 walkers will receive a Public Power Walk T-shirt. (limit one per household) Thank you.

Stoughton has many charms: the historic downtown, its crown jewel of an Opera House, the Yahara River meandering through town, and its many tree-lined streets. But some of its most prized possessions are its historic homes. Our city has an abundance of Victorians, Queen Annes, Greek Revivals, and Craftsman Bungalows in numbers unseen in towns of this size. This attracts many people to Stoughton, including those wishing to relocate to a house with old-world craftsmanship and historic value.

Here are the requirements to be eligible for a prize:

Donna L. Olson account in good standing.

2. You must register for the prize drawing with the attached form below and Mayor participate in the walk. ROUTE: Virgin Lake Park, south on trail to Jackson, east 1. You must be an active residential, electric customer of Stoughton Utilities with an

on Jackson to Kings Lynn, north on Kings Lynn to trail north of Roby back to Virgin Lake Park.

Thursday, September 21, 2006 Help When: us celebrate 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rain date: Monday, September 25, 2006 public power:

The R Olde House Society (the “R” stands for rewiring, refinancing, redecorating, renovation and restoration) was founded over 20 years ago. Members share a fondness for historic architecture and are dedicated to appreciation of and caring for the homes entrusted to them. It’s often said that these owners are never truly finished working on their homes, they’re always just “between projects.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- StoughtonUtilities is celebrating the importance of public power Prize Entry Form -2006 Stoughton Utilities Public Power Walk on September 21, along with more than 2,000 other electric Name _______________________________________ Utility account # ___________ utilities that collectively provide electricity on a nonprofit basis Address ______________________________________________________________ to 45 million Americans.

We invite community members to come Home phone ___________________ phone ___________________ visit the Utilities office located at Work 600or other S. Fourth St. We’ll have (Enclose entry form with bill payment, send to the utility office or bring to the Walk) treats and refreshments in the lobby from 8:00am - 6:00pm. Sign up for one of our customer programs and receive free LED holiday lights! Also, register for a drawing to receive a free energy efficient appliance of your choice. The drawing will be held at 5:45pm on September 21st.

Stoughton’s R Olde House Society meets monthly from September to June in members’ homes, and is not only a low-key social gathering – a way to meet your neighbors over refreshments – but a time for sharing valuable information. Speakers relevant to older home restoration are often invited and have covered topics as diverse as bat control, plastering, energy conservation, and researching a home’s history. It’s also a chance to see the inside of some of those homes you’ve always wanted to see.

For more information, visit www.stoughtonutilities.com or call 873-3379.

Public Power Week is a national, annual event sponsored in conjunction with the American Public Power Association, the national service organization for community and state-owned electric utilities in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Public Power Week as a country-wide program for local citizens and other key publics, including state and national officials.

Several members opened their homes for public tours to help raise money for the Stoughton Tornado Relief Fund five years ago, and many decorate their homes for the Victorian Holiday driving tour of Stoughton every December. One member’s home was even featured recently in the Great Homes and Destinations section of The New York Times.

CITY OF STOUGHTON DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION:

For more information about the R Olde House Society, visit the website at: www.roldehouse.com or stop by a meeting anytime.

Are you interested in serving as a citizen member on a City Board, Committee or Commission?

GARAGE SALE INFORMATION: Garage sale signs may be placed in the park row, in front of the residence where the sale is being held, for a period not to exceed three days and no more than three times in a calendar year. Signs may also be placed in the park rows at various intersections for the days of the sale; such signs shall not have a height greater than 2 1/2 feet from grade. Garage sale signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, two feet in height and two feet in width.

There are many citizens who serve on committees within city government. Following is a list of committees that citizens serve on. If you would be interested in serving, please contact the City of Stoughton, at 873-6677, and let the receptionist know your contact information and which committee you are interested in.

Terms vary from one to five years. Please let us know what your area of interest is!

GARAGE SALE SIGNS ARE NOT TO BE ATTACHED TO UTILITY POLES, TREES, TRAFFIC REGULATORY STRUCTURES OR FENCES AND SHALL NOT OBSTRUCT VISION FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.

• Board of Appeals (Alternate) 3yr-2013 - approve variances to our zoning codes as prescribed by state laws.

• Cable TV Commission – 1yr-2011- approve the activities and budget of our Local Cable Access Channel 98 which is funded by franchise fees.

• Housing Authority -5 yr-2014- oversee the operations and management of our City-owned Greenspire Apartments.

• Landmarks Commission – 3yr-2013- designate landmarks per state statutes; develop walking tours of historic districts in our city.

NO MORE THAN 3 SALES ARE ALLOWED PER YEAR. A SALE OF UP TO 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN LENGTH SHALL BE CONSIDERED ONE TIME. If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the zoning administrator at 608-646-0421

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              

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     

             

   

         



   



                              

       

   





      

   

    

      



    

    

         

  

5

10 11

! Ramblin! Jack Elliott ! Esperanza Spalding ! Junior Brown ! Capitol Steps ! The Amazing Acro"Cats ! The Travelin! McCourys ! Suzanne Vega ! Maggie Mae & The Heartland Country Band ! The Wailin! Jennys

6

! Dan Newton!s Cafe Accordion Orchestra ! Bonnie Koloc ! Four Bitchin! Babes

! Iris DeMent ! The Emmitt"Nershi Band ! Adrian Legg

Even more shows to be announced!

May 22nd ! Stoughton Chamber Singers May 25th & 26th ! Fox Prairie presents: A Wisconsin History

April 14th ! The Glenn Miller Orchestra April 15th ! Harry Manx April 30th ! Tom Paxton & Janis Ian " Natalia Zuckerman opens May 6th ! Tony Rice Unit May 20th & 21st ! St. Anns Drama Department

April 2nd April 8th April 9th

March 19th ! Tim O!Brien w/ Bryan Sutton March 26th ! Commonweal Theatre: An Enemy of the Peopl!

March 31st ! Branson on the Road w/ Maggie Mae

March 4th ! The Del McCoury Band March 18th ! Chris Smither

Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 26th

Dec 18th ! Riders in the Sky Jan 23rd ! Pro Arte Quartet Feb 5th ! Madison Brass Band

Dec 5th ! Stoughton Chamber Singers Dec 12th ! Stoughton Festival Choir & City Band

Nov 12th ! Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Nov 13th ! An Evening with Je# Daniels Nov 20th ! Yahara River Show Ho! Ho!

Oct 17th ! An Evening with Patty Loveless Oct 29th & 30th " Drakula: The Performanc!

Nov 3rd ! Jake Shimabukuro Nov 5th ! Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Nov 6th ! Ancora String Quartet

Sept 11th Sept 19th Sept 24th Oct 2nd Oct 3rd Oct 8th Oct 10th Oct 14th Oct 16th

Sneak Peek

Join us today and help to maintain and upgrade this historic theater!

F R I E N D S / PAT R O N S / PA R T N E R S "25 ! "75 ! "100 Members at these levels receive a membership card, a special mailing announcing the upcoming season, and the first opportunity to purchase tickets. Additionally, Partners’ names are listed in Opera House performance programs in recognition of their contribution.

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

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

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

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

Create a Family Plan:

Parents: make sure your children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a caretaker.

DIRECTORS & PRODUCERS "500 ! "1000 These generous supporters receive all the benefits of Ambassadors. Additionally, you will receive a gold Friends of the Opera membership pin. Directors receive four complimentary tickets to any show(s) in the regular Opera House series.

Producers receive two complimentary tickets for every regular series Opera House Performance!

Your donation will support the future growth and development of the Stoughton Opera House!

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

• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently.

Back by popular demand th! incomparable " Harry Manx

• 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 M B A S S A D O R S# "250 Contributors at this level receive all the benefits of our Partner donors. Additionally, you will receive a silver Friends of the Opera House membership pin and two complimentary tickets to any show(s) in the regular Opera House series.

Rising star in American Jazz " Esperanza Spalding

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

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

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

Four Bitchin$ Babes " Hormonal Imbalanc!

Folk Icons " Tom Paxton & Janis Ia%

Little Feat Guitarists & Vocalists " Renowned pickers " Tim O$Brie% Paul Barrere & Fred Tacket# &ith Bryan Sutto%

When you join the Friends of the Opera House your gift will help to ensure the continued success and health of our beautifully restored theater. As a member you will have $rst chance at the best seats for the biggest shows. In addition, you will receive invitations to special events and advance notice of Opera House performances yet to be announced!

Tickets available to Members August 2nd " General Public August 16th

FRIENDS OF THE OPERA HOUSE

TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST SECOND!

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

7

For more information please call Johns at 1-888-473-4701 or refer to www.johnsdisposal.com

Many people do not recycle properly because they are unsure of the rules or they are not set up correctly to recycle. And sometimes they just don’t care.

Recycling is very easy if you just follow the basics.

Here are a few things to help you recycle properly.

Recycling Made Easy

*Please keep recyclable items separate from the trash on the bulk pick up day.

*Please flatten all cardboard.

*Glass bottles, jars and tin or aluminum cans are all considered recyclable and may be mixed with the paper and plastic in the green cart.

*Only plastic bottles or jars with a twist-on top can be recycled. Plastic bags, buckets, tubs and deli-type containers are considered garbage. The best way to recycle these items are to reuse them.

* All clean, dry paper and paper products are recyclable including (but not limited to); newspaper, cardboard, junk mail, magazines and cereal boxes.

*All Recycling can be mixed loose in the green cart.

Please recycle!

Yes

*Please do not pile bags of trash on top of metal, cardboard or recyclable items. Two additional crews come by your home on the bulk pick up day; one for bulk garbage items and one for bulk recycle items. It is difficult for the drivers to see these items if they are underneath other garbage.

*Please do not put anything in cardboard boxes.

*Please do not mix styrofoam or cellophane wrapping with the recycling. These items are also considered garbage.

* Please do not mix plastic bags of any kind with the recycling. Plastic bags are not included in this program and the best way to recycle them is to reuse them. Some retail stores do accept bags for recycle.

Please don’t!

No

  

 

               

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   

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   

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

   

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  

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        

 

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   

                 

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Work Safely with Digger’s Hotline…

Live efficiently with Focus on Energy: Are you interested in becoming more energy efficient at home?

Whether you own or rent, there’s always room for improvement.

If you want to learn about increasing your efficiency, the home assessment tool at http://www.LiveEfficientlyWithFocus.com is a great place to start.

It may be hot outside, but that list of outdoor improvements may still be incomplete - build a deck, plant some trees, install a gym set for the children, or more. If your list includes any digging, state law (Wisconsin Statute 182.0175) requires you to notify Diggers Hotline.

You’ll learn how efficient you already are, and what the next steps are toward greater energy efficiency. Visit www.

LiveEfficientlyWithFocus.com today for more information.

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 nonemergency excavation via a single telephone call.

Be prepared for power outages: Summertime in Wisconsin can bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small storm can result in a large power outage. Once the lights go off it’s too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t get caught searching in the dark for a flashlight or candles.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assemble An Emergency Kit: Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit that’s easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items:

In Stoughton, 417 residential customers purchase 1,052 blocks of renewable energy each month. That’s the equivalent of 315,600 kWh, enough to power 526 average-sized homes.

• Working Flashlights

Stoughton was recently recognized by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for its participation in our Renewable Energy Program. Stoughton Utilities placed ninth in the nation for its 5.2% customer participation rate.

• Battery-Operated Radio for news & weather reports • Batteries for Flashlights & Radio • Candles & Matches

Look for air leaks:

• Blankets

You tell your kids they’re cooling the Great Outdoors when they don’t keep the windows shut or close the door behind them. You could be doing the same thing without even knowing it.

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

Your cooled indoor air could be leaking out of your house through the tiny cracks and holes around phone lines, electrical outlets and plumbing pipes, as well as around windows and doors.

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

Take a walk around the outside of your house and you’ll see little gaps around window frames, wall-mounted air conditioners, exhaust vents and more. Those leaks can increase your cooling bill 5 – 30 percent. Seal the leaks with caulk and keep the airconditioned air indoors where it belongs.

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

• Canned or Dried Food

OTher Things to Keep in Mind:

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

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Art in a Suitcase:

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

Saturday, September 11 at 2 pm Art In A Suitcase combines art, natural science, storytelling and multicultural activities. Mary Tooley presents programs based on the idea that learning, creativity, imagination, sharing and fun go together.

This is a great program for children of all ages and their families. No registration required.

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

• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently.

Grandparent Themed Storytimes: All storytimes the week of September 13 - 17 Celebrate Grandparents Day by inviting your grandparents to join you and your family at storytime. All the stories will be Grandparent themed!

• 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.

Totally Toddlers Storytime:

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

Mondays, September 13 – November 15 at 10 am A special storytime for ages 2-3 and their families. The program features shorter books, movement activities, flannel board stories, songs, puppets and crafts specially designed for toddlers.

Older and younger siblings welcome. Call 873-6281 to register beginning Monday, August 30.

• 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.

Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays, September 15 – November 17 at 10 am Drop-in storytime for children ages 0-5 and their families. A variety of stories, songs, puppets, crafts, movies and more will be offered at this multi-age program! No registration required.

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

Create a Family Plan: Parents: make sure your children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a caretaker.

Evening Stories:

News and Events from Stoughton Public Library:

Story and Craft Time:

Thursdays, September 16, October 21, November 18 at 6:30 pm An evening storytime for ages 0-5 and their families. The program includes stories, songs, puppets, crafts, movies and more! This is a great opportunity for working parents to enjoy storytime before bedtime. Feel free to come in you PJs. No registration required.

Fridays, September 17 – November 5 at 10 am A special storytime for ages 3 ½ - 5. The program features longer stories, songs, puppets, movies and a more complex craft.

Call 973-6281 to register beginning Friday, September 3.

You’re Invited to the Film Premier of Stoughton’s Library Stories: Stoughton Public Library’s Carnegie Room Thursday, September 9th 6:30 -8:00 p.m.

UW Space Place: Saturday, September 25 at 2 pm Enjoy a visit from the UW Space Place and learn a more about outer space. A presentation and hands-on demonstration about outer space is geared to elementary school aged children and their families. No registration required.

The Stoughton Public Library proudly presents a community based film using multiple interviews of everyday Stoughton residents, and a few local celebrities, telling their library stories. This event celebrates September as Library Card Sign up Month. Help celebrate by watching friends and neighbors tell their story, getting a library card, and taking in the wealth of information available to you through your local library.

Cake and punch will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the film to start at 7:00 p.m.

Preschool Players: Saturdays, October 9 - 23 at 10 am Performance October 23 at 2 pm Calling all actors ages 4 and 5 to star in a library play. Do you like to sing, wear costumes and act? Then this program is for you!

Build narrative skills by learning simple plays based on picture books. Family and friends are invited to the performance on October 23 at 2 pm. This program is limited to 12 participants.

Call 873-6281 to register beginning Saturday, September 18.

Thanks to WSTO Cable for providing filming and editing for this project and for the support of the South Central Library System.

Fall Programs for Children: Mother Goose Storytime:

BATCOW:

Saturdays, September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4 at 10 am Fridays, September 17-November 5 at 9:15 am A storytime specific to ages 0-24 months and their families. The program includes short stories, songs, puppets, activities and social time. Older siblings are welcome. Call 873-6281 to register for the Friday storytime beginning Friday, September 3. No registration required for the Saturday storytimes.

Saturday, October 2 at 2 pm Learn more about bats with the staff of the Bat Conservation of Wisconsin. This program includes an educational presentation on bats for elementary school aged children and live bats! No registration required.

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New Services and Programs for Adults: Consumer Reports: The library’s new online resource – Consumer Reports—has the same great product reviews as the magazine on cars, appliances, electronics and more. Find this resource and others by visiting Stoughton Library’s website at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org/ and clicking on the “Reference Databases” link. Consumer Reports is available from home with your library barcode found on the back of your card.

Programs for Older Kids: Wii Tournament: Saturday, October 16 at 2 pm Join the Wii tournament for kids ages 7-12. Open to all experience and ability levels. Board games and snacks will be provided for entertainment while waiting for your turn. The tournament game will be Mario Kart.

Call 873-6281 to register beginning Saturday, October 2.

SPICE: Saturday’s in November Keep your Saturdays in November open for a chemistry program provided by UW Madison SPICE. Chemistry students will show cool experiments and demonstrations to get elementary school aged children interested in science. No registration required. Check the library’s website for a specific date in late August.

Creating a Resume and getting it Online: Stoughton Public Library’s Carnegie Room Presented by UW-Madison’s Writing Center Tuesday,August 17th 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Reserve your spot now (873-6281) for an informative session on the changing landscape of resumes. If you already have a resume, bring it along; otherwise bring a memory stick so you can start to create a resume and save your work. If you have a job posting that you would like to apply for, bring that along too. Come ready to get hands-on experience.

Programs for Teens: Teen DIY: Henna Body Art Monday, October 11 at 3:15 pm Make your own henna body art design with the library providing the supplies. This program is for teens in grades 6-12 and is limited to 15 participants. Permission slips are required and can be picked up at the library before the program. Call 873-6281 to register beginning Monday, September 27.

Adult Book Discussions: Stoughton Public Library’s Carnegie Room Fourth Tuesday of every month except November 7:00 -8:00 p.m.

Adult book discussions are a great way to meet new people and engage in lively discussion. Copies of the books are available at the Adult Services Desk.You do not need to register to participate — just show up ready to share your thoughts!

Teen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trivia Contest: Monday, November 15 at 3:15 pm Get ready for the release of part one of the final Harry Potter movie with a trivia contest. Teams of teens will compete to see who knows more about the Deathly Hallows. Prizes will be award to the winners and snacks will be provided for everyone. Get a group together or join a group once you arrive. The program is for teens in grades 6-12.

Younger children cannot attend. No registration required.

September 28th Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen October 26th

Beloved by Toni Morrison

November 18th The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

Join us for a special discussion of UW-Madison’s Go Big Read title (http://www.gobigread.wisc.edu/).

For more information about any of these library services or programs please contact the library at 873-6281 or e-mail us at: storef@scls.lib.wi.us. For program and event reminders, become a “Fan” of Stoughton Public Library on Facebook. If you need accommodations to attend any programs, please call 873-6281 two weeks in advance.

Teen Cookie Decorating: Monday, December 13 at 3:15 pm Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, stop by the library to decorate a cookie to take home or eat at the library while hanging out with friends. This program is a great way to get in the holiday spirit without having to cook. This program is for teens in grades 6-12. No registration required.

Holiday Programs for Families: Family Movies: Saturday, November 20 at 10 am Start out your holiday season with the recent Disney adaptation of the Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol”. Enjoy juice and popcorn while you watch this recently released DVD on the library’s big screen. The film is rated PG and is 98 minutes. No registration required.

Cookie Decorating: Saturday, December 11 at 1 pm Do you like cookies? If you do, come to the library and to enjoy a couple of cookie stories and decorate your own cookie. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Participation is limited to 20 children and an additional program will be added at 3pm if the initial registration is full. Call 873-6281 to register beginning Monday, November 29.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PD PERMIT #39 STOUGHTON WI 53589

CITY OF STOUGHTON 381 E MAIN ST STOUGHTON WI 53589

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER STOUGHTON WI 53589

VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION! 2010 Elections September 14 – Fall Partisan Primary November 2 – Fall General Election To avoid long lines at the polling places, we recommend you register to vote prior to Election Day. Registering to vote is easy – you may register at City Hall Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You are required to bring along a form of identification that shows your current address and provide your driver’s license number or, if you don’t have a driver’s license, the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you have an address change, you will need to re-register with your new information.

Aldermanic District 1 votes at First Lutheran Church – 310 E. Washington St. Aldermanic District 2 votes at Stoughton Fire Station – 401 E. Main St. Aldermanic District 3 votes at United Methodist Church – 525 Lincoln Ave. Aldermanic District 4 votes at Lakeview Church – 2200 Lincoln Ave. Polling places are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding registering to vote, which location you will vote at, or you are interested in being an election official, please contact City Clerk Luann Alme or Deputy Clerk Pili Hougan at 873-6677.