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Thursday, January 2, 2020 • Vol. 138, No. 24 • Stoughton, WI • ConnectStoughton.com • $1.25

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Stories to watch in 2020

Decisions, decisions School district, city, voters, jurors weighing important matters this year

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

During retiring fire chief Scott Wegner’s retirement party on Monday, Dec. 23, more than 70 guests came to shake his hand and thank him for 38 years of service. Wegner’s last day is Thursday, Jan. 2.

‘Scott deserves retirement’ SFD chief Wegner retires after 38 years of service MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Inside the Stoughton Fire Department’s main corridor, portraits of seven former fire chiefs line white walls – most of them with tenures in the department topping 30 years.

On Thursday, Jan. 2, fire chief Scott Wegner will be added to that wall. That’s the day he retires after 38 years of service, nearly six as chief.

“For his life and anybody’s life to be on that wall is an honor,” said SFD assistant chief Mark Hale, who has worked with Wegner for 18 of those years.

During the chief’s retirement party in the SFD’s training room Dec. 23, more than 70 people showed up to congratulate Wegner and shake his hand. In attendance were firefighters from Stoughton, Oregon, Verona and McFarland, as well as Stoughton area residents, police officers and retired firefighters, including previous chief Marty Lamers.

“I think Scott deserves retirement,” Lamers said. “We can thank him for his many years of service working

for the city.”

Through his nearly four-decade career as a firefighter, Wegner has been a rescue diver, arson investigator, training officer, inspector, volunteer and fire protection specialist.

He trained at the National Fire Academy in Maryland and has been part of firefighter associations all across the state, including two years as president for the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association.

The amount of calls the fire department takes each year has increased tenfold in that time, Wegner said, averaging 40 calls a year in the

This year is a big one for decisions nationally, with a presidential election charting a course for the next four years for the country.

In Stoughton, some of the decisions the city and school district, voters and jurors make could have longer lasting effects.

It starts with the schools, which have been a flashpoint in Stoughton for several years and are likely to continue for some time, as enrollment is still dropping and government leaders are still struggling to change that.

If enrollment trends continue, Stoughton could find itself facing yet another referendum to help prop up the district’s budget. District and city officials have been working together to find ways to bring more young families here, but those efforts have stalled in the past

Stories of 2020 1. Budget, enrollment concerns continue 2. Agreement with riverfront developer 3. Opera House expanding, renovating 4. Turf on the football field 5. Homes at Kettle Park West 6. A trial for murder year, and it remains to be seen whether they resume and have any effect.

The city and its Redevelopment Authority will have their work cut out for them with their own massive project, the Yahara riverfront redevelopment effort.

It’s been in the works for more than a decade, and some people are eager for it to get started, but first, it has to come to a deal with the master developer the RDA identified last year but

Turn to 2020/Page 10

Turn to Wegner/Page 2

Stoughton Area School District

Driving behaviors prompt concerns anxious kids off the bus at the end of another school day as she heard the growing howls of protest.

“Let us off, let us off!”

Her vehicle’s “stop” arm extended down with its red lights flashing like SCOTT DE LARUELLE a Christmas tree when she Unified Newspaper Group noticed a car zooming by Karen Johnson was just at full speed.

She quickly stopped. about to open the door to “I was saying, ‘Wait let a group of increasingly

Courier Hub

On the Web

meeting. “I could see the person was looking at their Find the school bus safety rules at: phone and there was no slowing down. I was beephttps://wisconsindot.gov/ ing the horn, waving the Pages/safety/equipment/ arm out the window and it didn’t even faze the persch-bus/default.aspx son.”

Complaints about unsafe a second, and you’ll see driving like that are on the why,’” Johnson recalled at rise, prompting the district the Dec. 2 Stoughton Area School District’s board Turn to Bus/Page 12

Inside Stoughton Hub’s Photos of the Year Page 7

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January 2, 2020

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Photo by Samantha Christian

Stoughton fire chief Scott Wegner, left, teaches Sam Miller, 4, of Stoughton, how to use a walkie-talkie at Truck Day in 2016.

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Scott Wegner holds up his retirement cake. Staff bought a special cupcake cake shaped like a flame in honor of Wegner’s retirement after 38 years of service.

Wegner: Colleagues say what set him apart is his connection and knowledge of community

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18, infamous Stoughton tornado destroyed or damaged more than 400 homes across south cent r a l Wi s c o n s i n . M a n y homes north and to the east of Stoughton fell victim to the EF3 storm, and one person died.

When it came time to jump into action and organize assistance from 50 other departments, Wegner led the charge, Lamers said.

“My role turned out to be in the field area running the commands for the tornado site,” Lamers recalled. “(Wegner) was back at the station bringing in people to help us.

It was pretty much ‘Here Scott, deal with it,’ and he did.”

Wegner recalls it as one long shift. “(That week) I can remember going to work on Tuesday and I remember coming home on Saturday,” he said.

Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

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them to movies, as he did by hand. last week as they watched The Honor Guard start1980s, to now 400 calls a “Frozen II” for the second ed in 2015 and now has year in 2019. time.

1 8 m e m b e r s , t r ave l i n g around the state to parBefore he was chief, ticipate in funerals and Wegner was a fire inspec- Building a legacy When Wegner took his m e m o r i a l s f o r s e r v i c e tor, checking commercial b u i l d i n g s , b u s i n e s s e s , first job as volunteer fire- members.

At his retirement party, apartment complexes and fighter on April 1, 1981, municipal buildings. Weg- he considered it a way give two members thanked Wegner estimated he inspected back to the community he ner, stating the guard would between 16,000 to 17,000 has called home since the not have been possible without him. places during his time in age of 4.

He said he knew late One of Wegner’s proudthe role.

When he became chief nights and putting out fires est accomplishments, he Feb. 2, 2014, the city’s in the cold would not be said, is recruiting his son Matt to the SFD in 2008. human resources department easy.

Since then, he’s built a described him as having long list of accomplish- Taking charge “extensive fire knowledge,” ments. Among them are Lamers has known meaning Wegner understood helping the department Weger for more than 40 the science, chemistry and a d d t o a n d u p g r a d e i t s years and recalled him strategy behind putting out a equipment and starting demonstrating his leadfire. Wegner said he can look t h e S t o u g h t o n H o n o r ership during what might at a fire and understand how Guard. have been the roughest much water and time it will To bring in equipment, week the fire department take to extinguish it, known he organized fundraisers has ever had. as calculating fire load, he and worked with the city.

Wegner was the assissaid.

That allowed the volun- tant chief in 2005 when What sets Weger apart is teer firefighter team to a fire destroyed Christ his roots in the communi- focus less on paperwork Lutheran Church, which ty, his level of knowledge and more on training and was then located in front about Stoughton and his calls. of Stoughton Hospital on connections to the businessA m o n g t h e m o r e East Main Street. With es and people, Hale said. i m p o r t a n t a c q u i s i t i o n s the department and other “He is a walking database We g n e r h e l p e d s e c u r e investigators looking into of important information were new Hurst “Jaws of the possibility it was arson when we had calls,” Hale Life” equipment, sonar – two juveniles were later said. “The city has grown for the department’s res- arrested for it – and the and changed over the years cue boat and a machine department still cleaning so there is background that cleans carcinogens its equipment, Lamers was information that is always off firefighters’ gear so swamped. of value when you are try- they don’t have to do it The next evening, Aug. ing to do your job and serve the public.”

Weg n e r t o l d t h e H u b Chalet Veterinary Clinic he’s not sure how he feels Family Pet Care at its Best about retirement because it hasn’t happened yet.

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton He has created a full (608) 873-8112 docket of activities after leaving the department, though.

With his newfound free time, he said he hopes to spend more hours harvesting honey from his 40 bee hives all around the county. He’ll also continue to be part of the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association, but he aims Mon. - Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. to spend more time with his THREE grandchildren Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and do things like take Continued from page 1

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January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

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Town of Rutland

Town of Dunn

Officials plan Website getting upgrade after January to assist Census effort

Budget approved with adjustments

JIM FEROLIE

Unified Newspaper Group

JIM FEROLIE Unified Newspaper Group

The Town of Rutland will assist the federal government’s U.S. Census efforts as much as it can without spending extra money.

That effort will stop short of mailing informational packets to each household – at a cost Town Chair Peter Loughrin estimated at $600 – but will include offering those packets at Town Hall and personal outreach efforts from town officials when they see opportunities to help.

The matter was the subject of discussion at the Dec. 10 Town Board meeting and some debate leading up to it, as town board members had disagreed on the importance of the issue and the town’s role in a federal issue.

Eventually after supervisors brought u p t h e c o s t o f m a i l i n g p a c ke t s , t h e town’s traditionally high response rate and concerns that older citizens would not respond well to the Census Bureau’s preferred method of returns – online forms – the board compromised on a 4-0 vote to share information and reach out on an individual basis.

Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.​

The Town of Rutland’s aging website is getting an update.

The current site, which is not optimized for increasingly common mobile use, is difficult to keep maintained, a presentation by the town’s website committee explained.

The website committee recommended Town Web, Madison-based company that provides websites for 531 municipal boards and councils in 29 states, according to its own website.

Supervisors voted 4-0 to accept a three-year agreement that clerk Dawn George would execute.

The committee presentation noted that t h e n ew w e b s i t e w i l l c o s t l e s s t h a n t h e current $500-per-quarter charge and that several area municipalities, including the towns of Oregon, Albion, Montrose and Vienna, use Town Web. Among its amenities are an option for people to subscribe to receive automated information.

It is also expected to take less time for the clerk to update it, a key motivation for switching vendors.

The launch will be delayed until at least after taxes are due.

Supervisor Deana Zentner told the board the vendor and committee are looking for photos of the town to use on the website. To contribute, call 455-3925 or email clerk@town.rutland. wi.us.

Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.​

In brief

RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

T h e To w n o f D u n n approved its budget Dec. 16, though it made adjustments from what was presented to electors the month before.

Electors are any eligible voters who attend the town’s annual meeting. They approve levy amounts, and the Town Board decides how the money from the levy is allocated.

The board moved $28,000 f r o m g e n e r a l g ove r n m e n t budget, sending $22,000 to public works and $6,000 to conservation and development.

The board also approved designating $20,000 in its budget to purchase a ballistic vest and rescue package for the Oregon Area Fire/EMS. These packages include body armor for first responders and tools such as air bags, ropes and air monitoring equipment.

Renee Hickman can be contacted at renee.hickman@ wcinet.com.

Cathy Hasslinger reappointed The Town of Dunn has reappointed longtime clerk/treasurer Cathy Hasslinger for another three-year term.

The Town Board approved the appointment at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Hasslinger said her reappointm e n t wa s “ ve r y ex c i t i n g ” i n a phone call with the Hub.

New trucks approved The board approved the purchase of two trucks for the town as included in the 2020 capital budget.

These trucks will replace two others the town uses.

Park and trail repair The board voted to accept a $26,000 grant from Dane County in the amount for park and trail repair.

Tow n c l e r k / t r e a s u r e r C a t h y Hasslinger said the grant will pay for repairs to Heritage Park, which was damaged by flooding in 2018.

Stoughton library working on becoming more inclusive Over the next few years, the state is asking its member libraries to take steps to better listen to underrepresented voices in their communities.

Those voices will likely include people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, the elderly, low income i n d iv i d u a l s a n d p e o p l e from all walks of life, Tessa Michaealson Schmidt, youth and inclusive library consultant at the state Department of Public Instruction said. The voices at each library will differ based on the community.

In her role, Michaelson Schmidt serves the roughly 400 libraries across the state’s 16 regional public library systems. For the past eight years, she has focused her work on supporting inclusive libraries, and that has resulted in an inclusivity statement in May 2017 and an assessment guide for libraries in July 2019.

In Stoughton, this has led to a policy change that eliminates the question asking for gender on library card applications and a short list of immediate goals, such as increasing the font size on hold slips and improving signage and wayfinding.

Library director Jim Ramsey said the library never used the gender information internally or reported it to anyone externally, so the staff eliminated the gender question from the library card application.

“That’s a relatively small

change a lot of people won’t even notice, but for people who may be nonbinary or gender nonconforming, that is one less barrier for them,” Ramsey said.

Stoughton’s library also invited Michaelson Schmidt to lead exercises in examining bias at a staff in-service in September 2019.

“She had us looking at the idea that the public library by its definition is for everyone and how to break down barriers that may prevent people who enter our doors with certain backstories or backgrounds from using certain services,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said there are some accessibility problems the library cannot fix cannot without a building upgrade such as widening the aisles.

Michaelson Schmidt said the inclusivity statement and resulting assessment guide are partially intended to provide how DPI interprets state statute 43.24(2) (k), the law that sets requirements for libraries to remain eligible for state aid.

The trends that shaped the statement – which was drafted by people actively working in Wisconsin libraries – came from local library input, as stakeholders found it helpful to have a set definition of the law, Michaelson Schmidt said.

To get there, she said, she did a lot of listening to the different libraries to learn what would provide more inclusive services.

“Things like income, race, identity – what that actually looks like and concerns or hesitations or complexities will look

different in every community,” Michaelson Schmidt said. “There’s not one prescription that will work for everyone.”

She held a retreat that led to the drafting of the statement, then brought library staff together from over the state to look at race, social justice and bias – using examples of experiences guests have had – for the Inclusive Services Institute.

Among the topic areas the resulting assessment guide addresses are collections, services, practices, policies, procedures, perceived friendliness, programming, location, hours, restrooms, computers and technology, library card registration, online access (website and internet card catalog), marketing, community engagement, funding, self care for library workers, and inclusive culture at the library.

The assessment includes a checklist of questions and prompts representing these topics which were made to align with Wisconsin Public Library standards.

The assessment first came to Ramsey’s attention while working in Middleton in 2018, when members of the task force presented a

draft of the guide. When he became Stoughton’s director in April, it was something he wanted to use as soon as possible for policy planning and overall library direction.

Ramsey held an in-service to look over the assessment with staff and presented it to the Library Board.

There is a policy committee on the library board that meets almost monthly to ensure that policies aren’t unnecessarily onerous to library users. Ramsey said the committee has begun using the assessment guide to ensure the library does not have any policy that creates an undue barrier to service.

He said it’s an ongoing project, not something with a specific beginning and end date. The library will continue to look at the document when putting together strategic plans and planning for the future.

“Some things in there are easier to implement and some are harder, but it is a way to ensure you are providing the greatest level of accessibility to the greatest number of people,” Ramsey said.

Michaelson Schmidt said

the assessment provides overall goals that all the regional libraries can be striving for, but adapt to the needs of their local community.

“In many ways, it’s exciting words like equity, social justice and inclusion are more understood now than even one to five years ago,” Michaelson Schmidt said.

“I am pleased to hear libraries are taking these documents to heart and not just having these conversations because this is a nice thing to do or trendy or on the radar for now. This is what libraries have always stood for, to be a place for everyone regardless of literacy or income, it’s one of the true democratic institutions in our country.”

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working on additional resources tying together the statement and assessment document. This includes n ew c h e c k l i s t p r o m p t s based upon the feedback she’s been hearing of more areas where libraries are not inclusive. She is also creating video modules which could be used at board meetings or staff inservices to help buffer difficult conversations on topics like race or class and diffuse potential tensions.

“Libraries can be a great location for having conversations that can be hard to wrap your head around, a place of safety and trust,” Michaelson Schmidt said.

Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter, can be contacted at neal.patten@ wcinet.com.

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January 2, 2020

Opinion

Stoughton Courier Hub

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Letters to the editor policy Unified Newspaper Group is proud to offer a venue for public debate and welcomes letters to the editor, provided they comply with our guidelines.

Letters should be no longer than 400 words. They should also contain contact information – the writer’s full name, address, and phone number – so that the paper may confirm authorship.

Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be printed under any circumstances.

The editorial staff of Unified Newspaper Group reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and appropriateness. Letters with libelous or obscene content will not be printed.

Unified Newspaper Group generally only accepts letters from writers with ties to our circulation area.

Letters to the editor should be of general public interest. Letters that are strictly personal – lost pets, for example – will not be printed. Letters that recount personal experiences, good or bad, with individual businesses will not be printed unless there is an overwhelming and compelling public interest to do so. Letters that urge readers to patronize specific businesses or specific religious faiths will not be printed, either. “Thank-you” letters can be printed under limited circumstances, provided they do not contain material that should instead be placed as an advertisement and reflect public, rather than promotional interests.

Unified Newspaper Group encourages lively public debate on issues, but it reserves the right to limit the number of exchanges between individual letter writers to ensure all writers have a chance to have their voices heard.

This policy will be printed from time to time in an abbreviated form here and will be posted in its entirety on our websites.

Correction

In a story in the Dec. 19 issue of the Hub about sustainability initiatives, a sentence was incorrectly worded in a way that suggested the public works building does not already have solar panels on its roof. In fact, the building’s solar panels were being used by Ald. Ben Heili as an example of sustainability measures that have already been taken within the city.

In a Dec. 26 edition of the Hub the photo caption for the Vision Board class at Stoughton Yoga incorrectly states the dates of the Teen Tuesday Yoga series. The Hub used a file photo and did not update the caption. The teen yoga class runs Jan. 15 through Feb. 12.

The Hub regrets these errors.

Thursday, January 2, 2020 • Vol. 138, No. 24 USPS No. 614-600 Periodical Postage Paid, Stoughton, WI and additional offices.

Published weekly on Thursday by the Unified Newspaper Group, A Division of Woodward Communications, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send Address Corrections to The Stoughton Courier Hub, 133 Enterprise Dr. Verona, WI 53593.

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Community Voices

Train trips to Madison made for a memorable urban experience

S

toughton provided a wonderful small-town experience for kids coming of age in the 1960s. But there were times when we longed for more cosmopolitan thrills than even our agrarian, bucolic borough could offer.

When that happened, we took the train to Madison.

There was a time when train travel in Wisconsin was an actual thing and the Stoughton train station was a place of intense activity. Numerous trains departed for Madison, Chicago and places beyond on a daily basis. Two trains a day ran to and from Madison alone.

On numerous occasions, we would pay our 25 cents (!) for a round-trip ticket and catch the 12:10 to Madison for a Saturday afternoon of exploration and adventure in the big city.

There were usually four to six of us, and we always followed a rigorous agenda. We disembarked (not really a word back then) at the old train station on West Washington Avenue, later home to the beloved Club Du Wash.

Our first stop was always the Capitol building, where we’d sprint up and down those glorious marble steps before riding the elevators repeatedly and incessantly. That always culminated in our being physically escorted from the building by a member or two of the Capitol security staff.

Then it was time to circumnavigate the Square, always counterclockwise.

We’d covet the newest toys on display at Wolf Kubly Hirsig. Then it was on to Kresge’s Five and Dime to purchase the much sought-after fluorescent socks that were all the rage among fashion-savvy junior high school students at the time. Following that, a refreshment stop at King’s Food Host, where you could actually order your milkshakes and sodas from land line phones positioned in each individual booth.

Mosely’s Bookstore was our next destination (we were nothing if not semi-literate) to browse real books and marvel

at the tall, distinguished clerk in the tailored suit who held court there. Years later, we realized he was none other than StoughAmundson ton’s very own Carl Sampson, who took the train to his Mosely’s job every single day.

Then it was time to tackle State Street. This always included a visit to the two music stores, Forbe Meagher and Ward Brodt, to gawk at impossibly cool electric guitars and occasionally buy fakebooks featuring our favorite bands of the day. After that we’d duck into Goodman’s Jewelry in hopes of getting a glimpse of either Irwin or Robert, local celebrities we saw in ads on our television.

The afternoon climaxed at the Moon Fun Shop, a place of infinite wonder. We bought chattering teeth, X-Ray specs, dribble glasses and, of course, Whoopee Cushions that we’d put on our dad’s Lazy Boy for a big laugh when he settled in to watch Walter Cronkite.

As the 60s progressed and we inched toward high school, State Street changed. The magic store morphed into a poster shop and began filling with the saccharine smell of incense.

Strange looking characters called hippies showed up in person and on the street, just like we’d seen on the news.

Instead of Whoopie Cushions, we began buying black lights and lava lamps to give our bedrooms a Haight Ashbury feel.

We surreptitiously bought copies of a new, very adult comic book called Zap that made Archie and Jughead look like Disney characters.

And I bought my first copy of a newspaper called Rolling Stone, with long articles in very tiny print that articulated the changing culture in a manner we weren’t privy to in the Courier Hub. In time, we even got bold

There was a time when train travel in Wisconsin was an actual thing and the Stoughton train station was a place of intense activity.

Numerous trains departed for Madison, Chicago and places beyond on a daily basis.

Two trains a day ran to and from Madison alone. enough to venture off of State Street, once observing the notorious Mifflin Street block party from a safe distance.

Things culminated in 1968, when we felt bold enough to venture onto campus to observe students violently clashing with members of the Wisconsin National Guard. The thrill!

On that same day, I had to hold my breath to buy a copy of Quicksilver Messenger Service’s “Happy Trails” vinyl LP at the Lake Street Station for $2.99. The store was filled with the acrid smell of tear gas launched earlier in the day, and all the employees were wearing gas masks.

The times were indeed a changin’.

Soon, we all turned 16 and had access to our parents’ motor vehicles, which brought the necessity of train trips to an end.

The trains themselves stopped operating around 1972, forcing Carl Sampson to take the Greyhound bus to the big city. Soon, bus operation ceased, as well.

Many members of our group wound up attending the UW Madison, where we got to experience tear gassings in protests of our own. But the memories of those risky, naive forays into the urban unknown remain.

Bill Amundson is a Stoughton-based artist and substitute teacher.

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January 2, 2020

Stoughton man arrested for 12th OWI after hit and run JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor

A man who spent almost all of the past seven years at the Oregon Correctional Center had been arrested by Stoughton police for what court records indicate would be a 12th charge of operating while intoxicated.

Bruce T. Henningfield, 59, was taken into custody Dec. 25, after being involved in a hit and run with a parked car, according to a news release from the Stoughton Police Department.

The release stated that a witness told police Henningfield had hit a parked car at his apartment complex and that police found signs of impairment and arrested him at 7:42 p.m.Police

told the Hub the location was McComb Apartments, 2125 McComb Road, which also is a commercial center.

Henningfield had not yet appeared before the court Saturday morning on charges recommended by police. Any OWI beyond the fourth is a felony.

Henningfield had been convicted in Racine County in December 2012 for an OWI earlier that year, as well as obstructing an officer in the Village of Sturtevant, leading to a state prison sentence of 7 ½ years plus five years of extended supervision, according to online records. Those records indicated he was still an inmate at least as recently as April 2019.

Court records show his attorneys had attempted

to get his sentence adjusted in 2017 but that it was denied in what was considered to be the public interest.

During Henningfield’s sentencing in March 2013, the court found evidence of 10 prior OWI convictions, according to online records, most of them coming before 1996.

The Oregon Correctional Center, which is actually in Fitchburg, specializes in rehabilitating inmates with substance abuse disorders, according to its website.

Many people committed to the center are given what is known as a Huber release, which allows them to work while finishing their sentence.

Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.​

5

Stoughton Courier Hub

Stoughton Area School District

Photos submitted

Promega volunteer Hope Schultz works with River Bluff students Victor Rivera and Elsa Jones at one of the experiment stations.

Promega scientists make visit Scientists from Promega Corporation and skills by going through the process of visited River Bluff Middle School this extracting DNA from strawberries, with month, helping students learn more about the help of some biotechnology.

DNA extraction. Through the partnership, Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter volunteers from Promega help students Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@ understand scientific concepts, equipment wcinet.com.

Weekly Parkinson’s exercise program begins Jan. 10 NEAL PATTEN

If You Go

Stoughton Wellness Coalition hosting Vape take back event on Jan. 10 NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

The Stoughton Wellness Coalition is encouraging area residents to quit vaping as a 2020 New Year’s Resolution.

From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, at Stoughton United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave., the Coalition is offering a safe and judgment-free way to dispose of vaping products.

The Coalition reminds vapers that vape juice is actually an aerosol product, not vapor, and thus i s c a t eg o r i z e d a s t o x i c waste.

Anyone choosing to quit or trying to help someone else quit vaping are invited

If You Go What: Vape take back When: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10 Where: Stoughton United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave. Info: Call 877-5729 to dispose of their vape products without punishment.

Free food and drinks will be provided all day.

The Stoughton Wellness Coalition was formed in 2006 through the collaborative efforts of the City of Stoughton, Stoughton Area School District and

Stoughton Hospital. The Coalition was created to address health and wellness concerns in the community.

For more information, call 877-5729.

Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter, can be contacted at neal.patten@

Photo submited

Guests gather for the annual Love Light Celebration fundraiser at Stoughton Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.

Community members turn out for Love Light Celebration On Thursday, Dec. 5 the Partners of Stoughton Hospital held their annual Love Light Celebration in the Stoughton Hospital Bryant Health Education Center.

T h e eve n t w a s w e l l attended with many members from the community. Rev. Jack Finney gave the keynote address and spoke to the theme of “special gifts.” Finney encouraged all to give the

gift of uninterrupted time with our friends and loved ones this holiday season and throughout the year.

Violinist Katie Koza performed the song “Special Gifts.”

The Love Light Celebration marks the lighting of the Love Light Trees for “those we remember,” “those we honor” and “those whose military service we recognize.”

Proceeds from this

year’s Love Light Celebration will provide equipment to the Stoughton Hospital Surgical Services Department, upgrades for the “Music and Memory Program” on the Geriatric Psychiatry Unit and funds for community education scholarships.

For more information visit stoughtonhospital.com.

Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

LA CROSSE GUN SHOW

LaCrosse Center, South Hall Proceeds go to Take a Kid Hunting Foundation’s CAMP NEAL.

300 Harborview Pl, LaCrosse, WI

January 3, 4 & 5, 2020

Fri 3-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-3pm $7 (14 & Under FREE) 608-752-6677 www.bobandrocco.com

adno=131413

Dr. Emily Devine, DPT, a physical ther- What: Parkinson’s exercise program apist at Stoughton Hospital, is to lead When: 1-1:45 p.m., beginning Wednesweekly Parkinson’s exercise classes from day, Jan. 10 1-1:45 p.m. Wednesdays at the Stoughton Where: Stoughton Area Senior Center, Area Senior Center beginning Jan. 10.

248 W. Main St. The class is designed to improve function, Info: Call 873-8585 gait, posture, stability, mobility, movement and quality of life for people with the disease. The class should also help attendees Class sizes are limited, so pre-registrastrengthen their muscles and reduce falls. tion is required.

All new participants are required to comTo register, call the Stoughton Hospital plete a physician’s authorization prior to Physical Therapy Clinic at 873-2292. starting their first class.

A $5 per class donation to the Stoughton Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter, can be contacted at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

Senior Center is suggested.

adno=131410

Unified Newspaper Group

6

January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

ConnectStoughton.com

Coming up First Friday Movie

A free movie showing at the senior center will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2.

The senior center hosts a free movie the first Friday of every month.

This months showing is “The Laundromat” starring Meryl Streep, about a vacation that turns into the investigation of a fake insurance policy.

For information, call 873-8585.

Memory Cafe

The next Memory Cafe will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 , at Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St. A Memory Cafe is a place where individuals with memory loss and their care partners can get together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The Memory Cafe encourages friendship and acceptance, and participants can share conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.

For information, call 873-8585.

Energy assistance program

If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, sign up for an appointment during the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Stoughton Area Senior Center.

An energy services representative will meet with participants to see if they qualify for assistance.

Baha’i Faith

For information: Alfred Skerpan, 877-0911 or Gail and Greg Gagnon, 873-9225 us.bahai.org Stoughton study classes.

Bible Baptist Church

2095 Hwy. W, Utica 873-7077 • 423-3033 Sunday: 10 a.m. - Worship; 6 p.m. - Worship

Christ Lutheran Church

Community calendar This service is by appointment Coffee with the Mayor only.

The senior center will host a CofFor information, and to make an fee with the Mayor event from 9:30appointment, call 333-0333.

10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10.

Attendees will be able to ask MayHistorical Homes or Tim Swadley questions about the Sons of Norway – Mandt Lodge will present “Stoughton Historical latest Stoughton news while sipping Homes and their premier builders,” some coffee.

For information, call 873-8585.

7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 317 S. Page St. Opening reception at Abel The program will be presented There is an opening reception for

by Ingrid Thompson who will share three exhibits 5-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. information about the Norwegian 10 at Abel Contemporary Gallery, immigrants August Ovren and John 524 E Main St. Holmstad, show pictures of the hisThe main exhibit is presented by torical homes they built, and tell Delores Fortuna titled, “Form and about the original owners of those Surface, The Convergence Series.” historic homes.

The ceramicist, Fortuna, creates For information, contact Darlene functional and sculptural stoneware Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail. and porcelain. “The series of work com or 873-7209 explores connections between minimalist glazed surfaces and wheel Free leg vein screening A free screening of leg veins is thrown forms,” the event descriptions being offered from 3:30 — 6 p.m. states.

Thaw is the group show where Thursday, Jan. 9 at Stoughton Hospiworks are inspired by snow, ice and tal, 900 Ridge Street.

The appointments are expected to their continuous cycling between liquid and solid. take 10 minutes.

The last exhibit is by Richard Information will be provided about the simple outpatient treatments for Jones titled “The spaciousness of both varicose veins and spider veins. uncertainty.” The exhibit will have This screening is open to anyone, drawings of fried leaves, burned model buildings and planted boats regardless of insurance.

For information, call Jessica at floating in hanging pools.

873-2277.

For information, call 845-6600.

Covenant Lutheran Church

1525 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton • 873-7494 covlutheran@covluth.org • covluth.org Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Worship Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship, 10:30 a.m. Fellowship

Ezra Church

First Lutheran Church

St. Ann Catholic Church

Christ the King Community Church

Fulton Church

1844 Williams Drive, Stoughton • 873-9106 Saturday: 6 p.m. Worship Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship

9209 Fulton St., Edgerton 884-8512 • fultonchurch.org Saturday: 8 a.m. prayer breakfast Sunday: 8 and 10:30 a.m. Worship Coffee Fellowship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School for all ages: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Varsity (High Schoolers): 12-3 p.m.

AWANA (age 2-middle school): 3-5 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Good Shepherd By The Lake Lutheran Church

825 S. Van Buren, Stoughton 877-0439 • Missionaries 957-3930 Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school and Primary

Cooksville Lutheran Church

11927 W. Church St., Evansville 882-4408 Pastor Karla Brekke Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Sunday School

Stoughton Baptist Church

Corner of Williams Dr. & Cty. B, Stoughton • 873-6517 Sunday: 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Worship

310 E. Washington, Stoughton 873-7761 • flcstoughton.com Sunday: 8:30 and 10 a.m. Worship

Christian Assembly Church

616 Albion Rd., Edgerton 561-7450 • albionsdb@gmail.com forministry.com/USWISDBGCASD1 Worship Saturday 11- Sabbath School 10

515 E. Main St., Stoughton • 834-9050 ezrachurch.com Sunday: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

700 Hwy. B, Stoughton 873-9353 • e-mail: office@clcstoughton.org Sunday: 8 and 10:30 a.m. Worship Family express with Sunday school: 9:10 a.m.

401 W. Main St., Stoughton • 877-0303 christthekingcc.org Sunday: 10 a.m. - Worship

Seventh Day Baptist Church of Albion

1860 Hwy. 51 at Lake Kegonsa, Stoughton 873-5924 Sunday Worship: 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Education hour for all ages: 9:15 a.m.

Adult Bible Study: 9:15-9:45 a.m.

LakeView Church

2200 Lincoln Ave., Stoughton 873-9838 • lakevc.org Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship

323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton 873-6448 • 873-7633 Weekday Mass: Nazareth House and St. Ann’s Church Weekend Mass: Saturday - 5:15 p.m.; Sunday - 8 and 10:30 a.m.

United Methodist of Stoughton 525 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton stoughtonmethodist.org Stoughtonumc@Wisconsinumc.org Sunday: 8 a.m.; 10 a.m. - Full Worship

United Pentecostal Church of Stoughton

1501 E. Main St., Stoughton • 608-513-2600 Pastor Rich Thomas • rthomas@cgcmadison.org upcstoughton.com Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., Thursday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

West Koshkonong Lutheran Church 1911 Koshkonong, Stoughton Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - Worship

Friday, Jan. 3

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blood drive, Skaalen Nursing and Rehab Center, 400 N Morris St., 873-5651 • 1 p.m., First Friday Movie (“The Laundromat”), senior center, 873-8585

Sunday, Jan. 5

• 9:15-11:15 a.m., Meetup of the Stoughton Area Democrats and Progressives, library, stotondems@gmail. com

Monday, Jan. 6

• Stoughton Area School District classes resume • 7-9:30 p.m., Stoughton Area School District board meeting, 320 North Street, 877-5000

Tuesday, Jan. 7

• 9:30-11 a.m., Memory Cafe (first Tuesday each month), Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St., 873-8585 • 11 a.m., Commission on Aging, senior center, 8736677

Wednesday, Jan. 8

• 6:30 p.m., The Foundation book club, library, 8736281

Thursday, Jan. 9

• 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Home Energy Assistance (by appointment only), senior center, 333-0333 • 3:30-6 p.m., Free leg vein screening, Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St., 873-2277 • 6:30 p.m., Thursdays with murder, library, 873-6281

Friday, Jan. 10

• 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vape Take Back event, United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave., stoughtonwellness.org • 9:30 a.m. Coffee with the Mayor, senior center, 8778585 • 11 a.m., Senior center Lunch Bunch, Pizza Hut, 1424 US Hwy. 51, 873-8585 • 6:30-8 p.m., Fox Prairie’s winter movie night, Fox Prairie Elementary School, 1601 W South St., 8775100 • 5 p.m., Opening reception of Delores Fortuna and Thaw and Richard Jones, Abel Contemporary Gallery, 524 E Main St., 845-6600

Saturday, Jan. 11

• 10 a.m., Library play date, library, 873-6281

Food pantries City of Stoughton Food Pantry

The City of Stoughton Food Pantry, 520 S. Fourth St., is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

It will also be open from 4-6 p.m. Thursday evenings and the first Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m.

SUMC Food Pantry

The Stoughton United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 525 Lincoln Ave., is open from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesdays. It will also be open from 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Personal Essentials Pantry

The Personal Essentials Pantry (PEP), 343 E. Main St., is open from 1-5 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each Month. The pantry will be closed on holidays and if SASD is closed due to weather.

Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church 2633 Church St., Cottage Grove Sunday: 9:30 a.m. worship 11 a.m. Bible study

Support groups Diabetic Support Group • 6 p.m., second Monday, Stoughton Hospital, 873-2356

A Vale of Tears The world has often been described as a vale of tears, a place of profound and often pointless suffering. Many of the psalms are drenched in those tears, and even the usually hopeful Saint Paul describes creation as “groaning as in the pains of childbirth.”(Romans 8:22 NIV) The Buddha concurred,saying that life is essentially suffering, and philosophers throughout the ages have tended to agree, some even going so far as to suggest that it would be better to have never been born.

The philosopher who composed Ecclesiastes says “And I declared that the dead,who had already died, are happier than the living,who are still alive.

But better than both is the one who has never been born,who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.”(Ecclesiastes 4:2-3 NIV) It would be foolish to deny that the world is rife with suffering, and yet perhaps all this pessimism says more about the philosophers and psalmists than it does about the world. Life is surely also a source of great pleasure and indescribable beauty, and many of us find meaning in life precisely to the extent that we help to relieve the suffering of ourselves and others. We shouldn’t deny the pain and suffering inherent in the world, but we shouldn’t fall prey to the delusion that it is all there is to the world.

– Christopher Simon

Dementia Caregivers • 2 p.m., second Thursday, senior center, 873-8585 Crohn’s/Colitis/IBD Support Group • 5:30 p.m., third Wednesday, Stoughton Hospital, 873-7928 Grief Support Groups • 2 p.m., third Wednesday, senior center, 873-8585 Low Vision Support • 1-2:30 p.m., third Thursday, senior center, 873-8585 Parkinson’s Group • 1:30-2:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday, senior center, 873-8585 Multiple Sclerosis Group • 10-11:30 a.m., second Tuesday, senior center, 873-8585

Submit your community calendar and coming up items online:

ConnectStoughton.com ungcalendar@wcinet.com

ConnectStoughton.com

January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

7

Photos of 2019 Journalists at the Hub are as much photographers as they are watchdogs and writers. We’ve selected some of our favorite photos from 2019 snapped by a variety of our reporters.

On the Web To view the full Photos of 2019 slideshow visit:

ConnectStoughton.com

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

Aiden Beardin, 4, of Janesville, watches as a chick hatches in the Kiddie Barn at the Stoughton Fair on Wednesday, July 3.

Volunteers dump slime on Tori Price on Friday, Oct. 18, at Kegonsa Elementary School.

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Richard Schollmeyer fishes another portion of boiled cod out of the pots to serve during the fish boil at West Koshkonong Church Friday, Sept. 6. To his right, Kent Peterson is known as the “boil master.”

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Otis Buehring, 2, of Stoughton swings as “Nana” Jackie Buehring pushes from behind. at Criddle Park Friday, July 26.

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

Ron Roggenbauer, of Racine, throws a block across the line at the Stoughton Kubb Invitiational on Saturday, July 27, at Virgin Lake Park. Kubb is a lawn game that can be described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes.

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

Senior Zerek Zeichert does a jig during the Norse Afternoon of Fun Sunday, Feb. 10, at the high school.

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Photo by Justin Loewen

Nora Rockwell, 4, sleds down a hill in Veteran’s Park on Feb. 3.

Stoughton’s Jordan Barthuly swims his leg of the first-place 800-yard freestyle relay during the Badger South Relays on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Stoughton High School. The Vikings finished third in the meet with 82 points.

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January 2, 2020

Sports

Stoughton Courier Hub

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Courier Hub For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectStoughton.com

ConnectStoughton.com Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

Mark Nesbitt, assistant sports editor 845-9559 x237 • sportsreporter@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550

Boys basketball

Vikings split against Cardinals MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

The Stoughton boys basketball team went 1-1 against Division 1 foes at the Cardinal Holiday Classic last week.

The Vikings beat host Middleton 56-45 on Saturday, Dec. 28, a day after falling to Chippewa Falls 55-54.

Stoughton 56, Middleton 45

Junior guard Cael McGee scored a game-high 17 points to propel the Vikings past the Cardinals.

Senior Adam Hobson, a Michigan Tech commit, and sophomore Barrett Nelson each added 11 points.

Sophomore Luke Fernholz pitched in nine points.

The Vikings (7-2) led 22-18 lead at the half.

L o ga n S c h u l t z p a c e d Middleton with 13 points.

Chippewa Falls 55, Stoughton 54

Hobson scored a gamehigh 19 points and junior guard Konner Knauf played valuable minutes o ff t h e b e n c h , bu t t h e Vikings lost a nail-biter to the Cardinals. “ T h a t ’s t h e k i n d o f ga m e w e n e e d t o l e a r n how to win,” Stoughton coach Nolan Weber said.

“We are better than the average teams and we are not quite as good as the good teams. Monroe and Chippewa Falls are the most talented teams we have seen so far and both of them have knocked us out in the end.”

McGee drilled a 3-pointer to tie the game at 52 with 1:11 left, but Chippewa

at the end.”

McGee scored 15 points and Knauf hit three 3s for nine points. Hobson knocked down five 3s to lead the Vikings.

“I’m always finding new things to improve on,” Hobson said. “I’m never satisfied with where I’m at. The big thing for me is coming into the game with confidence and playing aggressively.”

Chippewa Falls senior Peyton Rogers-Schmidt scored 10 points in the fi r s t h a l f , bu t H o b s o n held the 6-foot-6 forward scoreless in the second half.

“There are not a lot of guys in our area that are 6-6 that are athletic and can get to the rim,” Hobson said. “A lot of times, he’s getting to the rim and finishing at the rim over top of guys. I took that to heart a little bit to do things to stop him. There were a lot of guys doing a really great job of communicating and helping off on him.”

Chippewa Falls junior Joe Reuter scored a team-high 16 points. Stoughton senior guard Nathan Hutcherson despite being five inches shorter than Reuter.

“Hutch is our best guy when it comes to guarding a shooter,” Weber said, “and Adam is probably our best guy when we need to stop the driver and being in good position.”

The Cardinals posed a Photo by Mark Nesbitt challenge with a guardStoughton junior Konner Knauf drills a 3-pointer with coach Nolan Weber looking on in the second half against Chippewa heavy attack.

Falls on Friday, Dec. 27. The Vikings lost 55-54 in their Cardinal Holiday Classic opener at Middleton High School.

“We don’t see a lot of Falls junior forward Jacob Vikings junior Reece the ball back. right away,” Hobson said. teams that shoot it the way Walczak converted a three- Sproul made a layup with “There were just a cou- “It’s not a last-play type of they do and essentially put point play with 16 seconds 0.3 seconds to go, but there ple of mental lapses and thing. The game is too long remaining. was no time for a foul to get we didn’t start the play off to blame it on one last thing Turn to Boys hoops/Page 9

Wrestling

Stoughton claims team crown, six individuals win titles ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Stoughton has already established itself as a wrestling powerhouse in the state of Wisconsin.

On Friday, Dec. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 28, the Vikings made a statement in Woodbridge, Virginia by winning the 32-team Battle at the Bridge Tournament with 297.5 points.

Six Stoughton wrestlers won individual titles with 5-0 records.

Three of those six remained undefeated on the season.

Luke Mechler (160 pounds) and Brooks Empey (220) each improved to 23-0, while defending state champion Nicolar Rivera moved to 21-0 at 126 pounds.

Mechler recorded two pins in a combined 2:06, won by 18-2

technical fall and earned a 9-3 decision over John Randolph/ Tucker’s James Simon in the semifinals. He won an 11-2 major decision over South County’s Brian Gordon in the championship match.

Empey pinned three opponents in a combined 1 minute, then picked up a forfeit victory. He won 9-8 over Forest Park’s Cade Eversley in the championship bout.

Rivera recorded two pins in a combined 5:14, received a forfeit victory, and beat Forest Park’s Carson Miller 18-12 in the semifinals. He won via 17-1 tech fall over Osbourn’s Andrew Holladay in the championship match.

Stoughton’s Chance Suddeth pushed his record to 22-1 at 106 pounds, Gavin Model moved to

21-2 at 145, and Brandt Spilde improved to 17-4 at 182 with individual titles.

Suddeth recorded three pins in a combined 3:21 on the first day, won a 14-1 major decision over Brooke Point’s Parker Trahan in the semifinals, and beat Woodbridge’s Christopher Nguyen 12-6 in the championship match.

Model pinned his first three opponents in a combined 5:07, beat Patrick Henry Roanoke’s Chauncey Wilson 2-1 in the semifinals, and beat Midwest’s Avery Bassett 7-5 in overtime of the championship bout.

Spilde received a forfeit victory, then pinned his next four opponents in a combined 8:45.

He pinned Annandale’s Patrick Lee in 1:14 in the championship match.

Trent Carpenter (152) finished

fourth with a 5-2 record. He won all five of his matches by pin in a combined 7:35, but lost to Atlee’s Steven Scanlon 5-3 in the thirdplace match.

Luke Spilde (170) and heavyweight Griffin Empey each placed fourth with 4-2 records.

Luke Spilde recorded two pins in a combined 1:34 and won 4-2 to reach the semifinals. He lost by pin in the championship semis, won 10-7 over South County’s Steven Martinos in the consolation semis, then lost to Colgan’s Joe Suriano 1-0 in the third-place match.

Griffin Empey recorded a pair of pins in a combined 51 seconds and won 5-1 to reach the semifinals. He lost by pin in the championship semis, won by pin in the consolation semis, and lost to Woodbridge’s Joshua

Mancia 9-3 in the third-place match.

Ethan Peterson (120) placed sixth with a 3-3 record. all three of his wins came on the first day — a first-period pin, a 15-0 tech fall and a 7-4 decision.

Trenton Dow (138) finished seventh with a 4-2 record. He recorded a pin in 52 seconds, won 9-1 and 2-0, then pinned King George’s Caputo Brett in 1:53 in the seventh-place match.

Alex Wicks (132) took eighth with a 4-3 record. His four pins were in a combined 6:52; but he was pinned twice by Midwest’s Austin Aucker.

Rose Ann Marshall (113) went 3-2. She recorded two pins in a combined 5:09 and beat Osbourn Park’s Rebwar Ibrahim 14-8.

Coltin Suddeth (120) went 2-2 with a pair of first-period pins.

ConnectStoughton.com

January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

Girls basketball

9

Boys hockey

Vikings can’t keep up with Warriors on road ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Waupun’s Baron, Malachi and Jarrett Buchholz were a pain in Stoughton’s side in the two teams’ nonconference game Friday, Dec. 27.

The Warriors scored 10 unanswered goals in the final two periods to beat the Vikings 11-1 at Waupun Ice Arena.

Stoughton dropped to 2-6 with the loss, while Waupun improved to 5-4.

Malachi Buchholz scored just 2:30 into the game, but James Hanson tied it with a goal at the 9:13 mark off assists from

Jack Rilling and Zach Wahlin.

Wa u p u n s c o r e d five goals in the second period and five more in the third. Baron Buchholz scored the first three goals of the third, and Malachi Buchholz completed his hat trick with two goals to cap the scoring. Jarrett Buchholz scored twice in the second and dished out three assists.

The Warriors outshot the Vikings 77-23. Max Nihles made 61 saves for Stoughton, and Bjorne Seybold added five saves.

Ty l e r F r o m h o l z ( 2 2 saves) picked up the win in net for Waupun.

Girls hockey

Icebergs head north for threegame tournament Stoughton’s late rally comes up short Stoughton senior Myranda Kotlowski (left) goes up for a layup against the Homestead defense during the second half Friday, Dec. 27. The Vikings lost 62-60 in the Cardinals Holiday Classic at Middleton High School.

Stoughton senior Delaney Seidel shoots a jumper in the second half against Homestead. The Vikings lost 62-60 and Seidel scored a team-high 12 points on Dec. 27 in the Cardinals Holiday Classic at Middleton High School.

ADAM FEINER

MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Stoughton senior Delaney Seidel saw a silver lining after the Vikings’ late comeback fell short in a 62-60 loss to Homestead in the Cardinal Holiday Classic on Friday, Dec. 27, at Middleton High School.

“I think it shows that we don’t give up,” said Seidel, who scored a team-high 12 points. “Even if we are down, we keep on fighting and keep a positive attitude and outlook on the game.”

Stoughton (2-6) rallied from a 10-point deficit late in the second half. The Vikings turned to a press and scored points off turnovers.

Senior Myranda Kotlowski came up with a steal and layup to cut Homestead’s lead to 60-53 with 1:44 left.

Kotlowski converted another layup, and senior Megan Marggi knocked d ow n t wo f r e e t h r ow s t o s l i c e

Homestead’s lead to 60-57.

Homestead (7-2) had trouble closing the door on the Vikings, making just 2 of 8 free throws in the final 40 seconds. Stoughton sophomore Ava Loftus drilled a 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds to go to cut the Highlanders’ lead to two.

Stoughton tried to foul after the ensuing inbounds pass, but the Vikings did not have a time out left and the buzzer sounded.

“I don’t consider us a pressing team, but we kind of had to pick the pace up a little bit out of necessity,” Stoughton coach Brad Pickett said. “We gave ourselves a chance, and that’s all you can ask for is that opportunity.”

The Vikings have lost two straight games and are 1-2 in games decided by three points or less.

Sophomore Mya Davidson posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kotlowski added nine points, and Micah Zaemisch had

seven points and eight rebounds.

Stoughton hurt itself with 20 turnovers.

The Highlanders went on a 12-2 run in the second half to open up a 10-point lead. Homestead junior McKenna Marotta hit two 3s during the surge, and senior Grace Meuller drilled a 3 to make it 59-49 with 2:37 left.

“We turned it over a couple of times and they pushed the ball a little bit more and got some easy baskets in transition,” Pickett said. “They made some shots in that stretch.”

The Vikings scored the game’s first 11 points, as Davidson had five and Zaemisch had four during the spurt.

Homestead battled back and took a 22-20 lead on freshman Delaney Buzzell’s layup with 3:59 left in the first half. Stoughton took advantage of a 20-13 rebounding edge in the first half to lead 29-25 at intermission.

Sports editor

The Icebergs girls hockey team competed in the Hodagland Holiday Tournament at Rhinelander Ice Arena on Friday, Dec. 27, Saturday, Dec. 28, and Sunday, Dec. 29, in Rhinelander.

The co-op earned its first win of the season Saturday with a 4-1 victory against Northern Edge. The win came a day after a 7-1 loss to Northland Pines.

No results from Saturday and Sunday were sent to the Hub.

Northland Pines 7, Icebergs 1

The Eagles picked up their second win of the season against the

YEARSayEND SALE! Yes to the

Boys hoops: Vikings’ backcourt steps up big in Middleton Continued from page 8

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Stoughton junior Cael McGee hits a 3-pointer in the second half against Chippewa Falls on Friday, Dec. 27, in the Cardinal Holiday Classic at Middleton High School.

five guards and ball handlers out on the floor at once,” Weber said.

Hobson hit a trio of 3s early on to help the Vikings jump out to a 13-7 lead.

Both teams shot 50% in the first half, as Chippewa Falls battled back to take a 31-27 lead at the break.

The Cardinals started the second half on an 8-2 run. Weber took a timeout and the Vikings responded.

Knauf and Hobson each knocked down a 3 cut the Cardinals’ lead to 41-38 with 10:49 left.

Hobson said Knauf and Fernholz have done a lot of the dirty work the past several games.

“ T h a t h e l p s g iv e u s energy plays and runs,” Hobson said. “They both had the majority of our offensive rebounds. Konner shot it with confidence and knocked down some 3s. That really sparked us.”

The Vikings had chances down the stretch inside, but couldn’t convert at the rim.

“They did a nice job and some of it was we didn’t finish the way we need to finish,” Weber said. “I thought they (Nelson and Sproul) were posting up hard. As long as we continue to do that, good things will start happening, even if they are not always efficient.”

Icebergs.

Oregon junior Izzy Newton scored on the power play with 10:13 left off a pass from Stoughton junior Sydney Schipper to trim the Icebergs’ deficit to 5-1. The Icebergs finished 1-for-3 on the power play.

Stoughton freshman Aven Gruner made 20 saves.

Northland Pines outshot the Icebergs 27-12.

Madison Stebbeds racked up six points (two goals, four assists) for the Eagles. Grace Wi t t ko p f n e t t e d a h a t trick and dished out two assists, while Allie Kieffer added two goals and two assists.

Ashlynn Boxrucker made 11 saves in the win.

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10

January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

Sidney Owen Anderson Jr. S i d n ey O w e n A n d e rson Jr. age 81 passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 16, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 25, 1938 to Sidney and Adria (Anderson) Anderson in Edgerton, Wisconsin. He lived on the family farm and attended grade school in Cooksville. Sid graduated from Stoughton High School in 1957. He was an athlete, and was on the very first Stoughton wrestling team, and was a State C h a m p i o n s h i p r u n n e r.

His excellence in running awarded him a scholarship to the UW- Madison Veterinary School where he attended one semester of college.

He married Gloria J.(Thronson) Anderson on June 6, 1959 in Glen Ellyn, I l l i n o i s . To g e t h e r t h ey shared 60 years of wedded bliss, in which they raised five children together.

Sid ran the family farm in Cooksville until 1988. He also worked at the General Motors Company in Janesville, and retired in 2001 after 44 years of service. He loved living in Cooksville and Eddie Julseth, John Porter, Wally Rusch, and Walter Kettle were some of his dearest friends. He was a Jehovah’s Witness and

Sidney Owen Anderson Jr.

attended services regularly in the Evansville, Wisconsin congregation. He had many friends there and spoke of Lee Patterson and Ray Clauer often.

Sid enjoyed playing baseball, pitching horseshoes, bowling on leagues with his father in Janesville, gardening, farming, growing blueberry bushes and apple trees, nature, feeding his birds, and country music.

He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his beloved sons.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him. Sid had a kind and gentle spirit that he shared with everyone.

He loved all of his family and friends dearly, and was extremely generous all who knew him.

He is survived by his brother Robert (Darlene) Anderson, and his wife Gloria. His children Duane (Debbie) Anderson, (Joe)

Joshua J. Gavney Joshua J. Gavney, age 34, of Stoughton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at Edgerton Hospital. He was born on Dec. 9, 1985, in Madison, the son of James Gavney and Karen (Nelson) Knipfer. Joshua graduated from Stoughton High School.

He enjoyed music, playing guitar, loved his dog Marley and going for walks.

Josh had his own sense of fashion. He also enjoyed repairing antique guitars and will be remembered as always willing to lend a helping hand. Most important to Josh was spending time with his kids.

Joshua is survived by his daughter, Chloe Rose Gavney; son, Elliott Alfred

Joshua J. Gavney

Gavney; their mother, Dani Karlslyst; his parents, Karen (special friend, Dave Vernig) and James (Sandra) Gavney; brother, Richie Knipfer; step-brothers, Rajiv and Sanjiv Ramdeo; half-sister, Shivani Gavney; and grandparents, Bud and Grethe Nelson, Bruce and Inger Felland and Jim and

ConnectStoughton.com

M a r c i a R e p a s ky, G a r y (Tracy) Anderson, (Mark) Trina Helgestad, and Sydney (Amy) Anderson.

His grandchildren Casey Anderson, Philip Anderson, Kaitlin Anderson, Colton Anderson, (Chris) Stephanie Herron, Jamie (Dani) Repasky, Joseph Mullen Jr., Hazel Helgestad, Hudson Helgestad, Ashley Boggs, and Avery Sweeney. Great grandchildren Zoey De Voe, Jasmine Herron, Brayden Herron, Oliver Repasky, and Teddy Anderson-Gates.

He had three special nieces who he loved dearly (Tim) Stacy Hilgenberg, Stephanie Larson, and (Aric) Kathy Aegerter.

He was predeceased by Sidney and Adria Anderson, Philip Anderson, Linda Anderson, (Pete) Beverly Kores, and Dr. Tom Anderson.

The celebration of life will be on Jan. 12 at 3:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall in Evansville, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Following the service a meal will be provided at Creekside Place 102 Maple Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. 53536.

Memorial donations may be made to Agrace hospice care in gratitude for their excellent care of our father in his last days.

Condolences may be expressed at Wardhurtley. com

Lanette Gavney.

A funeral service will be held at Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Care, 1358 Hwy. 51 N at Jackson St., Stoughton, at 4 p.m., on Sunday Dec. 29, 2019, with the Rev. Sara Rabe presiding. A reception with refreshments will follow.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. Memorials may be made to an education fund to be established in Chloe and Elliott’s names. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Hwy. 51 N at Jackson St. 873-4590

2020: School budget, enrollment concerns and riverfront development among top issues Continued from page 1 hasn’t come to an agreement with.

The city will also get to review a strategic plan to vastly expand the amenities and bring in more revenue for the Stoughton Opera House, which now has much more space.

The school district also needs to determine whether to use a local donation to help put artificial turf on the high school football field, alders will need to choose whether to spend millions of dollars to facilitate the construction of a housing subdivision at Kettle Park West and jurors could get to decide w h e t h e r Te d B r u n o i s guilty of murder.

1. Budget crunch, attracting young families

Summing up the Stoughton Area School District’s five-year financial forecast in February, school board president Frank Sullivan put it simply: “uncertainty.”

For several years, officials have warned that the district’s finances would be in good shape through the 2019-20 budget, due in part to the successful recurring referendum in 2014, but questionable afterward.

That hasn’t changed, as while the calendar moves to 2020, the school board might have some big decisions – and cuts – to make this fall.

Beyond that, SASD business manager Erica Pickett said, “we may be faced with making potential reductions if projected enrollment declines continue to occur and the state funding levels aren’t sufficient to support current spending levels.”

“Looking out five years, there’s a lot of question marks,” she told the board at the Feb. 4 meeting.

“With state funding on the rebound with Gov. Evers’ last biennial budget, perhaps the biggest question mark moving forward is the district’s continued enrollment decline, which

isn’t getting worse, but isn’t getting better.

In September, the annual “Third Friday” official student count showed 65 fewer students in the district for the 2019-20 school year than the year before.

And while the number is less than the 94-student loss last year, the most troubling statistic is that smaller classes are working their way through the grade levels.

“It’s the same story we’ve been talking about since 2002,” Pickett said.

Prompted by a board member’s question, Pickett said “just about every other” school district in Dane County is increasing in enrollment, which brought a bit of angst to the surface among some members.

Kathleen Hoppe said things didn’t seem to click with the school board members and three Common Council members on the ad hoc committee started a few years ago to look into ways to attract and retain young families.

She said the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce also needs to be included in the effort, “so when people inquire about Stoughton and about our schools they get a little more than just the trifold with all the Syttende Mai pictures and, ‘We have the opera house.’”

Steve Jackson said he’d like the district to gather information about what younger families are looking for and share that with city officials that could help turn those ideas into action.

“It sure would help if we had affordable housing for families instead of more senior housing,” he said.

“It will hit us … when it comes to curriculum for the children and staff, but also our facilities. What’s that going to look like if we continue to see these numbers and we’re not working with the city to make improvements?”

— Scott De Laruelle

2. Developer chosen for riverfront

If the City of Stought o n ’s R e d e v e l o p m e n t Authority has its way, 2020 will be a big year for the downtown waterfront.

It could be a historic year for the long-awaited riverfront redevelopment project, or it could be another year that progress stalled again. But if it stalls, this time history won’t be what’s in the way.

The RDA spent much of 2019 on the long process of finding the right developer for the project after the demolition of the Highway Trailer complex on East South Street cleared the way for the city to use the land for the redevelopment project.

The final piece of that century-old six-building complex, known as the blacksmith shop, came down in September after months of debate over its historic value.

Now that Curt Vaughn B r i n k D eve l o p e r s h a s signed a letter of intent to take on the project for the city, Stoughtonites might finally see some steps forward on the road to making these changes to the downtown happen.

Brink’s plan includes commercial and residential developments along the river, topped off the development with the addition of a brew pub in the city’s old power station building, where patrons can look out on the Yahara river while enjoying a drink.

The RDA still hasn’t signed a developer’s agreement with Brink, however.

A letter of intent the two sides signed in November contains non-binding language.

A more formal agreement will be necessary to move ahead with any concrete plans.

If the RDA and Brink do not continue with plans for the riverfront, the authority will have to restart its

Turn to 2020/Page 11

Legals

*** STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY, NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INFORMAL ADMINISTRATION) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD D. NELSON CASE NO. 2019PR872 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for Informal Administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth October 27, 1935 and date of death No-

vember 8, 2019, was domiciled in Dane County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 2216 Colladay Point Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 20, 2020.

5. A claim may be filed at the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton Street, Madison, Wisconsin, Room 1005.

Electronically signed by Danell Behrens Deputy Probate Registrar December 17, 2019 Michael D. Rumpf PO Box 1 Cambridge, WI 53523 (608) 423-3254 Bar Number: 1015663 Published: December 26, 2019, January 2 and 9, 2020 WNAXLP *** STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT DOOR COUNTY CASE NO. 19-CV-159 Code No. 30404 SUMMIT CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, v.

THE ESTATE OF ROSWITHA ANNA FLACH DENNIS SAID DOOR COUNTY, Defendants.

SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To Each Person Named Above as a Defendant: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The Complaint, which is attached, states the nature and basis for the legal action.

Within 40 days after (December 16, 2019), you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the Complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Clerk of Circuit Court, Wood County Courthouse, 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494, and to Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is, Bates Legal Group, LLC, PO Box 1473, Wausau, WI 54402-1473. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days after (December 16, 2019), the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 31st day of October, 2019.

Bates Legal Group, LLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff Summit Credit Union By: /s/ Justin J. Bates Justin J. Bates State Bar No. 1066128 PO Box 1473 Wausau, WI 54 473 (715) 843-5599 Published: December 19 and 26, 2019 and January 2, 2020 WNAXLP ***

BEFORE THE STATE OF WISCONSIN DIVISION OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE DEALER BOND OF STARK BUICK GMC, INC. CASE NO: DOT-19-0028 PUBLIC NOTICE OF TIME TO FILE DEALER BOND CLAIMS NOTICE TO PERSONS WITH CLAIMS AGAINST THE MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER BOND OF STARK BUICK GMC, INC. 1. Stark Buick GMC, Inc. was previously licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as a motor vehicle dealer. The Dealer’s facilities were located at 1423 Hwy. 51, P.O. Box 276, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

2. The Dealer has had a bond in force since November I, 2004. (Bond# 579288A

by Capitol Indemnity Corporation).

3. A claim has been filed against the bond of the Dealer. The Claimants alleges that they suffered damages because of one or more acts of Dealer which provide grounds for revocation or suspension of Dealer’s license to operate a motor vehicle dealership under Wis. Stat. § 218.0116(l)(a) to ( gr), (im) to (k), (m), or (n) to (p).

4. Other persons who have a claim for money damages for an actual loss because of an act of the Dealer during the period covered by the bond may make a claim against the bond on the Department of Transportation form number MV 2542, in accordance with Wis. Admin.

Code ch. TRANS 140.

5. Copies of the claim form, MV 2542, are available by contacting: John Remy, DMV/Dealer Section, P.O. Box 7909, Madison, WI 53707-7909 6. Claims may be submitted to John Remy at the address shown above. The deadline for the submission of claims is 60 days from publication of this notice, or

by March 2, 2020, at 4:30 pm. Claims not

received on or before that date and time will be considered late and will receive lower priority under Wis. Admin. Code TRANS 140.27.

7. A public hearing will be held on all timely but disputed claims, if necessary at 1:30 pm on April 30, 2020, in the Hill Farms State Office Building, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Room S148, Madison, Wisconsin.

Dated at Madison, Wisconsin on De-

cember 17, 2019.

STATE OF WISCONSIN DIVISION OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS 4822 Madison Yards Way, Fifth Floor Madison, Wisconsin 53705 Telephone: (608) 266-7709 FAX: (608) 264-9885 By: /s/ Mark F. Kaiser Administrative Law Judge Published: January 2, 2020 WNAXLP

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STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY, NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INFORMAL ADMINISTRATION) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT N. THOLO CASE NO. 2019PR893 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for Informal Administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth July 14, 1951 and date of death October 28, 2019, was domiciled in Dane County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 3056 Shadyside Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 20, 202.

5. A claim may be filed at the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton Street, Madison, Wisconsin, Room 1005.

Electronically signed by Danell Behrens Deputy Probate Registrar December 17, 2019 Jonathan M. Hajny 221 Kings Lynn Road Stoughton, WI 53589 (608) 877-4081 Bar Number: 1014429 Published: December 26, 2019, January 2 and 9, 2020 WNAXLP

January 2, 2020

Continued from page 10 search for a developer or consider other ways to develop the land.

A previous master develo p e r, A p p l e t o n - b a s e d Tanesay, backed out of the project in 2016, when city leaders couldn’t agree on the fate of the blacksmith shop. A search for another master developer in 2019 yielded only Brink after two other candidates were rejected and three others withdrew from consideration in the spring.

— Renee Hickman

3. Opera house to expand, undergo restorations

With added space and a new strategic plan in the works, the Stoughton Opera House could be much more than a music venue.

In May, after 118 years on East Main Street, City Hall moved across the street, leaving the iconic clock tower building now fully in the hands of the Stoughton Opera House. That gave the nationally known music venue room to expand its services – and possibly bring in more revenue.

Over the next year, opera house organizers hope to restore three rooms on the first floor to add a cafe with snackable items and coffee, a community room and cabaret room.

The community room would double as a lounge for patrons and a VIP room during large events, and the cabaret room could host small performances like book readings and acoustic duos.

The Stoughton Opera House Friends Association also hopes to obtain a beer and wine license, allowing patrons to purchase drinks.

“The restorations that will happen at the opera house, in addition to enhancing the space upstairs and providing additional revenue streams, will strengthen the opera house as an anchor for the Main Street entertainment district and the riverfront,” Bill Brehm opera house director told the Hub. The plan would turn the former office of the mayor into a cabaret room, with a small stage at the front.

Rather than opening the auditorium, which holds 475 people, this would be a more intimate space for smaller audiences, Brehm said.

A l a rg e r c o n c e s s i o n stand could offer patrons more options during shows and on nonperformance days. Brehm said it could become a cafe that could serve coffee and snackable items like muffins, scones and cookies.

The former office of the clerk would be both a VIP lounge space during big events and a place with comfortable furniture where people would be able to sit and relax other days. The first and lower levels also now have storage space that can be used for coolers, kegs, cushions and a separate space for traveling shows.

The Friends also hope to renovate the facility

Honorable mentions SASD ‘Innovation Center’ seeks momentum

Nearly two years ago, Stoughton Area School District officials laid out an ambitious proposal for a new tech center, called “Vision 2020: Innovation Center.”

After a relatively quiet 2019, perhaps 2020 will be a year of more news on the project.

The facility would be available to Stoughton K-12 students during the day and host school and community uses at night and weekends. Parts of the building would also be used for adult education, job training and community meeting space.

In November 2018, the district announced a $250,000 commitment from the Wahlin Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Stoughton Trailers.

“We feel the Innovation Center would greatly benefit the community and would offer something for all ages, students, the school district, businesses and entrepreneurs,” director Betsy McClimon wrote in an email to the Hub. “We are confident that this project will be a success, especially after seeing the high school Fab Lab succeed and be the envy of other districts across the state.”

Fab Lab Stoughton adviser Mike Connor said district officials had spent recent months floating the idea with area companies, foundations, government entities, school board members and community groups, and said “the overall response was very positive and encouraging.”

Historical downtown

Buildings in the city’s downtown could begin having their exterior features administered by the Landmarks Commission.

A proposed locally designated historic landmark district would replace the current design overlay district and switch exterior approval authority from the Planning Commission. It would affect properties from Fifth Street to the Yahara River.

If any of the 67 property owners want to change the color of their facade, replace windows, add signage or complete structural additions, they would have to go through an approval process.

The Landmark Commission is gathering community input from an online survey at ci.stoughton.wi.us

A new fire chief

With the retirement of Scott Wegner in January, the Stoughton Fire Department is looking to hire its third full-time fire chief in the position’s 15-year history.

He was known for his technical expertise and his work acquiring upgraded equipment for the department.

Wegner was set to retire Jan. 2 after nearly six years on the job. He announced his retirement in early November, and the city’s Police and Fire Commission last month started the process of finding a successor.

City head of human resources AmyJo Gillingham told the Hub in an email the department will be taking applications until 4:30 p.m. Jan. 3, and the city had so far received 23 applications.

Assistant fire chief Mark Miller will be sworn in as interim fire chief Jan. 2.

— Hub staff to provide more of a nod to its history and make it more comfortable, including tin ceilings, retro light fixtures and new seat cushions.

“The No. 1 thing that people don’t like about the opera house is the seats are hard,” Brehm said.

— Mackenzie Krumme

4. Turf for football field

A surprise donation could lead to a new playing surface for Stoughton High School.

In October, the Wahlin Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Stoughton Trailers, announced it would donate $150,000 toward artificial turf for Collins Field at Stoughton High School.

With that seed money in hand, fundraising could ramp up in 2020.

Stoughton Trailers president Bob Wahlin said in that news release company officials hoped the initial donation would serve as “both foundation and catalyst” for such a project.

The football team has improved dramatically in the past several years, but

Wahlin and Stoughton Area School District athletic director Mel Dow both pointed out that it could be used for much more.

“Installing turf will allow the field to support more frequent, year-round activity and open up many new opportunities for community use,” he said. ““Although much work is still needed to move ahead with a turf field, we are impressed by the vision of the athletic department to build a multiuse/sport facility that can be enjoyed by the entire community, from youth teams through high school.”

Dow called the donation a “gracious surprise” and told the Hub in October it was a continuation of the company’s support the district’s academic and athletic programs. He said artificial turf there would support a broad range of sports and activities at varying levels and might reduce the number of injuries from a wet, muddy grass field.

Dow also said adding the turf would cut down on costs, as it wouldn’t need to be watered or

Turn to 2020/Page 12

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2020: Opera House to undergo restorations

Stoughton Courier Hub

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ConnectStoughton.com

12

January 2, 2020

Stoughton Courier Hub

Stoughton native pens ‘Write in Time’ Former resident publishes fiction novel EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

The story is set in Madison during Christmas time.

Four writers from different backgrounds seek to better their craft with the help of a University o f Wi s c o n sin-Madison professor Matenaer who longs for purpose.

Titled “Write in Time,” it’s a love letter to the city she’s been lucky enough to call home for 17 years, says author and former Stoughton resident Meg Matenaer.

“I wanted to shine a light on all my favorite places in Madison,” Matenaer wrote in a news release to the Hub. In the book, four writers who sign up for a fiction workshop bring all their writing challenges and personal troubles to the table, and must decide if they will champion each others stories or write one another off.

One character is a young stay at home mom, while another is a 30-something lawyer; the other two an 87 year old widow and a middle-aged landscaper

Cover courtesy of Meg Matenaer

Meg Matenaer’s book, “Write in Time” is available at Madison independent bookstore Mystery to Me and on Amazon.

with marital issues.

The book features Madison’s downtown restaurants, Capitol and campus buildings. Matenaer said the novel also doubles as a travel guide to the city’s food and landmarks. She said the book’s Christmas theme and celebration of community make it a perfect gift for the holiday season.

Matenaer said she has always been interested in writing and grew up with a family that entertained

one another with “great stories” around the dinner table.

“My family … they are great storytellers and they are really funny,” she said.

Matenaer earned an English degree at UW-Madison, graduating in 2006 and was a high school teacher for a year after.

But when she had her first child, she left teaching to pursue other ventures like blogging.

Matenaer and her husband lived in Stoughton for four years. They have since moved to Madison, where they now live with their children.

In 2017, the author said she felt the urge to write a book.

Matenaer sought the help of UW-Madison continuing education courses, which she said were a “lifeline” – a second chance to get back into writing.

The author said her novel is easily relatable to readers because of its uplifting message about the concept of “togetherness.”

“A lot of us feel alone … community is so important,” Matenear said. “I wanted to show (through the novel) how important it is to be connected to others.”

The book is available at Madison’s independent bookstore Mystery to Me and on Amazon.

Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet. com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

ConnectStoughton.com

2020: Homicide investigation set to go to trial Continued from page 11 maintained and could bring competitive advantages, as Stoughton teams wouldn’t have to give up home games due to poor field conditions here.

“If this is a project we’re able to pull together, this is going to provide more opportunities for our kids,” he told the Hub. — Scott De Laruelle

File photo by Amber Levenhagen

Ted Bruno speaks with his attorney before the start of his competency hearing Monday, March 5, 2018. Bruno was declared competent based on the findings of a medical Stoughton could see evaluation and will face a trial. construction begin this year on the residential to using more taxpayer murder since 26 year old subdivision at Kettle Park funding on the development Dwayne Williams was West, the westside devel- after the city’s investment in killed on the steps of his opment anchored by the the commercial center drew home in 2010. StoughWal-Mart Supercenter. intense scrutiny and even ton had not seen a murder If construction begins an advisory referendum committed in the city in this year, Stoughtonites between 2013 and 2014. two decades prior to that. can expect to see 195 housBut the public reaction Bruno pleaded not guilty ing units to the area north to Phase II, which also by reason of mental illness and west of the commer- includes a hotel and a in October after being given cial center at the intersec- senior apartment complex, court-ordered medication tion of Hwy. 138 and U.S. has so far been more mut- at Mendota Mental Health Hwy. 51. But its developer ed. Ald. Jean Ligocki said Institute for almost a year has requested $3 million in little opposition had been taxpayer financing – down expressed at listening ses- starting in October 2018.

He had been deemed from $5 million it origi- sions across the city. incompetent to stand trial nally asked for – and the M a y o r Ti m S wa d l ey in November 2018 after city’s Common Council called the council’s decistill needs to determine sion to begin working on a starting treatment for delusions and disorganized whether to provide it.

TIF agreement with FDG thinking and having MenThe hope among advocates “a major step forward.” dota psychologist recomfor the project on the counmend the order. cil is that the housing will — Renee Hickman Bruno was alleged to attract more young families have stabbed Gaida 11 6.

A trial for murder to Stoughton, helping reverse A homicide investigation times with a knife during the decline in numbers of students in the Stoughton Area ongoing since a Stough- an argument Nov. 27, 2017, ton man was stabbed in and to have broken the knife School District.

City staff began work- November 2017 could go off in Gaida’s throat. He told police he had left the ing at the end of 2019 on a to trial in early 2020.

Ted Bruno, a Stoughton house after subduing Gaida, developer’s agreement with the Forward Development man accused of killing room- then returned to make sure Group, the firm that has mate Kim Gaida at their Fel- he was dead, according to handled the construction land Street house two years the criminal complaint proof Phase I and will also be ago, is scheduled to face a duced by the district attorney. jury trial next week. responsible for Phase II. That incident is alleged Several alders have at times expressed opposition to be the first Stoughton — Kimberly Wethal

5. Homes at Kettle Park West

Bus: Tickets for illegal driving costs at least $300 and up to $700 regardless of driver Continued from page 1 to post a plea to “help in keeping kids safe” on its Facebook account Dec. 16.

“If you see a bus’ stop arm or red lights activate, please stop and wait until they deactivate and the bus starts moving again,” the post read. “Pay attention to your surroundings and proceed slowly.”

Last school year, the district had “two very, very, very close calls” where drivers had to go into the ditch at the last minute to avoid rear-ending a bus, Johnson said. Board member Alison Sorg said from talking to people about the incidents, she was stunned by how many don’t understand the law about when to stop.

“There is a knowledge deficit,” she said. “A lot of people just aren’t paying attention, but some people really don’t understand what they’re supposed to do.”

School board president Frank Sullivan said despite modern vehicles and competent drivers, students are still vulnerable when getting on or off a bus.

“Our buses are brightly colored. They have flashing lights and stop arms. It is impossible to not notice

By the numbers 222,824 Bus miles driven in 2018-19

1,304 Students transported daily

455 Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Complaints about unsafe driving around school buses stopped with red lights flashing have increased around the Stoughton Area School District this year. them. But people don’t stop,” he wrote in an email to the Hub. “And it’s a big deal, because each incident increases the risk that a child will be hit by a car and badly injured or killed.”

While bus drivers report license numbers of violators whenever they can, there’s only so much they can do, as they’re focusing on the road and the students.

Buses have cameras mounted on their stop arms, but the way they have been aligned, it has been difficult to view license plate

numbers of offending vehicles, Johnson said, adding the success rate has been around 25%. Sullivan said the district is remounting the cameras to be better able to record license plates and help police catch offenders.

“All we can do is make people wish they had stopped,” he said. “The ticket is not cheap.”

Depending on the municipality, the ticket is at least $300 (and up to $700), and it is applicable regardless of who is driving, Johnson

said. So if someone else is driving your car and gets caught, you can also pay a price.

“The owner of one car was a licensed CDL driver, and a stop arm violation is an automatic loss of license,” she explained. “So I had somebody begging me, over and over and over, to drop the ticket, which I can’t do.”

While bus passing incidents are a “growing concern,” City of Stoughton Police Chief Greg Leck said without a license plate

Bus trips for extracurricular activities/ field trips in 2018-19

114 Square miles in the district number, it’s “very hard” to follow up on complaints.

“We try to have staff in and around school bus stops and the schools on a regular basis, but often that only works when officers are present,” he wrote the Hub in an email. “(People) have a responsibility to drive with care and follow

State school bus laws According to state law, drivers in both directions must stop 20 feet or more from any school bus stopped with flashing red warning lights.

The exception is on opposite lanes on roads with a divided median.

No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights, regardless of whether an extended stop “arm” is in use.

Vehicle owners can be cited for illegally passing a school bus, and law enforcement need not witness the violation if the bus driver reports it within 24 hours. the laws, especially when it relates to schools and bus stops. Inattentiveness will always eventually lead to someone getting hurt or killed.”