Can for a Cone!

Stoughton

Thursday, December 5, 2019 • Vol. 138, No. 20 • Stoughton, WI • ConnectStoughton.com • $1.25

Stoughton Area School District

December 16 - December 31

Bring in a canned good (cannot be expired) for the food pantry and receive a free cone or dish of custard Exclusively at… adno=126135

Courier Hub The

of Stoughton 916 Nygaard Street (608) 873-6635

On Wed., December 18 from 4-8 p.m., 10% of total store proceeds will benefit the Stoughton Food Pantry!

Kettle Park West

Phase II advances Developer has asked for $3 million in taxpayer financing RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

Photo submitted

From left, Fox Prairie third grade teacher Emily Daino and Stoughton Area School District mentor teacher Chris Keenan talk during a recent meeting. The district’s mentoring program, mandated by the state, includes all educators with fewer than three years of classroom experience.

Teaching the teachers Mentoring program aims to assist in critical early years

SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Fox Prairie third grade teacher Emily Daino is in her first year as a full-time teacher after filling it at the school last spring as a long-term

substitute. Once a month, she meets with Stoughton Area School District mentor teacher Chris Keenan to either observe her classroom, or the two watch another educator in action. “We can talk about what the other teacher did, and if there are ideas I can take back to my classroom, and it makes me feel like I have guidance and have that support,” Daino told the Hub last month. “Chris is really good

about saying, ‘What do you think, and how do you think we should change this?’ and trying to help me get the answer.” Being a first-year teacher can be stressful, she said, and having a mentor on your side can make all the difference. She recalled an inspirational conversation Keenan had with her at the beginning of the year about

The next phase of Kettle Park West took what Mayor Tim Swadley called “a major step forward” on Tuesday, Nov. 26, as council members began to work on a developer’s agreement that would include taxpayer financing. The Finance committee had earlier in the day r e c o m m e n d e d m ov i n g forward with the project, which is connected to the Walmart Supercenter-anchored commercial center and run by the same developer, Forward Development Group. FDG formally requested $3 million in tax-increment financing in July, though it’s been established for several years this phase of the project would involve TIF. Before turning to the recommendation, council members heard feedback from Ald. Jean Ligocki (Dist. 2) who had facilitated a series of three

listening sessions in Stoughton for community members to voice their opinions on the development and the use of TIF. The city provided more than $5 million in TIF for the Phase I commercial center, something that was a major controversy from early 2013 until late 2015. Ligocki said 18 people in total attended the three meetings, and while she had hoped to see a number closer to 25, she thought the small numbers indicated that there was less concern in the community about what would happen in this phase of the development. “It 2015, this was a redhot button issue,” said Ligocki, one of several alders who was elected as part of a political shift over a few years that replaced KPW supporters on the council. But, Ligocki said, “It doesn’t appear that our community is as divided and political on this issue anymore.” She said the main takeaways of the listening session were advocacy for bringing more families

Turn to KPW/Page 3

Turn to Teachers/Page 12

Citizen of the Year deadline is Dec. 29 Unified Newspaper Group

The Stoughton area has plenty of people whose efforts deserve to be highlighted and appreciated. Once again, our readers have a chance to weigh in on who should be honored as the 2019 Stoughton Courier Hub Citizen of the Year. Every year, the Hub recognizes someone whose presence in Stoughton made a noticeable and positive impact on the quality of life in the community. The newspaper will announce

the winner in late January. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 29. Last year, the Hub’s Citizen of the Year was Stoughton High School educational assistant Barbara Lowe, a longtime volunteer at the Stoughton Opera House, FFA and a variety of local causes. In 2017, it was AnneMarie Oakland, founder of “Lunches For Vikings,” a summer lunch program that connects area churches and volunteers with kids in need throughout the Stoughton Area School District. Other recent winners

On the Web Submit your nomination for Stoughton’s Citizen of the Year at:

ConnectStoughton.com include SHS student Ian Bormett, who used the school’s Fab Lab to design an artificial hand for a local boy, Sonny Swangstu and Kendall McBroom for their work on remodeling the Stoughton Youth Center building, and Lynne Diebel for her conservation work with Badfish Creek and

Courier Hub

contributions to other local conservation efforts. To make a nomination, email communityreporter@ wcinet.com, fill out a form at ConnectStoughton.com or call 845-9559. Nominations should include your name and contact information, the nominee’s name and an explanation of the nominee’s contributions to the community throughout 2019. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

Inside Vikings surge past Lake Mills, McFarland Page 8

1.10% APY* Money Market Account Start Saving Conveniently Sandy Quam Branch Manager NMLS #1100193

These smart accounts allow up to six withdrawals per statement cycle. Open with as little as $2,500.* Contact Sandy today. 608.282.6317 · squam@home-savings.com 400 W. Main St. Stoughton

The annual percentage yield (APY) is effective as of the publication date. Funds used to open accounts must be new money. New money is defined as money not currently held at Home Savings Bank. Minimum amount of new money required to open account and obtain the disclosed APY (interest rate 1.09% and APY 1.10%) is $2,500. APY is reduced to 0.03% (interest rate 0.03% and APY 0.03%) on balances less than $2,500. An $8.00 maintenance fee will be imposed every month if the daily balance in the account falls below $2,000. Rates subject to change at the bank’s discretion. Fees could reduce earnings. *

adno=75633

SCOTT DE LARUELLE

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

ConnectStoughton.com

Stoughton Area School District

River Bluff participates in ‘FutureQuest’ Students learned about careers from area professionals SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

When it comes to career planning, it’s never too early to start. River Bluff Middle School students were among more than 5,000 Dane County middle schoolers who attended “FutureQuest” at the Alliant Energy Center on Nov. 21, learning about more than a dozen career fields and

working hands-on with professionals. Throughout the day, nearly 200 River Bluff students talked with presenters, watched demonstrations and participated in handson activities to learn about opportunities within 16 career clusters; part of their academic and career planning at the school. Students prepared for this event by completing career-related activities with school counselors throughout the month, said teacher Anne Fimreite. The career clusters were: agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture

Cameron Johnston (from left), Hayden Roberts and Riley Schaub check out one of more than a dozen stations to learn about careers at the FutureQuest event.

and construction; arts, audio/video technology and communications; business management and administration; education and training; finance, government and public administration; health sciences; hospitality and tourism; human services; information technolog; lawy, public safety, corrections and security; manufacturing; marketing; science, technology, engineering and math; and transportation, distribution and logistics. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

River Bluff Middle School students Thor Armstrong, Jake Julseth and Elijah Hartberg truly got some hands-on experience working with tools used by electricians at the FutureQuest event.

Photos submitted

River Bluff Middle School students were among hundreds of middle schoolers in Dane County who attended FutureQuest at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison Nov. 21. Students got the chance to participate in hands-on stations and learn about more than a dozen careers.

Giving aid on Thanksgiving JUSTIN LOEWEN Hub correspondent

Thanksgiving in Stoughton is not just a time for family and friends to devour turkey — it brings people together for a charitable race that raises money for hungry Stoughton Area School District students.

Once again kicking off at Level Up Fitness on Nov. 28, the annual Gobble Wobble 5K run and walk continued its support for the SASD Chip in for Meals program, which provides food a s s i s t a n c e f o r fa m i l i e s that do not qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.

❄❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❅END SALE! ❄ ❅YEAR ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅❄ ❅ 33% OFF ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ Merry Wishes! ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅❄ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❄❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ZERO ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄❅❄ ❄❅ ❅❄❅❄ ❅❄❅❄ ❄❅❄❅ ❄❅❄❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄❅❄❅❄ ❄❅❄❅❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❄❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅❄❅ Gobble Wobble participants spill out out of the Level Up Fitness parking lot onto Hoel Avenue.

Say Yes to the biggest savings of the year! a new Bath 1 or Shower system!

Photos by Justin Loewen

As their approach to warming up for the Gobble Wobble, from left, McKayla, 7, and Addison Moyer, 9, of Stoughton jump up and down excitedly in the Level Up Fitness parking lot on Thursday, Nov. 28.

Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Down • Interest • Payements 2 Until 2021

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton • 873-8112

Dinner for Two

with in-home estimate!3

adno=125861

adno=124988

(608)-338-1170 www.madcitybaths.com

1New orders only. Minimum purchase required. Does not include material costs 2 Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc. is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc., under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimate only. Ask for details. New orders only. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job.3 With in-home estimate and product demonstration to homeowner(s). Limit one per household. Gift card given upon completion of demonstration to be mailed in by homeowner(s). Salespersons do not carry gift cards for security reasons. Allow 2-3 weeks after demonstration to receive gift card. Gift card valued at $50.

adno=125416

CALL TODAY!

ConnectStoughton.com

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Stoughton Area School District

Locked entrances planned for 2020 Waukesha school shooting noted at annual safety update

SASD in brief Testing, testing

SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Just hours after police shot and wounded a student brandishing a gun at Waukesha South High School, Stoughton Area School District administrators and board members held their annual safety update. The timing wasn’t lost on superintendent Tim Onsager, who referenced the incident while discussing safety updates and plans for next year. “I wish that we weren’t in a time where we had to pay as much attention to keeping people out, and how to respond if there is someone (with) a gun in school,” he said. “I wish we could just focus on the education, but in this day and age we also have to worry about safety and security.” District building and grounds supervisor and safety coordinator Luke Butz briefed board members on the federal safety assessment required every three years by the U.S. Department of Justice. The district hired Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association to spend a day in the district, and Butz said they provided an extensive report for each school. Some strengths noted were the district’s safety plan, which he said is constantly updated and “drills down to each school as far as evacuation procedures and all the different safety aspects.” The recent additions of push button lockset in all buildings was also cited. Butz said with the devices, “anyone from our elementary age children to our high schoolers can now press a button and lock the

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Monroe Street open Monroe Street construction has ended. The construction project that began in June stretched two months past deadline, but since Wednesday, Nov.

20, motorists have once again been able to drive on the street. In spring, contractors plan to replace the current temporary asphalt with concrete on the driveway aprons

and sidewalks. They are also set to finish a surface layer of asphalt on the street and lay down grass seed and mulch. - Mackenzie Krumme

Downtown parking tickets suspended to spread holiday cheer RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

Downtown visitors won’t get parking tickets this holiday shopping season. The Stoughton Common Council voted at Nov. 26

meeting to suspend handing out parking tickets its From Nov. 29 to Jan. 1. The temporary change is aimed primarily at creating goodwill. There will be no public advertisement of the suspension. Parking tickets

simply will not be distributed to drivers who leave their cars in parking spaces past the two hour time limit. Ald. Regina Hirsch (Dist. 3) asked whether the suspension would affect regulations on alternate

side parking rules, but she was told that these rules would remain in effect as indicated by existing street signage. Renee Hickman can be contacted at renee.hickman@wcinet.com.

In brief

thought they “understood” the need for it. The annexation was requested by Bob Dvorak of Dvorak Investments, LLC. Dunn annexation The town issued a resolution against the annexThe Common Council voted to annex near- ation in October. ly 52 acres of land from the Town of Dunn at its Pumpkin Patch Nov. 26 meeting. Mayor Tim Swadley acknowledged that Dunn The council issued a conditional use permit for officials object to the annexation, but said he the Pumpkin Patch Daycare, set to go in at 1940

Get Connected Find updates and links right away. Search for us on Facebook as “Stoughton Courier Hub” and then LIKE us.

KPW: Fewer people than expected attend listening sessions with students for the city’s schools and concerns about what the next phase of the project would ultimately cost the community. After hearing a walkthrough of

FREE

Stock Book

the general development plan, the council went into closed session to discuss with the city attorney how it should begin negotiating a developer’s agreement with FDG. Part of that would involve a fiscal

(30 + crafters and huge bake sale)

Custom Designed & Built to Last!

New • Used • Surplus MULTI-METAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER

FEATURING:

BUILDING SPECIALS!

Pipe - Plate - Channel - Angle - Tube - Rebar - Bar Grating, Expanded Metal Sheet - Lintels - B-Decking - Pipe Bollards - Decorative Iron Parts I & H Beams $3 & up per foot

30’ x 40’ x 14’ Starting at $15,339 adno=125413

FABRICATION • CRANE SERVICE • STEEL PROCESSING 414 3rd Street, Palmyra • 262-495-4453

Victorian Holiday Craft & Bake Sale

WINTER BUILD SALE

PAL STEEL

STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINUM ROUGH SAWN LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES STEEL ROOFING & SIDING

analysis of the project and an evaluation of whether it meets the state’s “but for” test, that it would not happen without the use of TIF. Renee Hickman can be contacted at renee.hickman@wcinet.com.

adno=110360

Continued from page 1

800-373-5550 • ClearyBuilding.com

at River Bluff Middle School 235 N Forest St., Stoughton

Saturday, Dec. 7 • 9-4 pm Lunch also available: Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, hot beverage. All proceeds go to animals in need!

Happy Holidays & A Prosperus New Year from:

36’ x 54’ x 15’ Starting at $21,339 Building pictured is not priced in ad. Crew travel required over 50 iles. ocal uilding code odications etra. rice suect to change without notice. 30 PSF Ground Snow Load

doors at any time in case there is an intruder in our buildings.” Some ideas for improvements included more consistent displaying of district-issued IDs and more training for key personnel in the Incident Command System. The next phase for the district is the addition of secure entrances to all buildings. Butz said the project is in the design phase, with a SASD administrative team review of plans set for Dec. 18. He said the goal will be to have all new entrances completed next summer. The main changes in the entrances would be all exterior doors would be locked, and visitors would be buzzed in at the exterior door by the office. “ ( T h a t ’s ) r e a l l y o u r first point of security for stopping somebody getting into our buildings,” he said. “Once you enter that exterior door you’re funneled directly into the main office, where you … complete your background check before you’re given access to rest of the school.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

VERONA, WI 608-845-9700

adno=126133

Cars are able to drive on Monroe Street as of Wednesday, Nov. 20.

According to the Stoughton Area School District’s 2019 safety update delivered Monday, Dec. 2, all drinking fountains and kitchen prep sinks were tested this year, with all results below the public health standard. Radon testing is scheduled around the district this month, with monitoring devices left in classrooms for 90 days.

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Opinion

ConnectStoughton.com

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.

See something wrong? The Courier Hub does not sweep errors under the rug. If you see something you know or even think is in error, please contact editor Jim Ferolie at 873-6671 or at stoughtoneditor@wcinet.com so we can get it right.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 • Vol. 138, No. 20 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.

Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday Phone: 608-873-6671 • FAX: 608-873-3473 e-mail: stoughtoneditor@wcinet.com Circulation customer service: (800) 355-1892

ConnectStoughton.com This newspaper is printed on recycled paper.

General Manager Lee Borkowski lborkowski@wcinet.com Sales Manager Kathy Neumeister kathy.neumeister@wcinet.com Advertising Catherine Stang stoughtonsales@wcinet.com Inside Sales Suzy Schleeper insidesales@wcinet.com Circulation ungcirculation@wcinet.com

Classifieds ungclassified@wcinet.com News Jim Ferolie stoughtoneditor@wcinet.com Sports Adam Feiner ungsportseditor@wcinet.com Community/Business Emilie Heidemann ungbusiness@wcinet.com Reporters Kimberly Wethal, Mark Nesbitt, Mackenzie Krumme, Neal Patten, Scott De Laruelle, Renee Hickman

In memory UNG Reporter Amber Levenhagen (1994-2019)

Unified Newspaper Group, a division of Woodward Communications,Inc. A Diversified, Employee-Owned Media Company Good People. Real Solutions. Shared Results.

Community Voices

Our now-inclusive libraries have a much darker past L ibraries are for everyone. That’s a core belief of librarians everywhere. We follow the American Library Association’s “Core Values of Librarianship,” which include access, freedom of information and the public good. We affirm Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science, which Bosky include “Books are for use,” “Every person his or her book,” and “Every book its reader.” But libraries haven’t always attempted to behave or operate in this manner. Before the late 1800s, children under age 14 were not allowed to use libraries, even with an adult accompanying them. And while most of us are familiar with the ugly, painful stories of segregated schools, many libraries were segregated like the communities around them until the 1960s. Though we will always have room to learn and grow, libraries have come a long way since then. The movement toward inclusivity really began in 1894, when a Milwaukee librarian named Lutie Stearns attended an annual American Library Association meeting and made the wild proposal: What if we created a space

in the library just for children? In 1896, a librarian in Brooklyn, N.Y., put these ideas into action, forming the Children’s Library of the Pratt Institute, and other libraries followed suit. Today, it would be unthinkable to operate a public library without books, programs, and space for children. But segregation persisted for many years, especially in the South, where many libraries refused to allow black people to check out books. In his 1944 memoir “Black Boy,” Richard Wright wrote about his experiences in the 1920s. Wright was allowed to enter the library to pick up books for white men he worked with, but he was forbidden to use the library himself. Eventually, he worked up the courage to ask a co-worker if he could use his library card and wrote fake notes to the librarian as though he were checking out the books on behalf of his white co-worker and not himself. “You’re not using these books, are you?” the librarian grilled Wright. “Oh, no, ma’am. I can’t read,” Wright lied to avoid suspicion. As late as 1964, black protesters were still being arrested for staging sit-ins at libraries in the South until the Civil Rights Act officially made discrimination by public institutions illegal. I am struck by how unique the library is as an institution. “No

loitering” is a common rule at most businesses, but the library is an indoor place where you can hang out for hours without being expected to either participate in a designated task, spend some money or move along. At any given time, we may have patrons from just a few weeks old to 85 or older using the library at the same time in very different ways. In our meeting room, children may be singing “I Know a Chicken” while a college student takes an exam and a recent retiree checks out a stack of international travel guides. I firmly believe that the human contact and dignity libraries can provide are just as important as our free books, DVDs, and WiFi. For lonely people, our friendly smiles and chit-chat may provide some of their only conversation. People who are often ignored or looked down upon by society may be heartened when library staff greet and assist them the same way they treat other patrons. Libraries have far from a spotless history when it comes to inclusivity. But I’m thankful we have taken it on as a core value and that we continue to explore, challenge ourselves, and learn from our mistakes so we can be as welcoming and accessible as possible. Amanda Bosky is the Children’s Librarian at the Stoughton Public Library.

Printed by Capital Newspapers - Madison

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION

SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Dane Co. & Rock Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 One Year Elsewhere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Stoughton Courier Hub Oregon Observer • Verona Press

Easily renew your subscription online!

It only takes a few clicks to renew your newspaper subscription electronically with our secure site at: connectstoughton.com

ConnectStoughton.com

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Madrigal Singers tune up for the holiday season The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers’ Dinner returns to create an atmosphere of “joy, festivity and conviviality of the English Renaissance,” according to a news release. This year’s Madrigal Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, and 16 at the Stoughton High School. As of Dec. 2 there are 11 tickets remaining for Saturday’s performance, three tickets remaining for Sunday’s performance and 108 tickets remaining for Monday’s performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ryan Casey, SHS director of vocal music and audio recording, at 877-5746. The dinner is presented three nights, with a seven-course meal served each evening. Along with the meal, the students provide theatrical entertainment, storytelling and music. Over 150 students and as many parents and community members put in hundreds of hours each year cooking, decorating, serving, performing, promoting and sewing. “People giving of their time, adults working side by side with

If You Go What: Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; Sunday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16. Where: Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave. Info: Ryan Casey 877-5746.

If You Go What: Madrigals senior center performance When: Noon, Tuesday, Dec. 10 Where: Senior center Price: $8, reservations are required by noon Friday, Dec. 6 Info: 877-8585

Photo submitted

Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers of 2019

an email. “This sharing and generstudents, and everyone’s willing- osity is certainly a positive model ness to share their labors are what for the students to emulate.” make the Madrigal Dinner a sucIn addition to the dinner at SHS cess,” Casey wrote to the Hub in the choirs are set to host the annual

Stoughton Senior Center Madrigal For information on that perforDinner at noon Tuesday, Dec. 10. mance contact the senior center at The cost is $8 and reservations are required by noon Friday, Dec. 873-8585. 6. -Mackenzie Krumme

Five upcoming events at the Victorian Holiday returns taking Norwegian Heritage House Chamber If You Go behind the scenes role If You Go

What: Norsk Jul, Holiday exhibit When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Jan. 4 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: 873-7567

What: Norwegian Christmas trees When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday until Jan. 4 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: 873-7567

If You Go

What: “Siblings Are Forever” documentary When: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: 873-7567

What: Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: 873-7567

with English subtitles and suitable for children ages 6 and older. It debuted in Norway in 2009 and has been nominated for several children’s film awards, according to the Livsreise website. Two holiday themed exhibits will be on display until January. One exhibit, Norsk Jul, displays roughly 30 items volunteers and staff gathered from old Norwegian Christmas’. This includes rolling pins, Christmas magazines and Nissc, which are small holiday gnomes who bring children presents. The second exhibit is a display of Norwegian Christmas

If You Go

Unified Newspaper Group

Back for the 27th year, the annual Victorian Holiday celebration is being run by a new entity from now on; itself. The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce is removing liability and no longer calling the event theirs. This means that the event will happen organically with support from the chamber, which will continue to collect information from participating businesses and publicize the events through social media and newsletters. “We were uncomfortable calling it a chamber event when we were not running any of the activities,” Trotter wrote to the Hub in an email. “Calling it our event made us liable for things not in our control.” The only real change Trotter said, is the Chamber will not be taking out an

advertisement in the Great Dane Shopper. Other than that, the Chamber will play the same role they have for the past seven years, Trotter said. And the annual tradition will continue. Nearly every event on the 2019 Victorian Holiday calendar has a communal or fundraising aspect. Some events give donations to a specific charity or nonprofit organization, while others recruit volunteers to give families a free evening of holiday cheer. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

Send it in!

What: “Magic Silver” children’s movie When: 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: 873-7567 Trees, decorated with specialty Norwegian ornaments and flags. For more information about the events, visit livsreise.org or call 873-7567. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@ wcinet.com.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Craft Fair Saturday, December 7, 2019 • 9am to 2pm

We like to send reporters to shoot photos, but we can’t be everywhere. And we know you all have cameras. So if you have a photo of an event or just a slice of life you think the community might be interested in, send it to us and we’ll use it if we can. Please include contact information, what’s

happening in the photo and the names of people pictured. You can submit it on our website at ConnectStoughton.com, email to editor Jim Ferolie at stoughtoneditor@wcinet. com or drop off electronic media at our office at 135 W. Main St. Questions? Call 873-6671.

TODDLE-IN NURSERY

CUT YOUR OWN TREE!

SUMMERS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM -Since 1957-

CHRISTMAS TREES Large Group $ 20 each

Fir/Spruce Pine $70*Prices Incl. Tax $55 Cut your own Trees Precut Trees Christmas Shop Wreaths & Garlands

Large Selection of Premium Balsam & Fraser Fir & Pines, Wreaths & Garland Reasonably Priced

Friendship Room, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon

Arts and Crafts, Home Party Vendors, Baked Goods, Lunch Proceeds benefit local missions of St. John’s.

For more information contact Barb Carter at carterbarbjohn@yahoo.com

What: Victorian Holiday When: Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8 Where: City wide Info: stoughtonwi.com

Open Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Until Dec. 22nd

Open for the Season November 29

Hwy. 51 & Exchange Street McFarland, WI • 838-8972

4610 Rocky Dell Road Middleton, WI

Sales tax included on all Christmas purchases.

Open 8am-5pm Daily

(608) 831-4414

www.summerschristmastreefarm.com

adno=106726

For the first two weeks of December, Livsreise is hosting five holiday oriented events for the public to enjoy. Participants can explore the Norwegian Heritage Center with two different exhibits, hear the Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers perform, watch a two part documentary about farmers in Norway and watch a Norwegian children’s movie titled “Magic Silver.” The public can view the documentary, “Siblings are Forever,” in its first part at 11 a.m. and second at 1:30 p.m. both Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7. Livsreise staff worked with the Norwegian embassy and Norwegian Film Institute to be able to show this movie for free. The documentary follows the story of two Norwegian farmers from Sogn who are siblings. They use techniques and technologies that their great-great grandparents developed, not getting electricity on the farm until 1970. The film depicts their annual journey to the mountains where they graze their livestock every summer. The second part of the documentary follows the siblings to the United States as they vacation with their cousins who they’ve never met. If attendees are already at Livsreise watching the documentary on Saturday, Dec. 7 they can hear the The Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers perform at 12:30 p.m. One week later, Livsreise will show their first children’s movie, “Magic Silver” which is set to play 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. The story follows Princess Bluerose who must save her father, the Blue Gnome King. The princess and her friend, Dreng, set out on a journey to save her father and take back the magic silver which brings daylight to Earth each day. The audio is in Norwegian

If You Go

MACKENZIE KRUMME

adno=120705

Unified Newspaper Group

adno=120986

MACKENZIE KRUMME

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

ConnectStoughton.com

Coming up

Community calendar

Adult craft club

Marche de Noel

All craft supplies are provided at this Adult Craft Club starting 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Stoughton Fire Station, 401 E. Main St. Attendees can create a shibori-dyed scarf. Although supplies are provided, participants are welcome to bring their own as well. Registration is required. For information call 873-6281.

Cookie Walk Stoughton’s United Methodist Church is hosting a cookie walk 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at 525 Lincoln Ave. Items are sold by the pound. Organizers encourage participants to use lower level entrance (red door) off Wilson Street. For information, call 873-3273.

Breakfast with Santa The third annual breakfast with Santa is set for 8-11 a.m., Sunday Dec. 8, at The American Legion Post 59, 803 N. Page St. Ticket price for adults is $8 and $4 for children younger than age 10. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, French toast, pancakes, cereal, juice and milk. There is also set to be free face painting. For information, call 205-9090. Baha’i Faith

Pied Beauty Farm is planning a European-style Christmas market 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the farm 1390 Washington Road. The Marché de Noël at Pied Beauty Farm is a Christmas market featuring local artists, craftspeople and farmers selling wreaths, jewelry, prints, cards, lefse, cookies, photographs, children’s clothing and wood crafts. For information, visit piedbeautyfarm.com

Toys for Tots

There is a “Toys for Tots” collection box in the lobby of Coldwell Banker Success at 1200 Nygaard St. The box will be there until Tuesday, Dec. 10. Coldwell Banker is offering to pick up toys for those who can not drop them off. For information, or to schedule a pick up call 873-7731.

‘Family Music Time’

Family Music Time, an opportunity for families to play music together, is set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 11-13 at the library. The event is geared for ages 2 to 5. Eliza Tyksinski a Music Together instructor, will play the guitar while families play with musical toys and sing a longs. The three sessions are similar, but families are welcome to all three. For information, call 873-6281.

Courier Hub reporters Renee Hickman and Mackenzie Krumme will hold the next Coffee with a Reporter from 10-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Autumn Pearl, 175 E Main St. Hub reporters spend some time at various establishments and put up a sign asking for community members to come chat about anything pertaining to Stoughton. If you have suggestions for times and locations, please email mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

Christmas Bazaar A Christmas Bazaar and cookie walk is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Covenant Lutheran Church, 1525 N. Van Buren St. The goodies for sale are made by the youth education groups, at the church, as well as generous donations from church members. Participants are welcome to bring unwrapped presents for confirmation students to wrap for a free-will donation. Proceeds from this event will be divided between ELCA Good Gifts and programming to help fund events like mission trips, confirmation camp and retreats. For information, call 873-7494.

Covenant Lutheran Church

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

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

Bible Baptist Church

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

Christ Lutheran Church

Ezra Church

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

First Lutheran Church

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.

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

Christ the King Community Church

Fulton Church

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

Christian Assembly 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

Coffee with a Reporter

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

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

Seventh Day Baptist Church of Albion

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

Stoughton Baptist Church

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

St. Ann Catholic Church

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 • 608-205-6444 Pastor Rich Thomas • rthomas@cgcmadison.org Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., Thursday Bible Study: 7 p.m.

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

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

Thursday, Dec. 5

• 4:30 p.m., Victorian Holiday, city wide, stoughtonwi. com • 6:30 p.m., Adult Craft Club, library, 873-6281 • 7 p.m., Winter band concert, Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., 877-5600

Friday, Dec. 6

• Victorian Holiday, city wide, stoughtonwi.com • 7:30 p.m., Twas the Night Before Christmas ($14 general admission, $8 students and seniors), Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., 873-0717

Saturday, Dec. 7

• Victorian Holiday, city wide, stoughtonwi.com • 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Cookie Walk, Stoughton United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave., 873-3273 • 1:30 p.m., Twas the Night Before Christmas ($14 general admission, $8 students and seniors), Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., 873-0717 • 4 p.m., Marche de Noel Christmas market, Pied Beauty Farm, 1390 Washing Road, piedbeautyfarm. com

Sunday, Dec. 8

• Victorian Holiday, city wide, stoughtonwi.com • 8-11 a.m., Breakfast with Santa, The American Legion Post 59, 803 North Page St., 205-9090 Monday, Dec. 9 • 7 p.m., Town of Dunn Plan Commission meeting, Dunn Town Hall, 4156 Cty. Road B (second Monday of each month) • 7 p.m., Winter orchestra concert, Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., 877-5600

Tuesday, Dec. 10

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., last day for Toys for Tots drop off, Coldwell Banker Success, 1200 Nygaard St., 8737731 • 7 p.m., Stoughton City Council, Council Chambers/ Public Safety Building, 321 S. Fourth St. (second and fourth Tuesday of the month)

Wednesday, Dec. 11

• 9:30-10 a.m., Family Music Time, library, 873-6281 Thursday, Dec. 12 • 9:30-10 a.m., Family Music Time, library, 873-6281 • 7 p.m., Stoughton High School, Symphonic Band, River Bluff Middle School band joint concert, Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave., 877-5600

Friday, Dec. 13

• 9:30-10 a.m., Family Music Time, library, 873-6281 • 10-11 a.m., Coffee with a reporter, Autumn Pearl, 175 E. Main St., mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com

Saturday, Dec. 14

• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Christmas bazaar and cookie walk, Covenant Lutheran Church, 1525 N. Van Buren St., 873-7494. • 10 a.m., Library play date, library, 873-6281 • 6-9:30 p.m., 43rd annual Madrigal Dinner, Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Dr., 877-5600 Sunday, Dec. 15 • 6-9:30 p.m., 43rd annual Madrigal Dinner, Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Dr., 877-5600

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 Who Is Your Neighbor?

873-4590

adno=16871

1358 Hwy 51, Stoughton Pete Gunderson Mike Smits • Dale Holzhuter Martha Paton, Administrative Manager Sara Paton Barkenhagen, Administrative Assistant Paul Selbo, Funeral Assistant Alyssa Halverson, Funeral Dir. Apprentice

221 Kings Lynn Rd. Stoughton, WI 53589 (608) 873-8888

adno=48763

www.gundersonfh.com

www.anewins.com

Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan in the context of being asked by an “expert in the law”what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus throws the question back onto the man, asking him “What is written in the law?”to which the man replies“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Luke 10:27 NIV) After telling the man that he has answered correctly, this expert then asks“And who is my neighbor?” The well-known story of the good Samaritan follows,where a priest and a Levite both ignore a man who has been beaten,robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road, but who is then helped by the Samaritan. In a study done with seminary students at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1973, Darley and Batson found that students, even after being reminded of the story of the good Samaritan,were likely to ignore a person in need if they were in a hurry. This doesn’t speak highly of our altruistic impulses if we are only willing to help when it won’t inconvenience us, but we all know the struggle of wanting to help someone but feeling that our other obligations are a higher priority. Perhaps the moral of this story is not simply that we should be willing to help a stranger in need (who is after all, our neighbor), but more importantly that we shouldn’t be in such a hurry. Slow down and take time to notice the needs of those around you. –Christopher Simon

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.

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

ConnectStoughton.com

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Cherish the Ladies bring holiday show to Opera House BILL LIVICK

If You Go

Hub correspondent

Who: Cherish the Ladies holiday concert When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St. Tickets: $40 reserved Call: 877-4400 Website: stoughtonoperahouse.ticketforce.com

fiddler Kathy McGinty. “It was a great day for me because it was actually 25 years to the day that my dad had won the All-Ireland on accordion,” Madden recalled. She accepted Moloney’s invitation to be part of the concert series, which included about two-dozen women performers. After the sold-out shows had ended, the participants had assumed that Cherish the Ladies was over. But Moloney persuaded the National Endowment of the Arts to fund an album. Like the concerts, it included over a dozen women and was a big success. Library of Congress selected it as one of the best folk albums of 1985, and the NEA sponsored a Cherish the Ladies tour. O rga n i z e r s t u r n e d t o Madden to pare the group down to a manageable size, which she did with a group of five women. “We met on a Wednesday and went out on tour on Thursday,” Madden remembered.

MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Host a Family is seeking donations and volunteers for the holiday season. Each year, more than 1,000 presents are distributed to families in Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland through the sponsorship program. “The need in the community has never been greater, so I’m hoping those who can will give,” Host A Family board member Sue Schadewald wrote in a news release. “Many recipients have told us how grateful they are, because these are the only gifts their children get for the holidays,” she said. For 27 years, HAF has matched families in need with sponsors who want to give through its website, hostafamily.org.

When sponsors fill out the online form, they will receive a profile of a family with age-appropriate gift suggestions for their children, in addition to a requested gift card or item for the family. Gift prices range from $40-$50 and hosts can designate online how many children they would like to sponsor. “Some of the most requested items from families applying to be sponsored include gift cards for food or gas, as well as warm clothing or educational toys for the little ones,” Schadewald said. Dane County Health and Human Services, churches and schools refer many of the families in need to HAF, she said. “The commonality among them is that all are challenged in finding the basics like food and shelt e r,” S c h a d ewa l d s a i d . “Some are homeless. Many are experiencing short-term financial crises.”

On the Web To sponsor a family for the holiday season, visit:

hostafamily.org To help with distribution, visit hostafamily.org to register for a time to volunteer at Lakeview Church, 2200 Lincoln Ave. Volunteers help with checking in packages, sorting gifts and assisting clients with packages. To contribute, visit smile. amazon.com and designate “Host-A-Family” as a charity of choice. A percentage of the buyer’s eligible purchases will be donated to HAF. Ta x - d e d u c t i b l e d o n ations also can be sent to the Host-a-Family Program, P.O. Box 295, Stoughton, Wi 53589. Tax receipts are available upon request. For information, visit hostafamily.org. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be making my life working this way,” she added. “Since the beginning, we always had dancers with us and saw them as an exciting part of our show.” It was before Riverdance and Lord of the Dance had become enormously popular in the U.S. around 1990. By then, Cherish the Ladies had developed a strong following throughout the country. “ We w e r e d o i n g t h i s before Celtic was cool,” Madden said. “Our early tours often were a bit like going around and educating people about our music.” Cherish the Ladies will celebrate 35 years as a group in January. They’ve released 18 albums and have been named the favorite Irish-American band several times on both sides of the Atlantic. Madden explained that each woman in the band initially learned to play music at home from their father. She said for many years,

traditional Irish music was a male-dominated activity, and women played only a supportive role. But that gender disparity shifted in the past generation,

YEARSayEND SALE! Yes to the biggest savings of the year!

33% OFF

a new Bath 1 or Shower system!

ZERO

Down • Interest • Payements 2 Until 2021 Dinner for Two

with in-home estimate!3

CALL TODAY!

(608)-338-1170 www.madcitybaths.com 1New orders only. Minimum purchase required. Does not include material costs 2 Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc. is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc., under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimate only. Ask for details. New orders only. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job.3 With in-home estimate and product demonstration to homeowner(s). Limit one per household. Gift card given upon completion of demonstration to be mailed in by homeowner(s). Salespersons do not carry gift cards for security reasons. Allow 2-3 weeks after demonstration to receive gift card. Gift card valued at $50.

adno=125415

Coogan (guitar, mandolin and vocals), Mirella Murray (accordion), Kathleen Boyle (piano and harmony vocals) and Nollaig Casey (fiddle) — the concert will feature two vocalists, Don Stiffe and Kate Purcell, world-champion step dancer David Geaney and All-Ireland champion singer and dancer Seamus O’Flatharta. “We’re going to come out with our guns a blazing,” Madden promised. Cherish the Ladies formed in 1985 as a way to celebrate the extraordinary number of American women playing traditional Irish music. Folklorist and musician Mick Moloney in 1983 conceived a plan to organize a concert series featuring Irish-American women performing their music, and Madden was the first person he contacted. That year she had taken first place for her age group in an All-Ireland music competition for performance on both flute and tin whistle. She also won a duet championship with

‘Host a family’ for the holiday Local organization seeking volunteers

Photo submitted

Cherish the Ladies: A Celtic Christmas plan to perform at the Stoughton Opera House Saturday, Dec. 7.

she added, and for some reason the girls followed their fathers’ example. “It was really our generation when women were actually encouraged to learn to play music,” Madden said. “I have five brothers, but I’m the only one that played traditional music. And that’s the way it was with all of us in the band — none of the sons picked up traditional Irish music but all of the girls did. Now we’re just carrying on the legacy of our fathers and bringing the music that’s been passed down.

Holiday deadlines Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Great Dane Shopping News Display Advertising: Wednesday, December 18 at 3pm Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 19 at Noon

Thursday, December 26, 2019 Community Papers Display & Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 19 at Noon

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Great Dane Shopping News Display Advertising: Monday, December 23 at 3pm Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 26 at Noon

Thursday, January 2, 2020 Community Papers Display & Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 26 at Noon

Our offices will be closed December 25, 2019 and January 1, 2020

845-9559, 835-6677 or 873-6671

adno=123337

Joanie Madden, leader of the all-women Irish group Cherish the Ladies, isn’t sure why Celtic music is so readily linked to the Christmas holiday. But like any good performer, she’s happy to give people what they want. About 20 years ago, a concert promoter contacted Madden and asked if her band had a Christmas show. Madden said yes of course it did, and after she agreed to perform three concerts leading up to the holiday, she quickly set about putting together a holiday show. Two decades later, Cherish the Ladies have released three Christmas albums and performed hundreds of concerts that mix traditional Irish music with classic holiday songs. “The first album, ‘On C h r i s t m a s N i g h t ,’ w e recorded here in my house and we couldn’t believe it when the New York Times chose it as one of the top 10 Christmas albums,” Madden said during a phone interview from her home in New York City. The quintet recorded their first Christmas album in 2004 and followed with two more: “A Star in the East” in 2009 and “Christmas in Ireland” in 2015. “So many traditional Irish melodies interweave very well with Christmas music,” Madden observed. She and her band will return Saturday at 7:30 p.m. to put on another holiday show featuring traditional Celtic music and dance alongside their favorite Christmas songs. Cherish the Ladies have scheduled 20 holiday shows in 24 days in seven states, Madden said. Along with the group’s regular members — Madden (flute, whistles and harmony vocals), Mary

Thursday, December 5, 2019

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

Sports

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

McGee sparks Vikings on court MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Stoughton junior guard Cael McGee may have been the most eager to get out on the court for the season opener after he suffered a broken ankle that cost him a large chunk of last season. McGee scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Vikings to a 53-44 win over Lake Mills on Tuesday, Nov. 26. “I’m sure all of us were really excited to get back out there,” McGee said. “It’s been really long. I played football, but I was really excited to be back out there for basketball. I was really looking forward to it.” After breaking his ankle in the third game last year, McGee missed several games and then when he returned, he sprained his other ankle. “I think he’s really matured,” Stoughton coach Nolan Weber said of McGee. “He’s one of the most athletic kids I have ever coached. When he has things going in the right direction and makes the plays he needs to make instead of trying to force too much, he can be a really explosive scorer for us.” The Vikings (2-0) followed up the season opener with a 65-52 nonconference home win over McFarland on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Stoughton 53, Lake Mills 44

McGee sparked the Vikings in the season opener against Lake Mills, throwing down a two-handed dunk on a fastbreak that capped a 10-2 firsthalf run, giving the Vikings a 31-18 advantage at intermission. Senior guard Nathan Hutcherson knocked down a 3-pointer during the surge to help the Vikings break open a tight game. Huctherson hit four 3s in the game and finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. The Vikings had eight offensive rebounds in the first half and outrebounded the L-Cats 22-11. “That’s a huge part of who we are,” Weber said. “We are not always the best scoring and shooting team. For us to get on the offensive glass and clean up some of our misses, that has to be a big part of who we are.” The Vikings limited the L-Cats to 25% shooting in the first half (5-for-20). “Once we got it going, I thought our defense really propelled us in the right direction and gave us some offense,” Weber said. Senior guard Adam Hobson was 0-for-6

Turn to Basketball/Page 9

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Stoughton junior Cael McGee (left) battles Lake Mills junior Charlie Bender for a rebound Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Stoughton. McGee scored a game-high 22 points in the Vikings’ 53-44 win over the L-Cats.

Wrestling

Stoughton’s sights set on more milestones, three-peat ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Stoughton co-coach Dan Spilde can make history in the Vikings’ season opener against Monona Grove/ McFarland on Friday. Spilde is a win away from his 400th victory as a coach, but he, co-coach Bob Empey and the rest of the Vikings view the season opener as a step toward loftier goals in the state series. Spilde (399-102 in 24 seasons at Stoughton) and Empey (359-82 in 20 seasons) will look to coach the Photo by Adam Feiner Vikings to a third straight Division 1 team state chamThe Stoughton wrestling team returns 18 letterwinners and seniors from last season’s pionship and 10th in school squad. Pictured are (front row from left) Ethan Peterson, Nicolar Rivera, Alex Wicks, Rose Ann Marshall, Trent Carpenter, Luke Spilde, (back row from left) Jacob Gibson, Trenton Dow, history. Stoughton is also seeking Tony Hohol, Brooks Empey, Gavin Model, Brandt Spilde and Rudy Detweiler. Not pictured are its sixth straight conference Luke Mechler, Braeden Whitehead, Coltin Suddeth, Severin Halverson and Milot Grainca.

title and 41st in school history. “ O u r t e a m ’s d a i l y i m p r ove m e n t w i l l l e a d individuals and the team achieve our team goals,” Empey said. “We hope there is surprise improvement from all our team members. It will make the season special.” The Vikings finished last season 21-0 in dual competition. Nicolar Rivera (58-0 at 106 pounds) and Hunter Lewis (138 pounds) gave Stoughton its 50th and 51st individual state champions, the most in state history. Rivera, a sophomore, is one of six returners with state experience. Junior Brooks Empey took sixth at 182 pounds as a freshman, and

finished last season as the 195-pound runner-up with a 54-8 record. He lost a 5-4 decision to Marshfield’s Sam Mitchell in the championship match. Junior Luke Mechler also placed second at state last season. He finished 55-5 at 145 pounds. Senior Braeden Whitehead qualified for state at 132 pounds last season, but lost in the first round to end his season with a 40-6 record. He was the 2018 state runner-up at 126 pounds. Seniors Gavin Model (52-9 at 152) and Brandt Spilde (32-14 at 170) also qualified for state last season.

Turn to Wrestling/Page 9

ConnectStoughton.com

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Girls hockey

Icebergs still searching for first win Riley Ledford capped the scoring with 11:09 remaining. The Icebergs could not convert despite a 5-on-3 advantage in the final 2:09.

ADAM FEINER Sports editor

With a new coach and players from six different high schools, the Icebergs girls hockey co-op is still figuring itself out, particularly in net. Stoughton junior Abby Seybold played the first period Monday, Nov. 25, against the Cap City Cougars co-op, and freshman Aven Gruner finished the game — a 9-0 loss at The Ice Pond at Waunakee. “They made a lot of good first saves and tracked the puck nicely. I liked what I saw from them,” Icebergs coach Zoe Kurth said. “We just have to work on clearing the house in front of them to give our goalies a little more of a break.” Seybold finished with 13 saves in the first period, and Gruner recorded eight saves apiece in the second and third. The Icebergs had a pair of 2-on-1 breakouts early in the first period, but could not capitalize against Cap City goaltender Lexi Holman. “We were hoping to take advantage of some loose pucks and get down in our zone,” Kurth said. “We wanted to mark the scoreboard. We thought that might light a fire under us.” The Cougars marked the board with 13:10 left in the first period. Camille Baker took a pass from Zephryn Jager and sent a wrister from the left point past the outstretched glove of Seybold. Abrie Deprey scored

Fond du Lac Tournament

Photo by Adam Feiner

Icebergs goaltender Aven Gruner (left) makes a save early in the third period against the Cap City Cougars on Monday, Nov. 25, at The Ice Pond at Waunakee. The Stoughton freshman made 16 saves in the Icebergs’ 9-0 loss. on a slapshot from the right point with 6:24 left in the opening period. Cap City scored a pair of back-breaking goals late in the first. Lauren Bliefernicht went coastto-coast and banked a centering shot off Seyb o l d ’s l e f t p a d a n d i n

with 2:39 left in the period. Sixty-six seconds later, Amanda Bauer found Jager in front for a goal. The Icebergs were called for icing just 10 seconds into the second period, and the Cougars m a d e t h e m p a y. O l iv i a Thompson scored eight

seconds later off a pass from Jager. Bliefernicht found Brynna Banuelos for a goal right in front of the net with 9:30 left in the second. The Icebergs had a pair of power-play opportunities and recorded five shots in the period, but couldn’t

Prep roundup

Stoughton swimmers win opener ADAM FEINER Sports editor

The Stoughton boys swimming team started its season with a 91-70 dual win on the road over Badger South Conference rival Watertown on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Vikings won nine of 11 events. Conner Clark, Evan Schmidt and Jordan Barthuly each won two individual events and were part of two first-place relays. Clark won the 100-yard butterfly (58.15) and 500 freestyle (5:14.52). Schmidt touched first in the 100 free (53.33) and 200

free (1:54.80). Barthuly took the 100 backstroke (1:02.83) and 200 IM (2:22.30). Clark, Schmidt, Barthuly and Dylan Williamson won the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:51.02. Matt Eppler teamed with Clark, Schmidt and Barthuly to win the 400 free relay in 3:41.96. Eppler, Williamson, Jack Ebner and Isaiah Rowley won the 200 free relay with a time of 1:47.77.

Nov. 26, in Prairie du Sac. The Vikings shot 42% (11-for-26) from the free-throw line and turned the ball over 25 times. The Eagles outscored the Vikings 28-19 in the second half. Megan Marggi scored a teamhigh 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Stoughton (1-2). Delaney Seidel added seven points, six rebounds and two steals. Micah Zaemisch chipped in six points, six rebounds and Girls basketball Stoughton went on the road and two steals. Riley Royston helped lost to Sauk Prairie 53-43 in a Badger with four points and a team-high Conference crossover game Tuesday, nine rebounds.

take advantage. Instead, the Cougars capitalized on a pair of Icebergs’ penalties. Deprey ripped a wrister over Gruner’s left shoulder with 6:21 left in the second, and Jager snuck in a rebound with 1:12 left before the second intermission.

The Icebergs (0-5, 0-2 Badger Conference) lost to Northland Pines 6-1 on Friday, Nov. 29, and the Fox Cities Stars (13-2) and the Warbirds Co-op (4-3) on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Blue Line Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac. Oregon junior Izzy Newton scored at the 16:56 mark of the third period off an assist by Rachel Louis against Northland Pines. Cora Zimmerman made 21 saves. The Eagles outshot the Icebergs 27-22. Aeryn Olson scored on a power play just 2:14 into the second p e r i o d t o c u t Fo x C i t ies’ lead to 3-1, but the Stars responded with five straight goals to seize control. Sydney Schipper scored at the 14:26 mark of the second. Schipper and Hallie Hefel assisted on Olson’s goal. The Stars outshot the Icebergs 40-6. Seybold made 27 saves. Gruner made 40 saves, but the Warbirds scored two straight goals in the middle of the third period to edge the Icebergs. Hefel scored just 2:12 into the third to tie the game at 2. Samantha Nelson scored off assists by Newton and Olson at the 10:37 mark of the third. Newton scored off an assist by Hefel with 1:37 left in the first period.

Wrestling: Set to compete against the state’s best teams Continued from page 8 “Those individuals will help lead our team,” Bob Empey said, “with another eight letterwinners working to help achieve our team goals.” Bob Empey also listed freshmen Chance Suddeth (106) and Griffin Empey (285) as newcomers who could make an immediate impact. The veteran co-coach also listed conference rival Milton and reigning Big Eight Conference champion Janesville Craig as contenders in this year’s

sectional. Stoughton will compete in several tournaments against some of the state’s best teams, notably the Pieper Duals (Dec. 7), Dells Duals (Dec. 14), Badger State Invitational (Dec. 21), Battle at the Bridge in Woodbridge, Virginia (Dec. 27-28) and Cheesehead Invitational in Kaukauna (Jan. 3-4). The Vikings will compete in the Division 1 Sun Prairie Regional and Oconomowoc Sectional. Team sectionals will be held at Janesville Craig.

Basketball: McGee scores a game-high 17 points as Vikings pull away from Spartans Continued from page 8 shooting in the first half and was limited to two points. Hobson finished the game 0-for-9 shooting and scored four points. Weber said last year the Vikings may not have won a game like this. “ E ve n w h e n h e ( H o b s o n ) doesn’t score, he still makes plays for a lot of other people and rebounds,” Weber said. “It’s

nice to not have to count on him for everything. For him to only have four points and for us to still have a good team effort and pick everything else up is a sign of good things to come.” Lake Mills opened the second half on a 10-2 run thanks in large part to its switch to a 1-3-1 zone. “At first, we were playing a little timid against the 1-3-1 and we were scared to shoot,” Hutcherson

said. “Once we started attacking the 1-3-1, they collapses and we kicked out and got shooters open.” Lake Mills junior Drew Johnson had a three-point play, and classmate Grant Horkan buried a 3 to slice the Vikings’ lead to 33-28 with 13:35 left. Stoughton weathered the storm and responded when Hutcherson hit a 3 to extend the Vikings’ lead

to 46-35 with 8:35 to go. Hutcherson said he worked the most in the summer on his outside shooting. “I have to be confident in every game I come in now,” he said. “I just have to shoot it no matter what. It will go in eventually.” After the L-Cats got within six points with 5:30 to go, Hutcherson drilled a 3 to make it 49-40. Stoughton junior Reece Sproul

had a team-high eight rebounds.

Stoughton 65, McFarland 52

McGee scored a game-high 17 points to propel the Vikings past the Spartans. Hobson scored 16 points and Nelson added 10. Sproul pitched in nine points, and junior Luke Fernholz chipped in eight. Stoughton outscored McFarland 35-28 in the second half.

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Charlotte Ruth “Char” Nelson Charlotte Ruth “Char” Nelson, age 95, passed peacefully at Skaalen Nursing and Rehab Center to her heavenly home on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, following a long decline with Alzheimer’s. Born June 30, 1924, to John and Hazel Berres, C h a r l o t t e g r ew u p i n Schofield, Wisconsin. While still in high school during World War II, Charlotte worked at a window factory due to the labor shortage. Char graduated from Wausau High School. She started her career in Wausau, with Employer’s Mutual Insurance which lead to transfers to Kansas City, Montana. and Madison, where she subsequently worked at WISCO Hardware Supply Company and a number of other employers. The last 25 years prior to retirement, she was employed at Dane County Social Services, retiring at the age of 75. Charlotte married her husband, Edwin Nelson, in 1952. She was an active partner on their farm, located in Pleasant Springs Township, all the while working full-time and being an amazing mother to their four children. Charlotte always made time to support her children’s interests in band, orchestra, 4-H, cross-country skiing, gardening, and more, along with large doses of love. Charlotte was a longtime member of Western

Legals STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY, NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INFORMAL ADMINISTRATION) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DENIS R. HARIED Case No. 2019PR824 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for Informal Administration was filed. 2. The decedent, with date of birth November 29, 1965 and date of death November 9, 2019X, was domiciled in Dane County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 2431 Tower Dr., Stoughton, WI 53589. 3. All interested persons waived notice. 4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 21, 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 November 19, 2019 Attorney Mary H. Behling PO Box 15 Cambridge, WI 53523 (608) 423-3286 Bar Number: 01005733 Published: November 28, December 5 and 12, 2019 WNAXLP *** MEETING OF: COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF STOUGHTON DATE//TIME: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019 @ 7:00 P.M. Location: Council Chambers (2nd Floor of Public Safety Building) 321 South Fourth Street, Stoughton, Wisconsin Members: Mayor Tim Swadley, Matt Bartlett, Sid Boersma, Phil Caravello, Ozzie Doom, Ben Heili, Regina Hirsch, Greg Jenson, Jean Ligocki, Tom Majewski, Lisa Reeves, Timothy Riley, and Brett Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Roll Call, Communications, and Presentations: Mayor Swadley called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Boersma left the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Clerk Licht called the roll and noted there were 12 alders present. Listening Sessions for Kettle Park West Park West Phase II TIF Request Fire Chief Wegner Retirement Snow and Ice Removal Presentation-Public Works Director Hebert Minutes and Reports: the following minutes were entered into the record. Police and Fire Commission (9/12/19, 10/14/19); Food Pantry (6/20/19, 8/15/19); Rivers and Trails Task Force (9/9/19); CACP (10/1/19); Finance (10/8/19); Public Safety (8/28/19) Public Comment Period: Francis Sullivan, 1623 Roby Rd., DPI issued school report cards and Stoughton exceeded expectations. CONSENT AGENDA A. October 22, 2019 Council Minutes B. R-170-2019- Authorizing and directing the proper City official (s) to issue Operator Licenses to various applicants Motion by Jenson, second by Heili to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried 12-0.

Charlotte Ruth “Char” Nelson

Ko s h k o n o n g L u t h e r a n Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher/principal for over 50 years. She enjoyed dancing, listening to music, crafts, sewing, gardening, walking and cross-country skiing, along with travels to Norway, Sweden, England, throughout the U.S. and Canada; and, of course, spending time with her grandchildren. Charlotte had a wonderful smile and a genuine caring nature for everyone. She strived to live her life in accordance with her Christian faith and will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A birthday card from one of her many friends sums her up well: “Charlotte, you have fun wherever you go. More p e o p l e s h o u l d b e l i ke you.” Indeed! Charlotte is survived by four children, Kirk (Holly) Nelson of Stoughton, Carol (Kevin) Martin of Stoughton, Dean (Sandi) Nelson of Denver, N.C. and Debra Nelson of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Sonja, Yvonne, Andrew and Tanner; two

OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING: 2020 City of Stoughton Operating Budget The public hearing opened at 7:39  p.m. There were not comments from the public. The meeting resumed at 7:39 p.m. R- 171-2019- Authorizing and directing the proper City official(s) to approve the Stoughton Utilities 2020 Budget Motion by Majewski, second by Jenson to approve R-171-2019. Motion carried on a roll call vote 12-0. R-172-2019- Authorizing and directing the proper City official(s) to adopt the 2020 City of Stoughton Budget Motion by Majewski, second by Jenson to approve R-172-2019. Motion by Jenson, second by Riley to amend the budget to include $49,000 to make the Community Service Officer position full time. Motion failed on a vote of 1-11 with Jenson voting ‘yes’. Motion by Riley, second by Ligocki to fund the circulation supervisor to full time with an additional $19,211. Riley withdrew his motion. Motion by Riley, second by Ligocki to fund the circulation supervisor at 32/ hours with an additional $7,886. Motion failed 1-11 with Riley voting ‘yes’. Original motion carried on roll call vote 12-0. R- 173-2019-Setting a Special Charge for Garbage and Recycling Collection Fees Motion by Schumacher, second by Jenson to approve R-173-2019. Motion carried 11-0. Discussion and possible action regarding entering into an Agreement with Lemke Fence for proposed alterations to the Opera House Garage for Future use by the Police Department in an amount not to exceed $5,500 (Funding Source— Contingency) Motion by Schumacher, second by Jenson to enter into an agreement with Lemke Fence for proposed alterations to the Opera House Garage for future use by the Police Department in an amount not to exceed $5,500. Motion carried 11-0. Consideration and possible action regarding Boardman & Clark request for conflict waiver regarding McFarland State Bank Mandt Community Center Mortgage Motion by Riley, second by Bartlett to approve the conflict waiver regarding McFarland State Bank Mandt Community Center Mortgage. Motion carried 11-0. Consideration and possible action regarding a McFarland State Bank request for Mortgage for the Mandt Community Center property Motion by Ligocki, second by Caravello to approve the request. Motion carried 11-0. R-174-2019- Authorizing and directing the proper City official(s) to increase the fees for City dog licenses by $5 to account for the increase in the Dane County Dog Tax Motion by Ligocki, second by Riley to approve R-174-2019. Motion carried 11-0. R-175-2019- Approving expenses not to exceed $3200 in fiscal year 2019 from contingency funds for Mayor’s appointment of Marty Lamers to Assist in the Fire Department until a replacement is hired or a determination is made regarding structure

great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Rose; brother, Doug (Bev) Berres; and sister-in-law, Margaret Berg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; sister, Katherine Bliese and her husband, Fritz Bliese; brother, Darrell Berres and his wife, L a Ve r n e B e r r e s ; a n d brother-in-law, Russell Berg. A funeral service will be held at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, 2633 Church St., Cottage Grove, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. Burial will immediately follow the service in the adjacent churchyard. A reception will follow the burial in the lower level of the church. Visitation will be held at Gunders o n S t o u g h t o n F u n e ral and Cremation Care, 1358 Hwy. 51 N at Jackson St., Stoughton from 5:30-7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, and at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family greatly appreciates the loving care Charlotte received from Dr. Gurrish Agni and his staff, her past private caregiver, Marcia Krebs and the many caregivers at Skaalen Home. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Hwy. 51 at Jackson St. 873-4590

Motion by Majewski, second by Schumacher to approve R-175-2019. Motion carried 12-0. R-176-2019- Resolution approving the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between American Beauty Investments, LLC (dba: Exclusively Roses) and the City of Stoughton, WI for the property located at 421 Glacier Moraine Drive. The council discussed energy efficiencies. Mayor Swadley explained that Exclusively Roses made an offer to purchase and the City attorney will work with realtor to work out the agreement. The council took no action on this item. Discussion regarding the marketing of the remaining Business Park North Property. Bartlett stated he would like to see industry that has long-term full-time employment and would not like to see self-storage. Adjournment: Motion by Jenson, second Heili to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Motion carried 11-0. Respectfully Submitted, Holly Licht, City Clerk Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP *** BOARD OF EDUCATION STOUGHTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING — Tax Levy & Consent Agenda (Monday, October 21, 2019) 1. Call Meeting to Order-A regular meeting of the Stoughton Area School District was called to order on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 6:38 pm by Board President Francis Sullivan. A. Roll Call-Present: Bubon, Couglin, Freye, FitzGibbon, Hoppe, Jackson, Patterson, Sorg and Sullivan. B. Public Comment-David Handt, 1844 Williams Dr, declining enrollment; S.B., Stoughton High School Student, activities at Stoughton High School. 2. Consent Agenda-A motion was made by FitzGibbon, seconded by Sorg, and carried unanimously to approve the October 7, 2019 Regular Board Meeting Minutes as presented; October 4-November 6, 2019 check register and the October 15, 2019 Pcard register as presented; We would like to say thank you to the following individuals and groups and move approval of their donations to the District: $500.00 from Stoughton Your Girls Basketball for scholarships, 12 cases of Nature Valley Granola Bars (snacks for students) from Abby Czachur/Hike it Baby valued at $100.00, Food for families (canned goods and bottled water) from Daphne Conour valued at $10.00, River Bluff Prairie Garden plans from Brett & Tessa Schmidt of undetermined value, and related cash donation budget adjustments of $500.00; and approval of the resignation of Stephanie Jossart (pending $1,000.00 liquidated damages) effective immediately. 3. Discussion/Action A. Resolution to Adopt the Tax Levy- A motion was made by Coughlin for approval of the Resolution to Adopt the Tax Levy as follow: Be it resolved that there be levied a tax in the amount of $25,853,970 upon all taxable property located in the Stoughton Area School District in the City of Stoughton and Townships of Albion, Christiana, Cottage

ConnectStoughton.com Eileen Rein Brekken Eileen Rein Brekken, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at her home. She was born in Stoughton on Dec. 26, 1925, the daughter of Wilmer and Norma (Moe) Rein. Eileen graduated from Stoughton High School. On February 25, 1945 she married Elmer Brekken. Eileen was a lifelong member of Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church and was active with the Ladies Aid and Central Circle. She is survived by her son, Norman; daughterin-law, Marcia; grandchildren, Nathan (Linda), Matthew (Leah), Jared, Ryan

(Charity) and Renee; and great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob, Natalie, Anna, Katelyn, Auden, Ever and Freya; siblings, Gunder (Berneice), Elsa (Lenny) and Rollie; and many nieces and nephews. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; son, Richard; grandson, Randall; great grandson, Isaac; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Thorlife; and sister-in-law, Janice. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, 2633 Church Street, Cottage Grove, with Rev. Eugene Kock officiating. Burial

will follow in the church cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church. A special thank you to Wendy Olson, and to the staff of Agrace HospiceCare Inc. for their care and compassion. Please share your memories of Eileen at: CressFuneralService.com. Cress Funeral Service 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton 873-9244

Mandt Lodge Hosts lefse classes Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge shared lefse tips, recipes and lessons to 80 participants on Saturday, Nov. 9. There were 17 volunteers staffing five stations on; mixing and recipes; rolling and frying; making balls; and cooling and packaging. Students were able to get hands-on experience and enjoyed hearing the lodge member’s stories and tips. Future lefse classes will be posted on the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce website and the lodge’s Facebook page at Sons of Norway Stoughton WI. Photo submitted Contact Mackenzie Jerry Erdahl and Todd Fossum led the ball making station Krumme at mackenzie. helping the students learn how to mix in the flour, weigh and krumme@wcinet.com. shape the balls.

Grove, Deerfield, Dunkirk, Dunn, Pleasant Springs, and Rutland in the County of Dane; and, in the Townships of Porter and Union in the County of Rock, State of Wisconsin for the 2019-20 school year. The motion was seconded by Hoppe and carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Aye- Bubon, Hoppe, Jackson, Patterson, Sorg, FitzGibbon, Freye, Coughlin, Sullivan). B. Adopt the 2019-2020 Budget-A motion was made by Hoppe for approval to adopt the 2019-2020 budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Jackson and carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Aye- FitzGibbon, Patterson, Coughlin, Jackson, Bubon, Freye, Sorg, Hoppe, Sullivan). C. Ratification of 2019-20 Master Contract with the Stoughton Education Association (SEA)- A motion was made by Freye for ratification of 2019-2020 Master Contract with the Stoughton Education Association (SEA) per Board Comprehensive Initial Proposal dated September 9, 2019. The motion was seconded by Sorg and carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Aye-Jackson, Bubon, Sorg, Hoppe, Freye, Coughlin, Patterson, FitzGibbon, Sullivan). D. Approval of Employment Relations Committee recommendation of 2019-20 supplemental pay for bargaining unit members represented by the Stoughton Education Association (SEA)A motion was made by Freye to approve the Employment Relations Committee recommendation of 2019-2020 supplemental pay for bargaining unit members represented by the Stoughton Education Association (SEA) in the amount of $25/ FTE retroactive to July 1, 2019; provided, however, that all bargaining unit members who were hired new to the District for the 2019-2020 school year shall not receive this supplemental pay. The motion was seconded by FitzGibbon and carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Aye- FitzGibbon, Coughlin, Patterson, Freye, Sorg, Bubon, Hoppe, Jackson, Sullivan). E. Confirmation of 2019-20 retention incentives per the Educator Compensation Plan for bargaining unit members represented by the Stoughton Education Association (SEA)- A motion was made by Freye for confirmation of Educator Compensation Plan retention incentives for the 2019-2020 contract year for bargaining unit members represented by the Stoughton Education Association (SEA).

The motion was seconded by Patterson and carried unanimously on a roll call vote (Aye- Sorg, Freye, Bubon, Hoppe, Coughlin, Jackson, FitzGibbon, Patterson, Sullivan). 4. Meeting Closing A. Recap of Action Items-Board will be provided with information about club advisors and materials for November 4th. B. Future Meetings/Events-Board Retreat: November 4, Regular Board Meeting: November 18, Finance Committee Meeting: November 18, Policy Committee Meeting: November 18 & December 3 C. Adjournment-A motion was made by Freye, seconded by Patterson and carried unanimously to adjourn at 6:57 pm. ___________________________ Yolibeth FitzGibbon, Clerk Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP

*** NOTICE The City of Stoughton hereby provides notice that the Common Council of City of Stoughton will at its regularly scheduled public meeting on December 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at 321 S. Fourth St. consider increasing the total service hours for its share-ride taxi service Stoughton Transit from 11,820 hours to 12,189 hours to accommodate demand on weekends and weekday rush-hours. Individuals or agencies wishing to comment or receive additional information about this application should contact Ryan Wiesen at (608) 646-0152. Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP ***

Pete Gunderson • Mike Smits • Dale Holzhuter Sara Paton Barkenhagen • Martha Paton Alyssa Halverson • Skyler Gunderson • • • •

Personalized Life Celebration Services Cremation Services & Options Traditional Burial Services Green Burials

Family Owned, Family Operated, Celebrating 97 Years Of Service Stoughton - 1358 Hwy. 51 N • 608.873.4590 OREGON - 1150 Park St. • 608-835-3515

www.gundersonfh.com

adno=67492

Increase Your sales opportunities…reach over 1.2 million households! Advertise in our Wisconsin Advertising Network System. For information call 835-6677. Agricultural/Farming Services Construction, Remodeling, Windows FARMERS, LANDSCAPERS, OR GARDENERS, did you or a Year End Sale! 33% Off a New Bath or Shower system! Zero loved one use Roundup Weed Killer and were diagnosed with Down, Interest, and Payments until 2021! Call Mad City WinNON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA (Cancer?) You may be entitled to dows 608-338-1170. compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727 Help Wanted-Truck Driver OTR DRY VAN & FLATBED DRIVERS - Run the Midwest ReAgricultural/Farming Services SEED TREATMENT for soybean White Mold and SDS! Ask gion Home every weekend - Yearly increase- Paid Vacation/ your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed Treatment. Cost effective, Holidays, Health/Dental Insurance, Short-term Disability, Life Insurance, Also $1,000.00 sign on bonus Call (608)-873-2922, proven results: www.headsupST.com or 866/368 9306 curt@stoughton-trucking.com adno=125412

December 5, 2019

POLICE REPORT The Stoughton Police Department logged 2,290 incidents for October. Cases of interest for the month were: one armed robbery, seven OWIs, five burglaries, three drug incidents, 19 thefts, five domestic disturbances, seven threats, 22 disturbances, 14 disorderly conducts, 21 traffic crashes, 60 EMS assists, 15 alarms, 27 juvenile incidents, 63 911 calls, four warrant arrests, 16 animal complaints, and officers responded to 50 suspicious activity calls.Officers also logged 39 check persons, 45 check properties, 85 assist cases, 26 criminal charges, 21 ordinance violations and 22 traffic arrests from 30 traffic stops. The following were identified as significant cases by the Stoughton Police Department:

Lost & Found LOST DOG. Have you seen Katie? Very shy, Black-Tan, Female, Yorkshire Terrier is missing. Please do not chase her. Please text or call us at 608-4695439 or 608-469-5440 if you have seen her or have any information. $2000 Reward if brought home safely. For more info., see our FB page: BRING KATIE HOME.

confronted that subject admitted to the attempted theft and to a previous theft at the store. Oct. 13 Officers arrested a 30-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant following a traffic stop. Officers arrested a 62-year-old man for disorderly conduct following disturbance at a residence.

Automotive WANTED. GOOD Used Car 20002010. Please call 608-843-9563. WANTED: GOOD used farm truck, ⁄4 ton or one ton, reasonably priced. Platteville. 608-732-5052. 3

Services A&B ENTERPRISES Light Construction Remodeling No job too small 608-835-7791

Oct. 16 Officers arrested a 29-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant following the subject coming to the PD for assistance and the officer discovering the warrant.

RECOVER PAINTING currently offering winter discounts on painting, drywall and carpeting. Recover urges you to join in the fight against cancer, as a portion of every job is donated to cancer research. Free estimates, fully insured, over 20 years of experience. Call 608-270-0440.

Oct. 21 Officers arrested an 18-year-old woman for batOct. 3 Officers arrested an tery, disorderly conduct and 18-year-old man on an out- felony bail jumping followstanding warrant following ing a domestic disturbance. the officer serving the warOct. 23 rant at a residence. Officers arrested a 29-year-old woman for OWI Oct. 5 O f f i c e r s a r r e s t e d a – third offense following a 42-year-old woman for bat- traffic stop. tery and disorderly conduct following a domestic distur- Oct. 24 Officers arrested a bance. 41-year-old woman for disOfficers arrested a orderly conduct following a 31-year-old woman for OWI domestic disturbance. and a probation hold followOfficers arrested a ing a disturbance complaint 24-year-old woman for batfrom a retail store. The pas- tery and disorderly conduct senger, who was the suspect following a domestic disturof the complaint, got into a bance. vehicle with another subject and they were attempting to Oct. 27 drive away. Officers are investigating The driver was subse- a report of a stabbing to a quently arrested for OWI. 16-year-old boy that showed The passenger was arrest- up at the Stoughton Hospied on a probation hold for tal. The victim had multiple consuming alcohol in vi- stab wounds that were not olation of her probation. life threatening. The victim Complaint originated when is being uncooperative with the passenger was refused officers and the case rea purchase of alcohol. mains under investigation. Officers arrested a Oct. 7 29-year-old man for disorOfficers referred charges derly conduct and bail jumpof violation of a harass- ing following a domestic ment restraining order on a disturbance. 22-year-old woman followOfficers arrested an ing a threatening text mes- 18-year-old man for disorsage. derly conduct and unlawful use of a computer following Oct.8 threats on social media. Officers arrested a 42-year-old woman for fel- Oct.28 ony theft and bail jumping Officers arrested a following an investigation 50-year-old man on an outinto a theft of a big screen standing warrant following TV from Walmart. a request from the US Marshal’s Office for assistance Oct. 10 in serving the warrant. Officers arrested a 35-year-old woman for OWI Oct. 30 – fourth Offense following a Officers arrested 26-yeartraffic stop. old man on a probation hold following a domestic disturOct. 12 bance. Officers arrested a 42-yearOfficers took a 12-year-old old woman for two counts of boy into protective custody felony theft and bail jumping and transported him to the following a report from store Juvenile Reception Center personnel that an active theft for Disorderly Conduct While was occurring. Officers re- Armed following distursponded and observed the bance at a residence where subject leaving the store with the juvenile was threatening unpaid merchandise. When others with a knife.

SNOW PLOWING Residential & Commercial Fully Insured. 608-873-7038 or 608-669-0025

Pets DOBERMAN PUPPIES 8 wks, tails docked, shots & wormed, vet checked, parents on site, European imports, well socialized. www. limecreekdobermans.com. 319-5600104. FOR SALE: Cute Red Heeler cross puppies, good natured, parents on site, pictures available. Stitzer, WI, 608-943-6160. GERMAN SHEPHERD puppies ready to go. Purebred black and tan, first shots and dewormed, $550. 608-3419088. GOLDEN DOODLE PUPS, READY FOR CHRISTMAS, medium/standard. Choc., blk & wht, parti, phantom. Parents - hip, elbows, eyes, heart & DNA - disease tested. Raised in-home, crate trained, vet checked, shots & well loved. $1850-$2200. 630-816-2043 galenagoldendoodles. com READY FOR Christmas! Purebred Golden Retriever puppies, ADORABLE, vet checked, de-wormed, shots, dew claws removed. 608-732-1150. TWO FEMALE Boston Terrier puppies $500 each, Platteville. 608-7325052. Red & Blue Heeler puppies for sale. Both parents on site. Ready 12-2-19. $100 each. David Miller, 2815 Wren Lane, Fennimore, WI 53809.

Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin. CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE IS Noon Friday for The Great Dane and Noon Monday for the Courier Hub unless changed because of holiday work schedules. Call now to place your ad, 873-6671 or 835-6677.

NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088

Miscellaneous WOOD STOVE with chimney for sale. 608-732-7083. SEASONED SPLIT OAK, Hardwood. Volume discount. Will deliver. 608609-1181.

Lawn & Garden

ARIENS DELUXE 30 snow blower, 305cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 30" wide, 2 stage snow blower. Remote axle lock drive, electric start, heated handle bars, excellent condition, $795. 608-623-2789.

UNION ROAD STORAGE 10x10 - 10x15 - 10x20 - 12x30 24-7 Access Security Lights & Cameras Credit Cards Accepted 608-835-0082 1128 Union Road, Oregon, WI Located on the corner of Union Road and Lincoln Road

SNOW BLOWER. 22 horsepower Husqvarna tractor complete with 40-inch snow blower, 42-inch lawn mower, and Precision Trailer. Located in Stoughton. 608.438.3380.

Wanted

Office Space For Rent

WE BUY Junk Cars and Trucks. We sell used parts. Monday thru Friday 8am-5:30pm. Newville Auto Salvage 279 Hwy 59, Edgerton 608-884-3114

OFFICE/RETAIL Space for rent in Downtown Oregon. Available December 1. 1274 sqft; $1062 per month. Heat included in rent. Contact 608-333-4420 or 715-891-4784 for showing and further information.

ROSEWOOD APARTMENTS for Seniors 55+. 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month. Includes heat, water and sewer. Professionally managed. Located at 300 Silverado Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589. 608-877-9388

FARMETTE FOR sale near Platteville: 4 bedroom brick house with buildings, a few acres. Also, up to 60 acres of land. Can be used for farming or residential housing. 608-732-5052. NEW FACTORY Built Homes: 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980. HORKHEIMER HOMES. Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985

Horses LOOKING TO buy all types of horses andor ponies. Riding or not. Cash paid. 262-930-9271.

WANTED: CONSIGNORS for the upcoming PAPA Alliance Black hided Feeder Calf and Yearling sales at Bloomington Livestock Exchange, Bloomington, WI. Sale dates are December 6 and January 3. Call and get on the early listings for whichever sale works best for you. No dairy crosses. For information contact Greg May 608-5740719 or BLE 608-994-2020.

Farm RENT SKID LOADERS MINI-EXCAVATORS TELE-HANDLER and these attachments. Concrete breaker, posthole auger, landscape rake, concrete bucket, pallet forks, trencher, rock hound, broom, teleboom, stump grinder. By the day, week, or month. Carter & Gruenewald Co. 4417 Hwy 92, Brooklyn, WI 608-455-2411

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT In Oregon facing 15th hole on golf course Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Security System Conference rooms available Kitchenette-Breakroom Autumn Woods Prof. Centre Marty 608-835-3628

SIOUX GRAIN BIN, 27 ft. diameter, 6 ring high, drying floor, unloading auger, dismantled, $5,500, also 27 in. drying heater with fan, used 1 season, $2,900. Wanted: Portable band saw mill. Bennie Herschberger, 47189 Maple Ridge Rd., Boscobel, WI. 53805, 608-391-1220.

VERONA OFFICE Space for Rent. 1000 sqft. 3 separate offices, reception area, bathroom, storage, offstreet parking and room for your sign on the building. Call or text Mike at 608-577-3766.

ALL ADS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER.

Rentals GREENWOOD APARTMENTS. Apartments for Seniors 55+,currently has 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month,includes heat, water, and sewer. 608-835-6717 Located at:139 Wolf St., Oregon, WI 53575

Real Estate

HERD OF 50 Holstein milk cows. Black and white, red and white. Mostly A.I. Bred. Low SSC and high butter fat. Platteville. 608-778-2555.

SELF-STORAGE lock-and-leave dry metal pole barn, gravel floor, rural Verona, 4000 sqft, only $400/month. 608-848-2345.

42" SNOW BLOWER ATTACHMENT for John Deere Series 100 Tractors. Hardly used. $850. 608-692-1315.

Livestock

RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240

0750 ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGON/BROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900 DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337 DANE COUNTY’S MARKETPLACE. The Courier Hub Classifieds. Call 873-6671 or 835-6677.

We’re growing in Fitchburg! We train! Learn a trade!

Join the leading team in residential, commercial and municipal drain cleaning with more than 70 years of Quality Service!

Family owned since 1948.

SERVICE TECHNICIAN & CDL DRIVERS WANTED!

• Paid training & competitive wages • Excellent health & dental plans • 401K • Paid vacation • Paid holidays

OFFICE HELP WANTED

Duties include answering phones, data entry, invoicing and general office duties.

Please call or apply in person at: Roto Rooter 4808 Ivywood Trail, McFarland, WI 608-256-5189

Assemblers A F T E R 1 2 0 D AY S

$21.66 - $22.06 / hour SECOND SHIFT (4/10’s) MONDAY – THURSDAY: 2:15pm – 12:15am

W H Y S U B - Z E R O , W O L F, A N D C O V E ? ■ State of the art fabrication & assembly equipment

Machine Operators - Fabrication A F T E R 1 2 0 D AY S

■ Clean, temperature controlled working environment

$21.66 - $22.06/ hour

■ Excellent employee beneﬁt package

SECOND SHIFT MONDAY – FRIDAY: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

■ On-site employee clinic and ﬁtness center available

The Wisconsin State Journal is looking for a carriers in the following areas. Must be available early A.M.s, 7 days a week and have a dependable vehicle. Evansville: Cambridge:

A P P LY O N L I N E

subzero-wolf.com/careers

Route CAM103 Approx $500/Mo

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer adno=111809

For more information, call or email Kevin at 608-225-3693 or KHenry@madison.com

FRENCHTOWNSELF-STORAGE Only 6 miles South of Verona on Hwy PB. Variety of sizes available now. 10x10=$65-month 10x15=$75-month 10x20=$85-month 10x25=$95-month 12x30=$120-month Call 608-424-6530 or 1-888-878-4244

COLUMBUS ANTIQUE MALL & CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MUSEUM “Wisconsin’s Largest Antique Mall!” Customer Appreciation Week 20% off December 2-8 Enter daily 8am-4pm 78,000SF 200 Dealers in 400 Booths Third floor furniture, locked cases Location: 239 Whitney St Columbus, WI 53925 920-623-1992 www.columbusantiquemall.com

THEY SAY people don’t read those little ads, but YOU read this one, didn’t you? Call now to place your ad, 873-6671 or 835-6677.

EARN EXTRA $ WORKING ONLY A FEW HOURS A DAY!

Route: EVN101, Approx $450/Mo Route: EVN102, Approx $600/Mo Route: UNV801, Approx $1,350/Mo

Stoughton Courier Hub

adno=119606

ConnectStoughton.com

adno=126139

December 5, 2019

Stoughton Courier Hub

Pleasant Springs taxes dropping Rate dips after spike in road spending plan SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Now in its third year of an extensive five year plan to fix the town’s roads, the Town of Pleasant Springs’ 2020 taxes will drop a bit after two years of climbing. The town held its annual public hearing on the budget Nov. 5, and in a special town meeting immediately following, supervisors approved a tax levy of $928,673 and a mill rate of $1.78 (per $1,000 of assessed value). The budget includes a

3% wage increases for town employees. One person attended the meeting, and there was no comment. The town board approved the budget immediately following the public hearing. The taxes are down from this year’s tax levy of $1.1 million and mill rate of $2.22, which had risen from $1.37 in 2017 to $1.74 in 2018, as the town attempts to fix longterm problems with crumbling roads. This year, the town spent more than $660,000 on road construction. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@ wcinet.com.

Library’s LINKcat catalog down for update Every cat needs a nap now and then. LINKcat, the online catalog for area public libraries, will be offline for a scheduled software update from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 10. This will affect all public libraries in the seven-county South Central Library System. During this offline period, patrons will not have access to the catalog to place new holds, but will be able to pick up existing holds. Due dates on library items will be extended and overdue fines will not incurred, according to a library news release. Library eBooks and eAudiobooks will be available through Wisconsin’s Digital Library at wplc.overdrive.com. Patrons may still visit their local library to check out and return items during regular hours of operation. Library staff will also be available to help patrons locate materials on their shelves. For information, call the library at 873-6281. - Mackenzie Krumme

ConnectStoughton.com

Teachers: Program has grown with increase in new educators “I don’t know if they are retiring earlier than they used to (but) we’re seeing more “finding your miracles.” “(It’s) finding the people teachers leave the profession,” who work to build you up and she told the Hub last month. get you excited about education and who really love what Full-time assistance To help keep new educators they do, so you don’t get on the path, the district uses a down on what you’re doing,” Daino said. “It’s hard to be “full release” model, meaning really down on what you’re mentors’ duties are solely on doing when you’re around mentoring, with no classroom duties. those great people.” “We’re able to put our full While new educators often start their careers eager and focus into our new educators full of energy and ideas, and not having to wear sevjumping into the new role eral different hats,” Keenan can be stressful. To help ease said. “It’s been a model that them through those first years has worked great for our dis– and keep them teaching in trict.” The DPI teacher induction Stoughton – the district’s expanded mentoring program and mentoring guidebook focuses on working together highlights the district’s model to build long-term skills in as one of several “identified as most strongly influencing the profession. The program has gotten student learning gains.” Releasing the mentor high grades from some district educators, who say the teachers from their teachprogram has helped them ing contract for three years through rough early stretches allows them to “engage in and given them a trusted edu- ongoing observation cycles that provides the necessary cator to turn to. Stoughton has had teacher time for deep, instructionally mentorship since 2002-03, focused conversations,” the part of the Wisconsin Depart- guidebook states. During the school year, ment of Public Instruction (DPI) pilot program. For the mentors work with mentees first several years, Keenan and their building principals, was on her own, but as the as well as one-on-one and number of new educators in monthly mentor forums with the district has grown, so has educators from other districts. Keenan said when she the mentorship program. This year, she is assisted meets with her teachers, they by fellow mentor Stephanie talk about “less of the conKrenz, formerly a German tent of the class” than more language teacher at Stough- big-picture topics. “We’re trying to provide ton High School. The two are keeping busy, as it’s the first support, and (show) what year that DPI has mandated effective and good quality public school districts offer teaching looks like,” she said. mentoring from a licensed “We focus on the quality of teacher for educators with instruction being provided.” Ultimately, relationship fewer than three years’ fullbuilding is the key to making time classroom experience. Not coincidentally, that an impact with a young edumove comes when the state cator, Keenan said. “The No. 1 thing a mentor is seeing fewer college graduates go into the teaching pro- really needs to do is have that fession, and Keenan said also piece of trust, because they more teachers leaving the need to know when we go in profession “for retirement or to make those observations, it’s just between the two of for other reasons.”

Continued from page 1

Kegonsa replaces two teachers The importance of the Stoughton Area School District’s mentorship program has been outlined this fall with the unexpected resignations of two young beginning teachers at Kegonsa Elementary School. On Oct. 3, the district received a resignation letter from third grade teacher Trenna Boyd and at the Oct. 21 school board meeting, district superintendent Tim Onsager announced the resignation of fifth grade teacher Stephanie Jossart. “Young educator, decided to leave the career of education,” he explained to board members. Citing difficulties finding qualified teachers two months into the school year, district officials have tried to solve the issue by consolidating classrooms and hiring teaching assistants to help the remaining teachers in those grade levels, while keeping class sizes under district standards. For a teacher to resign is rare this early in the school year, but it’s something school districts are increasingly dealing with, SASD spokesperson Derek Spellman wrote the Hub in an email last week. “A growing number of young teachers are leaving the profession, and at the same time fewer people are pursuing a career in education,” he wrote. “That creates new challenges for many districts, ours included, and it is part of the reason why the retention, recruitment and development of staff is a pillar of our new strategic plan.”

us,” she said. “They can be themselves and ask questions that maybe they are afraid to ask other teachers. “When you’re new, you don’t want people to think you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Finding the ‘flow’

Now in his second year as a physical education instructor at Sandhill Elementary, Beau Gueths has found a bit of a comfort zone, which he credits to working closely with Keenan last year. Even though his “classroom” is different than most teachers, he said she’s been able to gear their discussions toward more general themes, from how to manage students’ attention to filing paperwork. “Especially my first year, I didn’t know what I needed to do to fill out this thing or that, and she’s been a great resource on how I document

all that stuff and made it very stress-free,” he told the Hub. “That was a huge, huge help.” His “rookie” season last year was a bit stressful at times, Gueths admitted, but this year is going much more smoothly, he said – something Keenan has noticed, as well. “She was saying, ‘When you’re up there in front of the students, the flow of things is much more natural,” he said. “Year one, you have to figure things out as you go, and you definitely learn a lot. Year two is cruising along, and I’m having a lot of fun. “I can definitely see myself just growing further and further and kind of getting a hold of everything.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@ wcinet.com.

SAVE WITH A FREE ENERGY-EFFICIENT PACK THIS WINTER! FOCUS ON ENERGY® has a simple solution to help you save energy and money: FREE energy-saving packs! These packs contain easy-to-install energy-efficient lighting and a variety of products for you to choose from that can make an immediate impact in your home, whether you own or rent.

Visit focusonenergy.com/simple or call 857.972.9330 to place your order. adno=123519

Woodward Community Media

Published on Dec 4, 2019

12/5/20 Stoughton Courier Hub

Published on Dec 4, 2019

richlandcentershoppingnews

Go explore