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Thursday, March 19, 2020 • Vol. 138, No. 35 • Stoughton, WI • ConnectStoughton.com • $1.50
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COVID-19 response
SHUT DOWN
City of Stoughton
No new agent for Shakers City considering rescinding saloon’s liquor license RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group
Photo by Justin Loewen
Koffee Kup on the afternoon of Monday, March 16, after the announcement that restaurants should reduce seating by 50% so prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Schools, services in Stoughton close amid concerns over spreading COVID-19 UNG STAFF Unified Newspaper Group
Editor’s Note: The Hub has a print deadline of Tuesday afternoon. Some of the information included in this reporting is reflective of accurate information at that time. We will be updating our online story with developments. The decision to close the
Stoughton Public Library, which by definition is open to everyone, goes against everything Jim Ramsey stands for as a librarian, the Stoughton Public Library director told the Hub on Monday, March 16. “To know that we are not here for people when they need us is very difficult,” he said. “My responsibility to public health trumps my responsibilities as a librarian.” The cause for concern is in the quickly spreading coronavirus pandemic, which has brought 72 active cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 19
to the public starting over the weekend. It has also created limitations for local food pantries and difDetailed coverage on ficult choices for Stoughton-arthe coronavirus ea businesses, who are either reducing hours or cutting staff. pandemic and its Nearly all local events have local effects been canceled, including shows at the Stoughton Opera House, Pages 3, 5, 16 Stoughton Village Players theater and Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge. Restaurants and other indoor entertainment, such as in Dane County. The library, along with the the Cinema Cafe, are cut to half Stoughton Area Senior Cen- capacity, with no more than 50 ter and Stoughton Area School patrons. District, closed indefinitely Turn to COVID-19/Page 16
Inside
Shakers Saloon, LLC won’t be allowed to designate a new agent for its liquor license as the city considers whether to rescind it. The Stoughton Common Council denied Bradley Dillman, a bartender at Shakers and insurance agent, his request to be the new agent for the bar’s liquor license after part-owner and license agent Dale Kittleson was arrested on felony drug charges. The council voted against making Dillman the new agent for the license on a vote of 6-4. The council planned to vote on the liquor license March 24, but due to coronavirus precautions, that council meeitng has been postponed until a date to be determined. Kittleson faces five felony drug charges, including possession of amphetamine, narcotics and cocaine with the intent to sell, as well as manufacturing/intent to sell cocaine in quantities larger than 40 grams. His arraignment is scheduled for April 28. Stoughton police arrested Kittleson on suspicion of selling cocaine at the business in December. That arrest led to a complaint from police chief Greg Leck on Jan. 28, stating Shakers was in violation of the city municipal code and state statutes by maintaining a
Turn to Shakers/Page 11
Inside
School’s out for … ?
All district classes, events cancelled; re-evaluation in 2 weeks SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
It’s the kind of “spring break” no one saw coming when the 2020-21 calendar came out last year. Due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the Stoughton Area School District
has canceled all classes and activities from Monday, March 16 through at least Friday, April 3, with plans to use virtual learning to meet students’ educational needs in the meantime. Gov. Tony Evers announced the closings of all schools in the state in a Friday, March 13, news release. The anticipated reopening date is Monday, April 6, however, that is subject to change, pending further information. While Evers mandated that schools close
Courier Hub
Kids and Young at Heart special content
On the Web
Find out more about the Stoughton Area School District’s response to the coronavirus pandemic at
stoughton.k12.wi.us as of March 18, on Sunday, March 15, Dane County made it an immediate closure. The district first discussed COVID-19
Turn to School/Page 3
A 2020 spec
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A Madiso n-a parent’s gui rea de to everyth ing kids!
Pages 7-10 and inserted
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