(Clyman) There could be more human trafficking indictments coming related to Dodge County strip clubs. Earlier this month, Hardware Store owner Michael Seigel of Fox Lake and manager Scott Hoeft of Watertown were indicted on charges of conspiring to use the club to carry out prostitution over a ten-year period ending last year. Sheriff Dale Schmidt told us yesterday on Community Comment that when the federal warrant was served at the Clyman strip club it was the largest police response that community had ever seen. Schmidt referenced a similar response at the Wild Rose in Lebanon but stopped short of saying it could result in an indictment; he did note that it is still an “ongoing investigation.” Prosecutors say the Hardware Store generated revenue from the sexual activities in their lap dancing room, and the suspects would only hire dancers who were prostitutes.
(Marshfield) Two major Wisconsin health care systems have called off a merger. Marshfield Clinic and Gundersen Health put out joint statements on Thursday calling off a proposed merger. That was first announced in May of this year. Both sides say they appreciate the effort made to explore a merger, but that they will remain independent for now and continue to work on improving health care in rural Wisconsin.
(Beaver Dam) A Juneau man was arrested this week for his 8th OWI offense. Wesley Gayan was allegedly under the influence of CNS stimulants and narcotic analgesics when he was pulled over early Monday morning. According to the criminal complaint, Gayan struggled through field sobriety tests and was arrested. If convicted, the 51-year-old faces no more than 12-and-a-half years in prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 26th.
(Columbia County) A registered sex offender is being placed near Portage. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says Robert Tessen will be residing in the 8300 block of Bulgrin Road. The 41-year-old was convicted of Third-Degree Sexual Assault in 1998. Per the conditions of his probation, Tessen is not allowed in taverns or liquor stores, cannot consume alcohol or have contact with minors. Tessen will be under the supervision of the Portage Office of Probation and Parole.
(Fox Lake) A Milwaukee woman accused of smuggling cocaine into Fox Lake Correctional is heading to trial. 28-year-old Evangelica Santana waived her right to a preliminary hearing on felony Delivering Illegal Articles to an Inmate charges. 34-year-old Ricky Glass of Milwaukee is also facing similar charges for his alleged role. Investigators reportedly intercepted a phone call between Santana and an inmate that referenced drugs. When corrections officers searched the inmate, and untucked his shirt, several baggies of cocaine fell to the floor. If convicted, the charge carries a maximum three-and-a-half year prison sentence. Santana will be arraigned next month while Glass has a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 16th.
(Beaver Dam) The Dodge County Center for the Arts (DCCA) is once again holding its annual Holiday Gift Gallery. The event allows visitors an opportunity to purchase handcrafted items by local artists. DCCA Board Member Kraig Kasten says they have a wide variety of items for sale including photography, sculptures, pottery and jewelry. The Dodge County Center for the Arts is located Maple Avenue and North Center Street in Beaver Dam. The exhibit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. There is no fee to enter the gallery and prices on items vary. The gallery’s last day will be on December 22nd. More information is available at www.dodgecountyarts.org.
