News – January 25, 2019

(Watertown) Authorities are not saying much but they have confirmed that a search warrant was served at a Dodge County strip club Thursday morning. Sheriff Dale Schmidt says his office was among the agencies assisting federal law enforcement officials in executing the search warrant at the Wild Rose Gentlemen’s Club in the Town of Lebanon. A warrant was also served at the Dew Drop Inn in the city of Watertown. Schmidt says no further information is available at this time as the action is part of an ongoing federal investigation and his office’s involvement is only in assisting their colleagues on the federal level.

(Juneau) With the temperatures dropping this weekend, Dodge County Emergency Management Officials are warning residents of the potential hazards they could face. The predominant dangers in cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite. Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes. Symptoms can include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in the hands or feet. Nehls encourages citizens to limit their time outside and to let someone know if you are going out and when you plan on returning.

(Beaver Dam) A Beaver Dam man accused of making threats against police is heading to trial after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday. Samuel Stephenson allegedly fled from officers on foot following reports of a fight in the early morning hours of January 14. After a brief chase, a Taser gun was used to take Stephenson into custody. While being booked into the Dodge County Jail, Stephenson reportedly made verbal threats towards corrections officers and staff, including the city’s K9. If convicted on all charges, the 21-year-old faces roughly 32-years in prison. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for February 20.

(Beaver Dam) A plea and sentencing hearing was scheduled yesterday (Thursday) for a Beaver Dam man accused of making threats against law enforcement. Authorities located Ryan Tessmann on November 3 while they were investigating an unrelated case; he had a felony probation warrant for his arrest. While Tessmann was being detained, he allegedly made threats to kill the officers and flailed his feet towards them. If convicted, the 31-year-old faces over six years in prison. Tessmann is due back in court on February 13.

(Beaver Dam) An annual Beaver Dam winter event has been cancelled. The Cabin Fever Fest was originally scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 4pm at Crystal Lake. Organizers say due to extreme temperatures expected this weekend the festival has been called off. Beaver Dam Recreation Supervisor Joan Hohenstein says there is no make-up-date set for this year. She adds that the Community Activities and Services Department looks forward to an even bigger and better Cabin Fever Fest next year.

(Beaver Dam) It is opening night for the first main stage musical at the new Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre Fine Arts Center. “Always…Patsy Cline” tells the story of the legendary county singer and features around 30 of her beloved songs. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk. The Fine Arts Center is located at 117 West Maple Avenue. Tickets are available at bdact.org or on the theatre’s new box office. “Always…Patsy Cline” runs through February 10.