Latest news with #WFRV
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Family of 19-Year-Old Grace Schara takes hospital to court in landmark wrongful death case
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – In a case that has captivated the community and raised profound questions about medical ethics, the trial concerning the wrongful death of 19-year-old Grace Schara commenced on Tuesday in Outagamie County court. The young woman, who had Down syndrome, died at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton in 2021 after contracting COVID-19. The Schara family has launched a civil lawsuit against the hospital, alleging medical negligence, violations of informed consent, and battery. Wisconsin DNR: Limit time outside due to Canadian wildfire smoke As opening statements unfolded Tuesday morning, the parents of Grace argued that their daughter was administered a combination of medications—precedex, lorazepam, and morphine—without their knowledge or consent. They contend that these drugs, rather than complications from COVID-19, led to Grace's respiratory distress and ultimately her untimely death. The family only discovered a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order had been placed on Grace's chart when she was already in critical condition, prompting concerns that medical staff had failed to honor their last-minute request to change her DNR status. The case marks a significant moment in legal history, as it is the first to challenge the designation of COVID-19 as the primary cause of death on a death certificate. The hospital, however, has firmly denied the allegations, asserting that Grace received appropriate care from a team of medical professionals and that her deterioration was a natural progression of her illness. 'Nothing is urgent enough to destroy their life': Sheriff in Wisconsin catches driver going 105 mph in a 55 zone During the trial, plaintiff attorney Warner Mendenhall emphasized the alarming sequence of events leading to Grace's decline, stating, 'Instead of recognizing the life-threatening situation and reducing the medications causing the problems, this medical team did the opposite.' In contrast, defense attorney Jason John Franckowiak argued that the claims are based on misunderstandings surrounding Grace's care, asserting that the medical team acted within the accepted standard of care. Defense attorney Randall also addressed the court, saying, 'We believe the evidence will show that Dr. Shokar's care and treatment of Grace Schara on October 12th and 13th of 2021, met the standard of care that applied.' The emotional weight of the trial is compounded by the heartbreaking testimony from Grace's mother, Cindy Schara, who recalled her daughter's vibrant spirit and artistic talents. 'She was so talented when it came to coloring, and she loved to leave notes for people,' Cindy reflected. 'She learned how to play violin, she was a dancer, she was an actor, she loved to be in plays, our home-schooled plays.' Wisconsin Department of Transportation warning residents of fake DMV link scams As the trial unfolds, it is expected to last up to 3 weeks, drawing attention to critical issues surrounding informed consent and the rights of patients and their families in the healthcare system. The outcome of this landmark case could have far-reaching implications for how medical decisions are made, especially during a public health crisis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Note to southern Wisconsin city expresses gratitude for community's kindness, help during funeral procession
ELKHORN, Wis. (WFRV) – While it was a sad occasion, a family in southern Wisconsin expressed its gratitude to the community for helping out during a funeral procession. The City of Elkhorn's official Facebook page posted a note from a person who said their faith in humanity was renewed during the funeral because of the community's kindness. Wisconsin Humane Society raises $80,000 during Green Bay Pet Walk According to the note, the Elkhorn Police Department provided an escort during the procession, and every single driver pulled over, stopped and waited for them to pass. 'In my 63 years, I've never witnessed a procession where every single vehicle pulled over, stopped, and waited for us to pass,' the note said. 'It was a powerful display of respect and empathy.' Not only did everybody in the area stop, but the note continued, mentioning that four older men stopped while riding their lawnmowers, and stood with their hands across their chests, paying homage to the grieving loved ones. Fire Department Lieutenant in Wisconsin uses chainsaw to create artful park bench 'This is the very essence of small-town America, and it's a beacon of hope that reminds us of the kind of America we strive to be.' Note to City of Elkhorn Amidst an emotional day, community members in the small Wisconsin town showed compassion and kindness, even for people they may not have known. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Search warrant leads to seizure of firearms, 3D printers, drugs in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – A search warrant led to the discovery of several illegal items at the end of May in southeast Wisconsin. According to the Milwaukee Police Department, officers, in conjunction with other personnel assigned to the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, served a search warrant on Milwaukee's north side on May 30. Man arrested after leading Wisconsin deputies on pursuit, getting stuck in field The following items were confiscated as a result of the search: Nine pistol machine gun conversion devices Five rifle auto-sears 16 pistols Three rifles Four rifle suppressors Five pistol suppressors 14 3D printers 16.37 grams of psilocybin mushrooms Man arrested after leading Wisconsin deputies on pursuit, getting stuck in field The HIDTA program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. For more information on the program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Townhouse in Wisconsin a complete loss after fire, one firefighter injured from smoke inhalation
NORWAY, Wis. (WFRV) – A townhouse in southern Wisconsin has been rendered a complete loss due to an early morning fire on Tuesday, with one firefighter injured due to inhaling smoke. The Racine County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies and local fire crews responded to a reported house fire in the 7000 block of Ashwood Lane in Norway around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Wisconsin youth services organization to shut down following federal contract cancellation Deputies reported active flames outside of the house and requested assistance through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System because of the fire's continuous spread. Residents on one side were accounted for and outside, but could not yet confirm if the other side had people inside. The Waterford Fire Department's crews went in, and deputies searched the interior, confirming nobody inside. The fire spread throughout the attic and the entire top floor, as traffic was shut down. The fire was put out shortly after 5 a.m., with one firefighter hospitalized for smoke inhalation. The townhouse was deemed a complete loss, and officials are investigating the fire. 57-year-old woman in Wisconsin hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being trapped, rescued from house fire Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling released the following statement: 'I applaud the coordinated efforts of the deputies and the fire department personnel whose swift actions ensured there was no loss of life in this dangerous fire. To the displaced families victimized by the fire, may you find strength and comfort as you navigate this challenging time in your lives.' Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘He has made the decision to be wild': NEW Zoo & Adventure Park provides update on missing otter Louie
SUAMICO, Wis. (WFRV) – After over two months of searching and awaiting the return of runaway Louie, the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park says it has ended efforts to locate the missing otter. Louie and Ophelia went missing after escaping their habitats on Thursday, March 20, but on March 28, the . Wisconsin Department of Transportation warning residents of fake DMV link scams Unfortunately, the search for Louie has been unsuccessful, and as of May 30, the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park said that they will no longer continue search efforts for the missing otter. 'Due to the length of time that Louie has been missing, we believe he has made the decision to be a wild otter,' the post said. 'We accept this, although we would, of course, welcome him home if he decides to return.' In the nearly 2.5 months since Louie's adventure away, he has not been spotted in the same yard or area of search efforts. Had he been spotted, traps would've been set to bring him home. However, the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park mentioned that enough reports of sightings in similar areas lead staff to believe Louie will be just fine to survive as a wild otter. Door County Sheriff's Deputy rescues fawn born after mother deer hit by a car Instead, the staff is working with the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan to find another male otter to mate with Ophelia. Additional details will be provided as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
