Latest news with #WisconsinDNR
Yahoo
a day 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
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Wisconsin DNR: Limit time outside due to Canadian wildfire smoke
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Wisconsinites are once again being asked to limit their time outdoors on Tuesday into Wednesday due to ongoing air quality advisories resulting from the Canadian wildfire smoke. According to a release from the Wisconsin DNR, the smoke will be moving across the state throughout the day from the northwest to the southeast. Local nonprofit announces 2025 event to benefit lead singer of The Glam Band The DNR has also announced an advisory for particulate matter < 2.5 microns (RED). Health impacts are reaching the unhealthy level and could have short-term spikes in the very unhealthy level. Those with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children are advised to make their outdoor activities shorter and less intense. DNR officials say to consider moving outdoor activities inside if applicable. Other ways to stay protected from wildfire smoke are as follows: Check your local air quality index Current conditions can be found here. Stay indoors Close doors and windows Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution: vacuuming, frying food, burning candles, or using gas-powered appliances. Install a high-efficiency air filter. Use an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods. This is the second time this year that an air quality advisory has been issued in the Badger State as a result of the Canadian wildfire smoke. This specific advisory is predicted to last from noon on Tuesday through noon on Wednesday. K9 in Wisconsin makes first deployment, helps seize nearly 15 grams of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia Additional air quality advisories are expected to continue throughout the summer as the wildfires continue to occur. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Door County Sheriff's Deputy rescues fawn born after mother deer hit by a car
DOOR COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A Door County Sheriff's Deputy stepped in to rescue a newborn animal on the road after being alerted to a car vs. deer accident on Monday. The Door County Sheriff's Office posted a photo of Deputy Becker, one of the humane officers with the department, holding a fawn. Wisconsin DNR: Limit time outside due to Canadian wildfire smoke Dep. Becker was alerted to the scene of an accident involving a deer and a car, and upon arrival, she saw the deer that was hit, having given birth to a fawn after the accident. Stepping into action, Dep. Becker rescued the fawn, bringing it to Green Bay's Wildlife Sanctuary so that it can live a safe and peaceful life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
What to know about Canadian wildfire smoke's effect on Wisconsin, Milwaukee air quality
If the sky looks hazy to you, it's because smoke from Canadian wildfires is hitting Wisconsin. The wildfire smoke will likely mean poor air quality conditions for much of the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Here's what to know, including where the smoke is coming from, how Wisconsin's air quality is expected to be impacted and where to check current air quality conditions: The wildfire smoke will move into southern Wisconsin May 30, mixing toward the surface in the late morning or early afternoon and lingering through the night, according to a post on X from the National Weather Service-Milwaukee. The smoke is coming from Canadian wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, according to the Wisconsin DNR. Rising heat, winds, and dry air sparked blazes in those Canadian provinces. The fires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in both provinces and resulted in the evacuation of at least 17,000 people, in what officials are calling "a very serious situation," USA TODAY reported. A statewide Air Quality Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. May 30 until 6 a.m. May 31, according to the Wisconsin DNR Facebook post. While the advisory is set to expire at 6 a.m. May 31, smoke impacts may continue, which could extend the advisory for some areas. "Air quality has some degradations basically across much of the state," said Aidan Kuroski, meteorologist for the NWS-Milwaukee. "Although, it's definitely going to be more impactful further east." As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, much of the state's air quality was in the "good" to "moderate" range in regards to its Air Quality Index, Kuroski said. But, he expected the air quality to fall to the "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range as the day went on. While it's possible for the air quality to reach "unhealthy" levels, Kuroski didn't expect that to happen in Wisconsin. As of 9:30 a.m. May 30, the air quality was still listed as "good," according to the Air Quality Index at It's OK for Wisconsinites to be active outdoors, but they should take more breaks, the DNR said in a May 29 statement. If symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath arise, they should take a break or move indoors. Wisconsin residents who are a part of sensitive groups — including those with heart disease, lung disease or preexisting respiratory conditions, like asthma — should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, the DNR and NWS advised. Here are some ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, according to the state's DNR: The best way to prevent breathing particles from wildfire smoke is to stay indoors. Close windows and doors. Run A/C on recirculate with a new high-efficiency filter. Keep indoor air clean by: Avoiding activities that increase indoor air pollution, such as vacuuming, burning candles, frying foods or using gas appliances. Reducing airborne dust by using a damp cloth to dust the home and trap the particles rather than a dry cloth or duster that might make them airborne again. Use an indoor air purifier. Cancel outdoor events or move them indoors, especially for children. Create a DIY temporary air filter. Current air quality conditions and air quality forecasts can be found at This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Canadian wildfire smoke hits Wisconsin; air quality alert issued
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘The Great Wisconsin Bat Count': DNR calling on volunteers to help gauge population trends
(WFRV) – The Wisconsin DNR is calling on volunteers and landowners to help gauge bat population trends this summer as part of the Great Wisconsin Bat Count. As Wisconsin's cave bats return to their summer roosts in bat houses, outbuildings, and barns throughout the dairy state, officials with the DNR are calling on residents to help count bats on two separate dates this summer. Delta flight from Minneapolis to Wisconsin delayed after pigeons cause chaos in cabin Known collectively as the Great Wisconsin Bat Count, Wisconsinites can count bats emerging at sunset on one night between June 6 and 8, and on July 18 and 20. The June count is known as a 'prevolancy' count, meaning it occurs before the newborn bat pups have started flying. The second count in July is after pups have started flying, providing officials with an idea of the increase in the population. Volunteers are asked to only count on one night during each timeframe, but the more nights the better. Volunteers are also asked to provide information on the roost site and weather conditions. Wisconsin Humane Society 'Pet Walk' returns to Green Bay Officials noted that the counts tend to take roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Participate and submit counts online by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
