Latest news with #Appleton
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
After losing lawsuit, the family of Grace Schara plans to continue telling her story
Despite a trial verdict in favor of Ascension, the family of 19-year-old Grace Schara, who died at an Appleton hospital in 2021, vows to continue fighting what they say is a David-and-Goliath battle against the country's healthcare system. "This door has been closed, but when God closes one door, he always opens another," Grace's father Scott Schara said at a news conference June 20, held on the front yard of a home in Appleton where Schara's attorneys stayed during the trial. Grace died Oct. 13, 2021 at Ascension NE Wisconsin-St. Elizabeth Hospital, seven days after she was admitted for symptoms of COVID-19. While her cause of death was listed as "acute respiratory failure with hypoxia as a result of COVID-19 pneumonia," Scott Schara filed a lawsuit claiming Grace actually died of a lethal concoction of drugs administered to her by hospital staff, then was not saved due to a wrongful do-not-resuscitate order. For years, the Schara family has worked to bring attention to their daughter's death, with billboards along Interstate 41 and other highways, as well as a website and newsletter. The trial came more than two years after the family's lawsuit was filed in Outagamie County Circuit Court. At the end of the nearly three-week trial, a 12-person jury deliberated for two hours and came to a verdict June 19 in favor of the hospital. Of the 13 claims the jury answered in the verdict, only two claims had a dissenter — and there was only one dissenter for each of the two claims. Cindy Schara, Grace's mother, said the verdict was heartbreaking. "We really did expect the jury to see what they did to Grace," she said. "She was a valuable person in this world. ... This jury, deliberating as quickly as they did in coming up with their verdict, did not give Grace the respect that she deserved." RELATED: COVID, conspiracy theories and a billboard campaign: Grace Schara's hospital death finally sees trial While the family's attorneys argued that Grace died of a drug overdose at the hands of medical staff, attorneys for Ascension and defendants Dr. Gavin Shokar and nurse Hollee McInnis, who both cared for Grace in her final days, gave a different version of events. The defendants' attorneys argued that the drugs provided to Grace — precedex, lorazepam and morphine — were routinely provided in hospital intensive care units, and were used in responsible dosages as a way to slow Grace's too-fast breathing to allow her to take in more oxygen. Shokar testified during the trial that Grace's parents had explicitly said they did not want her to be intubated, which he said would have been the last-case option he had to try to save her life. Shokar said he labeled Grace as both do not intubate and do not resuscitate with Grace's family's consent, after extensive conversations about the futility of CPR when Grace's lungs were not working properly. The Scharas say differently, claiming they had no knowledge of Grace's do-not-resuscitate status until her heart stopped and medical staff did nothing to try to revive her, despite the family's shouts and begging. Besides Scott and Cindy, other speakers at the news conference were Grace's sister, Jess Vander Heiden, as well as attorneys Joseph Voiland and Warner Mendenhall. Gathered in the front yard and sidewalk were around two dozen supporters, many of whom wore purple shirts memorializing Grace. Scott, Cindy and Jess all expressed disappointment with the outcome of the trial, but said they rely on their faith to guide them as they move forward. "We are trusting that God has this play out the way that He had known it was going to play out," Cindy said. The Scharas shared some details about the process to bring the case to trial, and thanked the attorneys for their work. They acknowledged many odds stacked against people taking on lawsuits against the medical system — including that the maximum amount a person can be awarded for non-economic damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit in Wisconsin is $750,000, and the case took "just over a million dollars to bring to trial," Scott said. Scott also discussed some of his beliefs at the news conference, including that hospitals were inclined to not save COVID-19 patients due to monetary incentives, and that people should avoid going to hospitals whenever possible. At trial, defense attorneys pointed out some of Scott's beliefs in conspiracies — something the Scharas said they felt was prejudicial and unrelated to Grace's case. Mendenhall, one of the Scharas' attorneys, echoed similar sentiments to Scott at the press conference, saying going into a hospital involves a patient "sign(ing) their rights away." Mendenhall said despite the verdict not going in their favor, he was honored to represent the Scharas at the trial. "On day one, I pretty much said there's no hope for this case, but you have a case," Mendenhall said. "But by the time we got to trial, I think that the world had turned, and I think we did have a chance at trial. And we worked as hard as we could to get a win for the family and for Grace." Scott said he is not sure what the next step is, but the family plans to continue to fight for medical reform. The family draws ties between Grace's death and the death of Grace's brother, Travis Schara, who died by suicide in 2018. Cindy said she believes Travis' death was also influenced by an interaction of medications he was taking at the time. Cindy also said she believes patients with Down Syndrome, like Grace, are not treated justly in hospitals. "We are crushed, we are shattered, but we are not defeated, and we will continue on," Jess said tearfully at the news conference. "And we know that we will see Grace and our brother Travis again someday. I hold onto that thought of them in heaven together." Jessica Van Egeren of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report. Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@ Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: After losing lawsuit, family of Grace Schara plans to continue advocacy
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
It's going to be a hot weekend in the Appleton area. Here's how hot
After a chance of rain and thunderstorms the night of Thursday, June 19 and throughout the day Friday, June 20, it's going to be a hot weekend in the Appleton area. High temperatures are expected in the mid-90s Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, and in the low-90s Monday, June 23, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay. The heat index — what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature — will be between 95 and 105 degrees June 21 and June 22, the NWS said. "Further complicating things are the overnight temperatures, which are unlikely to drop out of the 70s overnight Saturday or Sunday," the NWS said, "which makes for no relief from the heat overnight and may pose a concern for those planning to sleep outdoors such as in tents." The heat will stick around through June 23, along with a 50% chance of rain, before cooling off into the upper 70s June 24. There's a chance of an isolated severe storm through 10 p.m. June 19 and thunderstorms will be possible at times June 20 through the next morning. There's a 50 percent chance of rain, mainly before 1 p.m., with a high temperature near 80. "The greatest risk of strong or severe storms will be overnight Friday night into Saturday morning as a thunderstorm complex is expected move across the area," the NWS said. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton area weather forecast calls for a scorching hot weekend
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Oshkosh Defense secures contract extension with Army for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – On Thursday, Oshkosh Defense announced a three-year contract extension for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 (FMTV A2). The contract extension will allow the U.S. Army to continue to order the FMTV A2, including three FMTV A2 Low Velocity Air Drop (LVAD) variants, through February 2028. 'The FMTV A2 contract extension enables the Army to continue modernizing its fleet with proven medium tactical vehicles in support of the Army Transformation Initiative and Force Design 2030,' said Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense. 'The FMTV A2 LVAD variants fill a critical capability gap for the Airborne community by replacing an aging fleet with an upgraded capability that can be rapidly deployed in contested and austere environments.' Appleton woman educates young people on safe driving in memory of daughter The FMTV A2 fleet is designed in Oshkosh and is engineered to incorporate next-generation technologies without compromising operational readiness. Officials say the contract award provides the opportunity for continued production and fielding of these mission-critical vehicles into 2030, while preserving a mature U.S.-based supply chain, which began with the initial FMTV A1P2 contract in 2009. Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production, and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions, and mobility systems. Setting the industry standard for sustaining fleet readiness, Oshkosh ensures every solution is supported worldwide throughout its entire life cycle. More information about Oshkosh Defense can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Heart-pounding moment killer cop who escaped jail finally caught in forest
Grant Hardin, who worked for a time as a police chief in the Arkansas town of Gateway, was serving 30 years in prison for a 2017 fatal shooting, and another 50 years for a 1997 rape The heart-pounding moment the"Devil of the Ozarks" was finally captured in the forest of Arkansas was caught in dramatic photographs. The convicted murderer and rapist was tracked down around a mile away from the prison he had escaped from two weeks ago by US Border Patrol agents. Grant Hardin, who once worked as a police chief, was serving 80 years for murder and rape at the North Central Unit prison on May 25 when he slipped away by impersonating a prison officer. His escape sparked a huge manhunt as he evaded authorities by burrowing deep into the rugged terrain. New images show US Border Patrol Special Operations Group officers restraining Hardin - who could be seen laying shirtless, face down on the forest floor, with his arms tied behind his back with a ligature. US Border Patrol released the photos accompanied with the caption: "One Fugitive. ZERO CHANCE." Hardin - whose infamy earned him publicity through the Devil In The Ozarks documentary - briefly tried to run as he was approached by officers, but they quickly tackled him to the ground and restrained him. Arkansas prison system spokesperson Rand Champion said: "He'd been on the run for a week and a half and probably didn't have any energy left in him." It took two weeks for an enormous search crew - comprised of rifle-wielding officers, helicopters, drone and dog units - to comb the enormous forest and find the man, who many feared could strike again. According to NBC news Hardin walked out the North Central Unit just before 3pm after he disguised himself in a "makeshift" law enforcement uniform. An affidavit stated that he "impersonated a corrections officer in dress and manner, causing a corrections officer operating a secure gate to open the gate." Hardin pleaded guilty in 2017 to first-degree murder for the killing of James Appleton, 59. Appleton worked for the Gateway water department when he was shot in the head Feb. 23, 2017, near Garfield. Police found Appleton's body inside a car. Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Hardin's DNA was also matched to the 1997 rape of a teacher at an elementary school in Rogers, north of Fayetteville. He was sentenced to 50 years for that crime. Cheryl Tillman, Appleton's sister, was with her mother and sister at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, when law enforcement called to tell her Hardin had been captured. Tillman is also the mayor of Gateway, the 450-person town where Hardin was briefly police chief.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Appleton could rename park to honor its veterans
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – A popular Appleton park may soon have a new name that will help the city honor those who served. On Monday night, the Appleton parks and recreation committee approved a resolution that will change 'Appleton Memorial Park's' name to 'Veterans Memorial Park.' 'Many communities have a veteran park, we have a veterans park, but it doesn't provide the services that are needed for a good veterans park for Appleton,' said Appleton veteran Jack Voight. Kaukauna Goats return to 1000 Islands for invasive plant control The city does already have a park called 'Veterans Park' on south Memorial Drive. However, it's a small park with very limited parking so it's hard to host any substantive ceremony to honor veterans there. Local veterans said they think the city could do a better job of honoring those who served using the city's public spaces and that's why they are getting behind this resolution. 'It takes some effort from different advocates to create an environment that this is a needed thing for our community,' Voight told Local 5 News. 'Having this opportunity to have a new space to recognize veterans I think is important.' The resolution also directs city staff to develop a plan to relocate existing veterans memorials throughout the city to what would be 'Veterans Memorial Park.' It would also add new memorials to honor veterans who fought in more recent conflicts. At the committee meeting, there was a robust discussion about the details of this resolution. There's still some questions that need to be answered including the costs of the project and how relocating the memorials would exactly work. Now that the resolution has passed through committee it will now go before the full common council at a future meeting. Green Bay's Mayor Genrich joins Latino Professionals for civic engagement event 'We have a great foundation (at Memorial Park) and I think it would look amazing to have additional monuments in that area, it's very peaceful out there, there's great parking for those with accessibility issues,' said parks and recreation chairperson Patrick Hayden. 'I see a lot of wins there.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
