Green Bay News

We’ll see a warm up with lots of sunshine and a high near 64 Monday.

An area of high pressure that builds from the north will influence our weather until Thursday.

Tuesday’s high will be near 70 and Wednesday’s high will reach 75.

For Director of Meteorology Pete Petoniak’s full forecast, click here.

GENEVA (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry plans to fly to Boston Monday after staying overnight in a Swiss hospital to receive treatment for a broken leg incurred in a bicycle crash. It was unclear how long he will be grounded once he returns to the U.S.

Kerry fractured his right femur Sunday when he struck a curb with his bicycle and fell on a regular Tour de France route about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Geneva.

Kerry was in stable condition and was receiving treatment at Geneva’s main medical center, HUG. He was to receive further care at Massachusetts General Hospital once he returns home.

“It was sensible for him to remain in the hospital for observation overnight for purely precautionary measures,” U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said. “The secretary continues to be in great spirits and active. He has done a range of phone calls including with the president.”

He “never lost consciousness, his injury is not life-threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery,” Kirby said in an earlier statement.

Kerry, 71, was taken by helicopter to the Geneva hospital after a paramedic and a physician who were traveling with his motorcade at the time of crash provided him with immediate attention. X-rays confirmed the extent of his injury.

His regular government plane returned Sunday night to the United States carrying much of his staff and reporters who had accompanied him on the trip. He had hoped to leave later in the day on a plane fitted with special medical equipment.

Kerry’s cycling rides have become a regular occurrence on his trips. He often takes his bike with him on the plane and was riding that bicycle Sunday.

He was in Geneva for six hours of nuclear negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday. World powers and Iran are trying to seal a comprehensive accord by June 30.

The prospect of a lengthy rehabilitation for Kerry could hamper the nuclear talks and other diplomatic endeavors. Even if he does not need surgery, it was not immediately known when he could fly again after returning to the United States.

There was no word on whether he would need an operation.

Kerry had planned to travel to Madrid on Sunday for meetings with Spain’s king and prime minister, before spending two days in Paris for an international gathering to combat the Islamic State. He will participate in the Paris conference remotely, Kirby said.

MENASHA – Hand in hand, hundreds joined to move forward, together, four weeks after a gunman shot and killed three people on a pedestrian bridge in Menasha.

Jon Stoffel and his daughter, Olivia, and another man, Adam Bentdahl, were shot and killed by Sergio Valencia del Toro on May 3 in a random attack, according to police. Valencia del Toro then turned the gun on himself.

Jon Stoffel’s wife – Olivia’s mother – Erin Stoffel was also shot. She was released from the hospital a little more than one week ago.

It’s an event that affected the entire Fox Valley community, but one that leaders say should be now used as a message of courage.

“Let us all unite to reclaim the trestle trail, for our community,” said Town of Menasha Chairman Dale Youngquist at the ‘Hands Over the Fox’ event, organized in the days after the shooting. “This belongs to all of us.”

“I think the community’s been healing over the last couple weeks,” said Menasha Police Chief Tim Styka, “and this is another one of those steps in that direction,”

Steps made by hundreds – if not more than 1,000 people – joining together, hand-in-hand, in the middle of the Fox Cities Trestle – Friendship Trail.

“You think about the importance of joining hands, or shaking hands, and how important that is in our society, so today, we will start as strangers and people that live in this wonderful place that we call home,” said one of the event’s organizers, Chad Hershner, “and come together as one.”

A union, helped by a hand filled with healing, to help heal broken hearts.

“It takes the fear power away,” said Renee Schmidt, who works at the school the Stoffel children attend, “So that people can go on and enjoy the beauty and the scenery of the creation around them.”

As fishermen cast their lines off the bridge that connects the city and town of Menasha over Little Lake Butte des Morts, signs or normalcy return by the day, as memorials to the three victims are not far from people’s gaze.

“Amazing,” said Jeff Clayton of Menasha. “It really impresses me. I just got off of work; I couldn’t believe how many people were already here. It just blew my mind. It’s been a few weeks and as many people that are here, now, after it’s already happened, it’s still very impressive.”

The event was somber, quiet and respectful, including first responders, area leaders and just regular people – from those on the trail, but those watching from the water in kayaks and boats – but all members of one community, united.

“For everyone to be able to come together here tonight and realize that there’s strength in the community,” said Styka. “I think that’s certainly a part of the healing process that we’re looking to achieve here.”

One that will no doubt take some time as questions of why still remain. But a healing process – that by the looks of things – is well on its way.

Bentdahl’s mother, Nancy, was at the event. She didn’t want to talk on camera but says she and her family “Are very grateful for the overwhelming support and knows this (event) is going to bring a lot of healing to everyone involved, because this is what Adam would want.”

Styka says the investigation is still currently open, but a preliminary report is expected to be done later this week.

The WIAA high school track & field sectionals wrapped up this weekend across Wisconsin.

From De Pere to Little Chute, teams went head-to-head with spots at next week’s state championships in La Crosse on the line.

Several local standouts excelled on the big stage, earning top honors at their respective meets.

For all the highlights and meet interviews, click on the video icon.

DOVER, Del. (AP) – Jimmie Johnson took the congratulatory call from his boss, then flipped the phone for a selfie.

The six-time series champ and crew chief Chad Knaus sandwiched the 60-pound trophy and smiled for a familiar photo.

“You’ve only got 10 of ’em,” a fan yelled at the victory lane celebration.

Johnson said: “We’ll keep them coming!”

Johnson had already mastered the Monster Mile like no other driver. His latest win earned him a slice of NASCAR history that etched his name in the same class as five Hall of Fame drivers.

With his No. 48 Chevrolet on cold tires, Johnson got hot down the stretch Sunday to win at Dover International Speedway and become the fifth driver with 10 or more Sprint Cup victories at a single track.

“It was cool to have a track that I enjoyed so much turn into a track I could win at,” Johnson said. “We’ve been able to keep that feeling going for a lot of years.”

Unlike his other nine Dover wins when he led at least 175 laps in each race, Johnson led only 23 laps for this perfect 10. Johnson has 10 wins in 27 career starts on the concrete mile track. He needed five extra laps beyond the scheduled 400 because a late accident brought out the caution.

He has four wins this season, 74 in his career and has won at least four times in a season 11 times.

On deck, Johnson could catch Dale Earnhardt for seventh on the career wins list with 76.

“It’s right there in front of me, so I look at it and think, wow, this is incredible,” Johnson said. “Yes, it’s a priority for me and something I want to do. But I’m almost in shock that we’re there. Seventy-four race wins, 10 here, you can’t dream that big.”

Johnson drank a beer in victory lane and took a quick call from team owner Rick Hendrick.

“I know what I’m capable of and felt just fine doing it,” Johnson said. “And, I’ve got a great rhythm. I’ve got great support at home.”

No active driver owns a track like Johnson does Dover.

Johnson joined NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty (Martinsville-15, North Wilkesboro-15, Richmond-13, Rockingham-11, Daytona-10), Darrell Waltrip (Bristol-12, Martinsville-11, North Wilkesboro-10), Earnhardt (Talladega-10) and David Pearson (Darlington-10) as drivers to win 10 races at a single track.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver swept Dover in 2002 and 2009 and also won races in 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Kevin Harvick was second, followed by Kyle Larson, Kasey Kahne and Aric Almirola.

“I figured it would be tough to have a shot at Jimmie,” Larson said.

Harvick held a comfortable lead until the field was bunched on a late caution. Kyle Busch, who was in the top five, connected with Brian Scott to end the race for each driver. Busch, who poked his head inside Scott’s window for a chat, was unhurt in his second points race since he suffered leg and ankle injuries at Daytona.

Busch needs a win and to hit the top 30 in the points standings to become eligible for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Harvick and Johnson both stayed out on old tires during cautions. Knaus gambled that the No. 48 Chevrolet was as stout on four cold tires as others would be on two or four fresh ones.

He was right. Johnson never lost control, even with two more cautions, including one that that came after Clint Bower, Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch all tangled on the track. Casey Mears wrecked to bring out the final caution with three laps remaining.

“I was trying to be smart with my line and I guess guys on two tires weren’t all that fast,” Johnson said. “The No. 4 (Harvick) and I did just fine on old tires and held those guys off.”

Martin Truex Jr. led the most laps (131) for the third straight race, yet failed again to win. He was sixth.

Tony Stewart finished two laps down in 26th at the track where he last won a Cup race on June 2, 2013.

Stewart’s pit crew hustled to recover chunks of concrete in his stall. This was the second straight year there were broken slabs of concrete during the race. The race last June was stopped 160 laps into the race after Ryan Newman’s car knocked up hunks of concrete from the track.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has said he wanted Dover to ditch concrete for asphalt.

Earnhardt was among a small group of drivers that included Hamlin and Harvick who met with NASCAR officials on Saturday night to discuss issues in the sport, including safety.

“We talked about a lot of things, things that will hopefully make our sport better, our cars better, make them a better show for the fans,” Hamlin said. “I think all that stuff being said, it’s a process, it takes time and hopefully we get this deal better.”

Johnson wasn’t there.

“I don’t think I was invited to that meeting,” he said, smiling. “Haven’t won enough races or championships.”

GREENLEAF – Thousands of people turned out for “Breakfast on the Farm” in Greenleaf Sunday.

Plum Pride Holsteins, located just south of Wrightstown, hosted the event.

The Dairy Days of Summer is put on by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing board.

Many families learned about farming. Kids got to be up close and personal with baby calves in a petting zoo, and everyone had milk and cheese with a farm fresh breakfast.

Organizers say the event celebrates one of Wisconsin’s top industries.

“We educate people, helping them understand where their food comes from, the importance of farmers and the impact it has on the economy,” said Deb Barlament.

Organizers say this event helps to kick off June Dairy month every year.

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Martin Maldonado slid into home plate just for fun. After 17 innings, it was a well-earned celebration for the weary Milwaukee catcher.

Maldonado homered to center field with one out in the bottom of the 17th, helping the Brewers outlast the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 Sunday to snap a seven-game losing streak.

“I was really tired, so I was happy to end the game like that,” he said.

Maldonado hit the first pitch from reliever Vidal Nuno (0-1). As he rounded the bases, his equally fatigued but giddy Brewers teammates surrounded the plate.

They had every intention of piling on once he slid into home.

“I had never done it before,” Maldonado said. “It was hard to get back up. Everybody was on top of me.”

Making his first relief appearance since 2010, Matt Garza (3-7) threw five scoreless innings. He stranded a runner in scoring position in the 13th, 15th and 17th.

“Those games are tough for the guys, especially the road team,” Arizona manager Chip Hale said. “We had many opportunities to score.”

It was the longest Brewers home game since Milwaukee lost 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs in 17 innings on May 15, 2003. At 5 hours, 49 minutes, it was the longest game by time at Miller Park, which opened in 2001.

Maldonado will remember this day for a while.

He caught all 17 innings and went 4 for 6 with three runs and two RBIs. He doubled in a two-run sixth that helped Milwaukee rally from a 5-1 deficit to take a 6-5 lead.

“He’s got tomorrow off,” manager Craig Counsell said.

Good thing for Maldonado that All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy is expected to return from the disabled list from a broken toe on Monday.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

The game could have ended much earlier if either side could have come up with a clutch hit.

Instead, dinner dates were pushed back, and flights for out-of-town visitors were missed.

The teams left a combined 32 runners on base, 17 by Arizona.

Ender Inciarte, who entered after Diamondbacks left fielder David Peralta got hurt in the first, stranded eight runners in four at-bats after the eighth.

In each instance, the Brewers walked slugger Paul Goldschmidt – three times intentionally – to get to Inciarte. He popped up weakly to shortstop to end the top of the 15th with a runner at second.

“I had complete confidence that he would do it, every time, that he would get a hit,” Hale said about Inciarte. “We’ll get it.”

Arizona’s best shot in extras came with one out in the 13th. Garza escaped that jam by getting Inciarte to pop out and Mark Trumbo to fly out to deep left to leave A.J. Pollock stranded at third.

GOOD GARZA

Garza ended up pitching on regular four days’ rest after his turn in the rotation originally was pushed back a day to Monday in St. Louis. He had been struggling on the mound of late.

Garza ended up turning in one of his best outings of the year, allowing three hits and walking two in his five-inning relief stint.

“Whatever they need, I was going to go,” Garza said.

GETTING GOING

By the top of the 14th inning, Diamondbacks trainers were handing out energy drinks to players on the bench. Brewers backup catcher Juan Centeno wore a plastic gum container on his head as a makeshift rally cap.

But the bullpens dominated.

RECORD ROOM

Diamondbacks: Goldschmidt set a team record by reaching base seven times. He was 3 for 4 with four walks.

Brewers: The nine pitchers used was a team record for a game before September, when rosters are allowed to expand.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Diamondbacks: Peralta exited after getting hit by a pitch on his right hand while trying to bunt in the first inning. … LHP Patrick Corbin (Tommy John surgery) was slated to throw a side session.

Brewers: 1B Adam Lind didn’t start because of a sore back. He grounded out as a pinch hitter in the eighth. Counsell said Lind will likely sit again Monday in St. Louis with the Cardinals scheduled to start lefty Jaime Garcia.

UP NEXT

Diamondbacks: RHP Archie Bradley (2-2) starts Monday against Atlanta, his fourth appearance since returning from a sinus fracture suffered when he was struck in the face by Carlos Gonzalez’s line drive on April 28. Bradley is 0-2 since returning, having given up 14 runs in 10 2-3 innings.

Brewers: Mike Fiers (1-5) will start on regular rest after the Brewers were forced to use Garza in relief.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

TWO RIVERS – On Sunday a 230-foot-tall smokestack came crashing down.

The structure was all that remained of the Hamilton Manufacturing Company. It opened in 1880.

For more than 100 years the smokestack became an iconic piece of history nestled downtown Two Rivers.

The manufacturing company was the city’s largest employer until it closed in 2013.

The 12.5 acre of land, where the smokestack once stood, is owned by a private company.

City leaders are hopeful the area will be used for redevelopment.

DE PERE – The Pulaski Roos high school rugby team keeps winning championships. As importantly, the team hopes they’re winning future players.

The Roos, made up of players from Pulaski and several other area high schools, beat a team from Middleton 25-18 in the Wisconsin Rugby Football Union’s Division 1 championship game Saturday afternoon at Schneider Stadium in De Pere. That’s their second straight state title. The team credits much of this year’s success to their seven senior captains.

The players say they’re happy to see the sport of rugby growing. A December 2014 study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association says national participation in rugby grew by 81% from 2008 to 2013, the fastest growing team sport in the US.

“Everyone who comes out their senior year says, ‘wow, I wish I would’ve played this earlier,” said Roos senior and Pulaski High School graudate Levi Van Lanen. “Everyone who plays it enjoys it.”

Van Lanen, who played several sports in high school, says rugby is unlike anything else you can play. There’s a different attitude and atmosphere among the team.

“I feel like the fact anyone can run the ball, anyone can kick the ball, anyone can get their hands on it gives it a lot more team approach,” said Roos senior Caleb Vanderloop. “It makes everyone a unique piece in the game set.”

The calm demeanor of players exists pregame, on the field in tough situations and in their facial hair. The Roos say they compete to grow funky and dark facial hair as the postseason rolls on; though the mustaches and goatees were promised to be gone soon after the state title game.

The Roos say they’re fortunate to have good participation in the area, allowing them to field a second team, the Joeys, something of a junior varsity to the Roos.

“When I’m done with college, I want to come back and help out with the Roos because they’ve done a lot for me,” said Vanderloop. “They’ve shaped who I am.”

HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) – Two people were found dead inside a fiery home in northwestern Wisconsin and a third person was dead outside the house after authorities were called there on a report of a shooting.

According to details released Sunday by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, a woman called authorities around midday Saturday to say her son had shot her husband and set their home in the Town of Edgewater on fire. Washburn County then lost contact with the woman.

Dispatchers tried to reach her again but couldn’t.

When authorities got to the house, they found 41-year-old Eric Werachowski was dead outside, and the house was engulfed in flames. When firefighters put out the fire, two more bodies were found inside. Their names have not been released.

GREEN BAY – It was a crushing NFC Championship game defeat. The kind that lingered long into the off-season.

However, as the Green Bay Packers returned to Organized team activities this week, they’ve said with time, last season has begun to fade away.

Of course, it’s only human nature to dwell on the past and would could have been. A 16-0 lead in the third quarter, only to fall 28-22 to Seattle in overtime. With the defeat, came a missed opportunity at a return to the Super Bowl.

Coach Mike McCarthy called this veteran base “possible the best” he’s had in his decade with the team. The leadership and NFL experience will be crucial as the team looks to shake off last season and turn their attention to a new championship run in 2015.

“Obviously disappointing and that’s not a loss that goes away fast,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “Just like the other losses and tough finishes in the playoffs. Frustrating moments that you live with, build on, and hopefully take something positive from. We’re a different team, they’re a different team. It’s about playing the right way at the right time and making the most of your opportunities.”

“It’s over with,” cornerback Sam Shields said. “It’s a new year, new conference, we’ll be ready. We’ve got the attendance, the team is eager, we’re ready to rock and roll.”

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Nursing homes in Wisconsin are rated higher than the national average when it comes to quality care, but roughly one-fourth of the state’s nursing homes are still getting the lowest ratings.

The Kaiser Family Foundation recently analyzed ratings for the state’s nursing homes. While the methodology used to rate nursing homes is imperfect, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the ratings can help consumers, and prod some facilities to improve.

Overall, 55 percent of the state’s nursing homes received the two highest ratings from the federal government, compared with the national average of 42 percent.

The Kaiser report and other studies found that low-income residents are more likely to be in nursing homes with the lowest ratings.

There are roughly 27,000 people in Wisconsin nursing homes on any given day.

TWO RIVERS – A smokestack that stood in a Lakeshore community for more than 100 years is gone.

Thousands of people came to see the 230-foot-tall brick structure implode in Two Rivers.

For some, the smokestack represented history and they are sad to see it demolished.

“It’s a happy but sad day. It’s just a piece of history that’s coming down,” said Michelle Czekala.

Richard Casey says it was time for the city to get rid of the smokestack.

“It really opened up that area right there. It didn’t sadden me because I think it’ll beautify the area,” he said.

Before the implosion, the smokestack was the last remaining piece of the former Hamilton Manufacturing plant.

FOX 11’s Gabrielle Mays will have the full story tonight on FOX 11 News at Nine.

GREEN BAY- The Green Bay Police Department says a 37-year-old man was injured in a stabbing.

Police responded to a call early Sunday at Motel 6 on Shawano Avenue.

The victim was taken to a local hospital with multiple stab wounds. His condition is unknown.

The case is under investigation. Detectives are interviewing a person of interest.

The Green Bay Police Department believes there is no danger to the community at this time.

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The holder of a Megabucks ticket sold in Milwaukee is the winner of a record $22.5 million jackpot.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports it’s the first time the jackpot has been won in more than three years.

The Megabucks ticket for Saturday’s drawing was sold by A&I Services convenience store on Howard Avenue.

The ticket holder has 180 days to claim the prize and can choose $22.5 million in 25 annual installments or a one-time cash payment of about $15.7 million.

Megabucks is a lottery jackpot game played only in Wisconsin.

A Madison man was the last jackpot winner: winning $14.3 million on Jan. 14, 2012. The previous record jackpot was $20.3 million, won Aug. 25, 2001.

Saturday’s winning numbers were: 21, 22, 34, 36, 40 and 43.

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Police in Milwaukee are looking for a driver who sped through a stop sign and caused a crash that left a 26-year-old father dead and his 1-year-old son with serious injuries.

Police say the crash happened at about 11 p.m. Saturday at 18th and West Atkinson Avenue.

Authorities say the driver of a 1999 Plymouth Breeze was going north on 18th Street when he went through the stop sign, striking a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am that was turning left. The driver of the Breeze ran away.

The front-seat passenger of the Pontiac died at the scene. His 25-year-old wife was driving, and suffered an injury that wasn’t life-threatening. The couple’s son was in a rear-facing child seat and was seriously injured. He’s being treated at Children’s Hospital.

DE PERE- The High School Rugby State Championships took place at Schneider Stadium in De Pere Saturday.

The Pulaski Roos won their second straight Division 1 state title as they took on a team from Middleton. The final score was 25-18.

This is the fourth time the team has won a state championship title.

GREEN BAY – Do you ever wonder what it takes to become a competitive eater?

FOX 11’s Emily Deem was joined on Good Day Wisconsin by two competitive eaters — Ethan Teske and Mitch Dombrowski.

Both Ethan and Mitch talked about how they train and prep themselves for the challenges.

Click here to see Mitch’s YouTube page.

Click here to learn more about Foodchallenges.com

Ingredients:

2 pkgs. (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip
6 Snickers candy bars, chopped into small chunks (or 15 to 20 fun size Snickers)
2 to 3 tablespoons caramel sauce for drizzling on top (optional)

Directions:

Use a mixer to beat together cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
Mix in Cool Whip.
Fold in about three-quarters of the Snickers bars.
Refrigerate at least a few hours.
Before serving drizzle with caramel and top with remaining Snickers pieces.
Great served with apple slices, pretzels, animal crackers and graham crackers for dipping.

GREEN BAY – It’s a cold start to Sunday as temperatures fell to the 30s.

This afternoon remains cool with high, despite ample sunshine, topping out near 60 — that’s 10 degrees cooler than normal.

Another night of frost development tonight; Frost Advisories issues.

Dry weather with warming temperatures through much of this week.

Next chance for rain arrives on Friday.