Green Bay News

NEW YORK (AP) – Fox says “American Idol” will air its 15th and final season next year.

The once-blockbuster singing contest, which launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, has seen its audience dwindle and age.

“Idol” will return in January for its 15th and final season with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., Fox said Monday.

Ten new series will debut next season on Fox, including the comedy-horror series “Scream Queens” from “Glee” producer Ryan Murphy.

New dramas will include “Minority Report,” based on Steven Spielberg’s futuristic film, and “The Frankenstein Code,” about a resurrected former lawman.

Fox and the other broadcast networks are unveiling their plans to advertisers in New York this week to lure them to spend on their programs.

GREEN BAY – Spring and summer are the most popular times to buy a new car. But before you pick out your new ride, you have a big decision to make. Should you buy or lease?  Financial professional Kevin Klug from Secure Retirement Solutions sat down with Rachel Manek during Good Day Wisconsin to talk about how to make the right decision for you.

Rachel: It sounds like leasing is quite popular right now?

Kevin: As cars get more expensive, more people are turning to leasing.  In fact, leasing is at a record high; more than a quarter of all new cars were leased rather than bought in 2014. Traditionally, the wisest financial decision was to buy a car – if you lease, you’ll have nothing to show for your money and you will always have car payments. But leasing has some perks, especially if you want to drive a new car every couple of years while keeping monthly payments low.

Rachel: How do I know if I should lease or buy?

Kevin: I have 5 questions you should ask yourself before you decide to lease or buy.

#1: Are you strapped for cash?

If you are strapped for cash, leasing makes more sense. It typically requires less money down. You will need to come up with the $1,000 to $2,000 for fees, the first month’s payment and a refundable security deposit. You may be able to roll some of that into your monthly payment. However, if you buy a car and finance it, you will likely need to put 10% of the purchase price down, on top of paying the sales tax – that’s around $9,000 on a $50,000 car.

I have a calculator on my website that will help you crunch the numbers.

#2: How good is your credit?

You should check your credit before you go to get a new ride. Bad credit will hurt whether you buy or lease a car, but it will hurt more on the leasing side. Dealers typically only lease cars to people with good credit. Consumers with bad credit can finance a car purchase, but they shouldn’t expect a great interest rate.

#3: Do you like driving new wheels?

Leasing is attractive for people who want a new car every three years. If you plan on owning the same car for seven years or more, you’ll save money by buying. With a lease, you are turning your car in just when depreciation slows and equity begins to build. On the other hand, maintenance costs increase as a car gets older. You should expect to spend about $2,000 per year on average for repair and maintenance.

#4: Do you rack up miles on your cars?

Check your odometer. The ideal lease customer drives 15,000 miles a year (the term of most leases). If you drive substantially less, you may be paying for depreciation you are not causing – and you should think about buying. If you drive a lot more, consider buying as well. Unless you negotiate up front, leasing companies charge 15 to 20 cents a mile for additional miles.

#5: Do you keep your car in mint condition?

Again, if you are on either extreme of this spectrum, buying might be right for you. If you have kids and pets, you know what they can do to the inside of a vehicle. You may have to pay for that damage when you turn in a leased car. On the flip side, if you keep your car in immaculate condition, you will build up equity and probably have a decent resale value.

Rachel: At the end of your lease, do you recommend buying?

Kevin: At the end of your lease, which is typically three years, you do have the right to buy the car for a predetermined amount known as residual value. You should think of it like shopping for a used car. Compare the price with other cars of the same make and model that are in the same condition with a similar number of miles. Keep in mind the car won’t be under the same type of warranty- so don’t forget to factor in the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Rachel:  Does negotiating only apply to those of us buying a car, or can we haggle if we’re leasing too?

Kevin: You should apply the same strategy when you buy to when you lease.  Many people who lease think that they need to accept the monthly price that is being offered to them – that’s not the case.  Make sure you do your research so you know what is a good offer.

SHAWANO – Twig’s Beverage in Shawano has some new features visitors will want to check out.

The beverage company opened a new museum on May 1. The museum provides visitors a new and unique way to learn about the history of Sun Drop, check out live production and sample sodas.

FOX 11’s Pauleen Le spent the morning checking out the new features.

For more information on Twig’s Beverage and its new museum, click here.

LYONS, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say a 22-year-old woman was killed when the car she was riding in crashed into a tree in Walworth County.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Department says the single-car crash happened about 6 p.m. Saturday in the town of Lyons after the driver lost control. The woman, who was a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the driver, a 34-year-old woman from Genoa City area, had severe injuries and was taken by helicopter to a trauma center.

The sheriff’s office says excessive speed may have contributed to the crash.

VAN, Texas (AP) – Emergency responders searched the wreckage of communities in northeast Texas and southwest Arkansas early Monday, after a rash of tornadoes slammed the area, killing at least two people and leaving dozens injured.

Howard County Sheriff Brian McJunkins said two victims who lived in adjoining mobile homes in Nashville, Arkansas, died after several tornadoes were reported in the area late Sunday. McJunkins told KLSA-TV that two other people in the town about 50 miles north of Texarkana were critically injured.

In neighboring Texas, a likely tornado pummeled the small city of Van in Van Zandt County around 8:45 p.m. Chuck Allen, the Van Zandt County fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, said about 30 percent of the city was damaged in the storm.

Allen said in an email early Monday that a triage area was established at a church and about 26 residents were taken to hospitals. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.

“Damages range from completely destroyed homes, damaged homes, to trees and power lines down,” Allen wrote.

Allen said authorities were going door to door in the city about 70 miles southeast of Dallas, hunting for injured people. Van has about 2,500 residents.

Utility companies are working to restore “vital infrastructures,” and road and bridge crews are working to open streets and highways to allow for first responder access, he said.

The American Red Cross planned to open a shelter at First Baptist Church in Van, Allen said. Calls to the church rang unanswered early Monday.

The Van Independent School District said on its website schools would be closed Monday.

The National Weather Service believes at least one tornado hit Van on Sunday night, senior meteorologist Eric Martello said. Weather service crews were surveying the area Monday.

The storm was part of severe weather that stretched across North Texas on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, another likely tornado ripped roofs off buildings and damaged trees near Denton, about 40 miles northwest of Dallas, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Bradshaw. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.

The area also experienced torrential rains that led to widespread flash flooding. Authorities in Denton County said Sunday that two groups of people had to be airlifted by helicopters to safety.

Tornadoes were also reported in central Iowa, where a roof was ripped off a high school, and in eastern South Dakota, where a twister damaged the small town of Delmont and injured at least nine people.

“Our house is flat. There is nothing left,” said Stephanie Lunder, 34, of Delmont. She was with her husband and four children in the basement when the storm hit.

The town about 90 miles southwest of Sioux Falls had no water, power or phones, South Dakota Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Kristi Turman said. The 200-plus residents were asked to leave for safety reasons.

GREEN BAY- We’ll see scattered showers and possible thunderstorms move through the area Monday.

High temps will reach near 68.

We have another chance of showers Monday night and into Tuesday morning. Tuesday’s high will be in the mid 50s.

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

Fire danger is easing a little in the state.

Here’s a look at the latest map from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Much of Wisconsin, including some in our area are at a moderate fire danger (in blue).

Counties shaded in yellow are at high fire danger.

An emergency management official in a northeastern Texas county says about two dozen people are injured and homes have been destroyed after a severe storm struck the small town of Van.

The storm hit the east side of Van Zandt County and the city of Van around 8:45 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service says the storm likely produced a tornado.

Chuck Allen, the Van Zandt County fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, said in an email early Monday morning that approximately 26 patients were transported to hospitals after a triage area was established at a church.

He says damages range from completely destroyed homes to damaged homes to downed trees.

Allen says authorities are going door to door in the city about 70 miles southeast of Dallas, performing a second search for additional injured individuals.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) – Carter Center officials say former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has cut short an election observation visit in Guyana due to health reasons.

Sunday’s statement from the Center says the 90-year-old ex-president is returning to Atlanta. It did not disclose specifics, only saying Carter was “not feeling well.”

The Guyana observer mission marks the Carter Center’s 100th mission. Staffers will remain in the South American country to observe the vote.

It would have been Carter’s 39th trip to personally observe an international election.

Guyana’s national elections are being held Monday more than a year earlier than schedule because President Donald Ramotar had suspended Parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote. The vote pits his People’s Progressive Party against an opposition coalition.

MANITOWOC – Two men have been arrested in connection with an assault in Manitowoc.

Police say they got a call a little after 6 p.m. Sunday, about a man running down North 9th Street bleeding.

The man told officers that he was assaulted by two acquaintances with baseball bats, and one of them held a gun to his head.

Officers found the two suspects in a vehicle, along with a baseball bat, brass knuckles, knives and a small amount of marijuana.

Police say they believe the assault happened at a home on the north side of the city, where they found more baseball bats and a handgun.

Police say a 19-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were arrested on charges including recklessly endangering safety, false imprisonment and battery.

SUAMICO – Visitors spent the day at the NEW Zoo to celebrate mom Sunday.

Each mom got into the zoo for free and received special gifts too.

Some of the animals even participated in Mother’s Day.

The animal moms got some flowers to celebrate the big day.

Families enjoyed feeding the giraffes and riding the carousel.

Organizers say events like this help moms and their kids learn more about the zoo.

“It’s a really great way to see how they act and it’s a great way to help your kids find out what they want to do,” said Andrea Szcepanski with the zoo.

The NEW Zoo’s daily hours during May are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

GREEN BAY – Hundreds of mothers enjoyed their day at the Green Bay Botanical Garden.

The gardens hosted its 4th annual Mother’s Day at the Garden Celebration.

Generations of women took in the 60 thousand tulip bulbs that filled the garden.

Organizers say the event is a great way for the whole family to get together.

“A lot of the communty members like to come out and celebrate grandma and they come out here and eat brunch and stroll through the gardens and do a kids plant project,” said special events manager Eileen Wesener.

An extra perk for moms on Mother’s Day – their admission was free.

HOWARD – The Green Bay Celtics rugby club’s season came to a close today, ending an undefeated season and their bid for a national championship.

The local club fell to the Bremer County Bucks of Iowa by the score of 19 to 17.

Seconds after starting the second half tied at 12, the Bucks picked off a Green Bay pass for a score.

Though Green Bay would tack on a score of their own, they missed the conversion, leaving them down two.

A dramatic goal-line stand as time expired left the Celtics literally inches short of a victory.

Minutes after the final whistle, club president Ed Borowitz was “pretty upset.”

“We had a long hard season. To come into this game and lose by two and have it kind of be out of our hands kind of burns a little bit,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Bremer County Bucks were just happy to leave Green Bay with their playoff hopes alive.

“There was a lot of back and forth in that match and those are the matches that are fun to play in. I’ve played in hundreds of rugby matches in my lifetime and the ones that always stick out the most are the ones that are the closest,” said Eric Whitcome, a long-time Bucks player.

Green Bay ends their season with a record of 10 and 1.

Still-undefeated Bremer County continues on next weekend as one of 16 teams remaining nationally in their division.

TOMAH – Serious concerns of over-prescribing drugs and even a patient death last year are leading to changes at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tomah.  But congressional members say VA officials have acknowledged the need to make changes before but problems continue.

An autopsy found too many of them in the body of 35-year-old Jason Simcakoski of Stevens Point. The death of the former Marine came last August while a patient at the VA Medical Center in Tomah. Federal investigators are reviewing Simcakoski’s death as part of an alleged pattern of overprescribing drugs at Tomah.

(View 2014 VA Inspector General report on over prescribing concerns here.)

And now, FOX11 Investigates discovered Simcakoski wasn’t the first to lose his life after being given too many drugs.

Seven years ago at Tomah FOX11 Investigates found, 45-year-old Kraig Ferrington, of De Pere, died a similar death.

Ferrington’s sister Kari Hemb believes the treatment her brother received at the VA ultimately killed him.

“Toxicology says it all,” said Hemb, sharing her brother’s autopsy findings of several drugs in his system.

Hemb says her brother checked into Tomah’s drug treatment program, addicted to one drug. He would leave in worse shape.

“After the 30 day program you went and picked him up?” FOX11 Investigates asked Hemb.

“I didn’t want to pick him up. He was too high,” said Hemb. “I couldn’t even understand what he was saying.”

Hemb says her brother was discharged with various prescriptions and pills he received while in the VA’s care. She told them drugs were the problem not the solution.

“I said I don’t want to bring him home because he’s too high. I want him in detox right now,” explained Hemb. “And they said he has to be out 48 hours before he can come back to detox. I said I’ll be back in 47 hours. And we didn’t make it.”

That night Ferrington stopped breathing at Hemb’s De Pere home. That was November 11th 2007…Veterans Day.

The official cause of death– multiple drugs in his system. Hemb filed legal action against the VA in Tomah. The VA ultimately settled in 2011.

Circuit court documents obtained by FOX 11 Investigates reveal Ferrington’s doctors weren’t involved in the monetary settlement and continued to work at the Tomah VA. In fact Dr. David Houlihan is identified by Hemb as the doctor who oversaw her brother’s care. He is the same doctor last year caught up in an Inspector General’s investigation highlighting the over prescribing of drugs to veterans at Tomah. He’s also a central figure in a congressional hearing in Tomah earlier this year.

“I truly believe Dr. Houlihan is a dangerous man, and what makes him so dangerous is the lack of respect for the medication he prescribes,” testified Dr. Noelle Johnson, a former pharmacist at the Tomah VAMC, who testified at the hearding in Tomah.

Houlihan, the former chief of staff at Tomah, is also the doctor who oversaw the treatment Jason Simcakoski.  Jason died while in inpatient care with 14 different drugs in his system. You can see Houlihan’s name on Jason’s prescription bottle.

“We thought it was kind of isolated with Jason and his doctor but there’s so much out there, no one knew about,” said Linda Simcakoski, Jason’s mother.

FOX11 Investigates wanted to hear from Houlihan. Requests for comment were passed along to Houlihan through the VA, but they were not returned.

FOX11 Investigates took our concerns to Dr. Dan Benishek, who worked as a surgeon for the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan for 20 years.

“Reviewing the cases from Tomah it appears the problems kept on repeating themselves, and there’s no indication anything was done to prevent it,” FOX11 Investigates reporter Mark Leland asked Benishek.

“You’re exactly right Mark, you’re exactly right. I’m glad you’re realizing that and I hope you report on it,” said Benishek.

For the past couple years Benishek has represented Michigan’s 1st District in Congress, and is a member of the House Veterans Affairs committee overseeing the VA’s efforts to improve.

“So they talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk, and frankly it’s very disturbing,” said Rep. Benishek.

During a congressional hearing in October of 2013 a top VA official promised changes then, related to the over-reliance of prescription pain medication.

“Whatever we can do to restore your trust in the VA please give us a chance,” said Dr. Robert Jesse, former Acting VA Health Undersecretary, to the family members of veterans who died too many prescribed drugs.

And then 17 months later, Jesse’s replacement and another hearing addressing the over-prescribing of drugs to veterans.

“We have significant challenges to overcome here in Tomah, and we own them,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Interim VA Health Undersecretary. “First is the veterans’ trust and the only way to regain that is to put them first in every decision.”

If in that year and a half between hearings it doesn’t seem like the VA did much to restore trust in the VA, you’re not alone.

“I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s very, very frustrating to me You know we’re depending on the new secretary to give actual, you know, a line of strength that actually changes the way they do business over there,” said Rep. Benishek.

Now seven and a half years later, trust remains an issue for Kraig Ferrington’s sister. Does she believe the VA when officials say they are making changes?

“No, because they said they did it with their reports. Nothing changed. Nothing,” said Hemb.

Legislators say they have given the VA the ability to make it easier to fire employees contributing to the problems it uncovers. But to date in Tomah the doctor linked to the Simcakoski and Ferrington cases remains on paid administrative leave along with his medical assistant.

The director at the Tomah VA, Mario DeSanctis, who oversaw the entire operation for the past several years, still works for his paycheck. But DeSanctis is no longer in charge and has been reassigned to another facility.

Federal and state investigations remain ongoing.

Like the 58 other players at rookie camp, Packers running back John Crockett is out to prove he’s worth holding on to.

“A lot of guys say they’d just like a chance,” Crockett said. “When you come to a place like this, it’s so special to able to say they’ll give you a chance. It just makes you want to go out there and play harder. If it’s not enough, you’re still happy and blessed to be a part of it.”

Undrafted but never an underachiever. The workhorse out of North Dakota State wouldn’t mind being the third wheel on a team that features Eddie Lacy and James Starks.

“This is one of the greatest franchises ever, to be able say you got a little piece,” Crockett said. “A chance to be a part, makes you work harder for it.”

From the FCS to the NFL. The 6-foot, 217 lbs., bruising tailback has made the most of his early opportunities. Impressing with his versatility and speed.

“I think the notice part is over,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “I just told everyone, Crockett included Thursday night, you’re here for a reason. You earned a right to be in an NFL facility; the right to compete for a roster spot and be a part of the 2015 Green Bay Packers.”

Crockett says this would be a perfect fit. He’s coming off four-straight national championships in college. They call this Titletown. The Bison colors are green and gold, the Packers colors are Green and Gold.

“The colors are the same, so I can keep some of my gloves,” Crockett said. “Definitely a blessing to be here but truly the best place for me.”

He’d certainly like to keep his jersey too. A freshly pressed No. 38 for the 53-man roster in 2015.

“Whatever you have to do to make the team, make the roster,” Crockett said. “To give something to a winning atmosphere.”

In Green Bay, Dylan Scott, Fox 11 Sports.

SHEBOYGAN – Sheboygan Police say they are looking for the suspect in a convenience store robbery.

The incident happened around 11 a.m. at the Pig Stop located at 2917 N. 15th Street.

Police say a man entered the store, physically assaulted a female cashier, and removed cash from a safe. The cashier was not injured.

The suspect is described as 5’7″-5’10” tall. He was wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt with “NIKE” on the chest. The hood was pulled up over a hat with a visor.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call authorities at (920) 459-3333.

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Martin Maldonado singled over the Cubs’ drawn-in outfield with one out in the 11th inning, lifting the Milwaukee Brewers over Chicago 3-2 Sunday.

After a 7-18 start, the Brewers went 4-3 in Craig Counsell’s first week as manager since taking over for the fired Ron Roenicke. Milwaukee beat the Cubs for the second straight day.

Ryan Braun doubled off Jason Motte (1-1) to begin the 11th. Two intentional walks loaded the bases, and Maldonado’s deep drive sailed over right fielder Jorge Soler.

Maldonado also hit a solo homer in the seventh.

Michael Blazek (3-0) pitched a perfect top of the 11th, finishing with strikeouts of Anthony Rizzo and pinch-hitting pitcher Travis Wood.

Chicago had a chance in the 10th after David Ross led off with a single. But the inning ended with a 5-4-3 double play when Ross was called for interference on second baseman Scooter Gennett’s relay throw.

Ross argued with second base umpire Bruce Dreckman and manager Joe Maddon took up the animated discussion.

An inning later, the Brewers, outfitted with pink gear and bats, were celebrating a Mother’s Day win in extra innings.

A backup catcher thrust into the starting role last month following a foot injury to All Star starter Jonathan Lucroy, Maldonado finished with three hits.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Brewers: CF Carlos Gomez struck out looking on three pitches to lead off the bottom of the first. It was his first at-bat since missing a couple days with a sore hip. He finished 1 for 5. … 3B Aramis Ramirez will visit the team doctor after missing a third straight game with lower back tightness.

UP NEXT

Cubs: Ace Jon Lester (2-2) takes the mound against the New York Mets when Chicago returns to Wrigley Field for a seven-game homestand. Lester is 2-0 with an 0.64 ERA in his two starts in May.

Brewers: Wily Peralta (1-4) opens a three-game interleague series at home against the Chicago White Sox. The right-hander has made three quality starts, though opponents are hitting .307 off him so far this season.

____

Follow Genaro Armas at http://twitter.com/GArmasAP

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

CLINTONVILLE- The Clintonville Police Department says officers took a 27-year-old man from the community into custody after a local pastor reported a potentially dangerous situation.

The pastor of Christus Church called police about a distraught, and possibly suicidal parishioner around 10:32 Sunday morning.

Police say the pastor indicated the man had made a threatening comment in the presence of another parishioner while armed with a .357 revolver and extra ammunition.

The distraught parishioner was believed to be upset by recent bad news he had received.

Police secured the church and surrounding area. The man’s nearby home was also checked and secured, as was the church before parishioners were released.

Around 1:00 p.m., a Clintonville police officer located the man in the parking lot of a business on the south edge of the city.

He was taken into custody and placed in emergency detention pending a medical and psychological evaluation.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin prosecutor said he will announce on Tuesday whether charges will be filed against a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed 19-year-old biracial man in Madison.

Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne had promised to give the public advance notice of the announcement in the case of Madison Officer Matt Kenny, who shot 19-year-old Tony Robinson in an apartment house on March 6.

Police have said Kenny was responding to reports that Robinson had assaulted two people and was running in traffic. Investigators said Robinson attacked Kenny but other details haven’t been released.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice investigated the incident under a state law that requires an outside agency to lead probes into officer-involved shootings. Ozanne said he received the last investigative reports from the agency on April 13 and has been mulling a decision since then.

The shooting has sparked multiple street protests led by the Young, Gifted and Black Coalition. The protests have been peaceful, although demonstrators have demanded Kenny be fired and charged with homicide. They also have said they don’t trust Ozanne, saying he’s part of a corrupt criminal justice system that targets blacks.

Police arrested at least four protesters in April after they blocked one of Madison’s main thoroughfares for eight hours.

Racial tension between police and minorities has been running high in several U.S. cities, most recently in Baltimore, where riots erupted after the funeral for Freddie Gray, a black man who suffered a fatal spinal injury while in police custody. Other high-profile cases of officers killing unarmed black residents include the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Eric Garner in New York City; and Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Six officers involved in Gray’s death have been charged, as has the officer who killed Scott. Grand juries declined to charge the officers involved in Brown’s and Garner’s deaths.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who is expected to run for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, was in Israel on Sunday and spokeswomen for both his official and political operations did not immediately return messages asking whether he plans to cut the trip short to be in Wisconsin when the decision is announced.

GREEN BAY- No one was injured in a house fire early Saturday morning in Green Bay.

Fire crews were dispatched to 1000 Christiana St. at 2:58 a.m.

Fire officials say the owner had come home and found the fire around his back door.

He woke up his son and they evacuated the house.

The fire was contained to the area around the back door, but caused smoke damage to the rest of the home.

The fire caused an estimated 15,000 dollars in damage.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Officials do not believe the cause to be suspicious.