Author: Admin

  • In Loving Memory of Jerilynn Brown

    Buckner, Missouri – The Buckner community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jerilynn Brown, who tragically passed away in a house fire on the morning of July 4, 2025, at just 13 years old. A beloved daughter, friend, and inspiration to many, Jerilynn’s life—though far too short—was marked by extraordinary strength, joy, and courage.

    Jerilynn had been battling bone cancer for the past two years with remarkable bravery and grace. Despite the physical and emotional toll of her illness, she remained a source of light and happiness for everyone around her. Her laughter was infectious, her heart was generous, and her spirit, unbreakable.

    Those who knew her best remember Jerilynn as a girl who never let her diagnosis define her. She loved art, music, animals, and spending time with her friends and family. Whether she was painting bright, colorful pictures or comforting others with her warm smile, Jerilynn lived every day with gratitude and hope.

    Her passing has left a profound void in the Buckner community and among all who loved her. Her father, Jerry Brown, expressed a heartfelt desire to keep Jerilynn’s uplifting spirit alive: “She was my sunshine. No matter what she was facing, she wanted to make people smile. I just hope people remember her that way.”

    A memorial and celebration of Jerilynn’s life will be announced in the coming days. The family asks for continued prayers and support during this time of unimaginable grief.

    In honor of Jerilynn, may we all carry a bit more kindness, joy, and courage into the world—just as she did every day.

    Rest peacefully, sweet Jerilynn. Your light will never fade.

  • In Loving Memory of Vaughn



    We, the family of Vaughn Phillip Martin, age 61, are heartbroken and beyond devastated to announce his sudden and unexpected passing on Thursday July 3, 2025.

    Vaughn was a larger than life presence who knew everyone and was a fixture in his hometown of Amherst. He grew up on “the Hill” surrounded by family and friends and would live there for most of his life in the house he was raised in by his treasured Aunt Margaret.

    Born on January 1, 1964, Vaughn graduated from Springhill Vocational School in the electrical program before going to work at Enheat, later IMP for 32 years. He was then employed by the Town of Amherst where, among other things he grew beautiful flower baskets which were admired by tourists and locals alike. During a strike at IMP he attended Akerley College in Dartmouth where he took the trade of Bricklaying, laying the foundation for his own Masonry business of which he was very proud.

    We can’t talk about Vaughn without including sports. In his early years he played hockey and baseball and was known for his pitching prowess. His hockey career moved to coaching early on which he dedicated a large portion of his life to. He began in minor hockey, taking an undefeated Midget Bombers team to a provincial championship. Eventually he was an assistant coach, then the head coach of the Amherst Junior A Ramblers, a team his son would later play for. The team earned a provincial championship under his guidance.

    Vaughn could be rough around the edges but would help anyone in need even to his own detriment. He had a sense of humour that was known far and wide and loved to tease. He was an amazing cook, something he took up when Jeremiah was born. His specialty was seafood chowder and if he brought you some, you knew it was the best you ever tasted. He could always be found with his nose in a recipe book and there was usually a delicious meal on the table. Just this week, he received his seven year pin as a member of the local Lions Club, for whom he also cooked.

    Gardening was a favourite past time as well, and many family and friends were the recipients of fresh produce. His Aunt Lucy referred to him as farmer Clem.

    The most important person in his life and of whom he was the most proud, was his son, Jeremiah. He loved him fiercely from the moment he was born and would have done anything for him, as anyone who knew him could attest. It goes without saying Jeremiah felt the same about his dad.

    He was so proud of his sons accomplishments and could always be found at a stadium or ballfield supporting him. The loss to Jeremiah is immense.

    Vaughn is survived by his son, Jeremiah, Amherst and step son, Justin Court (Maddie), Ottawa; partner, Stacy Paris, Amherst; Aunt, Jackie Fowler, Prince George, BC; brother, Shannon Robertson, Ontario, brother, Eric Robertson, Amherst; mother, Donna Hilson, Ontario; special nephews, Reese Burbine and Chase Deleon; great aunt, Gladys Riley; Jeremiah’s mother, Lisa Martin; best friends, Ed Cooke, Randy Farrow, Randy Hicks, David MacDonald and many others. Finally, left to grieves is his faithful companion of nine years, cherished Newfoundland dog, Marvin, also known as Bubs.

    Vaughn was predeceased by his great aunt, Margaret Martin who raised him; father, Alfred “Hooky” Martin; sister, Cindy Delion; Aunt, Lucie Bishop; maternal and paternal grandparents.

    Arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church Street, Amherst, NS.

    A service to celebrate Vaughn’s life will take place on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 11am with Rev. Jonathan Cole officiating held at the First Baptist Church, 90 Victoria St E, Amherst, NS. Reception to follow, followed by a private burial in the Amherst Cemetery.

    In Vaughn’s memory, please share stories and have a toast to his life with a glass of Caption Morgan’s dark rum.

  • Tragic Shooting Under Investigation: Gardendale Teen Jaylon Jarriel Gregory Dies After Gunshot Wound

    GARDENDALE, AL — Heartbreak and shock have gripped the Gardendale community following the tragic death of 19-year-old Jaylon Jarriel Gregory, who was fatally shot late Thursday night. What began as an ordinary evening ended in devastating loss, as the teen was rushed to UAB Hospital in Birmingham with a critical gunshot wound, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

    The Gardendale Police Department has confirmed a homicide investigation is now underway. Authorities were first alerted to the incident at approximately 9:46 p.m., when Gregory was brought to the emergency room. Despite life-saving efforts from medical staff, he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning.

    Community in Mourning

    Jaylon, affectionately known to friends and family for his bright spirit and warm heart, was just beginning his journey into adulthood. His sudden and violent death has sent shockwaves through Gardendale, where friends and neighbors are struggling to comprehend the loss of another young life to gun violence.

    “He was kind, respectful, and had dreams he was just starting to chase,” one community member shared. “This shouldn’t be happening to our kids.”

    Ongoing Investigation

    Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain limited. Authorities have not released information about where the shooting occurred or any potential suspects. Investigators are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward.

    Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers or by contacting the Gardendale Police Department directly.

    Remembering Jaylon

    As loved ones prepare to lay Jaylon to rest, the community is rallying around his family, offering condolences, support, and calls for justice. His name now joins the growing list of young lives cut short by violence, a tragic reminder of the need for action, healing, and unity.

    Jaylon Jarriel Gregory was more than a headline—he was a son, a friend, a dreamer, and a life full of promise.

    Rest in peace, Jaylon. Your memory will not be forgotten.

  • Tragedy in Regency Park: Nook Hefner Fatally Shot in Montgomery, Alabama — Community Reeling from Another Young Life Lost

    MONTGOMERY, AL — Heartbreak rippled through the city this week as the Montgomery community mourns the devastating loss of Nook Hefner, a beloved young man who was fatally shot in the back area of Regency Park. The shooting has left friends, family, and neighbors in shock, and reignited urgent conversations around the toll of gun violence on the city’s youth.

    The tragedy unfolded in a quiet section of Regency Park, turning an ordinary day into a nightmare for those who knew and loved Nook. Law enforcement is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but as of now, no arrests have been announced.

    Remembering Nook Hefner

    Known to many by his nickname “Nook,” Hefner was more than just a familiar face in Montgomery—he was a symbol of hope, hustle, and humility. A graduate of Jefferson Davis High School, Nook had recently been working at TRAP, where he was admired for his dedication, reliability, and calm spirit.

    Friends describe him as a gentle soul, someone who looked out for others, stayed focused, and avoided drama. “He was just trying to live right,” said one community member. “He didn’t deserve this.”

    Community Outcry and Grief

    As word of Nook’s death spread, an outpouring of grief could be felt across social media, street corners, and front porches. Candlelight vigils are being planned, and community leaders are calling for peace, accountability, and stronger action to prevent more senseless violence.

    “What happened to Nook is heartbreaking—but sadly, it’s not uncommon,” said one local resident. “We keep losing our young men before they even get a chance to really live. We have to do better.”

    Seeking Justice

    Montgomery Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers. In the meantime, Nook’s family is asking for privacy as they begin the unimaginable task of planning a funeral for a life taken far too soon.

    A Life Remembered

    Nook Hefner’s name now joins a growing list of lives lost to gun violence—lives full of dreams, talent, and promise. Though his time was short, the impact he made on those around him will not be forgotten.

    Rest in power, Nook. Your light lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.

  • A Legend Leaves The Chi: Remembering Emmet Washington’s Unforgettable Legacy

    A  powerful chapter in storytelling came to an end. We said goodbye to Emmet Washington—not just a character on The Chi, but a symbol of growth, struggle, and transformation. His departure marks more than the end of a storyline; it’s the closing of a journey that touched millions, especially those who saw reflections of themselves in his rise, his fall, and his relentless climb back up.

    From the moment we met Emmet, he was a young man full of promise but caught in chaos. Hustling sneakers to make ends meet, dodging responsibility, and navigating the rocky road of fatherhood while still trying to find his place in the world—he wasn’t perfect, and that was the point. His flaws made him real. His story made him relatable.

    Emmet’s evolution was never easy, and it was never neat. He battled immaturity, heartbreak, betrayal, and the weight of expectations—his own and others’. But as the seasons passed, so did his excuses. He grew. He learned. He loved, lost, and rebuilt. We watched a boy become a man, not through grand moments, but through the quiet, difficult choices that come with responsibility and redemption.

    What made Emmet Washington unforgettable was that he wasn’t written as a hero—he became one. Not in the traditional sense, but in the everyday courage it takes to face your mistakes, show up for your children, and keep trying when the world tells you you’ve already failed.

    Through Emmet, The Chi gave us more than entertainment. It gave us truth. It gave us representation that was layered, authentic, and unapologetically human. Emmet wasn’t just a character. He was us—our struggles, our hopes, our pain, our perseverance.

    As we say farewell, we don’t just mourn a loss. We celebrate a legacy. Emmet Washington will live on in conversations, in hearts, and in the quiet moments when someone chooses to do better because they saw that it’s possible.

    Rest in power, Emmet. Your story may be over, but your impact will never fade.

  • In Loving Memory of Tammy Southards: A Life Lived with Passion, Freedom, and Love

    TOWNSEND, Tennessee — A wave of sorrow has swept through two communities—Townsend, Tennessee, where she made her home, and Lithia Springs, Georgia, where her roots were deeply planted—following the tragic passing of Tammy Southards, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Thursday.

    Tammy was a beloved mother, daughter, friend, and free spirit, remembered for her bold heart, radiant smile, and unwavering love for life. Her passing comes as a devastating shock to everyone who knew her, as she was taken far too soon while doing something that brought her deep joy—riding her motorcycle, experiencing the wind on her face, the freedom of the open road, and the peace that came with it.

    That spirit of adventure and independence defined Tammy. She lived life on her own terms—with passion, authenticity, and a rare kind of courage. Whether she was exploring new places, lending a kind word, or simply sitting around a fire sharing stories with friends, she was fully present and deeply connected to those around her.

    Tammy’s energy was infectious. She inspired others to embrace life more fully and love more deeply. Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering loyalty left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Though her physical journey has ended, the legacy of her love and strength will continue in the hearts of her children, her family, and the countless friends who had the privilege of knowing her.

    As her loved ones gather to remember and honor Tammy’s life, they are united not only in grief, but in deep gratitude—for the moments shared, the love given, and the freedom she embodied.

    A memorial service will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the family asks for prayers, support, and continued celebration of the life Tammy lived so fearlessly and beautifully.

    Ride free, Tammy. Your spirit lives on in every sunset, open road, and memory you left behind.

  • Multiple Campers, Including Children, Still Missing After Guadalupe River Flooding Sweeps Through Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas

    HUNT, TEXAS — The Texas Hill Country remains in crisis as emergency crews continue an intense search and rescue operation following catastrophic flash flooding that swept through Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.

    In the early morning hours of July 4, more than 22 feet of floodwaters surged through the area in just 30 minutes, tearing through cabins and displacing dozens of campers and staff in what officials are calling a mass casualty event.

    Multiple individuals remain missing, with families confirming the names of several girls and camp counselors who have not yet been located. The flooding came with little warning, triggered by intense overnight storms that dumped more than 15 inches of rain across the region.

    Confirmed Missing Individuals:

    • Lila Bonner
    • Eloise Peck
    • Hadley Hanna
    • Kellyanne Lytal
    • Lainey Landry
    • Janie Hunt
    • Renee Smajstrla
    • Cile Steward
    • Virginia Hollis
    • Margaret Sheedy
    • Molly DeWitt
    • Anna Margaret Bellows
    • Blakely McCrory
    • Mary Grace Baker
    • Linnie McCown
    • Greta Toranzo
    • Sarah Marsh
    • Wynne Naylor
    • Katherine Ferruzzo (Camp Counselor)
    • Bella Kate (Camp Counselor)

    Camp Director Narrowly Escapes Tragedy

    Amid the chaos, Camp Mystic Director Dick Eastland—widely known in the camp community and married to co-director “Tweety” Eastland—acted quickly to prevent further disaster. Concerned that the Bubble Inn cabin would flood, Eastland reportedly drove down to evacuate campers. In the process, he and five girls were swept away by the powerful current. Miraculously, they were found alive and safe approximately five miles downriver in Hunt, Texas.

    Search and rescue operations include hundreds of personnel, boats, drones, and helicopters working across flooded terrain and debris-filled waters. Families are gathered in Kerr County, many anxiously awaiting updates as recovery teams comb the riverbanks.

    Ongoing Effort

    Authorities have confirmed at least 24 fatalities so far in the wider Hill Country region due to the flooding, with the toll expected to rise. The Guadalupe River remains dangerous and unstable, complicating search efforts.

    This heartbreaking event has shaken the Camp Mystic community and the broader Texas Hill Country, drawing support and prayers from across the nation.

     

  • 70-Year-Old Man Dead After Fireworks Incident in Wareham

    WAREHAM, Mass. — A Fourth of July celebration turned tragic in Wareham as a 70-year-old man was killed in a fireworks-related incident late Friday evening.

    The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the fatality on social media platform X, stating that multiple agencies are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    According to officials, Massachusetts State Police, Wareham Police, and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office are all involved in the ongoing investigation. The identity of the man has not yet been released, and the exact details of how the incident occurred remain unclear.

    “This is a developing investigation,” authorities stated Friday night. “We are working to determine exactly what happened.”

    As of now, no additional information has been made public, and officials have not commented on whether the fireworks involved were legal or privately purchased.

    The tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks, particularly around major holidays. Local authorities are urging residents to use caution and follow all safety regulations when handling fireworks.

    This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates as more details become available.

  • Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla Confirmed Deceased After Being Swept Away in Central Texas Flash Flooding

    HUNT, Texas — Tragedy continues to unfold in Central Texas as more victims are identified in the wake of the catastrophic flash flooding that devastated Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt.

    Authorities have confirmed that Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla are among those who tragically lost their lives after a cabin was swept away by the powerful floodwaters. Their bodies were recovered following an intensive search effort involving hundreds of rescue personnel.

    The deadly flooding was triggered by more than 15 inches of rainfall in the region, causing the Guadalupe River to rise with terrifying speed and force. Within hours, large swaths of Kerr County were underwater, overwhelming emergency services and leaving destruction in its wake.

    Also confirmed among the deceased is Dick Eastland, longtime director of Camp Mystic and a deeply respected leader in the community. Eastland was known for his steadfast commitment to the camp and its mission, and for his ability to guide others through both joyful and difficult times. He had personally endured immense hardship, having lost both a son and a grandson in years past, and had successfully battled brain cancer. His resilience, compassion, and leadership left a lasting legacy at Camp Mystic and in the lives of countless campers and staff.

    At least 24 people have been confirmed dead so far, with dozens more still missing. Search and rescue operations continue, as families cling to hope for the safe return of loved ones.

    The loss of Janie, Renee, and others has left the Camp Mystic and Hunt communities in deep mourning, with grief extending far beyond Central Texas. As recovery and remembrance efforts begin, friends, families, and former campers are coming together to honor the lives lost and support those affected.

     

  • In Loving Memory: Penny Marie Nelk, 63


    Danville, Illinois,
    The Danville community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Penny Marie Nelk, 63, who tragically passed away in an apparent drowning incident. Her unexpected death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

    Penny was known for her warmth, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness. A devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, she touched countless lives with her quiet strength and compassionate heart. Whether through a thoughtful gesture, a listening ear, or a shared moment of laughter, Penny had a way of making everyone around her feel valued and loved.

    She leaves behind a legacy rooted in generosity, humility, and deep care for others—a legacy that will live on in the memories of her family, friends, and all whose lives she enriched.

    As plans are being made to honor Penny’s life, the community has come together in an outpouring of support for her grieving family. Messages of love and remembrance continue to flow, a testament to the impact she made in her 63 years.

    Penny Marie Nelk will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the light she brought into the lives of so many.

     

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