Author: Admin

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Robert Elliott James, fondly known as Bob, who passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in Salem, Virginia. Bob lived a life full of joy, generosity, and vibrant energy, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, kindness, and zest for life touched countless hearts, and the world is undoubtedly better for having shared time in his light.

Bob’s illness came swiftly and unexpectedly over the last few days, leading to systemic complications that he was unable to overcome. His sudden departure has left friends, family, and the broader community grappling with shock and grief, mourning the loss of a truly remarkable individual.

Known for his compassionate nature, Bob devoted himself to helping others and supporting causes close to his heart. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that those wishing to honor his memory consider making a donation to one of his favorite charities, the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, which continues to provide essential support to those in need. Donations can be made at https://blacksburginterfaithfoodpantry.org/donate/.

Family and friends plan to hold a gathering in the coming months to celebrate Bob’s life and legacy. More details will be shared once arrangements are finalized. In the meantime, those who knew and loved Bob are encouraged to reflect on the joy he brought into their lives and the countless moments of laughter, care, and connection that defined his life.

Though his time with us was far too short, Bob Elliott James leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and the profound impact of a life well-lived. His memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew him, inspiring us to live with the same spirit of kindness and joy that he exemplified.

We are saddened to share that Pasture Pals Equine Rescue will not be able to participate in tomorrow’s Community Day event. The organization, beloved in our community for its work with rescued horses and commitment to equine welfare, is led by Kimberly Bass, who recently suffered a stroke and is currently hospitalized.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kimberly, her family, and all her loved ones during this challenging time. Kimberly has long been a pillar of the equine rescue community, dedicating her time, energy, and heart to helping horses in need. Her impact reaches far beyond the rescue, touching the lives of countless volunteers, donors, and families who have had the opportunity to support her mission.

While Pasture Pals will not be at Community Day, the spirit of the organization and Kimberly’s dedication to the cause will remain present in the hearts of those attending. The community is encouraged to join us in sending messages of support, hope, and healing to Kimberly, wishing her a full and speedy recovery.

We look forward to the day when Pasture Pals Equine Rescue can return to events, continuing the incredible work that has made a lasting difference for animals and people alike. For now, our focus is on keeping Kimberly in our thoughts and offering her the strength and encouragement needed during this difficult period.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our cherished Jo, who left us on the evening of Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 49. Jo was a loving mum, devoted daughter, caring sister, sister-in-law, and a cherished aunt. Her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to cross her path.

Jo’s family asks that those who wish to attend her funeral service please reach out to Geoff for the details. They hope that everyone who knew Jo can come together to celebrate her life, honor her memory, and support one another during this incredibly difficult time.

In this time of grief, we ask that you remember Jo fondly and keep her loved ones, particularly Robbie and Jolena, in your thoughts and prayers. The loss of such a vibrant, caring soul is felt deeply, and her family appreciates the love, comfort, and support offered by the community.

Jo’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and devotion to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and the stories of her warmth and generosity will continue to be shared for years to come.

With love and remembrance,

Jo’s family

KENTUCKY — The Kentucky community is mourning after another devastating collision involving a vehicle and a tractor-trailer on U.S. 23 near Lowmansville, close to Joe’s Carpet House. This marks the second fatal crash in the area in just one day, compounding the tragedy for local residents and first responders alike.

Details from the scene indicate that the collision was severe, with multiple individuals involved. Emergency personnel, including EMTs, law enforcement officers, and first responders, were immediately dispatched to provide aid and secure the area. Reports suggest that some victims sustained serious injuries, and all involved were provided with urgent medical attention.

Community members and officials are expressing their heartfelt condolences and support for those affected. Local organizations and neighbors have called for prayers and solidarity for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Early reports suggest that the tractor-trailer may have been involved in a serious roadway incident, though officials have not yet confirmed specifics such as speed, visibility, or driver error. Investigators are urging drivers to avoid the area while emergency crews work and to remain cautious on the stretch of highway.

The community has rallied to support those affected, emphasizing the need for care, medical attention, and emotional support for victims and first responders. Messages on social media using #TeamKentucky highlight the solidarity and concern shared by local residents, with many urging continued prayers and support during this difficult time.

This tragic crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of the roadway and the crucial work of first responders who rush to aid those in peril. As authorities work to piece together what happened, thoughts remain with the families of the victims, those recovering from injuries, and the brave personnel who responded to the call.

Officials have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact local authorities to assist with the investigation, and they continue to remind motorists to exercise caution in the area.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Authorities have identified the victim in Friday morning’s tragic workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, an employee at the Pascagoula shipyard, fatally shot by suspect Curtis James Jr., 25, of Mobile, Alabama. Johnson, known to colleagues as a dedicated and hardworking team member, lost his life during the incident.

According to Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, the shooting happened around 7:30 a.m. on August 22, 2025, aboard a vessel that was under construction. The incident sparked an immediate lockdown across the massive shipbuilding facility.

Police confirmed that both Johnson and James were employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding. Chief Scott stated that preliminary findings suggest the shooting may have stemmed from an altercation between the two men earlier in the week. The firearm believed to have been used has not yet been recovered, and detectives are working to determine how James was able to bring a weapon into the secured shipyard.

No other injuries were reported during the violent incident.

An Ingalls Shipbuilding spokesperson said that an “active shooter” situation was declared, and all employees were directed to shelter in place until the scene was secured. After the suspect was taken into custody, workers were released for the remainder of the day with pay. The company also announced that grief counseling and support services would be available for staff affected by the tragedy.

Multiple law enforcement agencies across Jackson County assisted Pascagoula Police in responding to the shooting. Officials urged the public to avoid the area while first responders worked to secure the shipyard and conduct interviews with employees who witnessed the event.

While speculation about possible related incidents outside of the facility has circulated on social media, Chief Scott stressed that there is no confirmed connection beyond the workplace shooting. He added that the investigation remains ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and one of the nation’s leading suppliers of vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

The city of Pascagoula, located in Jackson County and home to approximately 22,000 residents, is now reeling from the loss of Tahj Johnson, a young man whose life was cut short in a place meant for hard work and building the future of the nation’s defense.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A devastating crash on the New York State Thruway has left multiple people dead and dozens more injured after a tour bus rolled over on Interstate 90 near Pembroke Friday afternoon. Authorities say the tragedy is among the worst mass-casualty incidents in Western New York in recent years.

According to the New York State Police, the crash happened around 12:40 p.m. near Exit 48A eastbound. Investigators said the bus, which was carrying 52 passengers, lost control, veered into the median, and overturned into a roadside ditch. Miraculously, the bus did not strike any other vehicles.

Authorities confirmed that several people were killed, including at least one child. Dozens of others were injured, with many passengers being ejected from the bus due to not wearing seatbelts. Troopers described a chaotic scene where multiple victims were trapped beneath and around the bus.

Emergency responders from across the region rushed to the site. Mercy Flight helicopters and ambulances were deployed to transport critically injured victims to area hospitals, while cranes were brought in to assist in lifting the overturned bus.

Mass Casualty Response

The scale of the crash prompted hospitals across Buffalo to activate mass-casualty protocols. Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) confirmed receiving 16 patients by mid-afternoon. Peter Cutler, ECMC’s vice president of communications, said physicians were even sent directly to the crash site to assist with triage.

Oishei Children’s Hospital confirmed it is treating at least one pediatric patient, while other victims were transported to the Indian Falls Fire Station in East Pembroke for emergency staging before being sent to various medical facilities.

Kaleida Health and other regional providers also opened their doors for incoming victims, with staff describing the situation as “all hands on deck.”

International Passengers Among Victims

State Police revealed that many passengers on the bus were foreign nationals, including citizens of India, China, and the Philippines. Because of language barriers, translators were quickly dispatched to hospitals and the crash site to help families and victims communicate with medical staff.

The bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, a popular route for international visitors and tourists. Officials said all 52 people on board sustained some form of injury, ranging from minor to life-threatening.

Road Closures and Traffic Impacts

The New York State Thruway Authority closed both I-90 eastbound and westbound lanes between Exit 48A (Pembroke) and Exit 49 (Depew) to allow emergency crews to work safely. As of Friday afternoon, traffic was being rerouted, with authorities urging drivers to seek alternate routes.

Community Response

In the wake of the tragedy, ConnectLife issued an

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Authorities have identified the man killed in Friday morning’s workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, known by loved ones and friends as “GBaby.” The tragic incident unfolded around 7:30 a.m. aboard a ship that was under construction at the massive Pascagoula shipyard.

According to the Pascagoula Police Department, officers rushed to the shipyard after receiving reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they discovered Johnson suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite immediate emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, 25-year-old Curtis James Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, was quickly taken into custody by police without further incident. Authorities confirmed that both Johnson and James were employees of Ingalls Shipbuilding, though the exact circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation.

Police Chief Terry Scott addressed the press later in the day, emphasizing that while the suspect was apprehended swiftly, the event has left the community shaken. “This is a devastating loss, not just for the victim’s family and coworkers, but for our entire Pascagoula community,” Scott said. “Our detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to understand what led to this act of violence.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and has been a cornerstone of Pascagoula’s economy for decades. The shipyard is the primary supplier of surface combat vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and has employed generations of Gulf Coast residents.

The news of Johnson’s death spread quickly across Pascagoula and neighboring Mobile, where friends and coworkers remembered him as a young man full of life and ambition. On social media, tributes poured in for “GBaby,” with many describing him as hardworking, dedicated, and a joy to be around both on and off the job.

In response to the shooting, Ingalls Shipbuilding released a statement: “We are heartbroken over the loss of one of our team members. The safety and security of our employees remain our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.”

The shipyard was placed on lockdown immediately following the shooting as law enforcement secured the site and ensured no further threats remained. Operations gradually resumed later in the day, but grief and unease lingered over the sprawling facility.

Pascagoula, the county seat of Jackson County, is home to about 22,000 people and has long been intertwined with the success of the Ingalls shipyard. For many residents, the tragedy highlights the close-knit nature of the community, where nearly everyone is connected in some way to the shipyard or its workforce.

As investigators continue to piece together the motive behind the violence, Johnson’s family and friends are left to mourn the sudden and devastating loss of a life cut far too short.

DETROIT, Mich. — Authorities have identified the woman shot and killed inside Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Friday morning as Latricia “Zo-Zo” Green, also known as Latricia Brown. Police say she was gunned down by her ex-husband, 53-year-old Mario Green of Bloomfield Hills, in the basement of the medical facility where she worked.

The shooting happened shortly after 8 a.m., sending shockwaves through the hospital’s staff and patients. According to investigators, Mario Green entered the hospital, confronted his ex-wife in a restricted basement area, and after a heated verbal exchange, pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Latricia Green, described by colleagues as a dedicated and kindhearted hospital employee, was fatally wounded on the spot.

Security cameras captured the aftermath as Mario Green fled the hospital through the front entrance. Despite the facility’s large security presence, he managed to escape before police arrived. A manhunt is now underway, with multiple agencies assisting Detroit police in the urgent search for the suspect. Authorities have warned the public to consider Green armed and dangerous.

The victim, widely known by her nickname “Zo-Zo,” was cherished not only by her coworkers but also by her community. Friends and family say she was a loving woman who worked hard to provide for her family and cared deeply about her patients at Henry Ford Hospital. Many took to social media to mourn her sudden and violent death, calling for justice.

Henry Ford Health released a statement acknowledging the tragedy: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own in such a senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.”

The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about workplace safety and domestic violence, particularly when threats spill over into public spaces such as hospitals, which are supposed to be places of healing and safety.

As of Friday afternoon, police continue to search for Mario Green, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately. Meanwhile, the Detroit community mourns the devastating loss of Latricia “Zo-Zo” Green — a woman remembered for her strength, kindness, and dedication to her work.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Authorities have identified the suspect in Friday morning’s fatal shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding, the state’s largest manufacturing employer and a critical shipyard for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. Police say the gunman is Curtis James of Mobile, Alabama, who is now in custody following the deadly incident.

According to the Pascagoula Police Department, officers were dispatched to the shipyard at approximately 7:32 a.m. on August 22, 2025, after receiving reports of an active shooter inside the sprawling facility. When they arrived, law enforcement discovered one victim — a painter employed at Ingalls — who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Ingalls Shipbuilding confirmed the emergency, saying: “We are urging all personnel to shelter in place and to await further instructions. Law enforcement was promptly notified and is currently at the shipyard and responding to the situation.”

For several tense hours, the shipyard was placed on lockdown as heavily armed officers from multiple agencies secured the area. By mid-morning, police confirmed that James had been taken into custody without further incident, ending the immediate threat to employees.

As investigators began piecing together what happened, police revealed a troubling backstory that connected the shipyard shooting to an earlier crime. Authorities say that on Friday morning, prior to the Ingalls incident, James’ wife was found dead at a residence with evidence suggesting she had been killed the night before.

Detectives now believe the violence was domestic-related. Investigators allege James specifically targeted the Ingalls worker — the painter who was killed — because of his involvement in a relationship with James’ wife.

The dual tragedies have rattled Pascagoula and beyond, not only because of the loss of life but also because of the setting. Ingalls Shipbuilding, located along the Pascagoula River, has been in operation for more than 85 years and is Mississippi’s largest manufacturing employer, with thousands of workers. It is also the largest supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants, making security at the site a matter of national interest.

Local leaders expressed shock that such violence reached the shipyard, a cornerstone of the community and a workplace relied upon by thousands of families in Jackson County. While the facility reopened later in the day, counseling services have been offered to employees shaken by the morning’s events.

Police say their investigation is ongoing and that more details, including formal charges against Curtis James, will be released in the coming days. For now, Pascagoula mourns both the woman found slain earlier that morning and the Ingalls worker who lost his life while simply reporting for duty.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A routine drive turned into a nightmare for a Milwaukee family after 29-year-old Charmaine William, a mother of four, was fatally shot in front of her loved ones. Police say the incident unfolded after a minor traffic crash involving William’s vehicle and a motorcycle — escalating into sudden, deadly violence.

Authorities reported that William was driving with her boyfriend, her 9-year-old son, and her 2-year-old niece when the encounter occurred. The motorcyclist, identified as 29-year-old Larry Jefferson, allegedly pulled alongside William’s car following the fender bender. Without warning, Jefferson is accused of opening fire through her windshield, striking and killing William as her children watched in horror.

When officers arrived, they found William’s young son crying in the car, unable to fully comprehend what had just happened. Detectives said the boy repeatedly asked them the haunting question: “Why did this person kill my mom?”

Police say Jefferson fled the scene, sparking an intensive investigation. Detectives pieced together crucial evidence by reviewing surveillance cameras and social media activity. Investigators traced images from a motorcycle club’s Facebook page that appeared to show Jefferson with the same bike spotted at the crime scene.

A search warrant executed at Jefferson’s home reportedly uncovered a biker vest and a handgun, both of which matched key evidence connected to William’s shooting.

Jefferson, who is a convicted felon, has since been arrested and formally charged with first-degree reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon. He is currently being held on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 9.

The murder has shaken Milwaukee residents, not only because of the sudden, senseless loss of life, but also because of the devastating impact it has left on William’s family. William’s son and niece are now left with lifelong trauma from witnessing her violent death. Friends and relatives describe Charmaine as a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to care for her children and keep them safe.

Community leaders have called the killing an example of the reckless violence plaguing the city’s streets. “A minor accident should never end in gunfire,” one local pastor said. “Now four children are left without their mother because someone chose anger and violence over accountability.”

As the case moves forward in court, William’s loved ones continue to grieve her loss and demand justice. Vigils are expected to be held in her honor as the community rallies around her family, particularly her children, who must now navigate life without the woman who meant everything to them.