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  • In Loving Memory of Micah Willis and D’Ariz Bray

    In Loving Memory of Micah Willis and D’Ariz Bray

    In Loving Memory of Micah Willis and D’Ariz Bray

    CINCINNATI — With broken hearts and deep sorrow, we remember the lives of Micah Willis, 22, and D’Ariz Bray, 19, two young men whose lives were tragically taken far too soon in an early Wednesday morning shooting at the Villages at Roll Hill.

    According to the Cincinnati Police Department, officers responded at approximately 1:58 a.m. to the 2500 block of Sunnyhill Drive following a ShotSpotter notification. When they arrived, they found both Micah and D’Ariz suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency crews immediately began life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, both young men were pronounced dead at the scene.

    The tragedy unfolded within the Villages at Roll Hill apartment complex in Cincinnati — a place meant to be home, a place of community, families, and shared spaces. A dark sedan was seen at the scene, having apparently crashed into a playground area, a heartbreaking image that underscores the suddenness and violence of that morning.

    As investigators work to determine what led to the shooting and search for answers, those who knew Micah and D’Ariz are left grappling with grief that words cannot fully capture.

    Micah Willis, at just 22 years old, stood at the threshold of adulthood, with dreams still unfolding and a future still being shaped. Those who knew him describe a young man full of energy and potential — someone who carried both ambition and heart. He was a son, a friend, and a presence that brought familiarity and connection to those around him. His life, though short, held meaning in the countless moments he shared with family and friends.

    D’Ariz Bray, only 19, was just beginning his journey into manhood. Nineteen is an age of hope — of plans being made, paths being explored, and identities being discovered. D’Ariz was loved deeply by those closest to him. He was someone’s child, someone’s brother, someone’s best friend. His laughter, his voice, and his spirit filled spaces that now feel unbearably quiet.

    Two young lives. Two families forever changed.

    In neighborhoods like Roll Hill, community ties run deep. The loss of Micah and D’Ariz does not belong solely to their families — it reverberates through friends, neighbors, classmates, and all who knew them. It is felt in empty chairs at kitchen tables, in unanswered phone calls, in social media posts frozen in time.

    While the circumstances of that night remain under investigation, what remains undeniable is the profound human cost. Violence leaves behind more than headlines — it leaves mothers and fathers mourning, siblings grieving, and friends trying to make sense of a loss that feels senseless.

    Today, we choose to remember Micah and D’Ariz not by the way their lives ended, but by the lives they lived.

    We remember the conversations, the shared jokes, the small kindnesses, the dreams they spoke aloud. We remember the youth in their faces and the promise they carried. We remember that behind every statistic is a heartbeat, and behind every tragedy are people who loved and were loved.

    To their families, we extend our deepest condolences. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, and may memories of Micah and D’Ariz bring comfort in the midst of overwhelming pain. May the community stand beside you not just in these early days of grief, but in the long road ahead.

    As the Cincinnati Police Department continues its investigation, the hope for justice remains. But beyond justice, there is also a call for compassion, unity, and reflection — a reminder of how precious and fragile life truly is.

    Rest peacefully, Micah Willis.

    Rest peacefully, D’Ariz Bray.

    Your lives mattered. Your names will not be forgotten. Your memories will live on in the hearts of all who loved you.

  • In Loving Memory of Frank and Bonnie Yonkin

    In Loving Memory of Frank and Bonnie Yonkin

    In Loving Memory of Frank and Bonnie Yonkin

    With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, the community of Dushore mourns the tragic loss of former Fire Chief Frank Yonkin and his beloved wife, Bonnie Yonkin, who were killed Tuesday afternoon in a devastating two-vehicle crash in Sullivan County.

    Emergency crews were dispatched at 3:43 p.m. on Feb. 24 to a serious collision near the intersection of Route 220 and Harney Road in Albany Township. Responding units included Station 57, Station 8, Ambulance 1-57, Rescue 57, Station 58 and Chief 57. Upon arrival, first responders encountered a heartbreaking scene — a passenger vehicle involved in a head-on crash with a tri-axle dump truck. Authorities confirmed that the two occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

    Fire officials later identified those victims as Frank Yonkin, former Fire Chief of Dushore Fire-Rescue, and his wife, Bonnie.

    Their passing leaves an immeasurable void not only within their family but throughout the entire community they served so faithfully.

    Frank Yonkin was more than a fire chief — he was a leader, a mentor, and a symbol of steady strength during moments of crisis. Throughout his years of service with Station 57, he answered countless emergency calls, often placing the safety of others above his own. Whether responding to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, or community emergencies, Frank embodied the spirit of dedication that defines true public servants.

    Those who served alongside him remember a man who led by example. He was calm under pressure, decisive in moments of uncertainty, and compassionate toward both victims and fellow responders. His leadership shaped not only the department’s operations but also the character of the firefighters who trained and worked under him. Many credit him for inspiring the next generation of first responders in Dushore and beyond.

    But beyond the uniform, Frank was a devoted husband, a cherished friend, and a proud member of his community.

    By his side through life’s many chapters was Bonnie Yonkin — his partner, his support, and his greatest companion. Bonnie was known for her warmth and kindness, for the quiet strength she offered not just to Frank but to everyone around her. Behind every dedicated public servant is often a steadfast supporter, and Bonnie was that and more. She stood beside Frank throughout his years of service, sharing in the sacrifices that come with a life committed to helping others.

    Friends describe Bonnie as compassionate and welcoming, someone whose presence made gatherings brighter and whose heart was always open. Together, Frank and Bonnie built a life rooted in love, service, and community connection.

    Their deaths have shaken the close-knit towns of Sullivan County. For many, the tragedy feels deeply personal. Frank once responded to emergencies along the very roads where he ultimately lost his life — a somber and painful reality for those who knew his commitment to protecting the community.

    The outpouring of grief reflects just how many lives they touched. Firefighters, emergency responders, neighbors, and longtime friends are united in mourning — but also in gratitude. Gratitude for the years of service Frank gave selflessly. Gratitude for the kindness and generosity Bonnie shared so freely. Gratitude for the example they set as a couple devoted not only to one another but to the greater good.

    In moments like this, words often feel insufficient. Yet what remains enduring is the legacy they leave behind — a legacy of courage, partnership, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

    As the community gathers to remember them, may we hold close the memories of Frank’s steady leadership and Bonnie’s gentle spirit. May their family find comfort in knowing that their lives mattered deeply and that their impact will never be forgotten.

    Frank and Bonnie Yonkin leave behind a story not defined by tragedy, but by a lifetime of love and service.

    Rest in peace, Chief Frank Yonkin and Bonnie Yonkin.

    Your dedication, your kindness, and your example will forever live on in the hearts of the community you served and loved so dearly.

  • In Loving Memory of Officer Dustin Pedigo

    In Loving Memory of Officer Dustin Pedigo

    In Loving Memory of Officer Dustin Pedigo

    WARTBURG, Tenn. — With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we remember and honor the life of Dustin Pedigo, a devoted correctional officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty late Tuesday night at the Morgan County Correctional Complex in Wartburg.

    Dustin, was a man who chose a profession rooted in courage, responsibility, and service. Around midnight, he was the victim of a violent assault inside the facility he had sworn to help protect. Stabbed multiple times during the incident, Dustin fought bravely, but despite the swift response of emergency personnel and every effort made to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

    His passing has sent waves of grief through the correctional community, law enforcement agencies, and the countless lives he touched both professionally and personally. While state investigators continue working to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack, what remains abundantly clear is the depth of loss felt by those who knew and loved him.

    Correctional officers serve in one of the most challenging and often unseen roles in public safety. Every day, they walk into environments that demand vigilance, strength, and resilience. Dustin understood those risks, yet he embraced his duty with dedication and resolve. His commitment to maintaining safety and order within the institution reflected not only his professionalism but also his character.

    Beyond the uniform, Dustin was so much more.

    He was a son, a friend, a colleague, and a pillar of quiet strength to many. Those who worked alongside him describe him as dependable and steady — someone who could be counted on in moments of tension and uncertainty. In a profession that requires composure under pressure, Dustin carried himself with integrity and a calm determination that earned the respect of his peers.

    His life was defined not by the tragedy of his final moments, but by the years he spent serving others. He dedicated himself to protecting both the public and his fellow officers. In doing so, he exemplified what it means to live a life of purpose and sacrifice.

    The pain of his loss is immeasurable. His family now faces an unimaginable void — the absence of a man who was undoubtedly a source of love, guidance, and strength. Friends and colleagues mourn a trusted companion whose presence made long shifts more bearable and difficult days a little lighter.

    Officials have confirmed that the facility remains secure and there is no danger to the public. Yet within the walls of the institution and throughout the broader community, there is a profound sense of heartbreak. When a public servant falls in the line of duty, the impact is felt far beyond the immediate scene.

    Dustin’s death serves as a solemn reminder of the risks correctional officers face daily. They work behind secured gates and reinforced walls, often out of public view, but their contributions are vital to the justice system and the safety of society. Their bravery is no less significant because it is less visible.

    As we remember Dustin Pedigo, we choose to honor his life — not solely through mourning, but through gratitude. Gratitude for his years of service. Gratitude for his courage. Gratitude for the sacrifices he made without hesitation.

    To his family, we extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support. May you find comfort in knowing that Dustin’s dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the lives he impacted, in the respect of his fellow officers, and in the enduring appreciation of a community that recognizes the weight of his service.

    Rest in peace, Officer Dustin Pedigo.

    Your watch may have ended, but your courage and commitment will forever be remembered.

  • In Loving Memory of Braxon M. Gough

    In Loving Memory of Braxon M. Gough

    In Loving Memory of Braxon M. Gough

    The community of Joplin is wrapped in grief following the heartbreaking loss of Braxon M. Gough, 19, whose life was tragically cut short on Tuesday night in a crash in Cherokee County. At just 19 years old, Braxon’s future was filled with promise, dreams, and opportunities yet to unfold. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and neighbors mourning a life taken far too soon.

    According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. at the intersection of S.E. 110th Street and S.E. Turkey Creek Road, about three miles north of Galena. Authorities reported that the 2014 Ford Fusion Braxon was driving westbound when it left the roadway for reasons still under investigation and struck a tree. The vehicle later caught fire, turning an ordinary evening into a devastating tragedy.

    While the details of the accident remain under investigation, what remains certain is the profound impact Braxon had during his 19 years of life. He was more than the circumstances of that night — he was a beloved son, a loyal friend, and a young man whose presence brought energy and light into the lives of those who knew him.

    Those closest to Braxon describe him as kind-hearted and genuine, someone who could make others laugh even on difficult days. He carried with him the spark of youth — ambition, curiosity, and a desire to carve out his own path in the world. Whether spending time with friends, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the everyday moments of life, Braxon had a way of making ordinary times feel special.

    In communities like Joplin, where connections run deep and neighbors know one another by name, a loss like this is felt far beyond a single family. It ripples through schools, workplaces, churches, and social circles. Classmates remember shared laughter in hallways. Friends recall late-night conversations and plans for the future. Family members hold tightly to memories from childhood — the first steps, first words, graduations, and milestones that now feel even more precious.

    The pain of losing someone so young carries a particular weight. It is the ache of unfinished dreams, of goals still forming, of years that should have been lived fully. Yet even in grief, Braxon’s life stands as a testament to the love he gave and received. His story did not end in that tragic moment; it continues in the hearts of those who will forever carry him with them.

    As the investigation proceeds, the focus for many remains on honoring Braxon’s memory — remembering his smile, his voice, his unique personality. In the days ahead, the community will gather to offer support, to share stories, and to remind one another that even in sorrow, love endures.

    To Braxon’s family, words can never fully ease the heartbreak of such a loss. But may they find comfort in knowing how deeply he was cared for, how brightly he shone in his short time here, and how profoundly he will be missed. May they find strength in each other and in the community that surrounds them with compassion.

    Braxon M. Gough’s life, though brief, mattered immensely. His laughter echoed, his presence was felt, and his memory will live on. As Joplin and the surrounding communities mourn, they also celebrate the young man he was — a life of promise, of connection, and of love.

    May he rest in peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.

  • In Loving Memory of Kevin Hicks

    In Loving Memory of Kevin Hicks

    In Loving Memory of Kevin Hicks

    On the quiet evening of February 24, 2026, tragedy struck along the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 near Bratenahl Road. What began as an ordinary night quickly became one marked by sorrow and heartbreak, as emergency crews responded to reports of a pedestrian who had been struck. That pedestrian was Kevin Hicks — a man whose life, though taken too soon, leaves behind memories, love, and a story that will not be forgotten.

    Responding agencies, including the Bratenahl Police Department, Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland Fire Department, and Cleveland EMS, arrived swiftly at the scene. Upon arrival, officers and medical personnel located Kevin along the highway. Despite immediate and determined lifesaving efforts, he was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.

    The weight of that moment cannot be measured merely by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles or the sound of passing traffic. It is measured in the grief of loved ones, the silence left in familiar spaces, and the countless memories now cherished more deeply than ever before.

    The Eastside Department Group Enforcement (EDGE) Accident Investigation Unit was activated to assist with the investigation, carefully working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. During the course of the investigation, the driver of the involved vehicle returned to the scene and was interviewed by authorities. The vehicle has since been located and secured as investigators continue their work. At this time, the case remains under active investigation, and officials are withholding the driver’s identity pending potential criminal charges.

    While the investigation unfolds, Kevin’s loved ones face a far more personal journey — one of grief, remembrance, and healing.

    Kevin Hicks was more than a name in a report. He was a son, perhaps a brother, a friend, a colleague — a human being whose life intersected with others in meaningful ways. Those who knew him will remember his voice, his laughter, the way he showed up in both big and small moments. Whether through quiet kindness or shared conversations, Kevin left imprints on the hearts of those around him.

    In times like these, we are reminded of life’s fragility. Highways that carry thousands safely to their destinations each day can, in a single moment, become the backdrop for unimaginable loss. Kevin’s passing serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of awareness, compassion, and care — both on the road and in our daily lives.

    To Kevin’s family and friends, words can offer little comfort in the face of such profound sorrow. Yet may they find strength in one another, solace in shared memories, and peace in knowing that Kevin’s life mattered deeply. Though his journey on this earth has ended, the love he gave and the memories he created endure.

    Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Bratenahl Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.

    As the community reflects on this heartbreaking event, we honor Kevin Hicks not for the manner of his passing, but for the life he lived. May his memory be a blessing. May his name be spoken with love. And may he rest in eternal peace.

  • In Loving Memory of Nicole Elizabeth Freeman

    In Loving Memory of Nicole Elizabeth Freeman

    In Loving Memory of Nicole Elizabeth Freeman

    It is with deep sorrow that we remember Nicole Elizabeth Freeman, 50, of Garrison, Minnesota, who tragically lost her life in a head-on crash on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026. Nicole’s life was taken far too soon on an icy stretch of Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County, amid treacherous winter driving conditions that affected so many that day.

    According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the fatal collision occurred around 8:51 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 169 and 460th Street in Kathio Township. Nicole was driving a southbound Subaru Impreza when she lost control while navigating a light curve on the snow- and ice-covered roadway. Her vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and was struck broadside by a northbound Kia Sorento. Both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest on a downward slope in the east ditch. Nicole was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that she was wearing a seat belt and that alcohol was not suspected as a factor in the crash.

    The driver of the Kia, a 42-year-old man from Isle, survived the collision with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. Investigators noted that he was not wearing a seat belt. Airbags deployed in his vehicle, though not in Nicole’s Subaru.

    First responders from Mille Lacs County sheriff’s deputies, Mille Lacs Tribal Police, Garrison Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, and Mille Lacs Health System were all on site to provide assistance. Nicole’s passing is a solemn reminder of the dangers of winter driving in Minnesota. That morning alone, troopers responded statewide to 128 property-damage crashes, 14 injury crashes, and one fatal crash, along with multiple spinouts, vehicles off the road, and jackknifed semitrailers that caused significant slowdowns and partial closures on major highways, including Interstate 94.

    Nicole was more than a victim of tragic circumstances; she was a cherished member of her community. Her warmth, kindness, and presence touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Friends, neighbors, and family remember her as a devoted loved one, a compassionate friend, and a person whose spirit brightened every room she entered.

    Though her life was abruptly cut short, Nicole’s memory will endure in the hearts of those who loved her. Her story serves as both a tribute to her life and a somber reminder of the fragility of life, particularly on icy winter roads. As family and friends grieve this profound loss, the community comes together to honor her memory, celebrate her life, and support one another in this time of sorrow.

    Nicole Elizabeth Freeman will be remembered, cherished, and deeply missed. May she rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.

  • In Loving Memory of Rolan Tomlison

    In Loving Memory of Rolan Tomlison

    In Loving Memory of Rolan Tomlison

    In the quiet hours of Tuesday morning, along the stretch of U.S. Highway 62 near Lubbock, a tragic accident claimed the life of 45-year-old Rolan Tomlison of Brownfield. The heartbreaking news, confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, has left family, friends, and the wider community mourning the sudden and devastating loss of a man whose life meant so much to so many.

    According to early reports, the crash occurred on U.S. Highway 62 when a semi-trailer, driven by a 74-year-old man from Lubbock, was traveling southwest and attempted to use a crossover to turn northeast on the highway. During the maneuver, the semi-trailer stalled in the northeast-bound lanes. In the moments that followed, Rolan’s vehicle collided with the front right of the trailer and became wedged underneath the rear of the truck. Despite the response of emergency personnel, Rolan Tomlison was pronounced dead at the scene.

    While the details of the accident paint a tragic picture, they do not define the man Rolan was. He was far more than a headline or a report. He was a son, perhaps a brother, a friend, a coworker — a man with dreams, responsibilities, and a life filled with meaning. He was someone who woke up that morning like any other, unaware that it would be his last. His passing is a solemn reminder of how fragile and precious life truly is.

    Those who knew Rolan will remember him not for the way he left this world, but for the way he lived in it. At 45 years old, he had built years of memories and relationships that now stand as his lasting legacy. Whether through his work, his kindness to others, or the quiet strength he carried through life’s challenges, Rolan made an impact in ways that may never be fully measured but will always be deeply felt.

    In communities like Brownfield and Lubbock, bonds run deep. Neighbors know each other. People share in one another’s joys and sorrows. Today, that shared sorrow weighs heavily. The loss of one community member is felt by all, especially when it happens so suddenly and without warning. Friends and loved ones are left grappling with unanswered questions, with grief that feels overwhelming, and with the painful reality that tomorrow will look different without him.

    As we remember Rolan Tomlison, we honor the life he lived. We honor the conversations shared, the laughter exchanged, the hard work given, and the love he offered to those closest to him. Every life tells a story, and though Rolan’s story was cut short, the chapters he wrote will not be forgotten. They will live on in the hearts of those who carry his memory forward.

    In times like these, words often feel inadequate. There is no easy explanation for tragedy, no simple comfort that can erase the pain. But there is strength in community, in remembrance, and in holding one another close. May his loved ones find comfort in shared memories. May they find peace in knowing that he mattered — that his presence in this world made a difference.

    We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rolan Tomlison during this incredibly difficult time. May they be surrounded by support, compassion, and love as they navigate the days ahead.

    Rest in peace, Rolan Tomlison. You will be remembered.

  • In Loving Memory of Tristan Young

    In Loving Memory of Tristan Young

    In Loving Memory of Tristan Young

    With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we remember the life of Tristan Young, a vibrant 20-year-old from Haynesville whose life was tragically cut short on February 23 in Minden. What began as an ordinary Monday morning turned into a day of unimaginable loss for his family, friends, and the entire community of north Webster Parish.

    According to Louisiana State Police, the crash occurred around 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of LA Highway 160 and Fire Tower Road. Tristan was traveling south on Fire Tower Road in his 1995 Toyota Tercel when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle entered the intersection and collided with a 2019 Mack Pinnacle log truck traveling west on Highway 160. The impact was devastating. Tristan was not wearing a seatbelt and tragically passed away at the scene.

    Two passengers were also in the vehicle. The front-seat passenger, who was unrestrained, was ejected from the car and suffered severe injuries, while a rear-seat passenger sustained moderate injuries. The driver of the log truck, who was properly restrained, was injured as well. Authorities have stated that impairment is not suspected, though routine toxicology samples were collected as part of the ongoing investigation.

    Yet beyond the details of that heartbreaking morning is the story of a young man whose life meant far more than the circumstances of his passing.

    Tristan Young was more than a name in a news report. He was a son, a friend, a neighbor, and a cherished member of the Haynesville community. At just 20 years old, he carried the kind of youthful energy and quiet determination that hinted at a future full of possibility. Those who knew him speak of his easy smile, his laughter that could lighten a room, and his willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed it.

    Growing up in Haynesville, Tristan was surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit town where people know each other by name and look out for one another. In such a community, every loss is deeply felt — and Tristan’s passing has left a void that words can scarcely describe. Friends remember his loyalty and the simple joy he found in spending time with those he cared about. Family members remember a loving young man whose presence brought comfort and pride.

    The tragedy of Tristan’s passing also serves as a solemn reminder of how fragile life can be. In a matter of moments, everything can change. While investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the crash, his story underscores the importance of roadway safety and the lifesaving value of seatbelt use — a reminder that may help protect others in the future.

    Today, we honor Tristan not by focusing solely on how he died, but by remembering how he lived. We remember the conversations, the shared laughter, the dreams yet to be fulfilled. We remember the warmth he brought into the lives of those around him. Though his time on earth was brief, the impact he made will endure in the hearts of those who loved him.

    To his family, may you find strength in the outpouring of love from your community. May cherished memories bring comfort in the midst of sorrow. And may you hold tightly to the knowledge that Tristan’s life — though far too short — mattered deeply.

    Rest peacefully, Tristan Young. You will never be forgotten.

  • In Loving Memory of James Anderson Sr.

    In Loving Memory of James Anderson Sr.

    In Loving Memory of James Anderson Sr.

    The community of Hastings is mourning the loss of James Anderson Sr., a beloved resident whose life was tragically cut short in a single-vehicle crash in rural Adams County on the morning of February 24, 2026.

    According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Anderson was the sole occupant of a Ford F-150 traveling southbound on Showboat Boulevard near the intersection of Blue Valley Road at approximately 9:00 a.m. Authorities reported that as he approached a curve in the roadway, he was unable to navigate the turn. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and rolled onto its side. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

    Deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly and were assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol and Lawrence Fire and Rescue. His family has been notified, and the sheriff’s department extended its deepest condolences to all who are grieving this tremendous loss.

    But beyond the details of that morning lies the story of a man whose life touched many.

    James Anderson Sr. was more than a name in a report. He was a father, a family member, a friend, and a neighbor. In a close-knit community like Hastings, relationships are woven tightly together — through shared conversations, everyday interactions, and the simple presence of familiar faces. His absence will be deeply felt in the places he once stood and the lives he quietly shaped.

    Those who knew James will remember his character, his experiences, and the roles he fulfilled in the lives of others. Whether through his dedication to family, his work, or his friendships, he leaves behind memories that will not fade. Grief is heavy, especially when loss comes suddenly and without warning. A routine morning drive turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving loved ones to navigate a future without him.

    Moments like these remind us how fragile life can be. Roads we travel every day can change lives in an instant. In the wake of such loss, communities often draw closer — offering prayers, support, and strength to those carrying the burden of sorrow.

    The thoughts and heartfelt sympathies of Hastings and Adams County are with the Anderson family. May they find comfort in the love that surrounds them and peace in the memories that remain. Though his journey on this earth has ended, the imprint James Anderson Sr. left on his family and community will endure.

    Rest in peace, James Anderson Sr. You will be remembered, honored, and missed deeply.

  • In Loving Memory of Rex A. Loveless

    In Loving Memory of Rex A. Loveless

    In Loving Memory of Rex A. Loveless

    The community of Mount Vernon is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of 58-year-old Rex A. Loveless, whose life was tragically cut short on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

    According to Kentucky State Police Post 11, troopers received a call at approximately 3:06 p.m. from Rockcastle County 911 regarding a collision at the 63-mile marker southbound on Interstate 75. Preliminary findings indicate that Mr. Loveless was operating a 2021 Dodge Charger when he pulled onto the right shoulder of the roadway after experiencing pain. According to his passenger, Melinda Loveless, the vehicle then rolled off the shoulder and struck a rock wall.

    Rockcastle County EMS transported Mr. Loveless to Rockcastle Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:03 p.m. Mrs. Loveless was not injured in the collision, and next of kin were present at the scene. Trooper Calder continues to investigate the incident.

    Yet beyond the official details lies the story of a man whose life meant so much more than the circumstances of a single afternoon.

    Rex A. Loveless was 58 years old — a man in the fullness of life, carrying decades of experience, memories, and relationships. He was a husband, a family member, a friend, and a familiar face in his community. Those who knew him understood his character not through headlines, but through everyday moments — conversations shared, kindness extended, responsibilities carried, and love given freely.

    For his family, especially his wife who was by his side, the pain of this loss is immeasurable. To experience such a sudden farewell is a grief few can truly comprehend. In an ordinary day that turned tragic without warning, life changed forever. The shock of it leaves a silence that feels overwhelming.

    Rex’s passing reminds us of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. One moment, a routine drive along Interstate 75; the next, a family facing the unimaginable. It is in these moments that communities draw closer together — offering prayers, support, and compassion to those who are grieving.

    As friends and loved ones reflect on his life, they will remember the man he was beyond this tragedy. They will recall his voice, his presence, his laughter, and the quiet strength he brought into the lives of others. Those memories now become treasures — reminders that love does not end when life does.

    The Mount Vernon community stands in solidarity with the Loveless family during this profoundly difficult time. May they find comfort in one another, strength in shared memories, and peace in knowing that Rex’s life made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

    Rest peacefully, Rex A. Loveless. You will be remembered with love, and your memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those you leave behind.