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In Memory of Shirley Hammond
It is with heavy hearts and profound respect that we share the passing of Shirley Hammond, a trailblazing force in the world of K9 Search and Rescue (SAR) and a founding member of the California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA).

Shirley’s unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and deep compassion shaped the very foundation of K9 SAR in California and beyond. Her work saved lives, inspired countless volunteers, and established standards that continue to guide the search and rescue community today.

Her legacy lives on not only through the lives she helped save, but also in the many handlers and K9 teams she mentored over the years. Shirley’s passion, leadership, and tireless service leave a lasting imprint on all who had the honor of working alongside her.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the extended SAR community. Shirley will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and enduring respect.

In Loving Memory of Bob Mullineaux
It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Bob Mullineaux.

Bob was more than a friend — he was a constant light in our lives. His kindness, humility, and unshakable spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He brought warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength to every room he entered, and his presence made our community better in countless ways.

The weight of his absence is felt deeply in every corner of our hearts and lives. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind — one of compassion, integrity, and unwavering friendship.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Bob will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

In Memoriam: Richard Carlisle
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Carlisle of Northwest Fire Protection. Richard was a highly respected professional in his field and a deeply cherished member of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Arkansas family.

His dedication, integrity, and passion for his work left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Richard’s contributions to the industry and the ABC community will be remembered with deep appreciation and admiration.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.

What an emotional month it has been… They say these things come in threes, and I’d like to officially be done with heartache for now.

I’m so deeply saddened to hear this news. My heart is heavy, but filled with gratitude for the time, memories, and love I’ve been blessed to share.

Aunt Robyn and Uncle Kenny—Blacksfork with you all remains one of my most treasured memories. Thank you for welcoming me, for your grace and kindness, and for the warmth of your beautiful family. I’ve never felt so cared for, and I carry that with me always.

Sending all my love and prayers during this difficult time.

Jury Recommends Life Sentence for Brooks Houck
A verdict has been reached this morning (July 8, 2025): a jury has found Brooks Houck guilty of murder in the death of Crystal Rogers. They also found him guilty of tampering with physical evidence. The jury has recommended a life sentence on the murder charge, plus the maximum of five years for tampering—these to be served consecutively lpm.org+15wkyt.com+15whas11.com+15.

Josepth Lawson Sentenced to 25 Years
Co-defendant Joseph Lawson was convicted as well. The jury recommended 20 years for conspiracy to murder and an additional 5 years for evidence tampering, also to be served one after the other reddit.com+8wkyt.com+8wkyufm.org+8.

What Happens Next
The court has scheduled final sentencing for August 21, 2025 wkyt.com+1wkyufm.org+1.

📌 Case Context & Reaction

• The jury handed down these decisions swiftly—just 5 minutes of deliberation—after 4 hours of discussion wkyt.com.

• Crystal Rogers’ family was visibly emotional and expressive in court, with some weeping and whispering “Thank you, Lord” when the verdicts were announced whas11.com+15wkyt.com+15wkyufm.org+15.

• Rogers disappeared in July 2015; though her body has never been found, prosecutors argued strongly for premeditation and physical evidence tampering 11alive.com+14wkyufm.org+14wlky.com+14.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the drugs “directly contributed to the victim’s death due to a toxic overdose.”

Note:

• “Contributed in” should be “contributed to” — that’s the correct preposition in this context.

• Keeping it in quotes maintains the integrity of the source if you’re citing directly.

Gone too soon. 💔

The family of 15-year-old Chasity Nelson shared this photo with us as they remember their beautiful daughter, sister, and friend.

Chasity’s life was tragically cut short following a crash near Old Easley Bridge Road. She had so much life ahead of her—a bright spirit, a loving heart, and dreams that now remain unfulfilled.

Please keep her family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time. No parent should ever have to say goodbye to their child.

Rest in peace, sweet Chasity. You are loved, and you will never be forgotten. 🕊️💔

Such a powerful perspective on a truly tragic and senseless loss.
My heart grieves for these precious little girls and for all the families who lost loved ones in the flood.

I cannot begin to imagine the depth of their sorrow. May they find strength in the love surrounding them and comfort in knowing that so many are holding them in their hearts during this unimaginable time. 💔

The Buchanan family, owners of Buchanan Farms in Broadway, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash yesterday afternoon in Lee County.

This heartbreaking news has deeply impacted our community. The Buchanans were more than just local business owners—they were kind, generous, and deeply rooted in the life of this town. Their contributions to our agricultural community and the friendships they formed along the way will never be forgotten.

Please remember their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. May their family and friends find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from those around them.

Rest in peace to the Buchanan family. You will be deeply missed. 💔

I woke up early this morning thinking about the young girls who perished in the Texas flood. My heart aches for their families and the unimaginable pain they are now living through.

As I sat with that grief, my thoughts turned to my own daughter, who died many years ago in tragic circumstances. That kind of loss never leaves you. It changes who you are. And in remembering her, I also remembered the many things people said to me during that time—some comforting, others unintentionally hurtful.

So I want to offer a few thoughts about how to speak to someone who has just experienced a tragic loss:

• Don’t say, “I understand how you feel” or “I know what you’re going through.”
  Unless you’ve gone through a very similar kind of loss, you don’t—and can’t—truly understand. And even if you have, grief is different for everyone. A more compassionate thing to say might be, “I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling, but I’m here for you.”

• Don’t try to explain it or make it better.
  Avoid phrases like “Everything happens for a reason” or “They’re in a better place.” In the immediate aftermath of loss, those words can feel hollow and even dismissive. People need space to feel their pain without it being explained away.

• Don’t compare their loss to something from your own life.
  Saying things like “When my [relative] died…” may be well-intentioned, but it shifts the focus away from the grieving person. Let their story be centered.

• Do show up. Be present.
  Even if you don’t know what to say, your presence is what matters most. Sit with them. Listen. Offer a hug. Bring a meal. Just let them know they’re not alone.

• Do keep checking in.
  After the funeral, after the flowers fade and the cards stop coming, that’s often when grief really settles in. Keep reaching out—weeks, months, even years later. Grief has no timeline.

To the families in Texas, I send my deepest sympathy and love. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the world wraps around you with care and tenderness in the days ahead.

To anyone reading this who has experienced a loss or is supporting someone who has—please remember: Grief doesn’t need to be fixed. It just needs to be witnessed.