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This has been a tragic loss for Jamie’s family and for all of us — a close group of friends who’ve been together since we were young. I’m so grateful we got to spend a few days with you and your family this past month.

This loss has hit us very hard. It’s a powerful reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones because none of us knows when it might be the last.

We love you, Jamie. It’s been an honor to be considered part of your family. Your smile will forever live in my heart.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear that Beastie Boys song again without seeing your face. 💔

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that our foreman, Dan, lost his beloved 15-year-old daughter, Addison, to a sudden and rapid infection this past Monday. Addison was a beautiful, smart, and deeply loved young girl who was taken from this world far too soon.

Bishop Pohlmeier Responds to Minneapolis Tragedy

As a community, we are heartbroken by the tragic events that occurred today, August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis—where two precious children lost their lives, and many others were wounded during a morning Mass.

“I am heartbroken by the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis,” said Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine. “The loss of two children and the wounding of others during a sacred time of worship is deeply distressing. I offer my prayers for the victims, their families, and the entire school community.”

He added, “In such sorrow, we turn to Christ, who suffers with us and offers hope through the Resurrection. Tragedies like this remind us of our sacred duty to protect our children and to be unwavering in our care for their safety and formation.”

While our hearts ache for Minneapolis, this tragedy underscores the critical importance of vigilance and preparedness. The Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine work diligently to safeguard our children, faculty, and staff with a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan, which includes:

• Controlled Access & Secure Entrances

• Visitor Screening & Identification

• Emergency Drill Protocols: Regular lockdown, shelter-in-place, and evacuation drills involving full participation from students, faculty, and staff

• Partnerships with Law Enforcement: Ongoing training in crisis response, communication, and first aid, supported by strong collaboration with local police

• Family Reunification Procedures: Clear, secure reunification sites and communication plans to safely reunite children with their families

• Support for Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being: School counselors and spiritual leaders ready to assist in times of crisis

Though tragedies like Minneapolis sadden us deeply, they also call us to prayer, vigilance, and love. “Our schools remain grounded in faith, holding our children in Christ’s care each day,” Bishop Pohlmeier said.

RIP Ayden Fang: Family of 4-Year-Old Mourns Tragic Loss, Calls for Safer Streets in Burlingame

“Shock, denial, anger, and resentment — those were the raw emotions that washed over us immediately after the tragedy two weeks ago,” said Ayden’s father, Ming Fang.

The community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ayden Fang, a bright 4-year-old taken far too soon. In the wake of this tragedy, Ayden’s family is urging for urgent action to make Burlingame’s streets safer for all children.

The news of my nephew Shawn’s passing is deeply distressing.
From a young age, he showed remarkable intellect, curiosity, and promise. But like far too many, his path was overtaken by addiction — a force that has shattered so many families and stolen far too many young lives.

Shawn’s story is not defined by his struggle alone, but by the light he carried before it and the love that surrounds him even now.

May his journey in the afterlife be peaceful — free from pain, free from torment, and held in grace.

HEARTBREAK IN HEDGESVILLE
Community Rallies After Tragic Crash Claims Teen’s Life, Leaves Brother in Critical Condition

An unimaginable tragedy has shattered the Anderson family and sent waves of grief across the tri-state area. On Monday night, a single-vehicle crash in Gerrardstown claimed the life of 19-year-old Bryant Anderson, a 2024 graduate of Musselman High School. His older brother, 22-year-old Bryce Anderson, who was driving the Porsche sedan when it struck a tree off Buck Hill Road, was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Medical Campus and remains in critical condition.

Bryant is remembered as a kind soul who “never met a stranger” and “would give you the shirt off his back.” His sudden loss — paired with Bryce’s critical condition — has left the Hedgesville community heartbroken.

In response, neighbors, teachers, friends, and local residents are coming together to support the Anderson family. Hedgesville resident Lorinda Humen has launched an official GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and mounting medical expenses.

🕯️ This is a time for compassion. Let’s show the Andersons that they’re not alone.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Firefighter Zack Reese, who succumbed to injuries sustained in an off-duty motor vehicle crash.

Zack joined our department in December 2024 and brought with him a deep commitment to service, having previously served with Augusta County Fire-Rescue and as a volunteer with the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department. His dedication, professionalism, and quiet courage earned the respect and admiration of all who worked alongside him.

Our hearts are with Zack’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by many and remembered always for his selflessness and service to the community.

Just hours after a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis, the pain echoed throughout the community.
Hundreds gathered in a nearby school gym, holding one another tightly, wiping away tears, and searching for solace in shared grief.

These vigils have become all too routine in America — sacred spaces violated, families shattered, and communities left clinging to hope and each other.

We must honor the victims not only with our prayers, but with our commitment to act. Every life lost is a call to do better — to demand safety, accountability, and change.

Yesterday’s shooting shattered me — not just as a father worried for my own daughter, but for every child in Sandy Springs.

My greatest fear is leaving behind a world worse than the one I inherited. And that fear grows with every shooting that targets our children. We can’t allow this to keep happening in our schools.

Georgia has already felt this pain — Appalachee High School brought it home. Every parent knows the heartbreak. Every student knows the fear.

Thoughts and prayers won’t protect our kids. Policy will.

That’s why, in my first 100 days as mayor, I’ll lead with the Sandy Springs Safe Storage and Accountability Act — a bold step toward safer schools and communities:

✅ Mandatory safe storage — All firearms must be secured with a trigger lock or stored in a gun safe.
✅ GPS-enabled firearms — Gun owners must install GPS tracking or report stolen weapons immediately to avoid liability.
✅ Crime gun tracing — If a stolen firearm is used in a crime, and wasn’t reported, the original owner will be held accountable.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting children, supporting teachers, and making Sandy Springs a state leader in school safety and common-sense accountability.

We owe our kids more than thoughts and prayers. We owe them action. We owe them leadership.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Michael Verardo.
https://gravenewsstream.cfd/michael-verardo-north

Outside of his remarkable military service, Michael was above all a devoted family man. He deeply cherished his role as a husband to Sarah and as a loving father to their three young daughters. His strength, love, and unwavering dedication to both his country and his family will never be forgotten.