Russ Hewitt —The community is grappling with the sudden and unexpected loss of Russ Hewitt, whose passing on July 14, 2025 sent shockwaves through family, friends, and colleagues. Though details surrounding his death remain private, his legacy is undeniable: a life defined by warmth, integrity, and unwavering generosity. A Man of Character: Quiet Strength and Genuine Warmth Russ wasn’t one for grand gestures or attention‑seeking. Instead, he brought a steady calm to every room he entered. Family and friends remember a man whose presence was rooted in dignity and compassion, habitually offering a listening ear or a helping hand. He…

CANTON, Ga. — The Canton community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Katelynn Mae Dollar, aged 18, who passed away unexpectedly at her family home on July 10, 2025. An energetic and compassionate young woman, Katelynn’s presence touched the hearts of family, classmates, and neighbors—leaving a quiet legacy of warmth and joy in her wake. A Bright Spirit Taken Too Soon Born May 3, 2007, Katelynn Mae grew up in Canton, where her laughter and kindness filled every room. Known for her contagious smile and caring nature, she had a talent for making others feel seen and valued. Whether volunteering…

SUMNER, Iowa — Steve Harms, a celebrated leader in the agricultural insurance industry and a steadfast champion for American farmers, passed away unexpectedly on July 9, 2025, at the age of 71. His death reverberates through the Rain and Hail company, the Iowa ag insurance community, and beyond, as colleagues and growers mourn a man defined by integrity, service, and visionary leadership. From Farm Fields to Corporate Leadership in Crop Insurance Born and raised in small-town Sumner, Iowa, Steve began his career in 1973 as a seasonal crop adjuster—a role his father encouraged him to take. Three years later, in…

LIVERMORE, Calif. — John Concannon, a beloved fourth-generation vintner and visionary guardian of Concannon Vineyard, passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2025, at the age of 64. His passing has left a profound void in the California wine community and across the Livermore Valley wine-growing region. A Legacy Rooted in Livermore Valley Viticulture Born and raised among the sprawling vineyards established by his great-grandfather James Concannon in 1883, John lived the traditions of Livermore Valley viticulture from boyhood. He followed the family ethos of stewardship and innovation, preserving and evolving the vineyard into a historic destination celebrated for quality and…

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — Bob DeMayo, the revered high school baseball coach who led North Haven High School for nearly seven decades and became Connecticut’s all-time winningest coach, passed away on July 9, 2025, at the age of 92. Coach DeMayo’s name is etched into the history of Connecticut sports, not just for his record-setting 937 victories, but for the generations of student-athletes he mentored with discipline, respect, and enduring loyalty. A Coaching Career Unlike Any Other Beginning his tenure in 1958, DeMayo would coach for 68 seasons, a span unmatched in Connecticut high school baseball. Under his leadership, North…

AUSTIN, Texas — The Pohl family and the broader Central Texas community are engulfed in grief following the tragic death of Abby Pohl, 8, who lost her life in the devastating flash flood that swept through Camp Mystic in Kerr County on July 4, 2025. Abby, a vibrant second-grader at Casis Elementary, “filled the room with light and laughter,” according to her parents, Matt and Kristin Pohl. A Magical Spirit with Mischievous Eyes Abby’s family described her as having “a magical life force,” one that drew people to her instantly. With her “quirky sense of humor and the mischievous twinkle…

LEXINGTON, Mass. — The firefighting and peer support communities are grieving the sudden passing of Firefighter Trace Conover, who died off duty on July 9, 2025, at age 45. His loss is deeply felt across The Anchor Point (TAP), where he served not only as a firefighter but as a trusted mental health advocate and newly appointed board member. A Career Anchored in Service, Compassion, and Quiet Strength Trace Conover dedicated his life to protecting others—on emergency calls, inside the firehouse, and through his tireless advocacy for the emotional well-being of his fellow first responders. A career firefighter with more…