Category: Uncategorized

SO SAD: Community Heartbroken After Young Boy Goes Missing from His Home

A deep wave of sadness and concern has swept through a quiet community following the heartbreaking news of a young boy who went missing after wandering away from his home. At approximately 8:35 a.m., an emergency alert was issued to area residents, urgently notifying them that a child had disappeared and asking for the public’s immediate assistance.

According to authorities, the child — described as a sweet, curious, and energetic young boy — was last seen early in the morning near his family’s home. His parents quickly noticed he was missing and frantically began searching their property and surrounding areas before contacting emergency services. Within moments, law enforcement and first responders were on the scene, and a community-wide alert was broadcast in hopes that someone might have seen the child or could provide valuable information.

Neighbors were shocked and mobilized quickly, with many pausing their day-to-day routines to assist in the search. Volunteers, law enforcement, K9 units, and drones equipped with thermal imaging scoured woods, creeks, and fields throughout the morning and afternoon. Despite their best efforts, the hours stretched on with no sign of the young boy, leading to rising fears and an overwhelming sense of urgency.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said one neighbor, fighting back tears. “We just want him home safe. We’ve all been searching since we got the alert. It’s terrifying not knowing where he could be.”

The circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance remain under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that he may have wandered off on foot, possibly in search of something that caught his attention outside. The area around his home includes heavily wooded sections and several small bodies of water, complicating search efforts and fueling fears about what may have happened.

By the afternoon, local authorities set up a command center and asked residents to check their security cameras, backyard sheds, garages, and any nearby structures or hiding places where a child might take refuge. The search expanded significantly with reinforcements arriving from neighboring counties, including search-and-rescue teams experienced in missing persons cases.

Parents in the neighborhood were seen clutching their own children a little tighter, emotionally shaken by the thought that such a thing could happen so close to home. Many shared prayers and words of support on social media, turning their pages into virtual missing child bulletins and calling on everyone to remain vigilant.

“We’re devastated. We are praying nonstop,” said a family friend who spoke briefly with reporters. “He’s just a little boy. He didn’t deserve this. We need a miracle.”

As daylight began to fade, the emotional toll on the family and the community grew heavier. Emergency services continued their search into the evening hours with flashlights and coordinated efforts, determined not to give up hope. Candlelight vigils were organized in multiple spots, and clergy from several local churches offered spiritual support and comfort to those gathered.

Though the outcome remains uncertain, the unified response has been a powerful reminder of the strength of a compassionate and connected community. People of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs have come together with a singular purpose: bringing the boy home.

As the search continues, the family asks for privacy and prayers — and most of all, for the safe return of their beloved son. Authorities urge anyone with even the slightest information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward immediately.

This tragic and unfolding situation has left a gaping hole in the hearts of all involved. The hope, however faint, persists: that soon, the little boy will be found safe and will be reunited with the arms that miss him most.

If you have any information that may assist in locating the missing child, please contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.

In Loving Memory of Melinda Sue Schoon
Tragically Taken from Us on July 12, 2025

On July 12, 2025, our world was shattered by an unthinkable tragedy that no family should ever have to endure. Our beloved mother, Melinda Sue Schoon, was taken from us in a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence. In a moment that defies understanding, her life was stolen by someone who should have been her protector—her husband—who then ended his own life, leaving behind a wake of pain, confusion, and profound loss.

Melinda was more than just a mother—she was a source of unconditional love, warmth, and wisdom. Her laughter could brighten even the darkest days, and her presence was a constant reassurance to those who knew her. She was a gentle soul with a resilient spirit, a woman who gave selflessly to her family and extended her heart to those in need. Whether it was through her kind words, her unwavering support, or the meals she lovingly prepared, Melinda made a difference in countless lives.

She faced life’s challenges with grace, always putting others before herself. To her children, she was a best friend and safe haven. To her grandchildren, she was a storyteller, a hug-giver, and a source of unending love. And to her friends and community, she was a light—kind, genuine, and dependable. The void left in our hearts and in our lives is indescribable.

We are devastated. There are no words strong enough to convey the heartbreak we feel. The suddenness of this tragedy, coupled with the violent nature of her passing, has left us reeling with grief. We are trying our best to navigate this heavy sorrow, holding onto one another as tightly as we can, and finding solace in memories that feel both comforting and painfully distant.

In the midst of this overwhelming loss, we are also facing the difficult and immediate reality of funeral and cremation expenses. It was Melinda’s wish to be cremated—a simple and peaceful farewell that reflected her humble and thoughtful nature. We want to honor her wishes and provide her with the dignified farewell she deserves, but we are struggling to manage the unexpected financial burden that has fallen upon us.

We are humbly asking for support during this incredibly painful time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us fulfill Melinda’s final wishes and allow us to focus on mourning her loss and beginning the healing process. More than anything, we ask for your prayers, your kind thoughts, and your remembrance of a woman who meant so much to so many.

Melinda Sue Schoon will never be forgotten. Her light, though extinguished far too soon, will live on in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace, free from harm, wrapped forever in the love she so freely gave in her time on this earth.

With broken hearts,
—Her Loving Family 💔

Tragedy Strikes Macon as 30-Year-Old Woman Fatally Shot at Little Caesar’s on Pio Nono Avenue

Macon, Georgia — A somber cloud hangs over the Macon community this evening following a tragic and senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a young woman. According to Macon-Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones, 30-year-old Ashanti Macon was fatally shot at a Little Caesar’s pizza restaurant located on Pio Nono Avenue earlier tonight. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Ashanti succumbed to her injuries shortly after the incident.

The shooting took place during what would have otherwise been a typical evening for the local pizza chain. Witnesses reported a sudden eruption of gunfire that sent employees and patrons scrambling for cover inside and outside the restaurant. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they discovered Ashanti Macon suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, doctors were unable to save her.

Authorities have yet to release many details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but an active investigation is underway. The Macon-Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is working to gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and piece together the events that led to the deadly confrontation. It is still unclear whether the incident was targeted or random, and no suspects have been publicly identified as of this writing.

Ashanti Macon, whose name is now tragically etched in the community’s collective memory, was known by friends and family as a warm, loving, and compassionate individual. Those close to her describe her as someone who lit up every room she entered, always ready with a smile or a kind word. Her sudden and violent death has left loved ones reeling, struggling to comprehend the loss of a life so full of promise.

“She didn’t deserve this. She was just trying to live her life,” said one close friend who gathered with others near the scene to mourn and pay their respects. “Ashanti was full of love. She had dreams, goals, and people who cared deeply for her. To be taken away like this is heartbreaking.”

Community leaders are calling for calm and justice, urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Coroner Leon Jones expressed his condolences to the family and emphasized the need for the community to rally together in the face of such tragedy. “This is another example of how gun violence continues to tear families apart in our community,” he said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Ashanti’s family during this devastating time.”

As the investigation unfolds, grief has gripped Pio Nono Avenue and beyond. Candlelight vigils are already being planned in Ashanti’s honor, and her name has begun circulating on social media alongside messages of sorrow, disbelief, and demands for justice. Many are calling for increased efforts to combat gun violence in Macon, which has experienced a troubling number of shootings in recent years.

The death of Ashanti Macon is a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for peace in our communities. As her family prepares to lay her to rest, they do so with broken hearts but also with the hope that her death will not be in vain—that it will lead to reflection, change, and ultimately, justice.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Macon-Bibb County Sheriff’s Office or Macon Regional Crimestoppers. A reward may be offered for information that leads to an arrest.

As the community mourns the loss of Ashanti Macon, one thing is painfully clear: a vibrant soul was taken far too soon, and the void she leaves behind will not easily be filled.

Public Outcry Grows as Colorado Prosecutors Plan to Release Accused Kidnapper Deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial

Denver, Colorado — July 2025
In a case that has ignited a wave of anger, fear, and disbelief across the state, Colorado prosecutors have announced plans to release a registered sex offender who was accused of attempting to kidnap a child from a local elementary school. The man, whose identity is known to the public due to his status on the sex offender registry, was arrested earlier this year after an alarming incident that unfolded in broad daylight at a school campus—an event that left parents, educators, and community members stunned.

According to police and school reports, the accused was seen loitering near the perimeter of the elementary school grounds in Jefferson County. Witnesses said he approached a 7-year-old student during recess and attempted to lure the child away before being intercepted by vigilant staff. Thanks to the quick action of school personnel and a fast response from local law enforcement, the child was safely recovered, and the man was arrested at the scene.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect was already on the state’s sex offender registry, having served time for prior offenses involving minors. He had been under supervised release, though questions now swirl around how closely he was being monitored and why he was allowed to reside so close to a school zone.

However, the shock has only deepened following this week’s decision from the district attorney’s office. After court-ordered psychological evaluations, multiple mental health professionals concluded that the accused is mentally incompetent to stand trial. According to the findings, he suffers from profound psychological disorders that prevent him from understanding the charges against him or participating meaningfully in his defense. As such, under Colorado law, the court cannot proceed with a criminal trial unless competency is restored.

Prosecutors revealed that after months of evaluation and treatment at a state mental facility, the suspect’s condition has not improved and is not expected to in the near future. This left the court with limited legal options. Since the suspect is not considered legally competent, and the state cannot indefinitely detain him without charges being adjudicated, officials are now preparing to release him back into the community under conditional supervision.

The announcement has sparked outrage among families and advocates who say public safety is being dangerously compromised. Many argue that regardless of the legal technicalities, a man with a history of sexual offenses, who was caught attempting to abduct a child, should not be released under any circumstances.

“This is beyond comprehension,” said Melissa Raines, a parent whose child attends the targeted elementary school. “How can someone with such a disturbing past—who attempted to take a child—be put back into our neighborhoods? The law is supposed to protect our kids, not fail them.”

Others echoed her concern, calling for urgent legislative reform that would allow for more robust civil commitment measures in such high-risk cases. Critics point to the fact that the legal system often places the rights of the accused above the rights of vulnerable potential victims—especially when mental competency becomes a factor.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office defended its decision, stating that it is bound by existing law and court rulings. In a written statement, a spokesperson said:

“We understand and share the public’s concern over this situation. Unfortunately, the law is clear—when a defendant is found incompetent and cannot be restored within a reasonable period, continued detention becomes unconstitutional. We are pursuing all possible avenues to ensure that proper monitoring and community safety measures are in place upon his release.”

Those measures reportedly include court-ordered supervision, electronic monitoring, housing restrictions, and mandatory participation in outpatient treatment programs. However, skeptics question whether these safeguards are truly sufficient to prevent future harm.

The case has also renewed calls for a statewide overhaul of mental health competency procedures and sparked demands for better coordination between the criminal justice system and mental health institutions. Lawmakers are already facing pressure to revisit laws governing the release of mentally incompetent individuals with violent or predatory histories.

In the meantime, communities remain on edge. Parents are holding emergency meetings with school officials, and advocacy groups are mobilizing to protest the release and push for urgent changes to protect children from individuals they view as persistent threats.

“This isn’t justice. It’s a loophole,” said Sarah Porter, a child safety advocate based in Denver. “And until we close it, no parent can feel safe.”

As the release looms, state officials are bracing for backlash while families across Colorado are left grappling with a justice system that, in this case, seems unable—or unwilling—to provide the protection they expected

In Loving Memory of Mr. Lester Crosby
Brooklet, Georgia – July 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that the Brooklet, Georgia community mourns the loss of one of its most steadfast and beloved residents, Mr. Lester Crosby, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 85. He departed this life at his residence, surrounded by the love of his family and under the compassionate care of Ogeechee Area Hospice.

A native and lifelong resident of Bulloch County, Lester Crosby was born in Brooklet, a small yet deeply rooted town known for its Southern charm, friendly neighbors, and strong sense of community. He carried those values in every aspect of his life. Lester was a proud alumnus of Southeast Bulloch High School, where he formed many of the friendships that would carry through the decades of his life.

After high school, Mr. Crosby devoted over three decades of dedicated service to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. For 31 years, he worked diligently, becoming known among his colleagues for his unmatched work ethic, steady demeanor, and kindness toward both patients and staff. His quiet strength and loyalty earned him respect throughout the hospital system. Even after retirement, Lester remained closely connected to the many friends he made throughout his career.

Beyond his professional life, Lester was known for his humility, warmth, and the deep-rooted values that reflected the spirit of Brooklet. A town that prides itself on family, tradition, and hard work, Brooklet found in Lester a living embodiment of those ideals. Whether it was through conversations on his porch, his regular presence at church, or his occasional visits to the Brooklet Peanut Festival, Lester was a familiar and comforting figure to those who knew him.

He was a faithful member of his local church, where he served in various capacities over the years, often preferring to work behind the scenes rather than take the spotlight. His strong but quiet faith guided his life, shaping the kind of husband, father, neighbor, and friend he was known to be.

Mr. Crosby’s life was also deeply defined by his love of family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with those closest to him. His children and grandchildren remember him as a storyteller — someone who shared the wisdom of past generations, often while sitting under the Georgia pines or during long walks along the dirt roads he’d known since childhood. His stories weren’t just tales — they were lessons, memories, and pieces of history passed down with love.

Brooklet, GA — a community where roots run deep and neighbors are like family — will feel the absence of Mr. Lester Crosby in profound ways. His life was a quiet but shining example of dedication, integrity, and compassion. As the sun sets on a life well-lived, the people of Brooklet will carry forward his memory — not with loud proclamations, but with the same grace and humility that Lester himself displayed every day.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love — a legacy that will not be forgotten.

Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, whose compassionate care and support brought peace and comfort in Lester’s final days.

Rest in peace, Mr. Lester Crosby. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your spirit will forever remain woven into the heart of Brooklet.

Today in Court: Judge Orders Stephan Sterns to Remain Restrained During Trial Amid Shocking Charges

In a pivotal and emotionally charged court proceeding today, a judge issued a definitive ruling regarding the trial of Stephan Sterns, a man facing two deeply disturbing sets of allegations that have shocked the community and drawn national attention. Sterns is currently accused of the harrowing murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, alongside a separate 60-count indictment for child sexual abuse—charges that have stirred outrage, sorrow, and fear throughout the region.

During the hearing, Sterns’ defense team formally requested that he be permitted to appear in court without physical restraints, arguing that visible shackles could prejudice a jury and compromise his right to a fair trial. The defense emphasized that their client’s appearance in traditional restraints would be “unduly suggestive” of guilt and could influence jurors, despite the legal presumption of innocence.

However, prosecutors countered with grave concerns for courtroom safety and the severity of the charges. They reminded the court that Sterns is not only accused of brutally ending a young girl’s life, but is also at the center of a sprawling investigation involving dozens of victims in an alleged child sex abuse ring. Prosecutors further noted that Sterns has exhibited erratic behavior during previous proceedings, prompting heightened security measures.

After careful consideration, the presiding judge sided with the prosecution, citing the “exceptional gravity” of the allegations and the need to ensure the safety and order of the courtroom. The judge ruled that Sterns will remain physically restrained throughout the trial. However, in an effort to reduce potential jury bias, the restraints will be concealed.

Specifically, Sterns will wear a hidden leg brace—commonly known as a stun cuff—under his clothing. The stun cuff is a high-voltage restraint device that allows authorities to immobilize a defendant remotely should they attempt to flee or act violently. The device will be tethered discreetly to a chain, invisible to jurors but fully functional in terms of courtroom security.

Court officials explained that stun cuffs, though rarely used, are reserved for high-risk defendants or those facing charges of an unusually disturbing nature. These devices allow the court to maintain decorum and safety without subjecting the jury to the visual presence of handcuffs or chains that could be perceived as prejudicial.

The ruling marks a significant moment in the lead-up to what is expected to be a lengthy and emotional trial. The case of Madeline Soto has already deeply impacted the community. The young teen was reported missing earlier this year, and after days of desperate searching, her body was discovered in a remote wooded area. The investigation quickly led to Sterns, who had been a known acquaintance of the family. As law enforcement dug deeper, a far more chilling pattern emerged—linking him to dozens of alleged acts of sexual abuse involving children over a period of several years.

The 60-count indictment for child sex abuse is said to include charges ranging from exploitation and possession of illicit material to multiple counts of direct abuse. Victims, some of whom have now come forward, are working closely with prosecutors to ensure justice is served.

Public reaction to today’s ruling has been swift, with many expressing relief that the court is taking every possible precaution in a case involving such heinous allegations. Victims’ advocates praised the decision, noting that security measures—both seen and unseen—are essential in protecting all parties involved and maintaining the integrity of the trial.

“Stephan Sterns stands accused of unthinkable crimes,” one advocate said outside the courthouse. “While he is entitled to a fair trial, the safety of the courtroom and the dignity of the victims must remain a top priority. The court struck a reasonable balance today.”

Jury selection for Sterns’ trial is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Given the gravity and publicity surrounding the case, legal experts anticipate a painstaking selection process. Prosecutors have stated they intend to pursue the maximum penalty, including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. In the murder case, they may also consider seeking the death penalty, pending further review.

As the trial date approaches, the courtroom is expected to be a place of intense scrutiny, heart-wrenching testimony, and renewed calls for justice—not only for Madeline Soto but for all those whose lives were allegedly devastated by the actions of Stephan Sterns.