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Former newspaper columnist John Gibbs dies

An April 23 celebration of life is set for former Crawford County Independent and Kickapoo Scout columnist John F. Gibbs, age 80, of Gays Mills, who passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem.

Longtime News-Shield cartoonist dies

Minnesota cartoonist Ed Fischer, whose humorous drawings have entertained Barron News-Shield readers for decades, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, according to an email message his daughter, Rebekka Fischer.

Former Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise co-owner dies 

Former Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise co-owner Mary Jane Knowles, age 76, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2025, surrounded by family after a period of declining health following Alzheimer’s Disease and surgery.