New Sharon Grieves Together With One Of Their Families

The first of 3 hearses pass through the main intersection of New Sharon on Tuesday afternoon, on their way to Union Mills Cemetery.

New Sharon, Iowa – The procession turned east down Main Street,  passing in the shadow of the silvery water tower with New Sharon boldly painted on it. Balloons rattled on posts and door handles downtown as the procession continued east out of town.

That caravan of three hearses, two school buses and several school vans, was followed by a near countless stream of cars. Their destination was the Union Mills Cemetery.

The community of New Sharon is no stranger to tragedy, but the loss of three of its own in an instant stunned the state as a whole. Word spread on social media well before news outlets confirmed the worst.

That’s the way small town works.

Jamie, Carson and Christian Singletary have been taken from this earth in a tragic accident.

At North Mahaska Community School, grief counselors provided by Mahaska Health Partnership were available to those who needed help in coming to terms with what had just happened, and for those who needed a shoulder to cry on.

The lighted sign at the New Sharon Fire station simply read ‘Pray’.

First responders are those individuals called to serve their community. Many times they deal with the worst, and each leaves a scar with them. This tragedy has even shaken this group. Each responder to the scene gets a look on their face that tells more than any words. Much like everyone else involved, they have no words to describe the pain they feel.

Online, a GoFundMe account was started to help the family cover the costs of the tragedy. By Tuesday evening, the fund was over $50,000 at GoFundMe. The local bank also opened an account for those wishing to donate that way, having approximately $15,000 donated.

The turnout to visitation on Monday night was massive, seeing approximately 1,100 family, friends and community coming out to support one another.

That’s the way small town works.

During this time, people worked behind the scenes, setting up tables, moving chairs, running bake sales. Anything they could do, in any way possible, to help.

One heating and air conditioning technician heard about a need for air conditioning at a location. That need was taken care. A t-shirt fundraiser has sold over 600 shirts.

Local resident Ralphi Munson shared her thoughts about the New Sharon community and its community atmosphere. “Our community is one that grieves by bonding together and keeping busy helping others, to make sure everyone’s needs are met. There is an almost tangible feeling of love here.”

These blaze orange ribbons and balloons could be found all around New Sharon. It was one of the boys favorite colors, and became a symbol of hope for many.

That’s the way small town works.

The day of the funeral. Nearly 1000 attendees filed into and filled the North Mahaska High School auditorium, and also filled up most of the accompanying gymnasium.

Stacia McGriff, long-time resident of New Sharon and formally the editor for the local paper, spoke about the service. “Pastor Terry Pollard did a fantastic job at the service today. Knowing what to say to over a thousand people and to a family who has lost so much and is in unbearable pain couldn’t have been easy.”

Pollard spoke about the outpouring of support the community has gotten and, in turn, the support the community has been able to give to the grieving family. “Story after story of our townspeople, and beyond, restoring faith in humanity by giving and showing the love of a force that is greater than us all,” says McGriff.

Munson shared what she took away from the funeral service. “What impacted me the most from the service was when the entire football team stood at the end of the funeral to be pallbearers. They were followed by the Jr. High boys basketball team. They all had on their jerseys. I realized it took all of them to help lay their friends to rest…and no child should have to experience this in their formative years.”

The community of New Sharon grieved as one Tuesday.

As the school year starts, and football practice continues into the season, the lockers of the lost athletes will stay intact as a tribute to them during the year.

At North Mahaska’s first home football game, McGriff says it will be a “Paint the stands for the Hicklin/Singletary family” night. [We are] “Asking everyone to wear their Orange Warhawk Strong shirts.”

SportsPage will have items available for a silent auction at the game. This first home game is also parents night.

In Oskaloosa on August 16th at the Oskaloosa Care Center, there will be a benefit and silent auction from 11 am to 2 pm. The benefit dinner will include spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert, all for a free will donation.

“I pray people put the boys’ spirits in their hearts to make this a better world to live in,” says Munson.