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Published in the Austin Weekly News on July 2, 2025
By DAN HALEY Interim Editor
Three members of the Brown Henry family were among the four people who died in the early morning hours of June 26 when a suspicious and intense fire gutted a mixed-use building on North Avenue. Also killed in the fire was Brad Cummings, 76, the longtime editor of The Voice newspapers serving the West Side.
Gina Brown Henry, 32; Destiny Brown Henry, 28, and Jayceon Henry, 5, died in the fire at 5220 W. North Ave. The three were cousins of Rev. George Smith Jr. In a statement issued by The Leaders Network, a coalition of West Side religious leaders, Smith said, "I'm really at a loss for words about my three cousins' deaths. ... It hurts so bad. They lived life to the fullest. ... I loved the way they stayed together and respected their mother. ... They are, were just good girls."
The Leaders Network announced at a Sunday press conference a $5,000 reward for anyone providing information about the person who allegedly set the fire.
Immediately after the fire was struck on Thursday morning, Larry Langford, a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson, described the intensity of the fire and its rapid spread through the three-story structure. At that time, he also said the cause of the fire was "suspicious." An aggravated arson investigation has been launched.
While police have so far not speculated on why officials suspected arson, Emma Mitts, 37th Ward alderperson, told the Chicago Sun-Times on Friday that the fire began after a fight between a young man and a female resident of the North Avenue building. She said the man allegedly later threw two Molotov cocktails into the building causing the conflagration.
Three bodies were quickly recovered from the scene. But the city had to use heavy equipment to remove the roof before a K9 unit from the Cook County Sheriff's Department was used to locate the fourth body. Four other people were initially hospitalized, and 28 residents were left unhoused.
Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church and co-chair of the Leaders Network, said, "One of our beloved church deacons, Mr. George Smith Sr., and his son Rev. George Smith Jr, experienced an unspeakable and heartbreaking loss in that tragic fire. It was both senseless and devastating. My soul aches for them and for our entire community. We will not rest until those responsible for this horrific travesty are brought to justice and put behind bars."
Both Acree and Mitts mourned the death of Cummings. "He was a consistent visible presence at countless community events. He will be missed by the large number of faith and community leaders who worked with him," said Acree.
Mitts, in an interview with the Sun-Times, described Cummings as a community icon who "loved to work with folks. He loved doing things in the community."
Cummings was a well-known, deeply involved, beloved figure on the West Side. He had been involved in the Austin Voice and the Garfield/Lawndale edition of The Voice since its inception in the mid- 1980s.
A call to Isaac Jones, the paper's publisher, was not immediately returned on Friday.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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