Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
CHEERS: To a new type of inspector. We always hear so much about problems with drones, but the operators of the Delaware Memorial Bridge want to put them to good as part of their bridge inspection program. And they hope to save money and protect the safety of workers in the process. The DRBA this week tested camera-equipped drones on parts of the Delaware Memorial Bridget to see if the craft could provide the type of images that would allow inspectors to spend more time on the ground than dangling hundreds of feet above the Delaware River to make sure the superstructure of the twin span is safe.
JEERS: To a cruel hit by Mother Nature. Spring is hardly the time for violent thunderstorms packing damaging winds, but that's exactly what South Jersey saw last weekend. While most everyone was rattled by the Saturday night event's intensity, folks in parts of Cumberland County suffered the worst. Those living in Hopewell and Upper Deerfield -- among other areas -- saw utility poles felled and trees downed or stripped bare of limbs. Luckily there no injuries, but let's just hope this is not a sign of things to come once the heavy storms of summer arrive
JEERS: To a nasty act that affects generations. Someone broke into the office at Lake Park Cemetery in Woolwich Township last week. They were apparently looking for money. For whatever reason, they decided to burn down the building in the process. Maybe they were angry over coming away empty handed. The burned remains of the building revealed cabinet and desk drawers left open. Maybe they were trying to cover their tracks. Maybe they're just heartless vandals. Whatever the reason, the act has real consequences, as the building housed the cemetery's records, which date back more than 140 years. Cemetery association president Bob Gahrs is working to pick up the pieces, reconstruct files and move on. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Detective Anthony Garbarino at 856-384-5619.
CHEERS: To an outpouring of love following a terrible crime. A homeless man living in a trailer in Swedesboro was found murdered this week. Sylvester Combs was known around town as "Buttons." Even before official word of his death was released, local residents were already offering their condolences and fondly remembering the kind 61-year-old. Residents provided him with clothing, food and shelter on really cold nights. Some even allowed him to stay in their homes. "He didn't pose a threat, and he didn't bother anybody," one resident told NJ Advance Media. As a society, many of us still cling to the notion that all homeless people are "undesirables." Perhaps this story about a community that cared will inspire others to change their outlook.
CHEERS to Officer Brian Strockbine. We wonder what it feels like to save a life -- let alone three. That's exactly what Strockbine, an Evesham Police Department officer of 11 years, did within 10 days last month, not to mention lodging attempted homicide charges against a husband as a result of one of those life-saving encounters. Named officer of the month by Evesham, Strockbine deserves not only the recognition within his ranks but earned the accolades of so many NJ.com readers who headed online to thank him for his duties. We join our readers in thanking Strockbine for three jobs well done -- here's to next month, officer!
JEERS to a world knee-deep in the dead. We began 2016 at the wake of a Camden City teen gunned down by a fellow teenager. On Tuesday, we stood in a city street with the mother of a 25-year-old woman who, alongside her 23-year-old finance, were shot and killed inside their home on Monday afternoon. When does it end? When we reach the last week of December, tally up the Camden City body count and figure a few less people had to die this year? Just to restart the ceaseless cycle of violence next month? As long as tears flow as freely as bullets from a gun, we'll continue to report the aftermath and pray that maybe, one day, those with itchy trigger fingers see the path of shattered lives left in their wake and holster their weapons forever.
If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com