Who'd we jeer and who'd we cheer? Read it here.
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.
JEERS: To the punks who vandalized Franklin Township's Little League complex. It's pretty sad to see a place that's obviously well cared for desecrated with graffiti, but someone really went to work on this site recently, leaving markings on several structures. The vandalism was discovered this week and reported to police. We hope those responsible are located and -- as part of their punishment -- put to work cleaning up the mess. It doesn't have to end there, though. They can help with upkeep at the facility longterm. Maybe that would help them appreciate the work others put into keeping our public spaces looking great.
CHEERS to getting out of the way of progress. On Tuesday, Evesham Township officials gathered to watch as an excavator went to work knocking down a long-vacant big-box store. In its place, more than 250 apartments, two restaurants and more than 80,000 square feet for retail. The project also include a deal with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to build a park at the front of the property along Route 70. After seeing what Gloucester Township has accomplished with their new high-end shopping mecca located near the Atlantic City Expressway, Evesham stands to gain with high-visibility along Route 70 as motorists pass through.
JEERS to missing puzzle pieces. On Tuesday, David "D.J." Creato was hauled into court on murder charges following the death of his 3-year-old son. This is a heinous crime, as Creato's attorney said, but there's something missing. If Creato said he went to bed around 10 p.m. and last used his cell phone just after 1:30 a.m. on the day his son was found dead, what took place before the 6 a.m. 9-1-1 call? According to prosecutors, Brendan died from a lack of oxygen by way of "homicidal violence" that could include drowning or asphyxiation. The exact cause of death was not revealed in court and Creato's attorney said he was surprised anyone was charged based on the evidence presented Tuesday. If someone is going to be charged with murder, shouldn't we find out exactly how the victim died?
CHEERS: To a new school leader. Steven Price has been named the superintendent of the Cumberland Regional High School District. Price has more than 30 years experience as both a teacher and a supervisor. He was principal at the Lakeside Middle School in Millville before taking the job of Cumberland Regional super. "I think my diverse background and experiences will truly help me support all that Cumberland Regional has to offer," Price said. He officially begins his new job in March.
JEERS: To a tragic end to a young life. On Monday, the body of Danyelle Minerva was found in a remote section of Alloway Township. How long the 19-year-old woman had been there isn't know. How she got there is still a mystery, according to authorities. What is known is that a young woman who was well-loved and had suffered many tragedies as she grew up is now gone. The public has been asked to contact police to help them find answers: Contact Det. Sgt. Glen Garrels of the New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit at 609-882-2000 Ext. 3355 or the Woodstown State Police Station at 856-769-0775. Anonymous tips are welcome.
CHEERS: To catching a police officer in the act. We speak of a good deed captured on camera New Year's Eve, when a Glassboro woman's power chair broke down while she was on her way home. Patrolman Steve Cavallaro didn't hesitate to lend a hand and ended up pushing the woman, still in her chair, all the way home. We wrote about this act of kindness and service because it's the sort of thing that often doesn't make headlines. While some would prefer to vilify police officers at every turn and question each decision they make, let's remember that the photo of this officer helping a citizen is the norm. Thanks to Patrolman Cavallaro for helping a citizen in need.
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