Editorial : Senseless, destructive acts defy explanation

Talk about it

We consider ourselves fortunate in River Falls that serious crime is uncommon. What crime police and citizens face is often more of a nuisance. But it hurts all the same and is still reprehensible.

Vandalism is more common to our area. Last week former Hudson High School students stood before the River Falls school board and read apologies for a string of costly vandalism acts contrived to pin the blame on our local students. In this week’s Journal is an apology letter from yet another former Hudson student. Similar letters have appeared in past weeks. These represent the public-minded portion of sentencing for the convicted vandals. While they were apologizing in River Falls last week, other vandals — still not caught — ruined a planned ceremony at Glen Park. The culprits tore out and hurled two brand-new historic markers into the South Fork. The markers and the ceremony were to honor the 1898 founding of Glen Park and one of its notable structures, Swinging Bridge. There’s not much to be said about such vandalism. Of course its despicable and meaningless. We’re left speechless, shaking our heads, wondering why. However, it’s worth reminding ourselves that vandalism, while more common here than serious crime, is done by just a miniscule percentage of the population. We react strongly because such behavior violates the norm. We view it as unacceptable for our community. Our conscientious citizens have always been reliable about calling when they spot trouble or suspicious activities. Keep the police or sheriff’s department phone number handy. There are also 911 calls for emergencies. To pass along confidential information, River Falls police have an online method. Go to www.rfcity.orgpolice and click on “Anonymous Tips.”

Tags: opinion, riverfalls, editorial, crime