Time to talk about vandalism

Someone knows.
Last week, an unprecedented vandalism spree came to light at Finch Cemetery.
Someone knows who did it.
Someone knows who damaged nearly every headstone at the small cemetery located near the Jay County Conservation Club.
It’s not the first time that particular cemetery has been the scene of vandalism or illegal activity. Even more than most other rural cemeteries in the county, it’s off the beaten path. It can be an inviting place for kids to gather to party.
But this most recent vandalism was extreme in its scope. It wasn’t “kids being kids.” It went beyond that.
And someone knows who did it.
People who get a kick out of damaging property like to brag about it. That’s part of the thrill. The destruction needs an audience if it’s going to feed the ego of the vandal.
So our guess is the individuals responsible have been talking about it.
And our guess is there are more than a few people with a pretty good idea who did it.
Rural cemeteries are vulnerable. It takes the whole community looking out for them to prevent neglect and damage.
Right now, that means someone who knows who perpetrated the damage at Finch Cemetery needs to pick up the phone and contact the authorities.
Call the sheriff’s office. Call the township trustee. If you’re afraid to do that, talk to an intermediary — a teacher, a principal, a pastor, or this newspaper — and share what you know.
Small-minded violence wrought damage and disrespect to the dead. This community is bigger than that.
Someone knows. And someone needs to tell. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]