Vandalism is best curbed by watchful eyes

So many folks who call themselves Southeast Missourians have rural roots that include both working in the family garden while growing up and enjoying the bounty of garden produce. But there are some of our neighbors who, for a variety of reasons, either don't have space for a garden or the know-how to be successful gardeners. In some instances, these are individuals who could benefit from having not just fresh produce, but enough to can for future use.

The East Missouri Action Agency saw a need and helped establish a community garden in Cape Girardeau. Originally, 18 families signed on to care for garden plots, but only eight families stayed active in the project. They were well on their way to enjoying -- literally -- the fruit of their labor when an apparent arsonist set fire to the garden, destroying most of it.

This was one of two acts of senseless vandalism this past week. Someone else wreaked havoc at the Capaha Park baseball diamond by opening a hydrant and flooding the field, forcing Sunday's game in the National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional to be moved to the field at Notre Dame Regional High School, which graciously came to the rescue.

As with any crime, particularly annoying ones like the garden fire and the flooded baseball field, the vigilance of our neighbors and friends is the best cure. If you have any information about either of these incidents, call the police.