CNBNEWS Editor Shares Lessons from a Lifetime in the Newsroom

FROM PEN TO PAPER

By William E. Cleary Sr.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: THE ENIGMATIC VISITOR

• July 17, 1989

• August 18: Lyons Preps Bevan for Meeting

• The Investigation Begins

• Face to Face with the South Jersey Building Contractor

• Sit-Down with New Jersey State Police

• Smith Demands a 99-Year Lease

• Smith Issues Stern Warning About Tommy Holt

• July 26: Document Pickup

• August 4: “A New Beginning for Gloucester City’s

Waterfront”

• August 17: Smith’s Demands Escalate

• Unanswered Questions

• Retired FBI Agent Says, “You’re the Target, Bill!”

• The Target Is You, Bill!

CHAPTER TWO: THE MAN WHO INSPIRED ME

• The Fire Whistle

• A Life Forged in Tragedy

• 1950: A New Beginning

• The Crusader

• The Urban Renewal Battle

• Passing the Torch

• The Long Goodbye

• The Legacy

CHAPTER THREE: MY SUMMER LOVE BECOMES MY WIFE

• The Front Porch Conversation

• Answering the Call: Joining the National Guard

• The Rifle Range

• Early Married Life

• The Postmaster’s Offer

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Say hello to our Pet of the Week: Kenzo!

This handsome 2-year-old Border Collie mix is smart, social, and full of love. He’s housebroken, knows his commands, and enjoys being around other dogs.

Kenzo is ready to trade shelter life for couch cuddles and forever memories. Could that be with you?

Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 856-881-2828.

🐾 2026 FREE Rabies Vaccination Clinics 🐾

The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Gloucester County Animal Shelter (GCAS), will offer FREE rabies vaccinations for residents’ pets at locations throughout Gloucester County.

February Dates & Locations:

February 21, 2026

• Washington Twp Public Works, 1 McClure Drive (10am–11:30am)

February 28, 2026

• Glassboro Highway Garage, 125 Grove Street (12pm–2pm)

Clinics will continue through April 2026 at various locations countywide.

National Park will hold its clinic later in 2026, with the date announced at a later time.

Helping keep pets healthy and our community safe—because rabies prevention matters

South Jersey Small Businesses Face a Growing Challenge: Keeping Good Employees

Small business owners across South Jersey are dealing with a problem that does not make headlines but affects their operations every single day. Employee turnover has become one of the most expensive and frustrating challenges facing local employers, from family restaurants in Gloucester City to retail shops in Haddon Heights to service businesses throughout Camden County.

The numbers tell the story. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, replacing a single employee costs between 50% and 200% of that person’s annual salary. For a small business paying someone $40,000 a year, that means spending anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000 every time a good worker walks out the door. When you are running a business with thin margins, those costs add up fast.

But here is what makes the situation even more frustrating for local employers. Many of the employees who leave were not bad hires. They had the skills. They showed up on time. They got along with customers and coworkers. Something happened in those first few weeks or months that made them start looking elsewhere.

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CNBNEWS MEMORIES: Thank You and Welcome Home Lt. Col. Al Bancroft

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

ON Sunday, April 11, 2010, friends of Lt. Colonel Al Bancroft honored him at the American Legion Post 372, Cherry Hill. The following is the press release announcing that celebration.

Please come out to Honor Lt. Col. Al Bancroft. The Yellow Ribbon Club, Warrior Watch Riders, American Legion and all other military support groups are getting together to say THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME to Al Bancroft. As most of you know, Al has served over 50 years for the United States Marine Corps. He served THREE tours in Vietnam. He is a true Maverick. He started off enlisted and worked his way up to Lt. Col.

Lt. Col. Bancroft supports all of us and our work. Regardless of how he may have been treated during the time he served; he comes out to welcome home our current troops. He has told us from time to time that this work has helped him heal.

We would like to honor him for his longevity of service in our Welcome Home style. He will be surprised by a convoy of bikes and police who will unexpectedly pull up on his street and make noise. He will then be escorted Rock Star style to the Cherry Hill American Legion for light snacks and small tokens or appreciation from various groups. Now is the time to show our appreciation for one of our older veterans who truly has Patriotism flowing through his blood. If your group would like to present him, please call Leslie at the above number. Hope to see you there.

Carole B. Eksterowicz, 88, of Gloucester City

Gloucester City – On February 12, 2026. Age 88. Loving and devoted wife of 60 years to the late Henry A. Eksterowicz. Loving mother of Joseph Eksterowicz, Edward Eksterowicz, Henry Eksterowicz, Jr., Helene Eksterowicz and her husband, Andrew Goodman; cherished grandmother of Brian Eksterowicz and Noah H. Goodman. Beloved sister of Celeste Beron and Constance Beron.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Edward and Helena Beron. A proud graduate of West Catholic High School, Class of 1955, Carole’s love for music was evident from a young age, particularly through her enjoyment of playing Chopin on the piano. She spent a few years working as a secretary for Campbell Soup in Camden before transitioning to a sales associate role at Bradlees in Audubon, New Jersey. Carole was an avid attendee of the Philadelphia Flower Show and cherished her time spent down the shore. However, her greatest passion was raising her children, and she took immense pride in hosting large holiday dinners. She was deeply proud of each of her children’s educational achievements, ensuring they all received college educations.

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West Deptford Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Woodbury, NJ – Randall D. Bilger, 61, of West Deptford, was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder and third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon following a stabbing that left one adult injured, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced.

According to documents filed in this case:

West Deptford responded Friday morning after a witness called 911 to report Bilger was bleeding and holding a knife. The witness had gone to the residence to check on the victim, an adult female. They told officers that after finding the front door locked, they went to the back door, where Bilger answered, holding a knife and covered in blood, and said “It’s not a good time.”

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GTPD Arrests Youth in Vehicle Burglary Attempt

On Saturday, February 14, 2026 at approximately 12:33 AM, Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) were dispatched to the area of Whitall Drive in the Sicklerville section of Gloucester Township for the report of a someone attempting to burglarize the caller’s vehicle. As officers responded to the area, it was reported the person had fled the area and a description was obtained. An alert motorist flagged down an officer and reported that a person fitting the description was now observed running into the nearby Terrestria Development. Officers quickly located the person, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile, fleeing on foot while ignoring numerous officer commands to stop. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody by officers and was found to be in possession of burglar tools. The suspect was transported to the GTPD Headquarters and was charged on a Juvenile Complaint and released pending court with the following charges: Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3^rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4^th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Due to proactive operations across Gloucester Township, this allowed officers to flood the area of the crime almost immediately, thus assisting with the successful apprehension of the suspect. One officer sustained a minor injury during the foot pursuit. Chief Anthony Minosse said, “this case is a clear example on the importance of a strong partnership between the GTPD and our residents working together to help keep our community safe.” The prompt reporting of suspicious activity and potential criminal conduct allows police officers to respond quickly to address community concerns. The GTPD urges residents to remain alert to unusual behavior, LOCK YOUR VEHICLES, remove key fobs, and pick up your phone to immediately report any suspicious activity.

Arrest:
16-year-old male suspect was charged with Criminal Attempt Burglary – 3^rd Degree Crime, Resisting Arrest by Flight – 4^th Degree Crime, Possession of Burglar Tools – a Disorderly Persons Offense and Criminal Mischief – a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Township Police Department at (856)228-4500. You may also provide information anonymously through the GTPD online tip portal at https://gtpolice.com/tips , via the GTPD Anonymous Tip Line at (856)842-5560, or by texting “TIPGLOTWPPD” and your tip message to 888777.

Investigation of Double Shooting

The following information is preliminary and subject to change. Updates will be provided as they become available.

On February 15, 2026, at approximately 9:29 a.m., officers from the 12th District responded to a report of a double shooting on the highway in the 1200 block of South 53rd Street. Two adult male victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were transported in private vehicles to HUP Cedar. One victim is listed in stable condition, while the second victim remains in critical condition. The scene was held for investigation. At this time, no motive has been determined, and no arrests have been made.

The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

Earlier that day, at approximately 12:48 a.m., officers from the 1st District responded to a report of a male shot on the highway in the 1800 block of South 18th Street. Officers located a 43-year-old male victim who was uncooperative at the scene. The victim was transported by police to Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound and is listed in stable condition. The motive is unknown, and no arrests have been made.

The investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

In a separate incident on February 14, 2026, at approximately 11:54 p.m., officers from the 25th District responded to a radio call reporting a male shot in the left hand near the intersection of 8th and Venango streets. Medics transported the 43-year-old male victim to Temple University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. The victim reported that he was walking when he heard several gunshots and then realized he had been struck in the hand. Officers located a blood scene in front of the victim’s residence in the 600 block of West Venango Street. The motive remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing with the Shooting Investigation Group.

Additionally, on February 14, 2026, at approximately 12:22 p.m., a 9-year-old male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the 800 block of South 56th Street. The child sustained various injuries and was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he is listed in stable condition.

The striking vehicle is described as a 2010–2013 Honda Crosstour, mostly burgundy in color, with a black passenger-side fender, a green passenger-side front door, and a white passenger-side rear door. The vehicle also had a bicycle rack on the roof. The driver is described as a Black male, approximately 25 to 35 years old, with short hair and a beard. The driver and vehicle fled the scene.

The investigation is ongoing with the Crash Investigation Division.

Little explorers hard at work!

Our Nature Tots Program gives preschoolers a fun, interactive way to explore the outdoors—from snakes to plant life and everything in between! Each session includes a themed lesson and a related craft.

Next Session: February 17 – Gardening for Wildlife

Time: 9:30–10:30 AM & 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Held 1st & 3rd Tuesdays (Jan–March)

Free program | Craft included

Space is limited, so pre-registration is required.

Click the link to register online

Questions? Call 856-881-0845

Let your little ones discover the joy of nature!

Gloucester City: North Wind Schooner Arrives at Freedom Pier

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By John P. Schmidt/ NEWS Correspondent

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (July 5, 2007)–As Gloucester City Mayor William P. James played the bagpipes on the Delaware River, the Schooner North Wind sailed into port Saturday evening, July 5.

It docked at the old Coast Guard Pier, which has been renamed Freedom Pier, under the direction of Captain Charles Reed.

Reed has more than 40 years of maritime experience and is volunteering his time to help the City.

\”It\’s a beginning,\” Councilman Jay Brophy said. \”The King Street Theater went down, the Coast Guard Base closed down, and all this property closed down. Now, it\’s alive. It\’s absolutely a benefit to everybody, it\’s unbelievable.\”

The Schooner was followed up the river by the Flagship IV, which also docks at Freedom Pier.

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