By William E. Cleary Sr
CHEER–Audubon Family Park Improvements
Camden County awarded Audubon Family Park a $25,000 grant for upgrades and maintenance, supporting safer and more accessible recreation for local families.
JEER—Rip and Boomer Dead…WHY?
The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of the deaths of Rip and Boomer, who died together while on duty on Friday. The dogs were brought to an emergency veterinary hospital in Delaware, where they were pronounced dead, Miller told NJ.com. The circumstances of their deaths were not disclosed.
Read More: Investigation underway for K9 deaths in Salem County | https://nj1015.com/salem-county-k9s-deaths/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
CHEER-Groundbreaking of the Camden County LINK Trail
Audubon is part of the newly launched 34‑mile LINK Trail, a major regional project that will give residents a safe, scenic route for walking, biking, and running. Construction on the Audubon–Haddon Heights segment began in March and is expected to finish by year’s end.
JEER-Gloucester City’s Public Buildings in Disrepair
We have $50,000 plus to purchase a new truck for the Gloucester City UEZ director. Yet, the Police Administration Building, the Municipal Building, and the Water Department storage tanks are all in need of painting. At the water works, one of the glass windows is broken, plus a broken-down trailer bed has been lying beside the property for a decade or more. The mayor and council are well aware of these maintenance issues.
CHEER-Audubon Civic REACH Community Leadership
The nonprofit umbrella group continues to energize civic life, celebrating the grand opening of the Audubon Historical Society Museum and organizing community events that strengthen local pride. CHEER- So happy that those driving E-bikes and E-scooters will have to be licensed and wear a safety helmet. Plus they need to have insurance.
JEER-What can be done about 637 Division Street?
In May, employees from the Public Works department filled two dumpsters with trash from that property. The owner, Roger Pierce, was billed over $4,000 for the cleanup. The junk that they didn’t put in the dumpsters was stacked against the home. A week after the cleanup, the property looked no different. Today, the site is overrun with weeds, and the junk that was stacked against the house has been moved by Pierce and scattered throughout the yard. According to a Housing employee, Pierce said he fought in the Vietnam War, “but he was only 6 years old when that war was being fought.”
CHEER-Mount Ephraim Police & Public Works Promotions
Patrolman Robert Bernauer was promoted to Sergeant, and DPW Superintendent Beebe was also elevated—recognition for steady service that keeps the borough running smoothly.
JEER-Toxic Waste Site Laws Need Admending
A new cyclone fence was erected at the former Air-Supply property, at the Gloucester City/Brooklawn borderline entrance to Gloucester City. It should have been a solid fence so those driving or walking by the eyesore couldn’t see the tall weeds that are sprouting up. We were told that the property owner was given a choice to spend a small fortune cleaning up the toxic waste buried in the ground. Or spend much less and install a barbed wire cyclone fence. No one we have talked to has confirmed that rumor.
CHEER-AFC Urgent Care Opens
A new AFC Urgent Care opened in Mt. Ephraim with a ribbon-cutting attended by borough officials, expanding local access to healthcare.
JEER-Holt Containers are stacked so high that they block the sun
Mill Block residents living next to the Holt Terminal have had to put up with 24-hour noise coming from that property for decades. They also breathe the toxic odors emitted by forklifts. The homes they live in were rehabbed and sold in the 1980s on the premise that the buyers would have a view of the Delaware River. But that promise was broken long ago. And today, the containers are stacked so high along Ellis Street that they block the sun. Why has Holt been allowed to be so disrespectful of nearby residents?
CHEER-Westville Street Sweeping Program Continues.
The borough published its street sweeper schedule, reminding residents that regular sweeping helps keep storm drains clear and neighborhoods cleaner.
JEER—Memories of Vera Hummel
When the Gloucester City Cold Springs school opened in 1996, a pine tree was planted in memory of Crossing Guard Vera Hummel. She sucumbed from injuries received when struck by a car. crossing students on Market Street. That tree died, and the School Board /District never replaced it. Vera was the sister of Billy Flynn, a well-known sports store owner and coach. And, like her brother, she was a community activist. We hope that someday soon, those in charge will replace the tree now that it has been brought to their attention.
CHEER-Joint Brooklawn–Westville Fireworks Celebration
Westville partnered with Brooklawn for a June 27th fireworks event featuring food trucks, a DJ, and family activities—strong turnout and a positive example of inter-town cooperation.
JEER-Jogging Track Water Fountain Doesn’t Work!
Gloucester City spends money to erect a water fountain on Johnson Blvd. Jogging track. The fountain has a spigot just for dogs. We praised the City Fathers when it was first erected. But, there is a big problem: a year later it doesn’t work.
CHEER-Local Athlete from Westville Honored
Westville’s Jonathan Gambone earned multiple collegiate baseball honors, including NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week and CACC Pitcher of the Week, bringing positive attention to the community.
JEER-E-Bike Regulation Confusion in Westville
The borough announced new e-bike requirements effective July 2026. Residents have expressed confusion and frustration over enforcement and compliance.
CHEER-Good Idea!
Runnemede launched online access to construction and zoning permits, making the process more convenient for residents and contractors.
CHEER-National Night Out Scheduled
Runnemede is preparing for National Night Out on August 4, a popular community-police engagement event.
JEER-Gas Leak Disruption
A gas leak in Runnemede near Evesham Road and Arline Road forced Runnemede police and fire crews to close the area and warn residents to avoid it—an unsettling incident that caused delays and safety concerns.
CHEER-Positive changes in Runnemede
A real estate development project by Richards & Robbins is helping spur economic growth in Runnemede.
JEER-Road Detours & Closures
Runnemede continues to deal with road detours and closures, frustrating drivers and raising questions about infrastructure planning.