On Sept. 29, a letter to the editor from Eve Schwoegl-Dudek was published. Her letter complained about how the Butler Eagle covered the stabbing death of Donald Schaeffer. Her main complaints were the "private, assumptive information irrelevant to the events."

First, I would remind her of this country's First Amendment right of speech, religion and expression. Secondly, I would applaud the Eagle's handling of the story. I want to know who, what, when, where, why and, yes, even how.

Brutal murder doesn't just happen, and it doesn't just happen anywhere.

I've always considered the Island neighborhood a bad neck of the woods. I am born and raised in this town, so I speak from experience.

Oh sure, they clean up one or two blocks, but it's mostly low-rent housing or business.

Nothing will change until we know what we are facing.

Intermittent work, shut-off utilities, late-night yelling — does any of this come as a surprise?

And, I have to wonder: Did any neighbors take these as red flags and try to intervene, even help?

A city police station should be opened right in the heart of the Island. Better yet, Pullman's gone; I say dredge it out, flood the Island and create Lake Butler.

For the last 20 years I've considered that to be a good idea.

Imagine Butler Valley having a lake.

There's no time like the present.