Ironically, it seems that the old adage that “a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch” has held true when it comes to the Ironton Community Garden.

A new initiative this year, the garden was designed to allow individuals who don’t have the space to plant a garden at their own home to still do so right here in Ironton.

Unfortunately, thieves have hit it hard, stealing many of the crops that local gardeners and organizations that include Shawnee Mental Health have planted. This is certainly disappointing but shouldn’t be so discouraging that it kills the roots of this concept.

This simply means that some measures will have to be put in place and more will have to be done to keep the garden secure. Locking the gates may be the first step. Security cameras mounted high enough they cannot be reached may be another.

But, most importantly, the individuals using the garden, citizens who live in the neighborhood and everyone who drives by has to take ownership and help keep our community safe.

We cannot allow the lowest common denominators of our society dictate how we live. This is still a viable concept that can help bring the community closer together and enrich the lives of some citizens as well as put food on the table.

Nothing about that has changed just because a few bad apples.