Seemingly gone are the more simpler times, as the days when people had respect for others has become a waning concept.

I was just as shocked as all of you when I saw the headline of the story written by a fellow reporter in our Aug. 4 edition.

The one where the dump truck owner was charged with running over a West Penn Township man over a pay dispute.

As I read the article, I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for the victim, his wife, and their family.

No one should ever have to experience what the victim who later succumbed to his injuries had to endure.

My heart truly goes out to all of those who were impacted by this harsh, uncalled for act of violence.

Unfortunately, it’s just another example of the troubling behavior that continues to run roughshod over our society.

Just a few days earlier, two men were assaulted in a break-in and brass knuckle assault in Summit Hill.

In that incident, the perpetrators entered the home through a window with an air conditioner.

Instances like these make positive activities such as the recently held National Night Out events all the more meaningful.

Multiple communities participated in this year’s annual National Night Out observance on Aug. 1.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

The Times News canvassed the region and covered National Night Out events held in Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning, Coaldale, West Penn Township, the Northern Lehigh area, and Lehigh Township,

Through it all, the common theme was that first responders were able to band together with the residents and guests of their respective communities.

The behavior exhibited at these events was nothing short of stellar, and is exactly what’s needed in this day and age.

These are the kinds of close-knit relationships that need to be fostered to help pave the way for future generations.

Not barbaric-like behavior that makes us question what ever happened to the world we all grew to know and love.

It’s been said that one bad apple may be able to spoil the bunch.

But, it only takes the presence of a few good eggs for our society to flourish.