Laurel: To Valley motorists. Despite rock slides and constant delays on the expressway, detours and delays for U.S. Open work, and more construction projects than we've ever seen before in the Valley at one time, we've heard of no serious road rage incidents. That is really remarkable with what many have had to put up with this year.
Lance: To PennDOT for scheduling a repaving project on old Route 28 from the Ninth Street Bridge in East Deer through Springdale and Cheswick. It was supposed to start this week, but hopefully officials have come to their senses. They should postpone it until next year. Work was to occur at night, from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. But the road is not in bad shape. With massive traffic jams through the area because of Wednesday's rock slide, it is the last thing motorists need.
Laurel: To setting an example. When Rob Stephens, 24, of East Vandergrift, was told as a teen he had bad hips and couldn't play sports, he took up hiking. And he recently completed the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail.
On the "Watch List": An Alle-Kiski Connector Bridge study. A group of local community leaders has obtained a $40,000 state lawmaker grant and will seek a federal grant to do a $200,000 feasibility study on alternative funding, such as a toll bridge. We've long supported a new bridge connecting the Parnassus Triangle in New Kensington with the Frazer Mall interchange on the Route 28 Expressway. But state transportation officials say there is no money for it. So local officials are exploring alternative funding. They are right that improved infrastructure would spur economic development. But are we dreaming -- in light of the need for bridge improvements, preventing rock slides, and simply maintaining roads?
Laurel: To those fighting for NUMEC workers. Tom Haley of Allegheny Township and Patty Ameno of Leechburg traveled to Chicago this week to testify on behalf of federal compensation and benefits for radiation-related cancers for the former Apollo workers. Without them, the compensation would be much less likely.
Lance: To the pumpkin thieves. In the next few weeks, a host of young children will take great pains to pick out that perfect pumpkin for their front porch. And then, just before Halloween, they will lovingly carve it. So those even thinking about stealing and smashing them for fun, please don't. Think of how a 5-year-old you know would feel.
Laurel: To Mother Nature. We can't remember a nicer stretch of weather in September and October. And while we fret anytime a weatherman says a dry fall, or warm temperatures, will mean a dull leaf display, we agree with the prof who said our fall color only varies from good, to very good, to excellent. How true. Get out and enjoy it.
