---- —
Have you been complaining about bouncing along on streets in the Shenango Valley over huge holes left by work crews installing water lines this past summer?
Have you been whining about the time you spent in traffic lines waiting at work sites because movement is slowed to one-way?
Then take a look at the photo that ran on Page 1 of Wednesday’s Herald and you will realize that the old PennDOT motto comes into play here: “Temporary inconvenience for permanent improvement.”
The photo we refer to is of a section of old water line that was removed in Sharpsville. The pipe was packed with residue — so much so that it appears that water flow would be greatly restricted. Not to mention discolored.
Yuck! No wonder residents complained about their water. It’s easy to see why a Sharpsville water cooler company like Herrmann’s Water or major water-treatment companies could be a thriving business, even in a suffering economy.
A few decades ago, who would have thought that people would buy cases of bottled water when tap water costs only pennies?
Some of the lines in Sharpsville were more than 100 years old. If fact, crews said you could barely see daylight through some of the replaced pipes.
Admittedly some of the work crews replacing water or sewer lines under roadways could do a better job at times in fixing roads. Stambaugh Avenue in Sharon for one is an embarrassment the way that has been handled. Many drivers weave their way through side streets just to avoid the roller-coaster ride left by pathetic patching jobs.
However, there is no doubt that replacement of water lines is a key to the health of residents and needs to be a priority, even if it causes temporary inconvenience in moving from one part of the area to another.
So the next time you are in stalled traffic, waiting for your lane to move past work areas, think about that filthy pipe. It may not completely ease your temper, but at least it should make you understand why the delay may be necessary.
Opinion
OUR VIEW: Condition of old water pipes should wash away any gripes
- Opinion
-
-
Who’s responsible for uptick in economy? It’s hard to figure
There was one thing I was taught years ago when I was a young reporter: Every politician lies, but the real story is the reason behind the lies.
-
Juicy tips will be far fewer without ‘Scoop’ on the phone
I enjoyed calling him Scoop. I was the newspaper guy, but for more years than I can remember, Gary Douglas was at the other end of phone calls on a regular basis.
“Did you hear about this? Did you hear about that? Did you hear about so-and-so? Better check this out. I’ll bet you haven’t heard about this.”
That usually was the flow of the conversation. Most of the time he was right. Some of the tips turned into stories that were fit to print, and others not so much.
-
The only thing we have to fear is fear-mongering
To hear some folks tell it, it’s no longer morning in America, it’s five minutes to midnight. They say the United States, once the greatest nation on Earth, is today on a glide path to the ash heap of history.
-
Super Bowl Sunday brings a super boost for the local economy
The game is more than a glitzy international event. It serves as a one-day boon to local economies like ours here at home.
-
Punxsutawney Phil, Mitt and a litany of bad GOP hopefuls
Here are some thoughts from a guy who doesn’t put a whole lot of stock in rascally rodents that make weather forecasts.
-
In Ed Likovich’s yard, apples don’t fall very far from the tree
Adage tells us that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It really applies to the Likovich family of Hermitage, specifically Ed the father and teacher and Ed the son and student.
-
A smaller state legislature? Don’t hold your breath
Don't tell me that our state General Assembly is finally going to do what should have been done many years ago – cut the size of the Legislature.
-
A sad end to life: History will determine JoePa’s legacy
I had the privilege, yes privilege and honor, of meeting Joe Paterno several times in my life, both as a student at Penn State and in my role as editor of The Herald. It was with a heavy heart when I learned that he was near death during the Mercer County Hall of Fame’s annual dinner at the Park Inn by Radisson Saturday, and that he had died Sunday.
-
OUR VIEW: Dearth of candidate interest defies worth of legislative races
In case you hadn’t noticed, this is an election year. Actually every year is, but this is one of the big ones. Sure, there’s some sort of presidential race going on, but that’s just a sideshow to where the real action in this year’s election is – or at least should be.
Voters across the country will be electing every member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and here in Mercer County voters will help decide who represents three state House districts. -
Hall of Fame weekend stirs memories of ‘good old days’
Is there anything better than reminiscing about the “good old days”? That’s why I love the Mercer County Hall of Fame’s annual induction weekend.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
