Laurels and barbs

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July 2, 2009

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Thu Jul 02, 2009, 01:57 PM EDT

Laurel: Often, when we read about one of our local defense industries being awarded a multimillion-dollar contract, we’re not exactly sure what the full impact will be for our region. However, everyone can realize that it’s big news when someone such as Kongsberg Defense Corp. lands a $22.4 million weapons contract. With the announcement last week, Kongsberg said that the contract means additional CROWS systems will be built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Richland Township. For those who don’t know – and that’s most of us – the acronym stands for common remotely operated weapon station. The company says more than 100 people are now working at its plant in the former Bestform building. And it appears they’ll be kept busy for a while.

Barb: What about separation of church and state? Or just plain common sense, for that matter? At the invitation of their pastor, 200 people last Saturday brought their unloaded handguns – in holsters – to the New Bethel Church in Louisville, Ky. It was the pastor’s way of celebrating the Second Amendment. The gun-toting Pentecostal pastor said he got the idea for the event after some of his church members expressed concern about the Obama administration’s views on gun control. There’s a time and place for everything, and during a worship service in a church is neither the time nor the place.

Laurel: Hats off to the Forest Hills Regional Alliance, which is going full speed ahead on a comprehensive regional plan. The alliance is made up of communities in the Forest Hills School District – Summerhill, Wilmore, South Fork and Ehrenfeld boroughs, and Croyle, Summerhill and Adams townships. The alliance was formed in 2005 in efforts to restrain growing costs while continuing to provide services for residents of the seven municipalities. A study and plan to combine police services stopped short, but an agreement was reached to share services. The alliance also is looking at joint purchases of health care and materials. It’s good government at work.

Barb: Advertising a product is a great way to sell it, when it’s done properly. But during Thunder in the Valley last weekend, several motorcycles with young women on the back holding signs advertising a topless bar made at least a couple of trips over downtown streets. There was nothing wrong with that as far as we could see. The problem was when the women tossed handbills into the air and onto the streets. As if there wasn’t already enough litter and garbage to clean up.

Laurel: Matt Moot is making it a habit. The Bishop McCort graduate and Campbell University junior ran away with the City Championship golf title last weekend at Berkley Hills Golf Course in suburban Johnstown. He posted a three-day total of 9-under 204. Moot won for the third consecutive year, finishing eight strokes ahead of runner-up Tom Facciani. Dave Murgas came in third. Moot’s effort gives him a spot in the prestigious Sunnehanna Tournament for Champions next June.

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