Earlier this year there was the fear that it might be forced to disband, but the Butler County Women's Club has been able to put that idea to rest — which has allowed the club to mark its 100th anniversary.

Thanks to Agnes Rauschenberger, 76, of Butler, who accepted the club presidency and committed herself to getting service projects under way, it is to be hoped that the club will continue to do the kind of good works for which it has been known down through the decades.

One of a number of projects currently under way will benefit Ronald McDonald House and Shriners' Children's Hospital.

The club's biggest challenge now and in the future, though, involves maintaining a sizable membership roster. As Mary Hulton Phillips, the club's longest member (since 1971), pointed out, many women today are too busy for club membership, and as people age and experience health issues, they might not be able to do as much as they would like to do.

Phillips said when she was club president from 1974 to 1978, the club had 250 members; now it has about 50.

Hopefully the club will have better days in the future, not only in terms of membership but also in terms of what it is able to accomplish.

The club is proud of having attained the 100-year mark. And a hundred years from now, Butler will be a better place if the club still maintains its special niche in the community.

The Jackson Township supervisors were correct in continuing a public hearing dealing with a proposed zoning overlay district.Because of the controversy surrounding the proposal, it is important for the township to gather as much public input as possible — pro and con — before making a decision.More than 50 residents crowded the township's municipal building Monday to voice their opinions. The continued hearing will be at 5 p.m. Dec. 14.The proposed residential development overlay would be in the area between Interstate 79, Lindsay Road and Route 68. Most of that property currently is zoned rural agriculture.Among the criticisms voiced by opponents Monday is that the overlay would be contrary to goals in the township's comprehensive plan, including protection of the township's rural character.The proposal is viewed by many as an attempt to stimulate growth such as that occurring in neighboring municipalities.To some Jackson residents, that might seem like a good idea, but in the eyes of others that is something to be avoided.Giving more Jackson residents the opportunity to express their opinions is the right approach, and many more township residents should come forward with their thoughts — in person or in writing.

As bad as any form of theft might be, putting one's life in danger in the process makes no sense whatsoever.Yet that is what people are doing — even in Butler County — in response to the high price of copper.State police are investigating the theft of about 200 feet of solid copper ground wire between Oct. 13 and Wednesday from Allegheny Power's substation on Route 268 in Fairview Township.Allegheny Power facilities in Allegheny County also have been victimized, as well as other company facilities in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.The thieves are lucky to be alive to collect the financial fruits of their crimes."This is an extremely dangerous activity," said David Neurohr, an Allegheny Power spokesman, referring to the thefts. "People think they know about electrical infrastructure and how it works. I assure you, they don't."Perhaps the thefts will decrease if copper keeps dropping in price. Since reaching the all-time high price of $4.04 per pound in May, copper prices have dropped more than 20 percent.But the current price remains high by historical standards. Five years ago, copper was trading at 75 cents per pound or less.Still, those trying to steal copper at electrical facilities could be electrocuted. The thieves are risking their lives by exposing themselves to the risk, regardless of their financial gains from the sale of the copper.