While it is true that the completion date for the new Butler County Prison was to have been Oct. 13, it was not out of the question for the county government and county taxpayers to expect that the construction contracts would assign responsibilities for all cases where something did not happen according to plan.

The prison currently is targeted for completion May 21 — more than seven months late.

The construction contracts do call for financial penalties to contractors responsible for the project not being completed on time, and that is a sticky issue that is facing the general contractor, A.G. Cullen of Pittsburgh — although Cullen was handcuffed by a delay in receiving structural steel.

In fact, that was a circumstance beyond its control.

But the construction contracts also should have clearly spelled out responsibilities regarding heating of the new prison while construction was progressing, if that were necessary. Apparently they didn't, because a disagreement is now in play between Cullen and the county over who should pay to heat the building this winter.

The county announced plans Tuesday to deduct the heating expense from bills that Cullen submits for payment. Cullen says it is not responsible for that expenditure.

"So that's another court battle coming," observed Commissioner Glenn Anderson. Cullen in April filed a $1.5 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against the county on non-heating issues.

County taxpayers paid plenty for the professional services that were necessary prior to the start of the project — one important one being that the contract was to clearly assign responsibilities so there would be few, if any, disagreements as the project progressed.

Obviously, on the heating issue at least, the taxpayers didn't receive their money's worth. And, county government leaders don't get high grades for failing to notice the omission.

The Farmers' Market shelter in the Island section of Butler has been vandalized in the past and then been repaired by the city. Now, the shelter has been victimized again by individuals who ripped off some boards of the facility and left them lying on the concrete floor.To describe the vandalism as an immature act is to downplay its seriousness. In fact, the vandalism is a basis for criminal charges, and the city police should not rest until the culprits are apprehended.Until arrests do happen, it is reasonable to conclude that the facility is more likely to be targeted with additional vandalism in the future.Obviously, the vandals don't understand that tax revenue — money possibly paid by their parents or themselves — pays for repair work.The Farmers' Market is sometimes used by skateboarders and others not associated with the sale of farmers' crops. Is the day coming when the facility will have to be made off-limits to all but the farm community?The city has better things to do with the taxpayers' money than make repairs that should not be necessary. Shame on those who don't have the brain power to understand that.

Weatherwise, Monday wasn't the greatest day for a parade. However, the thousands of people who turned out to watch the Butler Veterans Day Parade deserve praise for not letting the dreary conditions curb their enthusiasm.Although it can be said that there never can be too many people present to honor veterans, the sizable crowd that lined Main Street Monday was a credit to this area's spirit of patriotism.The military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have kept area people's focus not only on the dedication, determination and professionalism of the military personnel deployed to those nations, but have served as a reminder of the previous wars this nation's service personnel — many from this area — have fought to keep the United States free.While Monday's parade and a tribute to Butler County natives who died in the Korean and Vietnam wars — prepared by Dave Haunty of Butler — were in the spotlight during the local observance of Veterans Day, a Nov. 9 ceremony at Slippery Rock High School honoring veterans also was a credit to how people young and old of this region value those who have had a role in protecting this nation.The special ceremony at Slippery Rock High not only honored 54 veterans of the community, but also remembered those area people currently serving, as well as the sacrifices of families who endured — or who now are enduring — the absences of loved ones.People of Butler County should feel proud that year after year they hold Veterans Day observances in such high regard. The patriotism of people here is no doubt found in other parts of the country, but should never be taken for granted.