When compared with what some other cities its size already have done in regard to developing a Web site to promote the community and provide important information to residents, Butler is way behind.

But local officials nevertheless deserve a thumbs-up for finally making such a Web site reality.

The Web site www.cityofbutler.org has been active for about three weeks, although it does not yet contain all of the information that officials eventually plan for the site.

The site, with ease of use as one of its prime objectives, aims to provide links to all of the city's departments plus contact information for elected officials. Another important component of the site will be an electronic version of all of the city's codified ordinances.

Some residents might question the spending of what was described as "less than $5,000" for a Web site rather than apply that money for fixing some of the city's big potholes.

That's a valid question, but there's value in the city trying to promote itself and keeping its residents informed.

Therefore, all considered, the Web site expenditure can be regarded as an acceptable investment.

Butler County prosecutors' willingness to become participants in "Let's Make a Deal" in a case stemming from a drag-racing fatality is unconsionable.Although it isn't uncommon for prosecutors to agree to drop some charges in exchange for a guilty plea or an admission regarding a crime, there are some cases where any deal should simply be rejected.Based on the apparent evidence, there should not have been nor should there be any more deals in connection with the death of 19-year-old Christina Marie Williams.Williams was the innocent victim of a drag-racing incident last Nov. 11 on Route 308 in Center Township. Racing at speeds of 95 to 105 mph were then 16-year-old Mason David Spencer of Clay Township and Robin Charles Brain, 18, of Kennerdell, Venango County.Spencer's car was the one that collided head-on with Williams' car. Brain fled the scene and wasn't tracked down by police until March 15.Spencer was in juvenile court on April 17, where he admitted that he caused Williams' death, then turned to the victim's family and expressed sorrow for his actions. In exchange for his admission, prosecutors dropped four charges, including voluntary homicide and reckless endangerment.Any deal in such a tragic case is itself a tragedy, not only for the victim or victims and surviving family and friends, but also for the image and reputation of the county's justice system. Compassion should be extended to the victim and those who survive, not the person or persons responsible for arrogant, irresponsible actions that claim a life or lives.Spencer is due back in juvenile court on June 5 for a disposition hearing, the equivalent of a sentencing hearing. Brain has waived his case to adult court.An editorial in the April 14 Butler Eagle expressed the opinion that the county's justice system should not make a mockery of Williams' death by displaying leniency toward the defendants, even under plea bargains. Unfortunately, prosecutors' willingness to enter a deal so quickly on Spencer's behalf conveys just that, about which most people in the county should feel outrage.County residents expect their prosecutors to exact justice for such blatant wrongs, not deals.

Butler County has experienced more than its share of cemetery vandalism in recent years. Now there's been another incident, this one in Middlesex Township, involving one of the county's oldest cemeteries, which houses the remains of some of the county's pioneers.The cemetery is the Middlesex Presbyterian Church cemetery, where a dozen gravestones were vandalized between April 7 and 16, some of which might have been damaged beyond repair.It could cost thousands of dollars to fix the damage to the gravestones that can be repaired, township police said.As with other such incidents, it's troubling that there are people out there who have such disrespect for the dead. It is to be hoped that police will continue working to identify the vandals, so they can receive the punishment that they deserve.Anyone with information about the vandalism should share that information with the police, even if by way of anonymous contact.The vandals don't just deserve a jeer; they also deserve fines, orders to make restitution, and a hefty dose of community service to help them fully understand what they've done.