The state police usually don't erect a sign at the site of a murder. However, the electronic sign placed in front of Bob's Truck and Auto Repair on Route 68 in Forward Township, where business owner Robert “Bob” Gaurrich was shot to death on Jan. 11, hopefully will result in tips leading to identification and capture of the killer or killers.

Difficulty in determining a motive for a killing usually means a protracted investigation. But perhaps on Jan. 11 someone noticed something as seemingly innocent as a vehicle turning onto Route 68 at about the time the murder is believed to have occurred.

Perhaps there was something distinctive about the vehicle that could cause someone to remember it — or whether one or more people were in the vehicle.

Investigators reported on Monday that the sign already had generated some calls, and they say they are hopeful for more.

In addition to the words “Homicide 1-11-13,” the sign asked anyone with information to call the state police at 724-284-8100.

If the sign is successful in generating leads, this unusual information-seeking option might become a more common sight in other investigations tied to serious crimes.

The acting chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission says free vehicles for the four appointed commission members are “appropriate and necessary for the job.”In addition to the cars, the four commissioners get free fuel and free maintenance for those vehicles, along with salaries ranging between $26,000 and $28,500 for their part-time responsibilities.State Transportation Department Secretary Barry Schoch, the fifth commission member, does not receive a commission salary and drives his own vehicle.Craig Shuey, the commission's acting chief executive, has attempted to justify his opinion by pointing out that the commission members' salaries haven't increased since 1988.But the lack of pay hikes seems reasonable, since the commissioners' main responsibility is to attend two meetings a month. Those meetings don't justify the commission's outlay of more than $400,000 between Jan. 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2011, for new vehicles for the commissioners. Likewise, the sessions don't justify the spending of $29,642 for fuel and $20,328 for maintenance during that same time period.It's clear that back in 1988 commissioners' salaries were too high for their limited duties.The commission could save a lot of money by requiring all of the commissioners to use their own vehicles, with the commission providing only mileage reimbursement.The commission need only to look east to New Jersey to see how much money could be saved. Commissioners of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority do not receive free cars, are not paid a salary, and get no free passes for tolls and no reimbursement for using their own vehicles.Pennsylvania's turnpike commissioners travel for free on the toll road.Contrary to Schuey's position, the turnpike agency saving money also is “important and necessary,” considering the rising tolls turnpike travelers are required to pay.The turnpike needs to reboot its commitment on behalf of fiscal responsibility.

Zelienople Borough Council was right in taking another forward step toward its downtown revitalization project, despite the current uncertainty regarding government grants or loans to fund the effort.On Wednesday, the council awarded a $225,000 contract for project final design.In pursuing the project, the town must be ready when funding opportunities present themselves. Meanwhile, borough officials should keep in close contact with Butler County lawmakers, encouraging them to watch for possible funding.Meanwhile, there must be local fundraising efforts; part of that must include finding ways to recognize those who make substantial contributions.The estimated cost of the project is $7.5 million, and will be designed to be completed in phases. The three goals of the project are to improve the appearance and infrastructure within the borough, stimulate economic revitalization and otherwise promote the borough.Some people might eye the effort as foolhardy for now, considering the nation’s economic uncertainties and the tight budgets on the state and federal levels.But having a ready plan on the table makes sense. At some point money for such projects will loosen up, and it’s encouraging that Zelienople could be at or near the front of the line when that happens.