by Bob Stealey

EDITOR

Today, Bob'n'Along will have no main theme, but rather a little of this and a little of that -- just some observations and comments I'd like to mention.

- First, it was nothing short of fantastic for the Thundering Herd of Marshall University to upset the No.6-ranked team in the entire nation, the Kansas State Wildcats, by a touchdown.

'Though I'm a WVU grad and residing in the northern half of the Mountain State, I was quite proud that the Herd did so well, and on national television yet. Head coach Bob Pruett and his team deserve a solid vote of congratulations from us as West Virginians. And you're not compromising your pride in the Mountaineer team to praise Marshall for its success.

- 'Looks like there could be some repair work planned on Northern West Virginia's highways in the not-too-distant future, that is if the coal industry has its way in getting state lawmakers to allow the increasing of highway weight limits, as has apparently been the case in southern counties.

Certainly, if there were to be a coal truck weight increase allowed, it would only follow that the roadway pavement would take a beatin.' Thus, repair work would quickly become a necessity.

Anyway, the jury is still out on that one, so it leaves things rather "iffy."

- From the looks of it in the paper lately, several new physicians are setting up practice in the Clarksburg area. To my way of thinking, it's a good sign for our area.

- From my vantage point, the number of traffic accidents -- particularly in Harrison County -- doesn't seem to have declined in recent weeks and months.

- Buffalo Lake, which I've always thought is a beautiful scene, looked eerily deserted this past summer, as compared with previous years during the nice, warm weather.

- Repairs to the water lines in downtown Clarksburg are under way already, as the Water Board promised not long ago.

- The highway construction adjacent to I-79 near Bridgeport Hill appears to be progressing fairly well, at least as it looks from the interstate.

- It's good to see the Doddridge County High School Bulldogs football team riding high (4-0) on such a great start to their season.

- Has anyone ever suggested an alternate exit from the Meadowbrook Mall, just in case the lone entrance would sometime become blocked for some reason? 'Seems to me it would be a good safety measure.

- 'Wonder when the historic Odd Fellows Cemetery on South Chestnut Street in Clarksburg is due for an upgrade to the grounds.

Well, that's about all I have for Bob'n'Along this day. Do enjoy the balance of the week.

Editor Bob Stealey can be reached by phone at 626-1438, or by e-mail at rstealey@exponent-telegram.com