Conspiracy theories abound about the pre-election drop in gasoline prices. Yet no one is spinning Machiavellian explanations for the recent happy talk about the housing sector.

There's a reason: Have you checked out the price of houses in this "slump"?

Upbeat prognoses about the contraction in home construction and home sales aren't hard to find.

On Friday and again on Tuesday, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said the housing slump is easing.

"Much of the acceleration in home prices came from the investment side [not the homes purchased for shelter]," he told a Canadian audience Friday. "This can be seen in the big acceleration of housing turnover. Then, the system ran out of steam, as no one could afford houses anymore.

Input still sought on Sunnyside's future

Lafayette parents and taxpayers have one more opportunity to offer input on renovating or rebuilding Sunnyside Middle School -- part of a nearly $40 million construction project for the district.

Architects from Indianapolis firm CSO Schenkel Shultz have presented the Lafayette School Corp. with cost estimates for six design options, ranging from a total renovation to all-new construction.

But building a two-story classroom wing while keeping both gyms and the auditorium at the 50-year-old school was the favored option -- design 3A -- by people who attended a workshop this week.

The workshop, the last of six focused on the construction project, will be repeated this morning. The board is expected to develop a public recommendation during its Oct. 23 work session.

Parent Elizabeth McShurley -- who has one child at Sunnyside, another attending Earhart Elementary School and three children at Jefferson High School -- said she's most in favor of a mixed option because it will cause the least disruption.

Construction Guide, 10/15/2006

Deer alert -- 'Tis the season for deer on the move, increasing the possibility of collisions with the animals. Most occur between dusk and dawn. To report dead deer on state-maintained roads, call 800- 349-7623.

PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE
Findlay Connector -- The 6.5-mile toll road between Route 22, Robinson, Washington County, and Route 60 at Pittsburgh International Airport opened on Wednesday. Signed as "PA Turnpike 576," it's the first section of a proposed Southern Beltway. The toll for cars is 50 cents. E-ZPass accepted.

INTERSTATES
I-79, Allegheny County -- All three lanes are being opened today in both directions between Bridgeville and Crafton, including rehabilitated ramps at the Kirwan Heights, Carnegie and Parkway West interchanges. Some night work will continue on various ramps through early November.