Here are some of the best - and worst - of the week:
BEST
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY - We've talked a lot about it this week, but it's been an incredible journey to see Fredonia native Jenn Suhr win the gold medal. After winning Suhr posted on her Facebook page: "It's very emotional. It's something that you work so hard for, for four years, and heartbreak and joy, and then some more heartbreak. To overcome it and come out on top is something that whenever I thought of I started crying, so I knew it was just going to be emotional, whenever I thought about how it would feel to win gold. Then I would think of how it would feel to be fourth, and I'd cry over that too. It was definitely something that I've wanted, I don't think I've ever wanted anything so bad." She's an inspiration to us all!
GOWANDA NIGHT OUT - It's been seven years since Gowanda has participated in National Night Out. But the event returned this past week. National Night Out is a great opportunity for the public and the local police department to mingle. It's also a great way to build bridges between young people and local officers. There's something positive to be said for events that strengthen community relations. Sponsoring the event this year was the Gowanda Neighborhood Watch and the Gowanda PTA.
SENECAS, STATE AGREEMENT - If you've driven on Route 86 lately or crossed the large bridge on Routes 5 & 20 in Irving, you know they need repairs. We criticized both parties last week for the dispute. By Monday, a solution had been reached. We want to applaud both sides for coming to an agreement. If they didn't it would have been the public that suffered.
WORST
BROCTON BUILDING - The building at 10 E. Main St. in Brocton needs some work. The problem is the current owner is unable to provide it. So he offered it to the village, but the village doesn't want it. The problem could have been avoided when the county sold the building at auction. To quote Trustee J. Dale Abram, "We're talking about an over 20-year-old building that continues to deteriorate because the county didn't make requirements at that auction that the buyer be responsible for bringing the building at least up to code, if not repairing it."
Municipalities do not want to be in the business of owning property. But if they are stuck with a building, it's to everyone's best interest that when a building is sold, the buyer has the resources to make improvements or raze the facility.
