Here are some of the best and worst - of the week:
BEST
KELLY VISIT - Earlier this week, former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly was a Jefferson Award recipient for his charitable work off the field. But days before that award, he hit the golf course to support one of Dunkirk's most famous voices - Van Miller, the former voice of the Bills. Kelly participated in the Van Miller golf tournament Friday. "Ever since I became a Buffalo Bill, Van has been probably one of my best friends," said Kelly. "... I wanted to make sure I made an appearance for Van." Like one reader commented, "It was really classy of Jim Kelly to take the time for Van's golf outing."
PATTISON PLEA DEAL - District Attorney David Foley was in a tough spot. Gregory Pattison previously was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of two drug dealers-turned informants. Then Pattison's conviction was overturned due to a technicality. Foley was able to reach a deal so that Pattison will stay in prison for 31 1/2 years. Had the case gone to trial, it would have been extremely expensive, let alone difficult to prosecute. People's memories fade; deals offered before are no longer needed. Getting Pattison to agree to this deal seems like it was the best for the prosecution.
PEN PALS - This week the fifth grade class at Dunkirk School No. 3 met their pen pal seniors from St. Vincent's Home. With everyone using e-mail and texting, writing is quickly becoming a lost art. Having these students take the time to hand-write letters to residents is a great project, both for the residents of St. Vincents as well as for the students themselves.
WORST
ARMYWORMS - The warm spring certainly felt nice at the time, but we're learning of more problems from it. First, we lost our upcoming apple and grape crop. Some cherry and strawberry crops were destroyed. Now our area is being hit by armyworms, which tend to destroy farmers' grass and forage crops. "In my 20 years of doing this, this is by far the most widespread - just the worst I've ever seen," said Dan Steward, crop consultant for the WNY Crop Management Association. It's going to be a difficult time for area farmers. State and federal officials have been working hard to get a disaster declaration in place, but in the end, Mother Nature still wins. Armyworm damage should be reported to the county's Farm Service Agency at 664-2351.
