HIT: It's a shame that it's taking so much effort to patch together a county fair this summer. But it has highlighted the contributions of one man.

A group of dedicated individuals are valiantly attempting to secure insurance and commitments to stage some type of county fair this summer. And thanks to DIRT Motorsports' co-founder Glenn Donnelly, who is donating its grounds, insurance coverage, tent rentals, and other fair expenses they've been given a terrific head start. If there is a fair this year, residents can thank Donnelly.

And if the county believes an annual fair is an important part of the region's summer, county legislators and fair organizers should get together to discuss a long-term solution for holding this event.

MISS: High gas prices hurt everyone. Especially farmers.

A study released last week by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer showed Cayuga County#'s 868 farmers will pay an average of $3,400 more for fuel this year. In addition, petroleum-based fertilizers and chemicals, such as anhydrous ammonia, are expected to rise 20 percent this year, after already jumping 50 percent over the past two years.

It used to be that weather was our county farmers' toughest adversary. Those were the good old days.

HIT: To Army Sgt. David Pinckney, who received a Bronze Star for heroism and exceptional service during his active duty in Iraq. The Fleming soldier returned home this spring to a hero's welcome. He also returned home to his fiancee, Army Spc. Sarah Baker, who is expecting the couple's first child on July 4.

This is the second Bronze Star in the family. Pinckney's grandfather, Frank Janas, received a Bronze Star for his service in World War II.

And although Pinckney has reached the end of his commitment to the Army, he has re-enlisted for another four years and is due to ship out for Fort Hood, Texas, this week.

MISS: President Bush proposes cutting millions of dollars for public housing which would cost the Auburn Housing Authority $35,000. The AHA provides housing to low-income residents of Auburn by allowing them to pay 30 percent of their income for rent.

What these potential cuts would mean is that less Auburn residents in need would receive assistance from AHA, which will translate to more dire situations for those in the city living below poverty level, including a rise in Auburn's homeless figures.