HIT: The historic Seward House in Auburn is gaining more attention these days, thanks to the popularity of books regarding President Abraham Lincoln and his secretary of state, William H. Seward.

A book by Doris Kearns Goodwin, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” made the New York Times' best-seller list, and many people who found the book interesting are now making their way to Auburn to see Seward's home.

We're always happy to see people taking an interest in good literature, and stories that connect people with Auburn are a wonderful - if unintended - way to promote local tourism.

MISS: An Auburn man is accused of intentionally striking people with his car after reportedly becoming enraged at seeing his former girlfriend with another guy.

The incident took place less than 24 hours before a group of area parents were getting together to discuss how to teach children to handle their problems with out resorting to violence. A young child who acts out by hitting, for example, could eventually become an adult who hits as a way of getting what he/she wants.

It's good to see some parents making an effort to deal with small problems before they become more serious.

HIT: The state Department of Environmental Conservation is putting pressure on the village of Groton to cut down on the amount of phosphorous its wastewater treatment plant discharges into Owasco Inlet.

Cayuga County officials have long complained that Groton was a major contributor of phosphorous in the Owasco Lake, leading to increased weed and algae growth .

The Tompkins County village has been ordered to follow a strict set of guidelines set by the DEC or face accumulating fines.

We hope Groton complies with all it is being asked to do for the sake of one of this area' treasures.