HIT: To the Auburn Human Rights Commission for it's Wednesday celebration of Black History Month.

Hundreds of drawing, essays and poems by area students were displayed at the Auburn City Hall gathering, and students were recognized for their achievements.

Inspiring young students to read about the accomplishments of blacks and learn more about black culture is an important part of a well-rounded education. We hope it helps produce more well-rounded and open-minded citizens, as well.

MISS: To the former chief of the Skaneateles Police Department, who admitted in court Thursday that he stole money from village parking meters for more than two years.

Jack McNeil pleaded guilty to taking coins that had been deposited in village parking meters beginning in 2003 and ending with his retirement in 2005.

He pleaded guilty to three charges in Onondaga County Court and has been ordered to pay back the money.

The new police chief put new checks and balances in place to ensure that more than one person knows how much revenue is coming in from Skaneateles parking meters.

HIT: To the state Transportation Department as it prepares to work on stretch of local roadway considered particularly dangerous.

A curve on Routes 5 and 20 near the intersection of Half Acre Road in Aurelius has been the scene of several serious car accidents over the years. A construction project scheduled to be completed next year will lower the roadway near the curve to improve sight distances for drivers and turn lanes at the intersection will get cars away from the flow of traffic there.

MISS: To the revelation of yet another sex offender in our midst.

Walter Griffin, of Auburn, pleaded guilty in Auburn City Court this week to sexually abusing a 63-year-old mentally disabled woman.

This case is particularly appalling because the woman had been living in Griffin's home because she needed assistance.

City police are investigating other allegations of wrongdoing by Griffin.