HIT: Finally, it's safe to put away the shovels and snow brushes. Only two weeks ago, Cayuga County was hit with 10 inches of heavy, wet snow and it seemed like winter would never end.

Now, we're trying to find the sunscreen and getting the lawn mower ready for the season. Trees are blooming and the birds are chirping, doesn't it feel good?

Spring, at long last, is here.

MISS: To the delayed opening of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office substation in Cato. The village has to expand its hall to have enough room for the sheriff and maybe the state police, too.

In the long run, the expanded facilities will help each law-enforcement group, but for now, north county residents may have to deal with longer response times on occasion.

HIT: To the Cayuga County Veterans Memorial Committee receiving public charity status from the Internal Revenue Service.

The committee is responsible for erecting memorials to our well-deserving veterans. The change in status means it is exempt from federal income taxes and will be able to collect donations from large corporations.

MISS: To Syracuse University's three best-known men's sports. The football team went 4-8; the men's basketball team missed the NCAAs (when you could argue they deserved to get in); and the lacrosse team is missing the NCAAs for the first time in a quarter-century.

Call it a fluke or bad luck, but Orange fans have to be wondering what the heck happened?

But one of the best parts of sports is that there is always a next season, and hopefully Syracuse will reward its loyal fans for their patience.