HIT: To all of the local teams that took part in the Odyssey of the Mind state finals last weekend, and especially the local teams that earned the right to compete in the world finals later this spring.

Sixteen area teams had qualified for the state event in Binghamton. Two teams from the Skaneateles Central School District and a team from the Weedsport Central School District finished first or second in their category, qualifying them for the world finals to be held in Maryland.

Odyssey of the Mind is a wonderful program that encourages creativity and problem-solving skills, and it's refreshing to see students work hard and use their minds collaboratively toward a team goal.

MISS: To more disturbing news about former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

News surfaced late last week that Spitzer had been directly involved in the effort to collect and distribute information about state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's use of state aircraft. Previously, Spitzer had made clear public denials that he was behind the move, and even condemned his own staffers who were caught up in the scandal.

Given what we've learned about Spitzer, it's not necessarily shocking to learn about such a blatant lie to the public, but it nonetheless adds to the disappointment that was his short tenure as governor.

HIT: To a government agency that is extending hours, contrary to some moves we've seen from other entities in recent years.

The Cayuga County Legislature last week approved operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the county Board of Elections. While such hours are the norm for many private-sector, service-providing businesses and organizations, it's not too common to see that from the government.

But we're sure that extra time, will help many people who need to visit the office. It should be especially valuable at a time when presidential politics could produce some of the heaviest voter participation we've seen in years.