HIT: To the respectful memorial service this week honoring Auburn's fallen firefighters.

The service recognized not only those who have lost their lives on the job, but all those from the department's ranks who have passed on over the years.

The fire department has been in the news a lot lately over issues of overtime, staffing and facilities, and it was certainly a nice break to hear about an event free of controversy.

Separate from the politics that sometimes creep into the job, firefighting can be a dangerous occupation, and the public servants who choose this field deserve to be recognized for their commitment.

MISS: To the guilty plea of an Auburn dentist for improperly filling prescriptions for powerful painkillers.

The drugs were said to be for the benefit of a family member who suffered from migraine headaches, but that can't excuse the crime.

The case shows that drugs cause problems for people of all social and economic levels.

The silver lining in this case may yet come to light as a potential sentence includes the defendant performing 300 hours of free dental work at community clinics.

HIT: To a new parenting program being developed for Auburn Correctional Facility inmates and their families.

The volunteer-operated program aims to teach parenting skills to inmates with the hope of building stronger family ties for the inmates and their children.

Volunteers will teach parenting skills to inmates while others would help out in the prison's visitor waiting area and interact with visiting children.

The director of the local program hopes that by educating the inmates, their children can be taught responsible behavior and avoid making the same mistakes the prisoners have made.

One study shows that inmates who complete educational programs like this are less likely to commit another crime after being released.