HIT: To a resolution to the dispute between the Auburn Teachers Association and the Auburn Enlarged City School District over the timing of a paycheck during the holiday season.

The district had told teachers it was planning to not honor a portion of the contract that calls for releasing a paycheck on the last day of school before a vacation break, if the normal payday falls during a break. The district had cited a 46-year-old state Comptroller decision for its desire to break from past practice.

Now, according to the ATA president, the district has agreed to release the checks early.

It hardly seems like a battle worth fighting by the administration, especially if it's been district policy to do it this way in years past. We're glad the matter appears to have been resolved before valuable resources we're spent in an arbitration battle.

HIT: To the Christmas Bird Count being planned for Dec. 20 at the Montezuma Audubon Center.

Bird enthusiasts gathered at the center Sunday to talk about the upcoming event. It is part of a national program that's been taking placing for more than a century.

With places like Montezuma, this region is blessed to be a bird-watchers paradise, and programs like this certainly enhance the experience.

MISS: To the collapse of the Buffalo Bills' season.

After one of its most promising starts in years, the Bills have been anything but good lately. After Sunday's loss to Miami, in a game that was played in Toronto, Buffalo essentially has no chance to make the NFL playoffs.

For fans starved for some post-season action, it's been a tough fall.

HIT: To the bitter cold temperatures and wind chills of the past couple of days.

Remember, it's still officially fall. It would be nice if we could keep the worst of winter away for at least a few more weeks.