MISS: To the lack of contested school board races in the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES region.

Of the nine districts that make up the BOCES, just four will have contested races.

Contested school board races are good for districts because they generate additional community discussion about important education and tax issues.

For all of the people who are making a run, we say thanks for being willing to make the sacrifices that come with conducting a campaign, and ultimately, with service on a local school board.

HIT: To the success story that Auburn Memorial Hospital is telling.

The nonprofit hospital held an open house on Sunday to give the community a first-hand look at all of the positive changes that have been taking place at AMH, and Chief Executive Officer Scott Berlucchi outlined the outstanding year the hospital has had in his state of the hospital report.

It's remarkable that the hospital can talk about the jobs it has created less than two years after it had to file for bankruptcy protection.

Most importantly, though, is the sentiment AMH leaders have about the future. They're not satisfied with simply turning things around and maintaining the status quo. They want the hospital to continually improve and grow, which is exactly what Auburn and Cayuga County need.

MISS: To the early round of oppressive heat we've experienced the last few days.

Don't get us wrong; we're happy to put winter weather behind us for another year. But it's a little too early in the season to be turning on the air conditioning, isn't it?

Fortunately, the forecast for today calls for weather that's much more appropriate for April.

HIT: To Cato Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, which was honored for 50 years of service at the department's annual dinner last weekend.