HIT: To the improvement in state math test scores shown by students statewide and in the local area.

Numbers released by the state Department of Education on Monday showed improvements in most grades in most districts within the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. State officials said scores improved in general throughout New York.

In fact, the higher scores now have state officials considering raising the standards again.

MISS: To the indictment of a central New York firm on charges that it lied about asbestos tests at sites throughout the region.

The company, Syracuse-based Certified Environmental Services, is accused of faking test results for contractors who failed to properly remove asbestos in homes, colleges and businesses.

HIT: To the dedication of new exercise equipment at the Cayuga Community College Nature Trail to the late Ruth Sara Goldman.

A ceremony took place Sunday with a small group of Goldman's family and friends. Goldman, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2007, loved coming to the nature trail, made countless friends there and was always a driving force in keeping it well-maintained.

It's fitting to have a permanent testament to her love of that special place.

HIT: To the news that the annual Stamp Out Hunger food collection effort set a national record for donations.

The drive organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers took place May 9 across the country, including Cayuga County. The 73.4 million pounds of food collected was up from 73.1 million pounds a year before.

It's a remarkable statistic on American generosity, given the struggles that many people are now having due to the weak economy.