Despite another two weeks left until the official start of summer, summer’s heat has already arrived. But the heat did nothing to slow the good news from our community.

Let’s take a moment and review the highlights from last week:

Students in the Natchez-Adams School District waved goodbye to teachers and welcomed the first official day of summer vacation. We hope students and teachers enjoy their break.

Monterey residents sent 1,200 hygiene kits to tornado victims in Moore, Okla., in an effort to aid those affected by the recent storms. Two residents drove nine hours to Oklahoma City to deliver the goods. We thank the residents for their efforts, and our prayers go out to those in the areas impacted by the tornadoes.

Michael Cleveland earned the title of STAR student for Natchez High School by scoring a 26 on his ACT, the highest score in his class. The salutatorian will attend Tougaloo College this fall where he plans on studying chemistry with a pre-med emphasis. We congratulate Cleveland on his hard work and wish him the best as he continues his education.

Charles “Junior” Tarver was named Concordia Parish’s Homeland Security director and is already at work updating the Parish’s emergency equipment. The retired Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent said he feels suited to protect the people of the parish from disasters. We welcome Tarver to the position.

Keep the sunscreen and cool drinks handy as we begin a week forecasted to be another hot one.