Before we start the work week, let&8217;s preview the good headlines that came our way last week &8212; and there were quite a few:

The exact date troops from the 155th Infantry of the Mississippi Army National Guard will be home is still up in the air, but members of the unit&8217;s family readiness support group in Natchez have gotten word the soldiers could start coming home as early as mid-December. The Family Readiness Group, the county and others are working on preparations for a homecoming event.

A ceremony was held Saturday to mark the completion of the dam for the recreational Okhissa Lake near Bude. We look forward the opening of the lake in 2007.

Parkway Baptist Church volunteers showed the true meaning of &8220;love thy neighbor&8221; when they traveled to Slidell, La., in the area hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, to help distribute needed food, ice and other supplies, rebuild the city&8217;s First Baptist Church and perform other services to those in need.

Businesses and nonprofit groups continue to come together to help evacuees. More than two dozen have received free eye exams at the Family Vision Center through the Evacuee Medical Clinic. The Natchez Lions Club donated $2,000 to pay for supplies.

Civil Defense Director George Souderes said local officials are working to put together an evacuation plan for Adams County, including vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled people. We&8217;re glad to see local leaders taking steps to care for all of us.

The USDA announced a $100,000 Rural Development Grant will go to develop a 911 system in Tensas Parish.

Despite delays from two hurricanes, part of the annual Jim Bowie Festival did happen Saturday &8212; a concert featuring five bands and headlined by country star Ty Herndon.

Natchez is pursuing funding to improve roads and drainage in the Marblestone area annexed by the city several years ago.

We hope this week is just as full of good news.