As we pause today to remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and contribution to world, let’s also look back at the good things that happened in our community last week.

4The Natchez Police Department suited up five new officers. Ernest Clemons, Felicia Flemmings, Adam Kirk, Hunter Parker and Nicky Johnson Pierce are filling open slots on the department’s staff.

Some recent retirements left NPD a little short-staffed. It’s great to have fresh faces protecting our streets and keeping us safe.

Our long-awaited federal courthouse has become a movie star even before its completion. A film crew was in town this week to film a portion of a documentary on the building and our town. Any exposure Natchez gets, on the big screen or small ones, is good for all of us.

The Vidalia Conference and Convention Center is starting to look like a building. Bricks are up and the roof is coming together. The project — originally the visitor and gateway center — has seen a variety of delays. Now the work is on track for a May 8 opening.

High utility rates got a little better recently in Vidalia. The price of natural gas dropped, lowering local rates 33 percent and leaving more money in residents’ pockets.

Let’s hope next week brings as much good news as the last.