If you are still knee-deep in wrapping paper and candy wrappers it’s time to put Christmas behind you and get moving.

As always, the holiday was a great one for the Miss-Lou. But with only a few days before the start of the New Year, we don’t have time to waste.

But before we dive into 2008, let’s recap the great news of the last weeks of December.

4Corrections Corporation of America construction workers have been hard at work on U.S. 84 and the new prison is coming right up. Last week, they invited local leaders out for lunch and a quick tour. CCA also donated $24,000 to local charities to start their community involvement off right.

4Melrose is proudly a part of George W. Bush’s holiday decorations. A local park ranger — Kate Morris — hand painted an ornament depicting the national park. Her work was displayed on a White House tree this year.

4The Boys & Girls Club named their 2007 Youth of the Year at a Thursday night celebration. Gary White, now a student at Alcorn State, was chosen for his work with the club and community service projects.

The award was given at the club’s sixth annual Christmas Party. The Boys & Girls Club has seen tremendous growth in the Miss-Lou in the last few years. They are an integral part of developing our youth, and we are happy to have them around.

As the Christmas decorations come down and the New Year begins, we know 2008 is going to be a great one for the Miss-Lou, and we can’t wait to see what great news the New Year will bring.