Now that most of the tree limbs downed in Hurricane Gustav are out of local yards and FEMA has agreed to offer individual financial assistance to our local storm victims, we can begin looking forward with a smile.

But the approved individual assistance plan wasn’t the only good news last week brought. Let’s review some of the other good headlines.

4A team of volunteers keeps the Stewpot running, we all know that, but it’s the passion behind the plate passer that makes this non-profit special

David Lewis and Spencer Sylvester are two of the Stewpot’s volunteers who put in hour after hour because they simply like helping those in need in our community. We are lucky to have men like these two, and we thank all the Stewpot volunteers for their time.

4An emergency call and a caring hand have nursed a determined little dog back to health. The Chihuahua found in a Dumpster at a local apartment complex has been treated by a doctor and cared for by the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society for a few weeks now. He’s not fully up to speed yet, but the pet is doing well considering the circumstances.

Thanks goes to the apartment’s maintenance worker, to Natchez Veterinary Clinic and to the humane society.

The Cathedral Fall Festival and the Natchez Children’s Home Chili Cook-off wrapped up a great weekend, and we know the week to come will be just as good.