It’s easy to look back and be glad last year is over.

The year 2008 had its downside, that’s for sure.

Nationally, gas prices went sky high, then plummeted with the economy.

The stock market has been a scary roller coaster.

And war rages on in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Locally, we had enough tragedy of our own.

Hurricane Gustav struck Natchez harder than any other part of Mississippi, leaving thousands of dollars worth of storm damage in its wake.

Before the hurricane cleanup was complete, an F1 tornado ripped through part of the city, cutting power and damaging dozens of roofs.

The mighty Mississippi picked up steam in the spring, giving us all a scare of a major flood.

Yes, we are glad 2008 is over, too.

But it’s human nature to remember the bad, not the good.

The year also brought new leaders in Natchez, Adams County, Concordia Parish and for the country.

Nearly everyone is starting with a clean slate, and we are hopeful new faces mean new ideas and positive changes.

The Miss-Lou has good things on the horizon, and we’ll welcome all 2009 has to offer with open arms.