The Miss-Lou said goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009 this week in relatively quiet fashion.

Those lucky enough to have the days off enjoyed them. Others probably reveled in the slow pace at work.

But the only week shared by 2008 and 2009 brought plenty of good news to the area.

Numerous local churches watched the new year come in together, prayerfully preparing themselves for what may come.

Others who opted to party their way to a new year did so respectfully. Local police and sheriff’s deputies said they didn’t make any drunk driving arrests. Years of warnings and educational opportunities may have finally paid off, authorities said. Most people seem to realize that drunk driving just isn’t smart.

At least two local families welcomed new members this week.

Georgenia and Ted Wright are the proud new parents of the area’s first 2009 baby — Ted Mack Wright Jr. — born at Natchez Community Hospital.

A day later Bridgett and Michael Thompson welcomed the first baby of the year at Natchez Regional Medical Center — Christian Brayden Thompson.

Neither baby was born on New Year’s Day, a rarity, but we’ll consider them both a major part of our future. We hope these boys grow up strong, healthy and happy.

The coming year is full of surprises for all of us, and we know 2009 will bring plenty of good news to our area.