Is it spring yet? OK, so the cold temperatures are sometimes a bit difficult for us Southerners to endure.

But despite a few chills and more coats lying around the house than we know what to do with, January has been a great month so far.

Let’s review a few details from last week.

4 The week started off great with a holiday for many and the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture’s annual youth luncheon. The event — in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. — offers an inspiring look at the young folks in our community. The students perform through readings, poems, song and dance, and they always delight.

4 Payton Grimmett was recently named the Concordia Parish eighth-grade student of the year. She won the title in fifth-grade, too, and is on track to haul in many more top honors. Congratulations Payton.

4 The Vidalia and Ferriday chambers of commerce have officially merged into the Concordia Parish Chamber. The new group had its first event Thursday with a dinner and awards ceremony. Many deserving locals were honored for their work to make the community great.

4The Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade rolled through town Saturday, better late than never. Cloudy skies delayed the annual event, but no one was complaining Saturday as the bands played and the candy flew.

Let’s enjoy these winter temperatures as best we can, remembering always that the heat is certainly on its way. Have a great week, Miss-Lou.