The azaleas are blooming and the Miss-Lou is coming to life right along with them.

Spring events are in full swing, and this time of year just makes us smile.

Let’s review some of the great news from last week.

4 Riverland Medical Center has completed recent renovations and opened its doors last week for an open house. It’s great to see any local business investing in itself and our community.

4 Terika Tillman is a Natchez High School senior with a good work ethic and thus a bright future ahead of her. Tillman, the reigning Miss Natchez High, is the school’s STAR student, works at a part-time job, keeps her grades up and even enjoys social time with friends.

4 The community gathered last week for its first regionalism luncheon of the new year. The idea of working together across city, county and state lines took hold last year and seems to be picking up speed this year.

4 Hundreds filled the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians this weekend for the annual Natchez Powwow. Among the crowd were descendants of the Natchez people who once lived in the area. It’s great to connect with that history while enjoying the modern-day Native American society as well. Thanks to Dr. Chuck Borum for his work to make this event happen and to all the other volunteers who pitch in each year.

Many more beautiful days and blooming flowers are ahead of us, and we’ll remember that with each azalea bloom we see.