Fall has arrived, and we couldn’t be happier.

Cooler days, beautiful trees and the knowledge that the holidays are near make this a great time of year.

The cooler temperatures last week ushered in some more good news, though. Let’s review.

– McLaurin Elementary is working to decrease classroom interruptions while teaching students responsibility at the same time. A program utilizing student office workers who deliver messages to classrooms means the intercom can stay silent. We are glad to see the school putting students to work, too; a work ethic is perhaps the most important lesson they can learn.

– The Pilgrimage Garden Club hosted a successful Natchez Antiques Forum last week, drawing visitors from out-of-town and interest from locals as well.

– St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge hosted a special day of fun Saturday for National Wildlife Refuge Week. The weather was great, and we are happy to have the refuge right in our backyard.

– A section of U.S. 84 in Natchez, beginning at VFW Post 9573 and extending southward to the intersection at Natchez Regional Medical Center was dedicated to Sgt. Todd Partridge last week. We are glad our community can now daily pay tribute to Partridge, a local who lost his life fighting in Iraq, and his service to our country.

– Natchez is in the movie business again. Crews were at work last week filming scenes for “Rise Again.”

– A large crowd of walkers gathered Saturday for the Miss-Lou Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Thanks to those who participated; your efforts will impact families struggling with the disease.

As we celebrate fall this week, let’s be thankful for the good things happening around us.