For those who waited anxiously through the Super Bowl for a glimpse of Natchez native Stevan Ridley pulling on that helmet and running onto the field, it was a bit of a disappointing night.

But it shouldn’t have been. A Natchezian was right there on the sidelines, ready to go in if needed in the nation’s biggest game. Ridley has worked hard to get to this point, and he is, after all, only a rookie. Be proud of this first step, and get ready to see him in the big game in the future.

And celebrate like a Giants fan, since the Miss-Lou was full of plenty of other good news last week too.

• Lena Mallory Martin of Vidalia won the Miss Vidalia pageant. Martin, a Cathedral student, has overcome many obstacles to face a bright future ahead. Congratulations!

• Former Master Gardeners Morris and Molly Cooper have teamed up to begin working to transform 20 acres of land on D.A. Biglane Road in Vidalia into a lush community garden. It’s a great idea, and one that can really grow.

• Natchez Fire Department firefighter David Hugg was in the right place at the right time with the right attitude and skills. And Orvis Marlow is here to tell you about it. Hugg helped save Marlow after the man suffered a heart attack recently. We are proud of our local hero for his willingness to jump in and help.

As we begin a new week, post football season, let’s look ahead to all the wonderful things we know spring will bring in the Miss-Lou.