Put down that candy! Halloween week is over, and you promised yourself you’d start the pre-holiday diet in November, right?

OK, maybe not. Still, we hope you had a treat-filled Halloween one way or the other. The Miss-Lou is filled with so many fun Halloween events these days, and the trick or treaters downtown, at Longwood and at a number of area festivals made last week a great one.

But look back on a few non-costumed events that helped us close out October with a smile.

• Gov. Bobby Jindal joined the staff of Central Louisiana Technical Community College in Ferriday for the official opening of the recently renovated and renamed school. As a community college, the school can offer basic courses and hopefully attract more locals looking to continue their educations beyond high school. The college has always been a great addition to the area, and the change in mission will only improve that relationship.
• The City of Vidalia has received grant funding for a $400,000 phase of its city park. The park is currently under construction, and the new funding will allow work to continue. The second phase will include concession stands, a spray grounds and a pond. The recreational area on the west side of Vidalia is truly going to be something to enjoy.
• Final election preparations are ongoing in Adams County and Concordia Parish. With no local candidates on the Adams County ballot, the focus is, of course on the White House. In Concordia Parish, a few important local races will also be decided. Remember, Election Day is Tuesday; go vote.

November has begun, and Thanksgiving is just right around the corner. Christmas in Natchez is a wonderful time of the year, and we know we won’t have to wait long now.