As little ghosts and goblins get ready to fill the streets looking for treats, let us pause and look at some of the good news from last week:

-For the seventh year, Operation G.R.I.T.S. is organizing local troops to donate boxes and care packages to be sent to military men and women who will not be able to spend the holidays with their families and friends. Group founder Pattie Jones and other people in the organization, whose name stands for Gifts Raised in the South, have spent nearly $40,000 in postage last few years to send the boxes overseas. Jones said the cost pales in comparison to the sacrifices soldiers make every day to defend our country. We agree, and we thank all who contribute to this important effort.

-The Natchez High School Band serenaded the new steamboat Louisiane Monday after it docked for the first time in Natchez. Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell joined other local leaders and officials from Natchez Inc. and the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce to welcome the boat and its passengers. The boat owned and operated by French America Lines will not only bring passengers, but it will employ more than 20 people from Natchez. Thanks to Natchez couple Doug and Regina Charboneau for playing an instrumental role role in bring the new boat to Natchez and to the Mississippi River.
-The competition on Broadway Street was heating up Saturday afternoon as 13 teams cooked up their best batches of chili for the annual Natchez Rotary Club Chili Cook-off. Residents were also treated to a children’s slide, root beer floats and a craft beer tent during the event. Proceeds went to the Natchez Children’s Services, which is celebrating its 200th birthday this year. Thanks to all who made the event enjoyable and successful.
As we continue to enjoy the beautiful weather and the long list of fall events in the area, let us look forward to another week of good news.