After weeks of drought, rains passed through the Miss-Lou last week and over the weekend reducing the risk of grass and wildfires in the area. Even though the steady showers canceled the Christmas parade in Vidalia and postponed the Natchez parade until Friday the rain was a welcome sight. As we await the return of blue skies, let us take a look at some of the week’s highlights:

-The Natchez Transit System took home two top awards at the recent Mississippi Public Transit Association convention. MPTA named NTS Innovative Transit System of the Year and NTS Director Sabrena Bartley as statewide transportation director of the year.

Natchez Transit received its award for constructing the first comprehensive regional rural transportation center that will serve as a model for the state of Mississippi and beyond. NTS opened its Regional Transit Center in 2013. In recent months, other areas in the state, including the City of Tupelo have been learning more about NTS and how similar transportation systems might work in their areas.

Congratulations to Bartley and all who have helped bring rural transportation to our region and beyond.

– Two local organizations are doing their parts to help those who have served and continue to serve our country in the military.

Local non-profit Home with Heroes visited the house of Robert Foley Thursday to help the veteran with necessary repairs to his property and house. President Mark LaFrancis and other volunteers helped Foley by painting his house among other improvements as part of the Helping Hands for Veterans initiative.

Operation G.R.I.T.S. began packing hundreds of boxes with snacks, toiletries, magazines and hand-written letters to be sent soldiers who will be celebrating Christmas away from their families this year. An army of volunteers crowded Reeve’s Insurance in Vidalia to help pack and ship boxes.

Thanks to both groups for remembering the soldiers and veterans have served and continue to serve our country.

As we dry out, let us remember to always look for those who make our community special.