One day after severe weather and a possible tornado left a path of destruction through the Cloverdale area and other neighborhoods in the Miss-Lou, residents can give thanks for this one fact — no fatalities were reported amid the widespread damage.

Given the number of large trees that were felled Sunday, the number of injuries and fatalities could have been great.

As residents continue to pick up the pieces, let us all be thankful for the city and county work crews, utility workers, emergency responders and local law enforcement who helped remove downed trees, keep neighborhoods safe and ensure rescue efforts operated as smoothly as possible.

As the cleanup continues, let us remember some of the highlights from last week:

4Parents, teachers and school administrators from across the state gathered in Natchez Thursday for the 98th Mississippi PTA convention. The event featured local speakers and informative workshops to help give every child in the state a quality education. Thanks to local organizers for bringing this important conference to the Alcorn State University Natchez campus.

4Two icons from the early days of the State of Mississippi’s existence made a brief stop to Southwest Mississippi. Local residents had the opportunity to see a copy of Mississippi’s original constitution and a rare American flag with 20 stars. The exhibit by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History made its last stop at Historic Jefferson College before returning to Jackson.

4Adams County Christian School senior Hannah Jenkins is on the path to success. Voted most likely to succeed by her class and armed with a 29 on the ACT and 3.96 GPA, we know Jenkins is well on her way in college and on wherever she sets her sights.

As we enter a new week of opportunity, remember to thank those who continue to make our community great.