Good morning and good Monday. Although still at near record levels, the Mississippi River is cresting in Natchez, and that gives all of those in low-lying areas and behind the protective levees a sense of relief.

We pause this morning to highlight some of the good news from our community last week.

4The Natchez Tricentennial license plates arrived after months of anticipation. The special plates serve as a fundraiser for the city’s tricentennial efforts. Many thanks to those who led the effort to create the special plates and to the designer, Amanda Hargrove, whose design is featured on the license plates.

4Vidalia welcomed new Louisiana governor, John Bel Edwards. He visited to observe the flood prevention efforts, but the fact that he knows where Vidalia is on the map and chose to stop here speaks volumes about Edwards’ awareness of rural Louisiana needs.

4Delta Charter School in Ferriday recently earned improved marks on its statewide school designation. Congratulations to the school’s administration, teachers, students, parents and supporters.

We hope you have a great week filled with lots of good news, and we hope you spend some time today to reflect the civil rights work of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., for whom today’s federal holiday aims to honor.

King’s legacy, while focused on the inequalities in the segregated South, should be honored by all of those who appreciate the rights we all enjoy as Americans.