With festive music, artificial snow, bright fireworks and Santa Claus, the holiday season kicked off with the annual Christmas tree lighting at the intersection of Main and Commerce streets Friday night.

As we look forward to a month filled with holiday cheer, let us look at some of the good news from last week:

• The Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities honored Natchez native Matilda Ogden Stephens with one of its Torchbearer Awards. Each year the state organization highlights the achievements of Mississippians who have dedicated time and effort to help citizens with developmental disabilities or illnesses. Ogden Stephens has made working with people with disabilities her passion. Her many achievements include the development of Magnolia Industries, a program that provided jobs to people with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Congratulations to Ogden Stephens for following her passion and for her important work.
• The announcement of at least 20 new jobs to the area was good news when local economic development official announced a deal to lease part of the former International Paper Company property to Netco Express. The contract includes the lease of 12 acres of property for at least $14,400 annually.
• Natchez High School sophomore Davien Watson was recently recognized for his efforts to help a local woman in distress. Watson came to Robin Kaiser’s rescue when her hip dislocated in the Walgreens parking lot last June. The 10th grader helped guide her into her car after Watson recognized Kaiser was in distress. With his grandmother, Watson followed behind Kaiser as she drove to the hospital and helped her get into the hospital with a wheelchair. Kaiser said Watson was her hero that day and is glad to know good people still exist in the world.

Let us remember thank those who continue to make our community great.