As we ‘laissez les bons temps rouler’ — let the good times roll — this Mardi Gras, here is some of the good news from last week that we can also celebrate:

• A bill passed the Mississippi Senate that would implement stiffer penalties for convicted dog-fighting offenders. Though the bill’s proposed penalties have been made slightly less stringent than what Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, initially intended, the up to $10,000 fine and maximum 10 years imprisonment would be a nice improvement in penalty. The current maximum penalty is $5,000 and three years in prison. The bill will now go to the Mississippi House of Representatives, where it must pass both the committee and the house before potentially moving along to the governor’s desk for approval.
• Wednesday marked national signing day, as plenty of local standout athletes from various Miss-Lou schools inked their national letters of intent and use their gifts at the next level. Three Natchez High players made the leap, as KeeWayne Jones signed with Alcorn State and both EJ Woods and Shavoké Herrington signed committed to East Mississippi Community College. Cathedral standout Cedric Dunbar sign with Jackson State, while Adams County Christian School’s Cris Thompson will play both football and soccer at Jones Community College. All these athletes have earned their opportunity, and we wish them continued success at the next level.
• Concordia Parish schools received more than $500,000 in state grant monies for reading and language arts programs, which can be used toward improving literacy amongst all age groups in the school district. We hope these funds are used wisely to help performance scores of the schools most in need, as is purpose of the grant funding.

As many celebrate Fat Tuesday in advance of the Lenten season, remember to also celebrate the good that happened throughout the week.