We hope a little luck of the Irish rubbed off on you during the weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Plenty of green was seen throughout downtown Natchez for the celebration, and that green is about to get a little greener, as the first day of spring is Wednesday.

May the luck of the Irish be with us through not only the spring but also through the remainder of the year.

As we look forward toward spring, below is a look at some of the top good news items that sprung up last week in the Miss-Lou.

*Concordia Parish announced a groundbreaking ceremony would be held at 10 a.m. Thursday on a new $36 million, 61,000 square-foot hospital, consisting of 21 patient rooms and a 17,000 square-foot medical office building on U.S. 84 between Ferriday and Vidalia near Marsala Beverage Company.

The project to be funded in large part by a USDA grant has been in the planning phases for quite a while now and news of a groundbreaking date is indeed good.

*Economic development officials announced a prospect is considering locating an aquaculture farm in the area.

The project that would raise high-value ocean fish for the seafood market could mean additional jobs and another economic boost to the area.

We are keeping our fingers crossed for that prospect.

*Retiring Sen. Bob Dearing, who served as “St. Patrick,” led Saturday’s Krewe of Killarney St. Patrick’s Day parade down Main Street and to the riverfront where he ceremonially banished the snakes from Natchez.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade is a great part of the Natchez parade circuit and Dearing was a great choice to serve as St. Patrick this year.

Enjoy the week, and keep those Irish eyes smiling.