With fireworks, American flags and a fleet of decorated boats, area residents celebrated the Fourth of July the only way the Miss-Lou can.

In addition to the Independence Day festivities, last week’s good news gave the region many other reasons to celebrate:

4Vidalia Denim officials say they expect to start running with a full workforce of about 300 people by next February. The company has already half-filled the bottom floor of the 90,000 square-foot former Fruit of the Loom building with yarn-spinning machines and other equipment. Company CEO Dan Fiebus said he hopes production will begin slowly in September and continue to expand. The company also hopes to hire its first workers by December. Fiebus’ report adds up to a lot of good news for the community.

4The City of Natchez will unveil its newest addition to its firefighting fleet at this morning’s regular Board of Aldermen meeting. Last week, city officials provided a sneak peek of the shiny new firetruck with the latest in fire-fighting equipment and technology. The $1 million truck replaces the department’s 1991 model ladder truck. The truck is customized to act independently with its pressure pump and hose — a requirement from the Mississippi State Rating Bureau. With the new vehicle, officials hope the city will maintain a 5 rating.

4Adams County supervisors say they are ready to move forward on improvements to Morgantown Road. Adams County Attorney Scott Slover said the approximately $1.6 million project might soon be a reality after the county finally received legal permission from all of the property owners to purchase legal rights-of-way. First conceived in 2001 after the accidental death of a crossing guard, the project will widen the road and make other improvements.

As we move through another hot, summer week, let’s always be on the lookout for good news.