Local residents made history last week, from the Mississippi Legislature to the fifth grade classroom.

Southwest Mississippi Lawmakers have been appointed to some important positions in this year’s Legislature. Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, has been tapped by peers to lead the Democratic caucus in the House. His colleague, Rep. Sam Mims, R-McComb, has been reappointed to lead the Public Health and Human Services Committee. Mims also serves on the Judiciary A Committee, which is being led by Rep. Angela Cockerham. Cockerham will lead the committee after having previously led the Judiciary B Committee in the House. We congratulate our local leaders for being entrusted with such important positions.

The Pilgrimage Garden Club celebrates 50 years at Longwood this month. The club acquired what is arguably one of the most unique houses in America on Jan. 26, 1970. Since then, the club has been good stewards of the property, taking great care to preserve the largest octagonal house in the United States for future generations.

Adams County Christian School fifth-grader Ruby Mooney knows a little bit about the Mayflower. Mooney won first place in the statewide Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. She is among the first class of students at ACCS to enter the annual competition. Her accomplishments are great examples for future ACCS writers.

Former Historic Natchez Foundation directors Ron and Mimi Miller were honored for their work last week when the foundation established the Miller Center for Historic Preservation. The new center will be the research arm of the foundation. The Millers were also honored with a key to the city from Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell. Congratulations to the Millers and all of the honorees at last week’s annual meeting of the foundation.

As we enter another week, let’s be on the lookout for more good news in our community.