Elections are over. Louisiana has a new state representative and the electronic voting machines are still drawing mixed reactions. Locally and nationally, the news was politics this week, but a few more good headlines filled our lives.

4With virtually no interesting races on Adams County ballots, turnout was expected to be low, very low. But a surprising 32 percent of our citizens recognized their right and duty to head to the polls Tuesday, if for no other reason that to try the new machines.

4More than 300 students are expected to participate in two Boys & Girls Clubs at local schools starting in December. The Natchez-Adams School District decided Thursday to reopen the clubs after temporarily closing them to evaluate their effectiveness.

The district has a responsibility to make sure academics come first, but parents, students and visitors have known the value of the clubs for years. And all parties will be happy to have the clubs again.

4The local United Way fundraising drive is going well, organizers say. At the halfway point through the campaign, the agency has raised about half of its goal. United Way monies touch more local projects than any other single fundraiser.

The weeks to come are sure to bring a heap of holiday news. Let&8217;s close out the year on a high note.