As quickly as Natchez police can cut down on their bench warrant list, more names are added.

A large part of the work officers from that department and others in the Miss-Lou do every day is tracking down people on charges as varied as illegal possession of alcohol to murder.

Warrants for more serious crimes, of course, take precedence, but the less serious crimes make a difference. It’s tedious work, but Natchez police officers alone helped bring in nearly $350,000 last year through bench warrant arrests, and about half a million dollars is still out there.

Often we don’t realize the work that happens behind the scenes at our police and sheriff’s departments. But that work is helping our community in a lot of ways &045;&045; both through protection of our residents and money for the general fund.

Ferriday students, teachers right to be proud of hard work

The proof will be in the pudding &045;&045; in this case, in the test scores &045;&045; but Ferriday teachers and students feel like they are well prepared for the standardized tests that will be administered next month.

In fact, Ferriday Upper Elementary wrapped up its after-school tutoring early last week, allowing students a hot dog party as a break from the studying. Other schools are positive about their work as well.

The extended-hours tutoring was a unique idea, and we will soon see how it pays off in tests scores. But the positive attitude shown by teachers and administrators will likely go a long way toward that goal.