As Natchez-Adams School students head back to class this morning signalling the start of a new school year, we’d like to pause to remember some of the good news from our community last week.

– Carlisle Company’s bid to purchase Titan Tire International which operates Titan Tire of Natchez surprised us all. While the purchase still must pass federal approval, early signs indicate that it may help resolve the ongoing dispute between Titan and the United Steelworkers of America Local 303L. Only time will tell what the outcome will be, but we hope it’s a good one.

– After almost a quarter of a century in planning, discussion and controversy, officials finally broke ground on the county’s new juvenile justice facility. It’s good to finally see work being done at the site. And we know that when complete the new building will serve the Youth Court system for decades to come.

– The United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou kicked off its fund-raising campaign. Under the watchful eyes of co-chairmen Kevin Smith and Cliff Merritt, we know the campaign will be a success. But that can only happen with the entire community’s support. The United Way supports dozens of local agencies. And it does so with money that comes directly from this community.

– The Mayor announced a $5.5 million pledge from the Mississippi Department of Transportation at his annual State of the City address. The money will fund the construction of an interchange and traffic loop at the Liberty Road and Seargent S. Prentiss Drive intersection. Construction is planned to coincide with the interim terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway to be completed by 2003.

Drivers please remember to be safe this morning as school buses will be hitting the roads beginning today.

Here’s hoping you have a good week filled with good news.