Spring has sprung, and Natchez is in full bloom. Last week featured a host of great news including the arrival of the Bridge of Sighs on the bluff and a proposed plan celebrating the area’s unique musical roots. Let’s take a moment to review the highlights:

– Large sections of the Bridge of Sighs were put into place this week. Adding to the bluff’s already breathtaking view, the Bridge of Sighs should be completed within the next few months. The bridge, which spans Roth Hill Road, will provide a great view of the river and add to the many recreation options available in the community.

-Natchez Regional Medical Center received permission Thursday to start renovations needed to consolidate services with Natchez Community Hospital. With this consolidation, NRMC will be able to reopen its cardiac catheterization lab and significantly renovate and expand the emergency room, labor and delivery suites and the hospital’s unused fourth floor. A total of 34,000-square feet of the NRMC facility will be renovated during the project, which is expected to begin later this spring.

-Preservationist Aubrey Preston met with community members Wednesday to discuss plans for Natchez’s inclusion in the Americana Music Triangle — a travel route that would celebrate American music roots. Through promoting the area’s history — and its present — the route would recognize Natchez’s pivotal role in developing a host of music genres.

As we look forward to another full week, remember to pause and savor all the greatness the Natchez area offers.