In less than five days, the three major incorporated areas of the Miss-Lou will begin a new era in local leadership. Voters asked for change and those changes will come Friday. As Natchez, Vidalia and Ferriday begin the countdown to inauguration of three new mayors, let’s look at some of good news of last week:

-It isn’t difficult to see that Natchez High School valedictorian Regginald Good’s hard work and planning has made his family proud. The banner between two signposts says it all. Always setting his sights to the future, Good has been working in a local pharmacy to learn about what he hopes is a future career behind the counter. Good also stays involved in local volunteer organizations. With his eyes focused on the future and hands always involved in the community, we know that success is not far away for Good.

-The City of Natchez experienced a 6-percent increase is sales tax receipts this April compared to April 2015. In fact, April’s sales tax receipts are the highest they have been since 2006. Local tourism officials credit this year’s Euro Auto Fest and other Natchez Tricentennial events for the increase and hope to see similar numbers in May. Such numbers would be a boon in a season of the year that typically sees sales tax numbers drop. Thanks to all who are helping attract more visitors — and tax dollars — to the area.

-Future leaders of the Miss-Lou met Friday to begin discussions on what it will take to move Natchez and the entire region forward. The pre-inaugural retreat for current and newly-elected aldermen was just the beginning for what will surely be long series of talks about jobs and other issues that are important to residents. Mayor-elects Darryl Grennell and Buz Craft and Adams County Board of Supervisors President Mike Lazarus all committed to moving the region forward. Let’s hope leaders stay committed after they take the oath of office and begin the hard work of leading.

As we plunge into a week focused on the future, let’s remember to give thanks to everyone who is striving to make our community great.