As the thermometer slowly creeps above freezing this week, let us look at some highlights from this past week.

-Thanks to firefighters from the Natchez Fire Department and volunteers from Adams County’s volunteer fire departments, a fire in one of the storage areas at the Von Drehle plant did no damage to the paper supplier’s building or equipment. Early Friday morning, firefighters responded to the fire and had it under control in a couple of hours. Von Drehle officials expressed their satisfaction with the firefighters and emergency response crews from local ambulance companies and the Red Cross. Thanks to their quick response and hard work, the emergency was far less damaging than it could have been.

-Mother Nature displayed a wide range of her abilities with everything from severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings early in the week to a weekend winter storm that covered the area with a thin blanket of sleet and ice. Despite the dangerous conditions created by both storms systems, local emergency officials reported few injuries and instances of major property damage. Thanks to the hard work of maintenance crews area bridges and roadways were covered with sand to make conditions safer for drivers.

-A group of Calvary Baptist Church members used the power of music as an outreach project. Many of the singers and musicians have performed together at the local Shrine Club’s “Big River Jamboree” on Morgantown Road. After building a stage, the group now performs a country-gospel show at the church each month. Not only do the members enjoy playing together, the outreach project, which members say fills a void in the community, provides a family atmosphere once a month.

As we look toward a week of calmer weather, let us remember to give thanks to everyone who is striving to make our community great.