With Tuesday marking the first official day of spring, let us take a moment to look back at the good news that capped off the last full week of winter.

• The Natchez Fire Department received approval to hire part-time firefighters, a move that could send the understaffed department at least some assistance. While the method is obviously an alternative to hiring full-time officers, the city showed a sense of urgency in improving public safety by allowing Fire Chief Aaron Wesley to recruit capable, experienced part-time employees.
• After months of preparation, Natchez is finally ready to receive proposals from waste companies on the city’s next trash and recycling collection contract after city aldermen voted to do so last week. Though the process has been mired by a few miscues in the initial stages, we hope leaders will be able to follow through with their promise to balance low costs with adequate services for residents.
• The streets of downtown Natchez were lined with green Saturday for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. Though both weather and the potential for new restrictions concerned parade-goers at first, but with a bit of luck, all was resolved and the parade gave locals a great opportunity to have fun.

As we leave the cold of winter behind for the vibrant aura that spring brings, we should try to not only relish in the good that happens in our community, but also try and be the bearer of good news ourselves.