Yes, it seems too hot too early. The stifling heat has been just about all anyone can think about lately, we know.

But once we step inside the air conditioning, enjoy an ice-cold glass of water and reflect, it’s easy to see the great things going on in our community.

Let’s review some of the good news last week brought us.

4 Jamie Burley is excited and ready to take on a new job as the director of the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce. Burley has experience working in the parish’s economic development office and we are excited she’ll be taking her enthusiasm to the chamber.

4 Area leaders met jointly last week to discuss the idea of marketing Natchez, Vidalia and Ferriday regionally. This kind of thinking is exactly what our area needs, and discussions are the first step.

4 The Jefferson Street United Methodist Church youth group is preparing for a summer trip to Washington, D.C. Their visit will involve mission work with the local Boys & Girls Club. The Natchez teens will have a chance to impact other lives, but we know they’ll come back changed themselves.

4 New displays touting the story of Natchez are now on display at the Visitor Reception Center. The colorful boards are eye-catching and informative. It’s important that we welcome our guests in the best way possible, and the changes at the visitors’ center are a part of this effort.

The heat likely won’t fade soon. July and August are typically the hottest months in the Miss-Lou. We all may have to work hard to stay cool and safe, but we know that these summer months will bring plenty of good news as well.