Despite the constant negativity brought to us by national news stories, there was plenty of good news right here in the local area. Below is a look back at some of those positive stories.

• Loyd Star alum Dale Kimble, a basketball coach for Greene County, recently won his 600th game. Kimble has also coached men’s and women’s programs at New Augusta, Perry Central, Brookhaven and Fruitdale.

“Everyone at GCHS is so proud of Dale for reaching this historic milestone,” Greene County Principal Scott Bray said Tuesday. “It is an accomplishment that only a few coaches have ever experienced at the high school level. He has had an incredible career.”

• Area schools are graduating more seniors, with some topping the state average graduation rate of 84 percent. Mississippi School of the Arts led the way, with Lawrence County close behind.

• A bill that will allow electric co-ops to offer internet service passed the Legislature this week. Cooperatives wouldn’t be required to enter the internet business and current customers wouldn’t be required to buy service.

The measure allows cooperatives to invest money, loan money or guarantee loans to affiliates, but says they can’t use revenue from electric sales to subsidize broadband.

• Lincoln County will get almost $5 million in state funding to repair or replace failing bridges. The funding is part of $250 million announced by the Mississippi Transportation Commission Tuesday.

Statewide, the approved projects will repair or replace 200 bridges, including 99 that are currently closed and another 91 that have posted weight restrictions. In Lincoln County, the following bridge projects will receive funding: Mt. Olive Road ($1,358,289); Arlington Drive SW ($1,557,846);  Lott Smith Road NW ($767,391.60); Summers Lane ($506,864); and Maple Lane SW ($727,692).

• The Rev. Eugene and Cora Edwards were grand marshals at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the grand marshals for the parade because the parade in itself is a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Cora said.

“I think this a pivotal time in our country’s history,” Eugene said. “I am honored to be chosen as one of the grand marshals for the parade, along with my wife Cora of 47 years of marriage, to celebrate the beauty and the diversity of those who live in Brookhaven.”