CHEERS to all the new officeholders who are taking their seats this month. From county commissions to Congress, new people are taking the reins of various entities and doing their part to serve the public.

JEERS to news that someone managed to smuggle deadly drugs into the Belmont County Jail last month. One inmate has died and others were treated.

CHEERS to Ohio lawmakers and Gov. Mike DeWine for making distracted driving a primary offense for which a driver can be pulled over. It’s high time for people to pay more attention to the road from behind the wheel.

JEERS to the extreme cold that recently caused problems for area businesses as well as for individual residents. Take a lesson from the experience and prepare better for the next round of frigid temperatures.

CHEERS to Sara Stimpert and Raymond Baker of Clarington on the birth of their son Toby Allen Baker — the first new baby of 2023 to be born locally at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.

CHEERS to word that Brookside firefighters will soon have all new turnout gear, thanks to a grant obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That $39,000 will help ensure they remain as safe as possible.

CHEERS to St. Clairsville Rotarians for hosting the Noon Year’s Eve Bash for children at the Ohio Valley Mall on Saturday allowing them to ring in 2023.