CHEERS to Jacob Theaker, Belmont County’s spelling bee champ who spent this week in Washington, D.C., participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Although he did not defeat all the other spellers from across the country, he is a winner in our minds!

JEERS to word that three children were injured as a result of a collision Monday between a Jeep and an Amish buggy. We must be alert for buggies on area roads.

CHEERS to Bordas & Bordas for recognizing 14 local students for their anti-bullying efforts and their kindness to others.

JEERS to the fact that flames destroyed an apartment building and a barn in Belmont County over the holiday weekend. Fortunately, no injuries resulted in either situation, though both buildings were total losses.

CHEERS to all of the participants in Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend, from adult runners and walkers to children who dashed along the sidewalk at Heritage Port, they all helped make the events successful.

CHEERS to organizers who are bringing the annual Strawberry Festival back to the streets of Martins Ferry on Saturday. There will be food, entertainments and fun for everyone.

CHEERS to news that summer reading programs will be available at district libraries across Belmont County in the coming weeks for people of all ages.