CHEERS to word that Belmont County’s coffers are in good condition. That was the news commissioners and other officials heard from Auditor Cindi Henry this week.

JEERS to the continuing trend of illegal drug abuse that seems to affect people in every corner of our community. Police continue to rack up arrests of drug dealers despite the abundant information about the dangers.

CHEERS to St. Clairsville schools for limiting students’ cellphone usage this year. The policy will allow students to concentrate better on the task at hand.

JEERS to the waves of extreme weather that are leading to wildfires and floods that are claiming lives across the continent and around the globe.

CHEERS to the three candidates seeking the mayor’s office in St. Clairsville. Incumbent Kathryn Thalman faces challenges from Councilwoman Linda Jordan and resident Bill Brooks, and all of them are already active in the community. Good luck to all!

CHEERS to David Mertz on his retirement from Belmont College, where he worked for 34 years and headed up the Building Preservation/Restoration program. He deserves his new emeritus status.

CHEERS to news that ground has been broken for a new Harrison County Jail. The current facility is one of the oldest in the state and wholly inadequate.