CHEERS to Bill Neptune of New Concord, Ohio, on his fourth claiming of the title King Pumpkin grower. Neptune’s gourd weighed in at 1,950 pounds on Wednesday evening during the unofficial start of the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.

JEERS to more cases of animal hoarding being found in the local area.

CHEERS to the opening of a new Wellsburg-Brilliant bridge that now spans the Ohio River. It opened to traffic on Thursday morning following a Wednesday celebration of its completion.

JEERS to news that Martins Ferry’s water treatment plant is in need of expensive upgrades for it to continue operating efficiently or to eventually expand to meet future demand.

CHEERS to all the first responders who helped to battle a blaze in Shadyside on Tuesday afternoon. The fire destroyed a couple’s home, but OR&W Fire Chief R.C. Fellows said no serious injuries resulted.

CHEERS to inmates at Belmont Correctional Institute for growing an enormous pumpkin to enter into the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Their gourd tipped the scale at 1,467 pounds.

CHEERS to St. Clairsville Councilwoman Beth Oprisch for asking council to consider loosening restrictions on public participation in meetings.