CHEERS to the students at Union Local Elementary School for being the top fundraising group for the Operation Toy Lift effort held earlier this month at the Ohio Valley Mall.

CHEERS to all of the individuals and organizations that donated in support of Barnesville Exempted Village School District and its students in November.

CHEERS to the outgoing and incoming officeholders who have agreed to serve our communities as council members, township trustees, mayors, auditors and in many other capacities.

CHEERS to Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District for helping people put their once-live Christmas trees to good use as animal habitat following disposal.

CHEERS to Powhatan Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5565 and American Legion Post 228 for honoring deceased military veterans as part of Wreaths Across America.

CHEERS to word that lodging receipts are up in Belmont County. The money generated by those visitors using local hotels and motels goes to support additional efforts to attract tourism.

CHEERS to the Belmont and Monroe county sheriff’s department and all local law enforcement who took area children on holiday shopping sprees.