CHEERS to James Delman, retired Sunset Heights fire chief who received the Distinguished Service Award on Thursday from the Ohio Fire Marshal and Division of EMS during a ceremony in Columbus.

JEERS to the extent of flood damage in Belmont and Monroe counties. Assessments put Belmont County’s damage cost estimate at $15,7 million and Monroe’s at $13 million.

CHEERS to Tri-County Help Center for raising awareness of sexual assault this month and for working to end the stigma and blaming of victims.

JEERS to word that about a quarter of Americans over age 50 never expect to be able to retire. A national survey found that one in four people in that group have no retirement savings set aside.

CHEERS to Robert Makofsky of St. Clairsville for providing “Sketchers for Cancer Research” in an effort to raise money for research that could help bring and end to the disease.

CHEERS to new that bids for demolition of the former Belmont school are being advertised. Although the building is loved by many, extensive water damage has left it unusable.

CHEERS to Denise McBurney of Ohio Hills Health Centers for being named Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program Rookie of the Year.