CHEERS to the United States of America for celebrating yet another birthday on Thursday. Celebrations will continue throughout the weekend at communities throughout our region.

JEERS to news that U.S. 40 is closed to westbound traffic and reduced to a single lane of eastbound at the Blaine Hill Bridge. But CHEERS that officials are using an abundance of caution on the 1932 structure.

CHEERS to the White House for posthumously presenting the Medal of Honor to two local Civil War soldiers. The honor was bestowed this week.

JEERS to vandalism that caused significant damage to Shadyside High School. Officials say construction materials were tossed around the site, resulting in damage to the exterior of the structure.

CHEERS to organizers for putting on another successful Harrison County Fair in Cadiz earlier this month. Vendors on site told our reporter they always enjoy the annual event.

CHEERS to news that an effort to create a new political mapmaking system in Ohio obtained 700,000 signatures on a petition to place it on the ballot. The state’s current committee system is obviously flawed,

CHEERS to completion of a project to install lights at Bellaire’s Nelson Field. The new equipment will make all sorts of nighttime events possible.