CHEERS to Belmont County Cat Stray Shun and the animal shelter for holding a special event this weekend at the Ohio Valley Mall where people can meet cats and dogs that are available for adoption.

JEERS to the ongoing series of waterline breaks that are plaguing communities across the region. From Belmont to Martins Ferry to Weirton, water systems are suffering the effects of winter weather.

CHEERS to the workers who turn out at all hours of the day and night to repair those water breaks and keep the water flowing to residents and businesses.

JEERS to the fact that house fires are more common at this time of year and have affected families from Barnesville to Martins Ferry. Several homes have been lost to fires in recent weeks.

CHEERS to the firefighters, both paid and volunteer, who have fought to save those homes and the lives within them. Although a few pets have been lost, no people have been seriously injured as a result of these blazes.