CHEERS to all who turned out for a meet the candidate event in Shadyside on Tuesday. Those willing to serve, and those who want to learn about them before voting, are to be commended.

JEERS to any service disruptions that will affect local residents as the federal government shutdown in Washington, D.C., unfolds.

CHEERS to word that Youngstown State University is looking at the former Eastern Gateway Community College site as a potential satellite campus that would make college classes available in Jefferson County again.

JEERS to Ohio’s Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting for once again failing to produce a new map by the court-ordered deadline this week.

CHEERS to the Belmont County NAACP for planning its annual dinner this coming weekend, honoring several area residents and providing an informative speaker.