CHEERS to all of the new and returning elected officeholders who were successful in the general election. Now that the campaigning is over, it’s time to get down to business.

JEERS to the fact that some needed property tax levies and bond issues were defeated on Tuesday at the polls. Local government requires financial support.

CHEERS to the Martins Ferry Elks for offering a free turkey dinner for military veterans to enjoy from 4-7 p.m. this Saturday at the Elks lodge on North Fourth Street in the Purple City.

JEERS to word that bomb threats were made at polling locations in various parts of the country on Election Day. People should be able to exercise their right to vote without fear.

CHEERS to everyone who did turn out to vote on Tuesday or who participated in some form of early voting. Regardless of how you voted, you did your part to ensure our system worked.

CHEERS to the Victorian Mansion Museum and Belmont County Historical Society for kicking off the holiday season with annual tours of the mansion on Chestnut Street in Barnesville, all decked out for the holidays.

CHEERS to voters in Belmont County for supporting the Belmont County replacement levy to provide funding for Children Services.