CHEERS to all the winners and others recognized at the Best of the Ohio Valley Readers’ Choice Awards, presented Wednesday evening.

JEERS to the need for schools and first responders to conduct annual “active shooter drills” to help students, staff and emergency personnel prepare for an emergency in which someone would attack a school with a firearm.

CHEERS to Eat’n Park locations for holding fundraisers to benefit children’s hospitals in their regions of operation. In St. Clairsville, a spaghetti dinner takes place 1-5 p.m. Saturday at the Kevin Barr Event Center.

JEERS to news that it will take several years to fund and perform the needed repairs to the Blaine Hill Bridge. but CHEERS to the fact that the historic bridge will be retained and restored.

CHEERS to Bellaire VFW Post 626 for achieving “All-American” status for meeting membership, fundraising and reporting goals through the larger national organization.

CHEERS to Unified Bank and Martins Ferry Volunteer Fire Department for again hosting the annual Christmas parade in the Purple City. It is a tradition for the Friday after Thanksgiving.

CHEERS to the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities for for receiving a three-year accreditation — the highest award possible.