Cheers to Melissa Handke, who has been appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to serve as the district attorney for District 20. Handke, who takes over for Craig Ladd, has extensive knowledge and experience in both private practice and in the district attorney’s office. She takes office as the first female district attorney in District 20 history. Congratulations and wishing you the best in your new duties.

Cheers to the Valero as its BBQ Showdown raised $375,000 for the United Way. The event took place last week at Regional Park, drawing people Friday night for Cajun Night and another crowd Saturday for the barbecue. Valero Ardmore Refinery Plant Manager Vic Rhodes said $1.5 million has been raised over the last 10 years and almost $1 million in the last three years. The United Way will use the funds to help its 24 member organizations.

Cheers to all the football, softball and cross-country athletes who have either begun their seasons or have begun their preparations for a state title run. Competing is not always that fun in temperatures of over 100 degrees but if it was easy, everybody would do it. Good luck to area teams this year and make the most of your opportunities because it will be over before you know it.

Jeers to the mess at the Department of Education as State Superintendent Ryan Walters has engaged in conflict with Tulsa Public Schools with allegations ranging from low reading scores to the district accepting funding from China. Meanwhile The Oklahoman has reported the FBI has begun an investigation into misspent Oklahoma education funds in which a state audit indicated Walters had dropped the ball. At a time when the focus should be the start of a new school year, we have scandal with little indication anything will change during the next three years of Walters’ tenure.

— Michael Pineda