CHEERS: to Glens Falls National Bank for an inspiring and upbeat advertisement it ran in the Press-Republican last Wednesday trumpeting the virtues of the local economy. All right, the ad was a nice addition to the newspaper's revenue stream. But that's not the reason for cheering it. The reason is that the bank proclaimed the promise in this region, naming four recent developments as evidence: the advent of the Nova Bus project with its 300-plus new jobs; the $33.5 million expansion of CVPH Medical Center now under way; a $12 million investment in a new terminal and other expansions at Plattsburgh International Airport; and the construction at Champlain Centre of a Target plus 10 shops to bolster shopping opportunities, particularly for Canadians. This is the kind of faith in the North Country that is gratifying to see, particularly from a bank, which is so integral to growth through its lending capacity. The message near the end of the ad sums up Glens Falls National's confidence in the area: "Our region's economy is in remarkable shape, and that's thanks to the character, perseverance and hard work of everyone who lives and works here. Your spirit inspires us."

JEERS: to vandals who are systematically damaging signs and trash baskets around the City of Plattsburgh. Between Sept. 2 and 26, 41 signs or baskets were bent, twisted, dislodged or taken from city streets, mostly downtown and in the Center City. The obvious suspects are college students, of course, but we resist falling into that trap. Students are not the only wayward individuals rambling around those neighborhoods. The total cost of the repairs to these items came to $1,285. That isn't going to break the bank, but it's for only three weeks out of the year. Put in a multiplier effect, and you have a significant amount of money. The curious thing is what prompts the urge to wantonly destroy property. Alcohol surely is a factor, but the lure of such destruction is inexplicable, even under the influence of intoxicants. The solution would seem to be arrest, fines ... and a letter to the parents, as suggested in an editorial in Thursday's paper. What do you suppose the parents will do when they learn Junior's gotten drunk and swiped a trash basket off a power pole in downtown Plattsburgh?

CHEERS: to Johnson's Auto Glass and Trim in Plattsburgh for a remarkable gesture toward a customer with a bad run of luck. The customer, Shannon Bartlett, a single mother of a special-needs 2-year-old with unconquerable health issues, was the victim of a recent rash of vandalism throughout the city. The back window of her car was smashed by marauding thugs, whom everyone hopes are soon apprehended and severely punished. Her insurance wasn't going to cover the $1,000 bill. She went to Johnson's for the repair, and not only did the Plattsburgh business do the job free of charge but gave her two round-trip ferry tickets so she could make it to a medical appointment. This is what is meant by a business serving its community.