How would you like to safely lose 72 pounds in 12 weeks? That's what

Scott Lewis (State Farm) did, and he looks terrific. Scott and his wife Julie have been on the Nutri-System for 12 weeks, and Scott says there is no down side to it. The food he is supposed to eat is sent to him with instructions to add certain items. In addition to the Nutri-System program, he and Julie walk at least a mile every morning. . . . Scott also has a fire truck for sale. He bought the surplus truck from the

Rayle Fire Department so the firemen could purchase some muchneeded equipment and now he is trying to sell the truck (no profit). So if you are in the market for a fire truck, call Scott.

I love to walk in the rain. Wednesday morning of last week when we were having that all-day rain, I was walking down South Alexander Avenue enjoying the rain. I looked across the street and there was a man who apparently enjoys the rain and the early morning, too. Louis Ricciuti was sitting on his porch in a rocking chair, with the light on, reading his paper. And I said to myself, "There's a man after my own heart." . . . Norris says we had 1.85 inch of rain that day. . . . Later that week, I discovered a lady also after my own heart. She had had a particularly frustrating day and got home late. Her husband was already sound asleep in the bed, so she turned on the television and watched back-to-back murders until after midnight.

We all had a bittersweet time of rejoicing last Friday when word came that Barton Corbin, the man accused or murdering his wife and our own Dolly Hearn, confessed that he killed both of them. I truly do not know how the Hearn family has held up during these 16 years since Dolly's death, knowing that she had not taken her own life, and hoping that somebody would listen and prove that she had not. I commend

them for their steadfastness, their graciousness, and their courage.

It's fruit basket turnover time in Washington-Wilkes. One business closes, another opens, still others change location. . . . The Fountain, owned by Deanne Crook, Doug Giles, and Derek Fountain, had its grand opening last Thursday at 21 West Robert Toombs Avenue, and it really was grand. The three owners had done a great job of renovating the old building and with the help of interior decorator Joe Barnett it really looked great. . . Around the corner and up the west side of The Square, Curves is closing its exercise facility, but keeping the one in Lincolnton open. The

Den of Antiquities down the street is moving to its new location in the Tupper-Barnett House next door to the First Baptist Church. . . . The Antique Exchange has closed out its business at the corner of Robert Toombs and Jefferson and is concentrating on The Talk of the Town which is located next door to The Fitzpatrick. . . . Tim Harris has moved his Custom Cycles to the old Wilkes Village Shopping Center behind McDonald's; and Jeff Treadwell has moved his Washington Tire and Auto Services from East Robert Toombs Avenue (the Big Man) to Tim's old shop on Lexington Avenue. . . . A bathtub repair business will be locating in the little storefront next door to Tena's. . . Vivian Walker has bought the old News-Reporter building across the alley from The Fountain, and I've not heard any plans for it. . . Valerie Jackson has opened Jackson's Maid Service. . . . Now, are you thoroughly confused?

Roy Palmer who lives at Ashford Court Apartments says it's great living in Wilkes County where you can count on a friendly face to help you. Roy had a loose battery cable on his car and he had stopped on Ashley Avenue with his hood up, trying to figure out what to do. Billy Bailey was traveling by and stopped to offer his help. (Billy had not recognized Roy before he stopped.) Both of them grew up in the Metasville community but had not seen each other in a good many years.

A couple of weeks ago, Albert Willis had a problem with his car while at Bi-Lo. He thought it was a dead battery. He walked home and he and Marlene took the jumper cables to try to get started. A young man named Matt Van Hart noticed they were having trouble and offered his help. There were more problems than anticipated and Matt stayed with them until they got the problem solved and were on their way. Albert and Marlene were most appreciative of his help.

If you like altheas, or if you just want to see something pretty, check out the beautiful althea tree in the side yard at the home of Willis and Phyllis Lindsey on North Alexander Avenue. It's perfectly shaped with graceful limbs and lots of white altheas blooming.

Carol McTier and her children, Josh, Hannah, and Paden, had a frightening experience Sunday night, September 10, when their van left the road and started rolling down an embankment. The van was totaled, but they all escaped with relatively minor injuries. The boys were released from the Emergency Room at Wills Memorial Hospital that night, but Hannah and Carol were not released from MCG until Monday. They appreciate all the help they have received.

This is homecoming week at Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School, with everything coming to a close Friday night with the crowning of the Homecoming Queen during halftime in Tiger Stadium. The parade will leave the high school at four o'clock for a trek through Downtown to Tiger Stadium. Pre-game activities begin at 7 p.m..

Remember when we used to say the Tigers are Gr-r-r-r-eat? They really were Friday night when the Tigers beat Lincoln County 3-0 in Lincolnton. Mark Tench kicked the winning field goal, but all the Tigers contributed to the win.

Saturday (September 23) is your last chance to make your reservation for Shelby's reception sponsored by the Washington Little Theater Co. at Wisteria Hall on Saturday, September 30.