Bigger than ever!

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

A new record of 48 contestants signed up for the second annual Custer area Biggest Loser competition last Thursday at the Chronicle office. That number compares with 35 who signed up last year, indicating that the people in the Custer area are taking their health seriously and plan to do something about it. A list of all contestants is inside this week’s Western Trader, and includes each person’s picture and their goals during the six-month competition. Speaking at the initial weigh-in Jan. 29 were Allen and Kristi Scott, owner of Curves in Custer, who explained Curves’ program of weight-loss and offered handouts to all participants in the contest. Future weigh-ins will be held the last Thursday of every month. The next weigh-in will be Feb. 26 with Dr. Joy Falkenburg speaking on basic nutrition. The following month, on March 26, Dr. Jolene Falkenburg will speak on exercise and its effect on a person’s weight. Other sponsors of the Biggest Loser competition will speak at the remaining weigh-ins. As in last year’s contest, contestants must be present at every weigh-in unless they call to schedule another time to have their weight recorded.  In addition to more contestants, there are also more sponsors in this year’s contest. Sponsors include Advanced Eyecare, Hill City Cafe, First Western Bank, Lynn’s Dakotamart, Dacotah Bank, Subway, Custer Area Chamber of Commerce, Custer Liquor, Jenny’s Floral, Custer County Candy Co., Custer Fitness Center, Winner’s Circle, Dr. Custis, Curves, Evan’s Plunge, Custer County Market, Highmark Federal Credit Union, Carson Drug, Telco, Stone Hill, Black Hills Federal Credit Union and Regional Health. Prizes will be given to the top three finishers, instead of only the top loser as in last year’s contest. Kristine Reid was the winner last year, losing nearly one-fourth of her weight during the six months of the contest.