When she was younger, Patsy Hope Mitchell was active, playing tennis and describing herself as "fit." Even after she was diagnosed with clinical depression and bipolar disorder, she kept exercising.

In her mind, Shannon Kuykendall always told herself she couldn't lose weight. She'd tried Weight Watchers and gym memberships and had lost 20 to 30 pounds.

There isn't much to say...Carolina was beaten by Atlanta on Sunday. They will not follow as the third team to go undefeated in regular season history of the NFL. This brings up a very important Sunday upcoming for the Panthers. Let's look at the playoff race as the final week of the season is here.

It's not every day that Santa visits Little Red School in Forest City. But some gifts, it seems, just can't wait until Christmas Eve.

That gift was the return of Jacob Alexander to Forest City. Jacob, a petroleum vehicle operator in the Army, has been deployed to Kuwait since February. It was the wish of his daughter, Aubrey, 4, for him to be home this Christmas.

Normally, a review of the year would come about this time, but since Christmas comes this week, here are some things I would like to see upcoming in the sports world. This is in random order.

The first family of Christmas might not live at the North Pole after all. Instead, they might reside right here in Rutherford County.

The Town of Rutherfordton is on its way to having a trail system that will provide opportunities for residents to get outdoors, and to potentially boost economic development.

So, if they campaign hasn't started, let's go ahead and make it official.

If Cam Newton isn't the MVP, I don't know who else it could be? Finally, Coach Jimmy Johnson saw the light on FOX NFL Sunday. Newton continues to lead an offense that doesn't give enough credit.

What if you could have someone pray for you as you run your holiday errands? What if it were as easy as ordering a meal at a fast food restaurant? One local church plans to offer drive through prayer this holiday season, and all you need to do to receive the blessing is pull up in your car.

A group of volunteers who have given their time to serve their country, now serve closer to home by providing Christmas gifts to children in need.

The Carolinas have a lot to be proud of this fall/winter sports season.

Who would have guessed that Clemson, UNC and the Carolina Panthers had a record of 36-2 on the football field at this point?

A program designed to help women undergoing cancer treatments feel better about themselves is again being offered in Rutherford County.

Cupcake Wars Championship will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maple Street Theater in Rutherfordton. The event will help to support the Arts Council, said event organizer Marsha Daves.

For the second year in a row, the Gryphons football team make the third round of the playoffs, but fall again. The effort was there, but second half turnovers doomed Thomas Jefferson in a 33-28 road loss to Community School of Davidson (12-2). Rutherford County hasn't made the fourth round of the football playoffs since 1992.

It's begun to look a lot like Christmas in Forest City, and the holiday season will officially kick off Thursday night during the Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.

"It's a tradition. People come every year and bring their families," said Amy Bridges, town planer and director of downtown development.

The Gryphons have won on defense, field position and turnovers the past two weeks and have two playoff victories as a result. Thomas Jefferson picked up their tenth win of the season and have done so in back-to-back seasons. It's the first time on school history to notch double-digits in the win column in consecutive years.

What if? What if third graders were introduced to the idea of college, well before they'd need to even think about volunteerism, GPAs and SATs.

By asking that what if several years ago, the McNair Educational Foundation created the "High School Heroes" program in elementary schools. The program is implemented by students who are in the Building Leaders class.

A variety of activities honoring those who served in the armed forces was held around Rutherford County prior to Veteran's Day on Nov. 11.

Only one team remains in the fall playoff among high school teams in the county and it's at Thomas Jefferson.

Being able to provide space for mothers and children to acclimate to a change in their lives is a goal of a new women's shelter that will be built by Grace of God Rescue Mission.

For 40 years, Marie Champion has overseen the Rutherford County Veterans Services department. On Dec. 18, she'll leave the position, but, she said, she'll never stop working to help veterans.

Three of the four football teams in Rutherford County won last week and all three will get a chance to play in the postseason, starting Friday (11/13).

The Haynes Branch Library in Henrietta officially has a new home.

Located on land that was once home to Cone Mills Haynes Plant, a grand opening/ribbon cutting is planned later this month. The new library is next door to a new Rutherford County EMS Station.

Rutherford Health Center, a Blue Ridge Community Health Services site, has expanded its offerings to the community with new dental services.

Rutherford County's 2015 Football Champion is R-S Central.

There was no doubt about last Friday's contest. R-S Central handled business and easily won 42-0 over East Rutherford. The Hilltoppers offense is peaking at the right time as they scored 28 the week before and now 42 with all six touchdowns coming on the ground against the East Rutherford.