‘Biggest Loser’ contestant visits Jacksonville FBC

Local News

Discussion

February 4, 2010

Progress staff reports Jacksonville Progress The Jacksonville Daily Progress Thu Feb 04, 2010, 06:40 PM CST

JACKSONVILLE — Abby Rike has quite a story to tell, and she will be at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville to do just that.

The former “The Biggest Loser” contestant will speak at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the church’s sanctuary, and the public is welcome to attend.

Rike, a former high school teacher from Canton, lost her husband, 5-year-old daughter and 2-week-old son in a fatal car wreck in October 2006.

She entered the public eye in May last year when she was chosen to compete on NBC’s reality show that features contestants competing against each other to see who can drop the most weight.

Rike weighed in at 247 pounds at the beginning of the season. She lost 46 pounds while on the “ranch.”

She then lost an additional 54 pounds at home, before the December finale.

Now at 147 pounds, she speaks at businesses, schools, churches, grief groups, and health and wellness communities about her experiences.

For information, call the church at 903-586-4844.

Text Only

Local News

Agencies gearing up for Memorial Day weekend
The school year is wrapping up, and summer is almost here, but officials have some holiday safety tips to ensure the Memorial Day weekend is safe and fun for everyone.

May 26, 2012
Street blocked for sewer work
A portion of Bolton Street was blocked off Thursday as public works crews worked to find the source of a sewer stoppage.

May 26, 2012
Fourth-graders give scholarships, learn about college
As Tomato Fest approaches, officials with West Side Elementary school will have a booth to raise money for their West Side Elementary Alumni Scholarship given to graduating seniors.

May 26, 2012
Bullard council tables website decision
The Bullard city council tabled a decision on moving forward on a project for a new website design due to a lack of information.

May 26, 2012
LMC employees receive furlough notice
All but a core minimum group of Lon Morris employees received furlough notices Wednesday morning, and college President Miles McCall handed in his letter of resignation Tuesday, officials said Wednesday.

May 23, 2012 1 Photo
JISD alters graduation requirement for pair of subjects
Seniors at Jacksonville ISD will no longer have to take technology and health as a graduation requirement.

May 23, 2012
Rusk ISD lunch prices to rise 25 cents
A rise in school lunch prices is among several changes slated for Rusk ISD cafeterias.

May 23, 2012
County boasts 'pretty good' turnout
At the half-way mark of early voting for the May 29 primary, 1,485 Cherokee County voters turned in their ballots at the polls.

May 22, 2012
Organizations provide summer lunches for students
As schools approach summer vacation, Jacksonville has four locations offering free meals to students through the Summer Food Program.

May 22, 2012
Dome homes
Within the gated community of Lakewood in Cherokee County, homes are being built, ones so unique realtors can count how many they have seen on one hand.

May 21, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines