Garfield weight-loss group named first in state

A Garfield weight loss group formed in 2012 has been named as the top chapter in the state of Washington for pounds lost.

Garfield TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter No. 1545 formed last April as an offshoot from the Palouse group of the national non-profit program.

“There was a need for a TOPS group in Garfield,” said member Kathy Merry. “A lot of Garfield residents had trouble getting to Palouse, especially in the winter.”

After 14 months meeting weekly for private weigh-ins and information exchanges, the Garfield TOPS group was named in June as the state’s first losers.

“It’s quite a...