On Tuesday night, Patrick House might be celebrating winning a quarter-million dollars for conquering the beast with which so many Mississippians struggle daily — weight loss.

The Vicksburg resident is among the final trio competing on NBC’s prime-time show “The Biggest Loser.” Win or lose, though, House has brought tremendous national exposure to our town, which seems of late to be getting plenty of national exposure.

On Thanksgiving night, local exercise guru Linda Fondren was honored on worldwide cable channel CNN as a Top 10 Hero for her work in getting Vicksburgers in shape. Her program began with an attempt to have residents lose a combined 17,000 pounds and her walking campaign continues to be a huge hit.

House, a former football player, auditioned for “The Biggest Loser” when he tipped the scales at 412 pounds. Over six months, he lost more than 100 pounds, earning the spot in the top 3. More than 400 people crammed into the Vicksburg Convention Center last week for a viewing party. House signed autographs and took pictures with fans.

He will be in California for the live final event on Tuesday, and we can only hope he is the winner. Positive news for our community can come in many forms and thanks to two “gems” of our community, we are receiving plenty of positive news.

House will have plenty to do, still. Anyone who has fought with weight problems knows losing it is one thing, keeping it off is another. He plans to continue to spread his story and educate the community about physical fitness and weight loss.

In the fattest state in America — where it is said that “we will fry anything” — Fondren and House are doing their part to make a difference.

And the nation is recognizing their efforts.

Bravo to both of them.