A lot has happened in Lewis County and around the world (and part of Mars), over the past year.

Looking back over the past 52 weeks for 2003, several stories vie for inclusion in the top rankings. We need your assistance. Help us rate the top stories for 2003.

What stories would you rank at the top of the list?

Hands down, we'll put Mother Nature in the top position. Headlines for stories on the "Great Ice Storm of 2003" and the tornado frequently appeared on page 1. Few, if any, Lewis County residents were not affected in some way by the weather events in the first few months of '03.

Some are still putting the pieces back together. And the landscape won't be the same for a long, long time.

What other stories would you rank at the top of the list?

Would it be Steve Applegate taking the reins as Lewis County Judge Executive, Tim Underwood as Jailer, Ernie Fletcher as Governor?

Discussions about implementing an Enhanced-911 system? The implementation of mandatory trash pickup and juvenile curfew ordinances?

Improvements to Lewis County's industrial parks, McDonald's, Northern Contours expansion, water line extensions, Vanceburg Renaissance securing of grants for Downtown revitalization and preservation of the Commercial Hotel?

The continuing saga of the conviction of area "pill" doctors, continued high unemployment, plans for a lake at Vanceburg?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, the Chamber of Commerce new offices, the continuing decline of the burley tobacco program?

How 'bout that really unhappy bovine in Washington State?

Lots more happened in Lewis County. And elsewhere, last year. Let us know how you would rank the top stories. If you like, send us two lists. One for Lewis County and one for everywhere else. Or combine the, it's up to you.

A department spokesman said two burglaries were reported Wednesday afternoon.

The first was called in by Gordon McGlone after he discovered someone had broken into his residence at the mouth of Trace Creek Road.

Two other burglaries were reported December 27, one on Rock Hill Road and the other on Quicks Run Road. The spokesman said weapons were also taken in those burglaries.

Sheriff Bill Lewis is urging area residents to watch for any suspicious vehicles in their areas.

According to a Tollesboro Fire Department spokesman, the fire apparently started as a result of too many electrical cords plugged into an outlet in the front room of the two-story home of Ellen and Wayne Smith.

Tollesboro was assisted at the scene by Vanceburg and Camp Dix Fire Departments, while Mt. Carmel Fire Department stood by with equipment at the Tollesboro fire station to cover any other calls.