As a new year dawns, people across Lawrence County are keeping up the time- honored tradition of making New Year's resolutions.

Because people often choose idealistic changes that can be difficult to achieve, very few people actually fulfill their plan. Common resolutions include losing weight, eating better, exercising more, being kinder to others or giving up a bad habit.

So, what do people in the county hope to change about themselves in 2003? And, do resolutions really work?

Susan Taylor, director of Operation Be Proud, will stick to her old standby.

"I will make the same one I have made every year since 1984," she said. "To be in a size 10 for the summer.

"For two solid weeks I am gung-ho, but after that, forget it," she said. "In my mind it really is going to happen, but by Super Bowl Sunday it is usually all over with."

Donnie Townsend, owner of Hoss Cat Clothing, has an idea that will not only benefit him, but also anyone who is in his e-mail address book.

"I vow to stop forwarding spam and jokes via e-mail. It takes too much time," he said. "I do not want to lose weight because it would be a shame if a skinny guy owned a store named Hoss Cat."

Ironton resident Derek Wetter said he and his wife, will go with a traditional choice -- getting into shape.

"I'm going to work out three days a week," he said. "We joined the YMCA, so I want to make sure to make it worth the money."

However, Wetter could not remember what his resolution was last year, so his past track record does not lend itself to success, although his wife, Susan, said she will keep him on track.

Joe McCallister, city engineer in Ironton, has his planned out, but definitely cannot implement it until after the first of the year.

"This year's resolution is to quit smoking when I get my house completed," he said. "But last year's was to get the house done, and that didn't work out."

Greg White, an Ironton resident and co-owner of Roo-Barbs Cafe in the Ironton City Center, said he usually has two main resolutions, but they kind of conflict.

"I do it every year. I say I am going to quit smoking

and diet," he said "But every time I quit smoking, I just gain weight."

Members of local government got into the New Year's spirit as Mayor Tom McKnight of Coal Grove took a broad approach and decided it may be easier if he didn't try to change something about himself.

"My New Year's resolution will be to accomplish good things for the people of Coal Grove," he said.

Jesse Roberts, chairman of the Ironton City Council,

joined others and said he probably will not make a resolution.

"I usually do not make resolutions because I just end up breaking them," he said. "If anything, my resolution is to start working on my master's degree in public administration."