Best of the Best winners deserve to be recognized
The votes are in and results have been released for the Standard’s annual Best of the Best contest.
Just like in previous years, the newspaper was overwhelmed with community response. Ballots came in for people and businesses from all over the county, showing the level of widespread interest we have in proclaiming who is the best.
This year, there were thousands of votes which were cast in over 100 categories. Everything from best waitress to best plumber to best nursery to best body shop had a category.
While it is by no means a scientific survey since one person could legally vote over 100 times, Best of the Best is a unique way to spotlight individuals in this community who are going beyond the call of duty.
If you take a moment to look through our special Best of the Best section included inside today’s edition, or glance over the complete list of winners on page 4-C, it’s easy to see quality people and reputable hometown businesses have been selected as the winners.
Community volunteer of the year Kay Ramsey is the perfect example. As a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Blood Assurance, Breakfast Rotary and the Lego League, there is seldom a time she is not working to help others.
You don’t have to dig too deep under the surface to discover the contributions made by Ms. Warren County Irene Fuston. She’s at the ball park in Midway five nights a week making sure everything runs smoothly – and all the bills get paid – so over 400 kids have the opportunity to play ball this summer.
That sort of dedication is tough to find. While you might find someone who is willing to give of their time once a week or once a month, Irene is there night in and night out.
And she’s not the only one. There will be dozens of other caring Warren countians who do the same thing at ball fields all across the county this summer. It just goes to show the quality of community we have.
As a pharmacist, Mr. Warren County Nestor Stewart helps people each and every day. Sure it’s his job, but he goes above and beyond the call of duty by arriving at his pharmacy at 6:30 a.m. every day. A Church of Christ preacher, Nestor also finds time to say many kind words during funeral services. Anyone who is a regular reader of the obituaries knows hardly a week goes by that Nestor isn’t asked to be an officiant during services.
Best of the Best firefighter Kevin Duncan is another prime example of a person who goes above and beyond for the benefit of others. In this day when the dangers faced by firefighters have been magnified, Duncan has worked both as a volunteer and now full time for McMinnville Fire Department.
From best high school teacher Linda King to best bus driver Billy Joe Youngblood, these are people who are contributing to Warren County and working to make it better.
It’s easy to see how these people enhance our community and make this county one of the best places to live on Earth.