Best of the Best winners deserve their recognition
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 No. 1.
This year, there were thousands of votes which were cast in over 100 categories. Everything from best hamburger to best pawn shop to best pharmacy to best dry cleaners 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, it’s easy to see quality people and reputable hometown businesses have been selected as the winners.
Community volunteer of the year Peggy Bratcher is the perfect example. Through her employment and volunteer efforts, Bratcher has been dedicated to helping children in difficult situations. In some instances, these innocent children are trapped in deplorable home environments and it’s up to a third party to provide relief.
You don’t have to dig too deep under the surface to discover the contributions made by Ms. Warren County Evelyn Casey. She’s served local children for over four decades in the classroom. How she didn’t pulled all her hair out after 45 years of teaching is the first question which comes to mind. Now Casey is dedicated to helping her church, and Girl Scouts, in any way possible.
As arguably Magness Library’s most fervent supporter over the past 20 years, Mr. Warren County Marvin Campen is a big reason the library still calls downtown McMinnville home. Campen was adamant that the best place for the library was on Main Street, and it’s hard to imagine downtown without it.
In addition to his moral support, Campen assisted the library where it matters most – in the funding department. Words of encouragement can only go so far and Campen was a driving force behind some $200,000 in private donations the library collected during his 15-year tenure as board chairman.
Best of the Best chiropractor Leland Northcutt is another prime example of a person who goes above and beyond for the benefit of others. He tells his patients to call him any time if needed and has even been known to make house calls on the rare occasion patients can’t drag themselves into his office.
From best doctor Jimmie Woodlee to best high school teacher Paula Gillespie, 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.