PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 1
HAS COMPLETED ITS 25th ANNUAL BALLOT OF READERS AS TO WHOM OR WHAT THEY CONSIDER TO BE THE "BEST OF THE BEST" IN THE AREA. WINNERS OF THIS BALLOT ARE FEATURED IN TODAY'S
2024/2025
PEOPLE'S CHOICE SPECIAL SECTION THE
‘BEST OF THE BEST’ Janet Renner ➤Teacher___________________________________________________
Best People: Loretta Allen ➤Accountant_____________________________________________ L.A. Tax Employed At__________________________________________ Jaylin Pack ➤Aesthetician_____________________________________________ Cheveux Hair & Mani/Pedi Salon Employed At__________________________________________ Melissia R. Ball ➤Attorney________________________________________________ Melissia R. Ball, Attorney-At-Law Employed At__________________________________________ Roger Fish ➤Backhoe Operator_________________________________________ Fish Excavating Employed At__________________________________________ Trevor Cates ➤Bank Executive___________________________________________ First Horizon Employed At__________________________________________ Truitt Ottinger ➤Bank Officer______________________________________________ Tennessee State Bank Employed At__________________________________________ Darlene Walton ➤Bank Teller______________________________________________ Commercial Bank Employed At__________________________________________ Alex Cabrera ➤Barber_________________________________________________ Elite Barbershop Employed At__________________________________________ Macie Reed ➤Boss___________________________________________________ Cocke County Property Assessor's Office Employed At__________________________________________ Eddie Ball ➤Building Contractor________________________________________ Dennis Thornton ➤Business Man____________________________________________ Priority Pack & Ship Employed At___________________________________________ Margie Barnes ➤Business Woman_________________________________________ Cheers Bar & Grill Employed At___________________________________________ Doloris Dalton ➤Cabinet Maker___________________________________________ Employed At__________________________________________ Spicewood Cabinets Justin Hicks ➤Car Salesperson__________________________________________ Tarr Chevrolet Employed At___________________________________________ Dr. William Frost ➤Chiropractor____________________________________________ Willie Allen ➤City Employee____________________________________________ ➤City Law Enforcement Officer _______________________________ B.J. Woody Roland "Trey" Dykes III ➤City Politician____________________________________________ Don Fabrikant ➤Commercial Real Estate Agent________________________________ Country Living Realty Employed At__________________________________________ Wade Wester ➤Community-Involved Person_________________________________ Rocky Gentry ➤Computer Tech___________________________________________ Luke Bell ➤Consultant_______________________________________________ C.J. Ball ➤County Employee________________________________________ Miranda Williams ➤County Law Enforcement Officer____________________________ Shaleè McClure ➤County Politician_________________________________________ Adrienne Dennis, RDA ➤Dental Assistant__________________________________________ Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Employed At___________________________________________ Melissa King ➤Dental Hygienist__________________________________________ Newport Family Dental Employed At___________________________________________ Matthew Kickliter ➤Dentist_________________________________________________ Kip Smith ➤Electrician_______________________________________________ Smith Electric Employed At___________________________________________ Tommy Young ➤Farrier_________________________________________________ Josh Seay ➤Firefighter (City)__________________________________________ Mitch Holdway ➤Firefighter (County________________________________________ Deanie Brady ➤Furniture Salesperson_____________________________________ ➤General Physician_________________________________________ Emily Barrett ➤Hairstylist_______________________________________________ Leslie Fine Employed At___________________________________________ Final Cut Crystal Parker ➤Handyman_______________________________________________ Cindy Quinton ➤Health Care Worker_________________________________________ Family Practice Center Employed At___________________________________________ Chucky Hembree ➤Heating/Air Service Person__________________________________ Fire & Ice Heating & Air Employed At___________________________________________ Roger Fish ➤Heavy Equipment Operator__________________________________ Kimberly Ottinger ➤Insurance Agent__________________________________________ State Farm Insurance Employed At___________________________________________ Buck Wright ➤Jeweler_________________________________________________ Employed At___________________________________________ Jewelry Connection Junior Hommel ➤Land Developer___________________________________________ Hommel Concrete Employed At___________________________________________ Tucker Hembree ➤Landscaper______________________________________________ Bryan Schimming ➤Loan Officer______________________________________________ Newport Federal Bank Employed At___________________________________________ ➤Locksmith_______________________________________________ H & W Locksmith ➤Massage Therapist_________________________________________ Jenny Zmich Employed At___________________________________________ Journey To Wellness Tommy Strange ➤Mechanic_______________________________________________ Employed At___________________________________________ Strange's Eastport ➤Nail Tech________________________________________________ Tho Ly Employed At___________________________________________ Lee's Nails Lydia Smith ➤Nurse___________________________________________________ Cherokee Health Systems Employed At___________________________________________ Charlene Matthews, APN-BC ➤Nurse Practitioner_________________________________________ Class A Clinic Employed At___________________________________________ April Devotie ➤Office Manager___________________________________________ Cocke County's Sheriff's Dept. Employed At___________________________________________ Dr. Kurt Steele ➤Optometrist______________________________________________ Dr. Eric Sollenberger ➤Ophthalmologist__________________________________________ Drew Mentzger ➤Pastor/Preacher___________________________________________ English Mountain Christian Church Church Name__________________________________________ Sarah Hill ➤Personal Trainer__________________________________________ East Tennessee Muscle Gym Employed At__________________________________________ ➤Pharmacist______________________________________________ Jabo Francis Jabo's Pharmacy Employed At__________________________________________ ➤Pharmacy Tech___________________________________________ Robin Allen Employed At___________________________________________ Jabo's Pharmacy Ron Coffey ➤Principal________________________________________________ Newport Grammar School Employed At___________________________________________ Kim MIchalsen ➤Physical Therapist_________________________________________ Mike Kyker ➤Plumber________________________________________________ Kyker Plumbing Employed At__________________________________________ Donna Fabrikant ➤Real Estate Agent________________________________________ Darlene Barr ➤Secretary________________________________________________ Newport Convalescent Center Employed At___________________________________________ State Representative Jeremy Faison ➤State Politician____________________________________________ Joy Stokely ➤Store Cashier_____________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen Employed At___________________________________________ Courtney Shute ➤Store Manager____________________________________________ Max-A-Tax Employed At___________________________________________
Smoky Mountain Elementary Employed At____________________________________________ Dr. Alex Sorohan ➤Veterinarian_______________________________________________ Appalachian Veterinary Hospital Employed At____________________________________________ Amanda Walker ➤Veterinarian Tech___________________________________________ Morristown Animal Hospital Employed At____________________________________________ Macy Roberts ➤Waitress/Waiter____________________________________________ Debbie Drive-In Employed At____________________________________________ Mara Coakley ➤X-Ray Technician___________________________________________ Newport Medical Center Employed At____________________________________________
Best Business: Roscoe's Treasures ➤Antiques/Collectibles_____________________________________ Jefferson-Cocke County Utility District ➤Appliances____________________________________________ Hommel Construction ➤Asphalt/Paving_________________________________________ Goddard Real Estate & Auction Co. ➤Auction Company_______________________________________ Newport Pitstop ➤Auto Repair___________________________________________ Briggs Body Shop ➤Auto Body Repair_______________________________________
Rob Baker ➤Roofing____________________________________________ Lowland Credit Union ➤Savings Accounts____________________________________ A.S.A.P. Security Systems ➤Security Systems_____________________________________ Tom Messer Septic Tank Service ➤Septic Tank Service___________________________________ ➤Signs & Graphic Service______________________________ Sign Shop Joe's Sporting Goods ➤Sporting Goods______________________________________ Tan Easy ➤Tanning Salon_______________________________________ Strange's Eastport ➤Tire Store___________________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Tools & Supplies_______________________________________ Allen's Rebuilt Transmissions ➤Transmission Service___________________________________ Posey's Tree Trimming ➤Tree Trimming Service__________________________________ Stinnett Automotive Group ➤Truck Dealership_______________________________________ Stinnett Automotive Group ➤Truck Equipment______________________________________ Denton's Satellite ➤TV-Satellite___________________________________________ Gary's Custom Auto Upholstery ➤Upholstery Service______________________________________ Cars, Trucks & SUVs ➤Used Automobiles/Trucks________________________________ H & H Vapors ➤Vapor Shop___________________________________________ Calvin Ball ➤Vinyl Siding___________________________________________ Class A Clinic ➤Walk-In Clinic_________________________________________ Newport Tinting ➤Window Tinting________________________________________ US Cellular ➤Wireless Company______________________________________
Giles Auto Parts ➤Auto Parts_____________________________________________ Tennessee State Bank ➤Bank_________________________________________________ Elite Barbershop ➤Barber Shop___________________________________________ Cheveux ➤Beauty Salon__________________________________________ ➤Bookkeeping/Tax_______________________________________ Cinna Hembree ➤Bookstore_____________________________________________ Our Place ➤Bridal Formal Wear_____________________________________ Trinkets & Treasures Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Building Supplies_______________________________________ Audio Concepts ➤Car Stereos___________________________________________ Stinnett Automotive Group ➤Car Dealership_________________________________________ Stinnett Automotive Group ➤Car Dealership Service Dept._____________________________ Nice & Clean ➤Carpet Cleaning________________________________________ The Cruz Thru ➤Coffee Shop___________________________________________ Hommel Concrete ➤Concrete______________________________________________ Posey's Construction ➤Construction Company___________________________________ The Cruz Thru ➤Convenience Store______________________________________ Lowland Credit Union ➤Credit Union___________________________________________ Newport Utilities Board ➤Customer Service Department_____________________________ 3-D Child Care ➤Daycare_______________________________________________ Broadway & Main ➤Drugstore_____________________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Electrical Supplies_____________________________________ Priority Ambulance ➤Emergency Medical Service (EMS)_________________________ ➤Exterminating_________________________________________ Rocky Top Pest Control Vision Source ➤Eyewear_____________________________________________ Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-Op ➤Farm/Agriculture_______________________________________ Amy France / US Bancorp ➤Financial Investment Service_____________________________ Security Finance Company ➤Financing Company____________________________________ Flowers By Wilma ➤Florist_______________________________________________ Trinkets & Treasures ➤Formal Wear__________________________________________ Manes Funeral Home ➤Funeral Home_________________________________________ Ramsey Furniture ➤Furniture_____________________________________________ Weigel's ➤Gas Station__________________________________________ Roscoe's Treasures ➤Gifts________________________________________________ S&A Glass & Mirrors ➤Glass Company_______________________________________ Hommel Rock Quarry ➤Gravel/Rock__________________________________________ Hudson & Sons Greenhouses ➤Greenhouse/Shrubs/Flowers_____________________________ Food City ➤Grocery Store_________________________________________ Smoky Mountain Silencer ➤Guns and Ammo________________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Hardware____________________________________________ Beltone ➤Hearing Aids__________________________________________ Accurate Heating & Air ➤Heating/Air Conditioning_________________________________ Thriving Artist Co-Op ➤Home Decorating______________________________________ Amedisys ➤Home Health Care______________________________________ Newport Federal Bank ➤Home Mortgage________________________________________ Amedisys ➤Hospice________________________________________________ Newport Medical Center ➤Hospital_______________________________________________ Joe's Sporting Goods ➤Hunting Supply Store____________________________________ Giles Auto Parts ➤Hydraulic & Industrial Supply______________________________ Kimberly Ottinger / State Farm ➤Insurance Agency________________________________________ Jewelry Connection ➤Jewelry ______________________________________________ J.S. Lawn & Cleaning Service ➤Landscaping Center_____________________________________ Foothills Wash 'N Go ➤Laundromat___________________________________________ ➤Lawn Mower Dealer_____________________________________ Smoky Mountain Mowers White Pine Marine ➤Marine Dealership______________________________________ Rural Medical Services, Inc. ➤Maternity Care__________________________________________
America's Mattress ➤Mattress Store_________________________________________ Food City ➤Meat Dept.___________________________________________ Maple Ridge Homes ➤Mobile Home Sales_____________________________________ Cocke County Monument ➤Monument Co._________________________________________ Best Western ➤Motel/Hotel____________________________________________ Rocky Top Biker Stop ➤Motorcycle Gear________________________________________ Gregg's Lawn Service ➤Mowing Service________________________________________ Q Nails ➤Nail Salon_____________________________________________ Cheers Bar & Grill ➤New Business Opened 2023/2024__________________________ Newport Printing & Office Supply, Inc. ➤Office Supplies_________________________________________ Newport Pitstop ➤Oil Changes___________________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Paint Supplies__________________________________________ Peddler's Pawn ➤Pawn Shop____________________________________________ Animal Crackers ➤Pet Supplies__________________________________________ Broadway & Main ➤Pharmacy____________________________________________ Kyker Plumbing ➤Plumbing____________________________________________ Dolphin Pools ➤Pool Company________________________________________ Scott's X-treme Soft Wash ➤Pressure-Washing_______________________________________ ➤Printing Company____________________________________ Newport Printing & Office Supply, Inc. ➤Produce Store______________________________________ Chambers Produce WLIK ➤Radio Station________________________________________ Raft USA ➤Rafting Company_____________________________________ Country Living Realty ➤Real Estate Agency___________________________________ Benchmark ➤Rehab Facility________________________________________ ➤Rental Items_______________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware ➤Restaurant_________________________________________ Monterrey Mexican Restaurant ➤Retail Store_________________________________________ Wilton Springs Hardware
Best in the Area: Backwoods Bargains ➤Best Bargain Store______________________________ English Mountain Christian Church ➤Best Church___________________________________ Factory Connection ➤Best Clothing Store______________________________ Newport Package Store ➤Best Liquor Store_______________________________ Cheers Bar & Grill ➤Best Night Spot________________________________ 2 Dogs & A Lady ➤Best Pet Boarding______________________________ Smoky Mountain Golf Course ➤Best Place To Play Golf___________________________ A Storage Place ➤Best Storage Rentals____________________________ Hartford Towing ➤Best Wrecker/Towing Service______________________ Mountain Edge ➤Bluegrass Band_________________________________ Union Cemetery ➤Cemetery_____________________________________ Kiwanis ➤Civic Club/Organization__________________________ Carson-Newman University ➤College_______________________________________ Newport Harvest Street Festival ➤Community Festival/ Event________________________ Newport Convalescent Center ➤Elderly Care Facility_____________________________ Victory Lanes ➤Family Attraction__________________________________ Newport Community Center ➤Fitness Center_________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Friendliest Business_____________________________ French Broad Outpost ➤Horse-Back Riding Ranch________________________ Newport Medical Center ➤Hospital/Medical Facility__________________________ Glory Bound ➤Local Gospel Singing Group_______________________ Maple Ridge Homes ➤Mobile Home Park_______________________________ Bush's ➤Most Community-Involved Business_________________ Fancher's Campground ➤Place To Camp Out______________________________ Fox & Hounds ➤Place To Have A Business Lunch____________________ C.J. Papadops ➤Place To Take Out Of Town Guests___________________ Jefferson-Cocke County Utility District ➤Place To Work__________________________________ Bush's ➤Plant/Industry To Work____________________________ Tennessee College of Applied Technology ➤Tech School____________________________________
Best Food: Food City ➤Bakery_________________________________________ Hillbilly's Smoky Mountain Diner ➤Barbecue_______________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Best Breakfast___________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Best Buffet______________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Best Carry-Out___________________________________ Debbie's Drive-In ➤Best Fast Food___________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Best Lunch_____________________________________ Monterrey Mexican Restaurant ➤Best Meal for The Money___________________________ Cheers Bar & Grill ➤Burgers_________________________________________ Mountain Heart Catering ➤Catering________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Chicken________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Cleanest Restaurant_______________________________ Brock's Market & Deli ➤Deli__________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Desserts________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Fish & Seafood___________________________________ Food City ➤Fresh Meat for Grilling_____________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Friendliest Restaurant______________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Home Cookin’____________________________________ Debbie's Drive-In ➤Hot Dogs________________________________________ Cheers Bar & Grill ➤Hot Wings_______________________________________ Debbie's Drive-In ➤Ice Cream_______________________________________ Monterrey Mexican Restaurant ➤Mexican Food____________________________________ Del PizzaRio ➤Pizza___________________________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Plate Lunches____________________________________ Hillbilly's Smoky Mountain Diner ➤Ribs___________________________________________ Arby's ➤Roast Beef Sandwich______________________________ Big Boys Country Kitchen ➤Salad Bar_______________________________________ Brock's Market & Deli ➤Sandwiches_____________________________________ Food City ➤Seafood________________________________________ Debbie's Drive-In ➤Shakes/Malts____________________________________ Fox & Hounds ➤Steaks__________________________________________
Due To Space Limitations And The Large Number Of People And Places Nominated, It Is Only Possible To List The Winners. The Staff Of THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK Says "Thank You" To Everyone That Voted And Made It Truly—
THE BEST OF THE BEST. We're Looking Forward To Next Year's Ballot And Remember...If You Didn't Get Chosen This Year, Next Year...
4 YOUR VOTE COUNTS!