Best of the Best 2025

v Accountant: Allison Manes at Smith Manes Tax Services

v Aesthetician: Kylie Ball at Glow Salon

v Attorney: Lucy Dunn Hooper at Lucy Dunn Hooper, Attorney at Law

v Backhoe Operator: Shane Hemminger at Shane’s Excavating

v Bank Executive: Paige Rhodes at US Bank

v Bank Officer: Rosalind Reed at Tennessee State Bank

v Bank Teller: Darlene Walton at Commercial Bank

v Barber: Kelvin Roane at Chopped and Faded

v Boss: Alyssa Coggins at The Cruz Thru

v Business Man: Ini Budi at Milano’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

v Business Woman: Alyssa Coggins at The Cruz Thru

v Cabinet Maker: Doloris Dalton at Spicewood Cabinets

v Car Salesperson: Jonah Suggs at Cars, Trucks, & SUVs LLC

v Chiropractor: Tennessee Spine

v City Employee: Rick Gregg at Newport Street Department

v City Law Enforcement Officer: Justin Shelton at Newport Police Department

v City Politician: Louanna Ottinger at City of Newport

v Commmercial Real Estate Agent: Don Fabrikant at Country Living Realty

v Community-Involved Person: Macie Reed - Property Assessor

v Computer Tech: Brandon Thai at Jefferson Cocke County Utility District

v Consultant: Kristi Dance-Kinkead at Sylvia Grace Events & Consulting/ Kinkead Performance & Events, LLC

v County Employee: Macie Reed at Cocke County Courthouse

v County Law Enforcement Officer: Danny Ray Reece, SRO at Cocke County Sheriff’s Office

v County Politician: Sheriff C.J. Ball at Cocke County Sheriff’s Office

v Dental Assistant: Alexus Watts at Westmorland Dentistry

v Dental Hygienist: Donna Lamb at Kickliter Dental

v Dentist: Dr. Matthew Kickliter at Kickliter Dental

v Electrician: Kip Smith at NUB

v Farrier: Chase Lewis - Self Employed

v Firefighter City: Matthew Woody at Newport Fire Department

v Firefighter County: Jake Henry at Parrottsville Fire Department

v General Physician: Dr. Samuel Puckett at Newport Pediatrics

v Hairstylist: Haley Torres at My Sister’s Bliss Salon & Massage

v Handyman: Tim Cody - Self Employed

v Healthcare Worker: Lindsay Henderson at Healthstar

v Heating/Air Service Person: Johnny Williams at Accurate Heating & Air

v Heavy Equipment Operator: Rufus Ford at Newport Sand & Gravel

v Insurance Agent: Eric Varner at Eric Varner State Farm Insurance

v Jeweler: Nikki Coggins at Home Office

v Landscaper: Bryan Spencer at Spencer Lawn Care

v Loan Officer: Beth Blazer at Newport Federal Bank

v Massage Therapist: Jenny Zmich at Journey to Wellness

v Mechanic: Tommy Strange at Strange’s Eastport

v Nail Tech: Faith Ellison at Glow Salon

v Nurse: Sue Hartsell at Newport Medical Center

v Nurse Practitioner: Jennifer Eisenhower at Healthstar

v Office Manager: Vanessa Dennis at Newport Medical Center

v Optometrist: Dr. Emily Eisenhower at Vision Source

v Pastor/Preacher: Rick Clevenger at Crossroads Community Church

v Personal Trainer: Sarah Hall at East TN Muscle Gym

v Pharmacist: Justin Kickliter at Broadway & Main Pharmacy

v Pharmacy Tech: Robin Smith at Suggs Drugs

v Physical Therapist: Megan Dance Stinson at Strength & Vitality Physical Therapy Clinic

v Plumber: Mike Kyker at Kyker Plumbing

v Principal: Travis Hall at Parrottsville Elementary School

v Real Estate Agent: Karen Massey at Massey Realty

THANK

v Secretary: Rosa Sutton at Newport Grammar School

v State Politician: Jeremy Faison Tennessee State Representative

v Store Cashier: Vayda Coggins at The Cruz Thru

v Store Manager: Alyssa Coggins at The Cruz Thru

v Teacher: Sara Morrow at Newport Grammar School

v Waitress/Waiter: Ariela Holt at Wonderfully Made Coffee and More

v x-Ray Tech: Mara Coakley at Newport Medical Center

v Antiques/Collectibles: Roscoe’s Treasures

v Appliances: Jefferson Cocke County Utility District

v Asphalt/Paving: Newport Paving

v Auction Company: Goddard Real Estate & Auction

v Auto Body Repair: Strange's Custom Auto

v Auto Parts Store: Giles Auto Parts

v Auto Repair: Strange’s Custom Auto

v Bank: Newport Federal Bank

v Barber Shop: Elite Barber Studio

v Beauty Salon: Glow Salon

v Bookkeeping/Tax Service: LA Tax Services

v Bookstore: Our Place

v Bridal Formalwear: Trinkets & Treasures

v Building Supplies: Wilton Springs Hardware

v Car Dealership: Stinnett Automotive

v Car Dealership Service Department: Stinnett Automotive

v Coffee Shop: Snowbird Mountain Coffee Co.

v Concrete: Hommel Concrete

v Construction Company: Hommel Construction Co.

v Convenience Store: The Cruz thru

v Credit Union: ORNL Credit Union

v Customer Service Department: Jefferson Cocke County Utility District

v Daycare: Tiny Tots Learning Center

v Drugstore: Broadway & Main Pharmacy

v Electrical Supply: Wilton Springs Hardware

v Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Priority Ambulance First Call

v Excavating Service: Hatcreek Hauling & Excavation LLC

v Eyewear: Vision Source of Newport

v Farm/Agriculture: Shannon’s Gardens

v Finance Company: Newport Federal Bank

v Flooring Sales & Installation: Tread On Me Flooring

v Florist: Flowers by Wilma

v Formalwear: Trinkets & Treasures

v Funeral Home/Mortuary: Manes Funeral Home

v Furniture: Warehouse Furniture Liquidators

v Gas Station: AMOCO in Hartford

v Gifts: Uptown Merch

v Glass Company: S&A Glass

v Gravel/Rock: Shannon's Gardens

v Grocery Store: Food City

v Guttering: Daniel Hood Roofing Systems

v Hardware: Wilton Springs Hardware

v Hearing Aids: Professional Hearing Aid Center

v Heating/Air Conditioning: Accurate Heating & Cooling

v Home Decorating: Petals Florist

v Home Health Care: Smoky Mountain Home Health

v Home Health Care Products: Jabo’s Pharmacy

v Home Mortgage: Newport Federal Bank

v Hospice: Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice

v Hospital: Newport Medical Center

v Hunting Supply Store: Joe’s Sporting Goods

v Insurance Agency: Eric Varner State Farm Insurance Agent

v Jewelry Store: Jewelry Connection

v Landscaping Center: J.S. Lawn & Cleaning Service

v Lawn Mower Dealership: Smoky Mountain Mowers

v Maternity Care: Rural Medical Services

v Mattress Store: Warehouse Furniture

Liquidators

v Meat Department: Food City

v Monument Company: Cocke County Monument Co.

v Motel/Hotel: Best Western

v Mowing Service: Tucker Hembree Landscaping

v Nail Salon: David & Jolly

v New Business Opened 2024/2025: Simpl Cafe

v Office Supplies: Newport Printing

v Oil Changes: Newport Quick Lube

v Paint Supplies: Wilton Springs Hardware

v Pawn Shop: Peddler’s Pawn

v Pet Supplies: Animal Crackers Feed & Grain

v Pharmacy: Broadway & Main Pharmacy

v Photography Studio: Wendy Crowder Photography

v Plumbing: Kyker Plumbing

v Pool Company: Smoky Mountain Pools & Spas

v Pressure-Washing: Aaron’s Pressure Washing

v Printing Company: Newport Printing

v Produce Store: Shannon’s Gardens

v Radio Station: WLIK

v Rafting Company: Smoky Mountain Outdoor & Rafting

v Real Estate Agency: Country Living Realty

v Rehab Facility: Forks of the River Clinic

v Rental Items: Wilton Springs Hardware

v Restaurant: Big Boys Country Kitchen

v Retail Store:

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v Tanning

v Cleanest Restaurant: Big Boys Country Kitchen

v Deli: Brock’s v Desserts: Sweet Southern Charm Bakery

v Fast Food: Debbie’s Drive In v Fish & Seafood: Big Boys Country Kitchen

v Fresh Meat for Grilling: Food City East

v Friendliest Restaurant: Milano’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

v Home Cookin’: Janice’s Diner

v Hot Dogs: Bridgeport Market

v Hot Wings: Grease Rack

v Ice Cream: Debbie’s Drive In

v Lunch: Simpl Cafe

v Mexican Food: Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

v Pizza: Del PizzaRio

v Plate Lunches: Janice’s Diner

v Ribs: The Woodshed Restaurant

v Roast Beef Sandwich: Arby’s

v Salad Bar: Ruby Tuesday

v Sandwiches: Brock’s

v Seafood: Big Boys Country Kitchen

v Shakes/Malts: Debbie’s Drive In

v Steaks: The Woodshed Restaurant

v Value-for-the-Money Meal: Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

v Bargain Store: Newport Bargain Barn

v Bluegrass Band: Mountain Edge

v Business Lunch Place: Fox & Hounds

v Camping Place: Paint Creek Campground

v Cemetery: Union Cemetery

v Church: Sand Hill Church of God in Jesus Name

v Civic Club/Organization: Isaiah House

v Clothing Store: The Pink Willow

v College: Carson-Newman University

v Community Festival/Event: Rhythm on the River

v Community-Involved Business: Milano’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

v Elderly Care Facility: Wellington Manor Newport

v Fitness Center: Volunteer Fitness

v Friendliest Business: The Cruz Thru

v Hospital/Medical Facility: Newport Medical Center

v Liquor Store: The Bottle Shop

v Local Gospel Singing Group: The Smith Family

v Mobile Home Park: Morgan Rentals

v Night Spot: Fox & Hounds

v Pet Boarding: 2 Dogs & A Lady

v Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests: CJ Popadops

v Technical College: Tennessee College of Applied Technology

v Workplace (INDUSTRIAL): Phoenix Closures

v Workplace (NOT INDUSTRIAL): Jefferson Cocke County Utility District

v Wrecker/Towing Service: Evan’s Towing

About The Winners

Tread On Me Flooring

My name is Rob Carr, and my wife is Gisela. After 35 years of living in Grainger County and some in Hamblen County, we, along with our grandson Alex, decided to settle in beautiful Cocke County. Having 30 years of experience installing flooring and doing home repair, it was time to think about getting off the old knees.

We opened our store in September of 2024 to provide quality flooring of all types along with cabinets and countertops. Some faces you will see associated with us will be our son, Robert, and our assistant, Bryson McClain. We are so happy with our decision to move here. We have made wonderful new friends, found a great church, and enjoy all the wonderful things that the area offers. We are a veteran-owned small family business and look forward to serving Cocke County and the surrounding areas.

Thank you for voting us Best in Flooring Sales and Installation!

Tiny Tots

Tiny Tots Learning Center III Director Tammy James and staff are dedicated to nurturing and caring for each child in our program. Our focus is on fostering independence by providing opportunities for children to make choices and take on age-appropriate responsibilities. In addition to teaching foundational skills, we strive to create a supportive environment where children feel valued and encouraged to grow.

Dr. Emily Eisenhower-Baxter

At Vision Source of Newport we’ve been proudly caring for our community’s eyes for 75 years — and our team is here to continue that tradition of service.

Erika – With Vision Source since 2024, Erika loves helping patients find the perfect pair of glasses. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and their twin girls.

Chasity – With 8 years of experience, Chasity specializes in helping patients choose stylish frames and the right lenses. She enjoys family time and mountain drives.

Julia – Part of our team for 8 months, Julia loves helping people see the world more clearly. She enjoys cozy nights, pampering herself, and spending time with her dogs.

Stephanie – In eye care since 1996, Stephanie is passionate about finding glasses that look and feel great. She treasures family, faith, and peaceful days at the lake.

Eric Varner State Farm was established in 2007. I took over for Darius Miller who had his agency in Newport since 1957. We have continued to serve our community, and we are proud that we have continued Darius Miller’s tradition in Cocke County and the surrounding areas. I have been an agent for 18 years and will continue to serve this community as long as I can.

Dr. Emily Eisenhower-Baxter is a passionate and innovative optometrist who has dedicated her career to improving patient care and advancing the optometric profession. After graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in 2017, Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter joined a well-established primary care practice in her hometown of Newport. Recognizing the need for specialized care for patients with vision problems related to brain injuries and learning related vision problems, she launched a neuro-rehabilitation clinic within her practice in 2019. Her commitment to providing comprehensive care has made her a sought-after provider for individuals with complex visual needs.

A leader in her field, Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter has been an active member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP) for over seven years, serving on its Board of Directors and becoming the youngest president to serve the association in 2022. She completed her tenure on the TAOP Board in October 2024 but remains involved in advocacy as the Co-Legislative Chair, working to expand and protect optometric scope of practice in Tennessee. Her dedication to advancing optometry at the national level is exemplified by her recent appointment to the American Optometric Association’s Political Action Committee (AOA PAC Board) and the AOA Strategic Communications Committee in 2024.

Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter’s contributions to optometry have earned her numerous accolades. In 2023, she was named one of America’s Top 200 Eye Doctors by Newsweek. In 2022, she was recognized by Vision Monday as one of the Most Influential Women in Optometry as a Rising Star. She also received the prestigious American Optometric Association President’s Award in 2021 for her national contributions to the profession. In recognition of her leadership and dedication, Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter was honored as the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians’ Young Optometrist of the Year in 2024. She was also honored as the 2025 SECO Young Optometrist of the Year, which is given to an optometrist out of the 13 southern states for their leadership and dedication to advancing the profession.

A committed community leader, Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter serves as a Vision Source Administrator in East Tennessee, supporting independent optometrists in maintaining and growing successful practices. She also holds positions on the Board of Directors for both Newport Utilities and Newport Federal Bank. Additionally, she serves on the regional interview committee for the Roan Scholars Leadership Program at East Tennessee State University, further cementing her commitment to nurturing future leaders in the region. She was the honoree at the Cocke County Education Foundation Celebrating our Success banquet in 2025, and a scholarship has been created in her name. This honor is given to an alumni of the Cocke County School System that has achieved high degrees of success in their field.

Dr. Eisenhower-Baxter’s passion for helping others, combined with her leadership and advocacy, continues to shape the future of optometry in Tennessee and beyond.

Lindsay Hender

Lindsay Hendersonwas born and raised in Cocke County, Tennessee

She graduated from ETSU with aMSN in 2009 and came back home to serveher community and the people who helped raise her.

Lindsay initially worked at TennovaNewport Medical Center for one year as ahospitalist then transitioned into a primary care roll at Primary Care Center of Newport where she worked through 2019. In 2020, she beganworking for Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical as aprimary care provider. Being anurse practitionerwas always the goal that Iworked hard towards. Over the last 15+ years Ihavebeen blessed to work with doctors, nurses, and patients that havehelped to mold me into acompassionate and caring provider. I’m thankful to my community for the continued love, support, and confidence that they’vegiven me over the years. Lindsay is married to her husband Josh and together, they havetwo children, Tucker and Sadie.

The City of Newport Congratulates