Edmonson County's Finest Award Winners

Several of the winners gathered for a group photo (not all winners pictured) L-R: Josh Roney- State Farm, Gale Renfro-Mid State Tile, Chalybeate Fire Chief Daniel Johnson, Patricia Sharpe (on behalf of Tommy Hodges) Gena Yoakem-Madison's Flowers, Jimmy White-Kyrock, Jeff Rich-Cee Bee, Mark Wardlow-Santa's Secret Hands, Michelle Coleman-Bank of EC, Andrea & Robbie Brantley-Patton Funeral Home, County Clerk Kevin Alexander, Kasey Alford.

Nominees and their guests gathered at Edmonson County High School tonight for the first annual "Edmonson County's Finest Awards." There were a total of 65 nominees and 20 winners. Did you vote for the winners? Check out the list below:

• Restaurant: Mis Amigos
• School: Kyrock Elementary
• Insurance Agent: Josh Roney, State Farm
• Elected Official: County Clerk Kevin Alexander
• Pharmacy: Alford's Pharmacy and Drive Thru
• Bank: Bank of Edmonson County
• Funeral Home: Patton Funeral Home
• Retail Store: Sun Valley Feed Mill
• Teacher or Administrator: Tommy Hodges
• Fire Department: Chalybeate

• New Business: Walden's BBQ
• Grocery: Cee Bee Food Store
• Non-Profit: Santa's Secret Hands
• Barber/Hair Dresser: The Late Judy Poteet
• Florist: Madison's Flowers
• Auto Repair: Hilltop Auto Service
• Lawn Care: Jeremy Spainhoward
• Contractor: Gale Renfro/Dale Renfro-Mid State Tile Company
• Food Mart: Minit Mart
• Auto Sales: Stevenson's Auto Sales

Editor Darren Doyle speaks as his family passes out awards at the first annual Edmonson County's Finest Awards.

Several Edmonson Voice staff members were also recognized for their hard work and contributions to the successful news network. Most all nominees and winners gave grateful remarks.

"I'm very proud of this," said Gale Renfro with Mid-State Tile Company as he held his plaque. "The county voted on this and I can't wait to hang this on the wall."

Josh Roney with State Farm said he thought the large turnout for the first year event was promising. "This was a great event and everyone did a great job. Thanks very much for this." 

The nominees and their guests enjoyed snacks and refreshments as they networked and fellow-shipped throughout the night. 

Editor Darren Doyle was very pleased with the event, especially for the first year. "The whole purpose of this event was to help promote Edmonson County commerce and organizations," he said. "We didn't really know what to expect or if there would even be enough interest. We were amazed at the results. We're already looking at next year, too. If everyone who took interest in this year's contest can share that with someone else, then it will only grow bigger and bigger. When we help each other, we all win."

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