A Celebration of the Businesses and People Who Make Our Community Great!
Every community has businesses, organizations, and individuals who go above and beyond to serve their neighbors. They are the places we recommend to friends, the professionals we trust with our families, and the local establishments that make our hometown special.
That is why we are so proud to present this year’s Best of the Best Awards.
Unlike many recognitions, these honors are not chosen by a panel of judges— they are chosen by you. Thousands of votes from members of our community appreciation of those they serve every day.
Being named among the Top 3 is an accomplishment in itself. It represents months and years of dedication, hard work,
This special newspaper section celebrates those achievements and preserves them as a lasting record of local excellence. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting hometown businesses that invest in our neighborhoods, create jobs, sponsor local events, and strengthen our local economy.
Our Best of the Best Awards event which was held on July 9th, gave us the opportunity to gather together and recognize these deserving winners in person. It was an evening dedicated not only to announcing rankings but also to celebrating the spirit of community and the relationships that make our area such a wonderful place to live and work.
To everyone who cast a vote—thank you for participating and helping shine a spotlight on excellence in our community. To all of the nominees and winners—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
Congratulations
to the 2026 Winners!
We are honored to share your stories and celebrate your success, and we look forward to the 2027 Best of the Best Awards celebration.
SECOND
SECOND
THIRD
SWEETWATER
First
HOME*
SECOND
THIRD
SHOP
SECOND PLACE
STORE
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
STORE*
SECOND
Thank you once again for recognizing Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital’s outstanding team members, facilities and services in the 2026 Best of the Best Awards. We believe our community deserves exceptional care, and we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare close to home for our patients, family and community.
Inspire health.
Serve with compassion. Be the di erence.
SECOND
THIRD
SECOND
*ASIAN RESTAURANT*
SECOND PLACE
China Fun Buffet
THIRD PLACE
Katana Sushi & Hibachi
*BAKERY *
SECOND PLACE
Smoky Mountain Mason Jar
THIRD PLACE
Tellico Grains Bakery
SECOND PLACE
The Lazy Beagle
THIRD PLACE
VFW Post 5156
SECOND PLACE
Smokin' F BBQ & Feedlot
THIRD PLACE
Scott's Tots
Donna's Old Town Cafe Rudd's Pies & Fries
SECOND PLACE
Catering Connection
THIRD PLACE
Pizzeria Venti
SECOND PLACE
Scott's Tots
THIRD PLACE KFC
SECOND PLACE
The Soup Kitchen
THIRD PLACE Wendy's
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE Trout Mountain
SECOND
*FISH & SEAFOOD*
SECOND PLACE
The Lazy Beagle
THIRD PLACE
Captain D's
SECOND PLACE
2 Dudes BBQ & Catering
THIRD PLACE
Smokin' F BBQ & Feedlot
Sloans of Vonore Deli *FOOD TRUCK *
*FRENCH FRIES *
SECOND PLACE
Vic's Burgers
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Sweetwater Creamery
THIRD PLACE
The Lazy Beagle
SECOND
THIRD
SECOND
THIRD
THIRD PLACE The Patio Restaurant *PIZZA PLACE*
SECOND PLACE
Rudd's Pies & Fries
THIRD PLACE
Pizzeria Venti
SECOND PLACE Donna's Old Town Cafe
THIRD
THIRD PLACE The Lazy Beagle *SALAD BAR *
SECOND PLACE
*NURSING HOME*
Wood Village
SECOND PLACE
The Waters
THIRD PLACE
Madisonville Health & Rehab
*OBSTETRICS/ GYNECOLOGY OFFICE*
Sweetwater Hospital Association
BEST MEDICAL CARE
*PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE*
Chota Community Health Services
SECOND PLACE
United Primary Care
THIRD PLACE
Dr. Lawrence James (SHA)
*PEDIATRICIAN'S OFFICE *
SECOND PLACE
SHA Pediatrics
THIRD PLACE
Vonore Pediatrics
*PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC *
FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers
SECOND PLACE
SHA Physical Therapy
THIRD PLACE
Benchmark Physical Therapy
PLACE TO PURCHASE PLACE TO PURCHASE
*ANTIQUES/ COLLECTIBLES * Sweet Fannie Mae's
*APPLIANCES *
SECOND PLACE
Sweetwater Antiques
THIRD PLACE
The Primitive Mercantile
SECOND PLACE
McElhaney Appliances
THIRD PLACE
Wayne's World Used Appliances
PLACE TO PURCHASE PLACE TO PURCHASE
*TIRES*
A Plus Tire
SECOND PLACE
Jacky Jones Fast Lane
THIRD PLACE Walmart
BEST PEOPLE
*AUCTIONEER *
Brandon Presley
JD's Realty & Auction
SECOND PLACE
William Grayson, Grayson's Auction & Sales
THIRD PLACE
Bill Howe, Edmonds Realty & Auction
*VEHICLES *
Jacky Jones Ford
SECOND PLACE
East Tennessee Auto Outlet
THIRD PLACE
JV Auto Firm
*BANK TELLER *
Briana Moore
Volunteer Federal Savings Bank
SECOND PLACE
Chloe Keller, Volunteer Federal
THIRD PLACE
Samantha Mainor, Peoples Bank
*AESTHETICIAN *
Risin Harris
SECOND PLACE
Emmi Robbins, The Nail Empire
THIRD PLACE
Kimberly Giessman, The M Salon
*ATTORNEY *
SECOND PLACE
Steven Ward, Matthews & Ward
THIRD PLACE
John Carson, White, Carson & Alliman
*BARBER *
Lupita Cornejo
The M Salon & Spa
SECOND PLACE
Russell Hicks, City Barber Shop
THIRD PLACE
Edorah Dawson, Dawson Barber Shop & Salon
*BARISTA *
Madison Hadorn
Cup Runneth Over Coffeehouse BEST PEOPLE
SECOND PLACE
Brandy Gentry, Grazesome Charcuterie
THIRD PLACE
Tatum, Misfits on Main
BEST PEOPLE
*BUILDING CONTRACTOR*
Mike Best
Mike Best Contracting
SECOND PLACE
Justin Kirkland, Kirkland Construction
THIRD PLACE
Jimmy Presley, Rouse Construction
BEST PEOPLE
*COACH*
Jonathan Jones
Two Six Power & Speed
SECOND PLACE
Cassie Ferguson, TPJHS
*CAKE DECORATOR *
Lacy Griffin
Lacy's Cakes & Catering
SECOND PLACE
Shanne Garren, Smoky Mountain Mason Jar
THIRD PLACE
Kayla Kidd, Food City Bakery
BEST PEOPLE
*CONVENIENCE STORE CLERK *
Roger Harris
C&R Market
SECOND PLACE
Dianna Wallace, Sloan Center
*CAR SALESPERSON*
Ben Pina
Jacky Jones Ford
SECOND PLACE
Jeb Best, East TN Auto Outlet
THIRD PLACE
Carla Walker, Jacky Jones Ford
BEST PEOPLE
*COSMETOLOGIST *
Brandon Woodby
The M Salon & Spa
SECOND PLACE
Sheri Kerns, New Image Salon
*CHIROPRACTOR *
Dr. Jessica Smiley
Smiley Family Chiropractic
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Luke Wiggins, Revive Chiropractic
THIRD PLACE
Dr. Rob Gruenenfelder, Gruenenfelder Chiropractic
BEST PEOPLE
*DANCE INSTRUCTOR*
Elijah Sharp
Salt & Light
SECOND PLACE
Callie Upton, Stars Athletics
THIRD PLACE
Melissa Whitfield, Stars Athletics
THIRD PLACE
Danielle Teague, Tellico
THIRD PLACE
Catie Isbill, The M Salon
THIRD PLACE
Shanie Marshall, Studio 422
*DENTAL HYGIENIST * BEST PEOPLE
Abigail Simpkins
Moore Smiles
SECOND PLACE
Jessica Wiggins, Johnson Family Dentistry
THIRD PLACE
Debbie Mull, Dr. Fox's Office
Dr. Christy Moore
*ELECTED
OFFICIAL*
Phillips Spectrum Electric *DENTIST *
Moore Smiles
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Austin Johnson, Johnson Family Dental
THIRD PLACE
Dr. John Fox, John Fox DDS
Kim Estes Bivens, Register of Deeds Angie Kyle
Sweetwater City Mayor
SECOND PLACE
Marna Hull, Monroe Co. Trustee
THIRD PLACE
*ELECTRICIAN*
SECOND PLACE
Paul Chapman, TN Homes & Electric
THIRD PLACE
Chris Hutchison, Hutchison Electric
*EMS WORKER *
Travis Wade BEST PEOPLE
SECOND PLACE
Derrick Leming, Monroe Co. EMS
THIRD PLACE
Alysa Wilson, Monroe Co. EMS
Zachary Sitzler
Massey Services
SECOND PLACE
Michael Pippin, Pip's Pest Control
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Ben Coffey, SHA
THIRD PLACE
SECOND PLACE
Tolita Freeman, Edward Jones
THIRD PLACE
Kim Littreal, Volunteer Federal
Dr. Robin Harding, Chota *FINANCIAL ADVISOR*
*FIREFIGHTER * BEST PEOPLE
Derek Ingram Christianburg Fire Department
SECOND PLACE
Joshua Nelson, Sweetwater Fire Department
THIRD PLACE
Dawn Torbett, Notchey Creek VFD
BEST PEOPLE
*GENERAL PHYSICIAN*
*FITNESS INSTRUCTOR*
Jonathan Jones Two Six Power & Speed
SECOND PLACE
Adam Silvey, Step Up n Step Out, Wolves Den MMA Out
THIRD PLACE
Cheryl Wilson, Stars Athletics
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Christopher Shamblin, SHA
THIRD PLACE
Dr. William Davies, Chota
SECOND PLACE
Brandon Woodby, The M Salon
THIRD PLACE
Catie Isbill, The M Salon
*FLORIST*
Rhonda Cooley Harold Caroline's Home Floral & Gifts
SECOND PLACE
Nancy Hawkins, Sweetwater Flower Shop
THIRD PLACE
Dina Long, Caroline's Home Floral
*FUNERAL DIRECTOR*
Barry Self Biereley-Hale Funeral Home
SECOND PLACE
Lee Ann Myers, Myers Funeral Home
THIRD PLACE
Robert Jenkins, Kyker Funeral Homes
W.W. Morrow & Sons
SECOND PLACE
Mike Johnson, Custom Heat & Air
THIRD PLACE
Jason Cordell, Valley Heating & Air
BEST PEOPLE
*LAB TECHNICIAN *
Sonja Houser-Ezell
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Lacey Teague, Chota Community Health Services
THIRD PLACE
Trina Cain, Sweetwater Hospital
BEST PEOPLE
*MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR*
Adam Silvey Wolves Den Mixed Martial Arts
SECOND PLACE
Jim Umphrey, Eagle Karate
THIRD PLACE
Adam Swope, Eagle Karate
*LASH ARTIST *
Dawn Curtis Kutter's Korner
SECOND PLACE
Maria Gonzales, The M Salon
THIRD PLACE
Kimberly Giessmann, The M Salon
*LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER*
Lindsey Woods SRO, Monroe County Schools
SECOND PLACE
Kelvin Franco, Sweetwater PD
THIRD PLACE
Monroe Co. Sheriff Tommy Jones
*LOAN OFFICER*
Abby Cook Volunteer Federal Savings Bank
SECOND PLACE
Ruby McLemore, Volunteer Federal
THIRD PLACE
Jo Cagle, Peoples Bank of East TN
*MASSAGE THERAPIST*
April Wells The Massage Collective
SECOND PLACE
Miranda Cathey, Beauty for Ashes
THIRD PLACE
Riley Ritchey, Smiley Family Chiropractic
*NAIL TECHNICIAN*
Ruby Owensby The M Salon & Spa
SECOND PLACE
Kimberly Thornton, The M Salon
THIRD PLACE
Maddy Owen, The M Salon
Candi Gee
Sweetwater Urology
SECOND PLACE
Jacobi Lynn, Sweetwater Home Health
THIRD PLACE
Hannah McKee, SHA
BEST PEOPLE
*NURSE PRACTITIONER*
Jennifer McKenzie
Chota Community Health Services
SECOND PLACE
Jordan Newman, Chota
THIRD PLACE
Thomas Vance, SHA
BEST PEOPLE
*PEDIATRICIAN*
Dr. Wendy Saint Robbins
SHA Pediatrics
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Saji Gopinathan, Kidzcare Pediatrics
*OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST *
Dr. Laura Miller
Sweetwater Hospital Association
*PERSONAL TRAINER* BEST PEOPLE
Jonathan Jones
Two Six Power & Speed
SECOND PLACE
Adam Silvey, Wolves Den
THIRD PLACE
Caleb Hunter, Anytime Fitness
*OPTOMETRIST/ OPHTHALMOLOGIST*
Dr. Callie Mashburn
*PAINTER*
Sweetwater Family Eyecare Nick Broomell Imperial Painting of East TN
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Trey Sullins, Sullins Eyecare
THIRD PLACE
Dr. Tara Mullen, Walmart Vision Center in Madisonville
SECOND PLACE
Eddy Watson
THIRD PLACE
Steve Smith, Smith Brothers
*PET GROOMER*
SECOND PLACE
Sarah Wilson, Sarah's Paw Paradise
THIRD PLACE
Jordan Key, Sarah's Paw Paradise
SECOND PLACE
Bryce Joslin, Wil-Sav Drugs, Madisonville
THIRD PLACE
Hillary Harvey, Walgreens, Sweetwater
BEST PEOPLE
*PHOTOGRAPHER *
Katelin Barnes Bivens
Katelin Barnes Photography
SECOND PLACE
Brandon Johnson,
Brandon M. Johnson Photography
THIRD PLACE
Doodle Bivens, Doodle B Photography
BEST PEOPLE
*PIERCING TECHNICIAN*
Jessica McKee-Frank
The M Salon & Spa
SECOND PLACE
Adam Paramo, Pinnacle Tattoo
THIRD PLACE
Carrie Freeman, The Born Again Gypsy
*PHYSICAL THERAPIST*
Susan Atkins
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Danny Long, FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Center
THIRD PLACE
Krystal Clough, Prisma
*PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT* Cory
Sweetwater Hospital Association
*PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT*
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Jacob Gallaher, Sweetwater Hospital Association
Chris Rider
Outhouse Plumbing
SECOND PLACE
Chris Jackson, Chris Jackson Plumbing
THIRD PLACE
Jeremy, Milco Plumbing Service
*PRINCIPAL*
Brown Intermediate School
*REAL
Edmonds Realty & Auction Angie
SECOND PLACE
Casey Davis, Madisonville Primary
THIRD PLACE
Melissa Whitfield, Cross Creek Christian
SECOND PLACE
Amy Wates, Edmonds Realty & Auction
THIRD PLACE
Barbara Ratledge, East Tn Properties
*RESCUE SQUAD WORKER *
Kaity Watson
Monroe County Rescue Squad
SECOND PLACE
Mike Blankenship, Rescue Squad
THIRD PLACE
Jeremy Parrish, Rescue Squad
Renee Wood
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Josh Bowman, SHA
THIRD PLACE
Elisa Livingston, SHA
Adam Paramo
Pinnacle Tattoo Studio
SECOND PLACE
Ty Fernandez, Pinnacle Tattoo
THIRD PLACE
Greg Carrillo, Lost Souls Tattoo
Ashley Newcomb
Sweetwater Primary School
SECOND PLACE
Whitney Grubb, MPS
THIRD PLACE
Charla Hutchison, ???
Brittany Pina
Vonore Elementary School
SECOND PLACE
Heather West, SHA
THIRD PLACE
Kelsey Boring, Monroe Co. Schools
Dr. Chris Bowman
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Thomas Layman, SHA
THIRD PLACE
Dr. Ryan Layman, SHA
Monroe County Animal Hospital
SECOND PLACE
Dr. Richard Buchanan
THIRD PLACE
Dr. Kim Sharpe,
both Monroe County Animal Hospital
The Lazy Beagle Grill & Pub
SECOND PLACE
Jackie Hill, Lamppost
THIRD PLACE
Elizabeth Carpenter, Sweetwater Creamery
BEST PEOPLE
*X-RAY TECHNICIAN *
Bridget Blankenship
Sweetwater Hospital Association
SECOND PLACE
Amy Maples, Chota
THIRD PLACE
Shannon Moser, SHA
Congrats to the 2026
Best of the Best winners!
Scenes from the Best of the Best Banquet, held at Mashburn Farms on July 9th
