2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
2
Greetings Newport Plain Talk Readers Welcome to the 2026 Best of The Best Winner’s Edition, as we celebrate this year’s Winner’s of our annual Best of The Best Awards. Our readers have spoken once again, and the businesses and professionals highlighted in this special publication have been deemed ‘the best’ in their respective categories. We thank everyone who participated in this special recognition. The Best of The Best readers’ choice awards is a way for Newport and Cocke County to reward, and congratulate local professionals and businesses for their excellent efforts serving their customers. And it is a way for those selected businesses and professionals to set themselves apart from others who offer similar services. Every business represented here contributes something to the fabric of our community. They create jobs, they invest here, and help support local organizations, churches, teams and families. Our readers are the local business owners, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, retired seniors, the men and women serving our government in public offices. Receiving this honor is a BIG DEAL for these winners. It’s a point of pride for those selected by readers and honored by The Newport Plain talk. In fact, you’ll see Best of The Best awards posted proudly at many businesses in the community. We know you’ll enjoy perusing this section and seeing your favorite businesses, professionals and organizations listed. When you patronize these businesses, please congratulate them on being chosen as a 2026 Best of The Best winner. They will appreciate it! Thank you to all who participated for making the 2026 Best of The Best Awards another amazing success. Congratulations to all the businesses and individuals whose hard work and dedication is making a remarkable difference in the lives of so many.
Leslie J. Magalios
Leslie J. Magalios, Advertising Director
3
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
TOM TOM Multi-Year Winner
2026
SEPTIC TANK SERVICE Voted Best Septic Tank Service Multi-Year Winner
We are truly humbled by your votes and appreciate each and every one. We take pride in serving our customers and our community, and will continue doing so with the same dedication. Thank you and God Bless
WHEN A FLUSH BEATS A FULL HOUSE! Call Tom at 423-608-9657
www.tommesserseptictankservice.com Serving Cocke and surrounding counties
Tom Messer Septic Tank Service
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
4
21 & UP Bar
Place to Entertain Guests
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant.............. Winner Monterrey Mexican Restaurant.............. Winner
Happy Hour
Taphouse
Copper Ridge Tavern & Grill..................... Winner The Neighborhood Beer House............... Winner
Place for Karaoke
Tobacco Store
Fun Time Karaoke........................................ Winner The Cruz Thru............................................... Winner
Place to Buy Beer
Wine & Liquor Store
The Cruz Thru............................................... Winner Newport Package Store............................ Winner
Stinnett Automotive Group Best Car Dealership Buy B uy From From Home Home We Deliver!
Best Truck Dealership Best Car Dealership Service Department
2026 2026
Thanks again to our valued customers for the triple honors you bestowed on us this year in the People’s Choice Awards. Your selection of us as Best Car Dealership, Best Truck Dealership, and Best Car Dealership Service Department confirms our commitment to provide you with the continued top level service in your area.
Serving The Lakeway Area For Over 50 Years 1041 W. Hwy. 25/70, Newport, TN 423-623-3021 • www.stinnettcars.com
5
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Excellence in Patient Care. Community Recognition.
2 0 26 2026
2026 Best of the Best - Physician Assistant We are proud to celebrate
Caroline McSween, PA,
whose dedication to exceptional patient care, compassion and service has earned her this well-deserved community honor.
Congratulations, Caroline, from all of us at Summit Medical Group!
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
6
ALL ABOUT PETS Boarding Kennel
Pet Grooming
2 Dogs and A Lady Pet Resort.................. Winner 2 Dogs and a Lady....................................... Winner
Veterinary Clinic Appalachian Veterinary Hospital............ Winner
AUTOMOTIVE Auto Collision Repair
Auto Parts Store
Stranges Custom Auto Inc........................ Winner Giles Auto Parts.......................................... Winner
2 0 26 2026
Hommel Construction Voted Asphalt/Paving Company & Construction Company
Best Gravel/Rock Business
Concrete
Best Concrete Business
Rock Quarry
Concrete Plant
Grading Project off Hwy 25E
Grading Project on Heritage Blvd.
Residential & Commercial Grade Work • Septic Installs • Asphalt Paving Form Pour • & Finish Concrete Thanks Again Cocke County! Folks like you make it worth while for folks like us.
• Rip Rap Stone • Drain Field Stone • Crushed Limestone • Rock Delivery 1788 Hwy 73 Newport, TN (423) 623-1633
Hwy 25/70 Newport, TN (423) 623-3365
1164 Raines Rd., Newport , TN (423) 623-5362
Pick-Up or Delivery . guyjrhommelexcavating.com . Free Estimates
7
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Newport Medical Center
Newport Convalescent Center
423-625-2200
423-625-2195
435 Second Street Newport, TN 37821
450 College Street Newport, TN 37821
At Newport Medical Center
We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient services including:
THANK YOU, COCKE COUNTY! We are truly honored to be voted Best Nursing Home in the 2026 Best of the Best! Thank you to our residents, families, staff and community for your trust and support. Congratulations to our Best of the Best winners! Tessa McGaha Best Licensed Practical Nurse Newport Medical Center
Vanessa Dennis Best Notary Public Tennova Newport Medical Center
Thank you for voting Tennova Newport Convalescent Center Best of the Best!
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
8
New Car/Truck Dealership
Automotive Service
Eastport Exxon Tommy Strange.............. Winner Stinnett Automotive.................................. Winner
Car Dealership Service Department
Oil Change
Stinnett Automotive Service Department........ Winner Hartford Towing & Auto............................. Winner
Car Wash/Detailing
Tire Store
Tidal Wave Auto Spa.................................. Winner Hartford Towing & Auto............................. Winner
Transmission Shop
Gas Station
Bridgeport Market & Deli......................... Winner Allen’s Transmission.................................. Winner
Tommy Strange Voted Best Mechanic 15 Years In A Row
Strange’s Eastport Voted Best Tire Store Multi- a Winner Multi-Year er 2&4 Wheel Alignments Free Mounting & Rotation With Tire Purchase
F ull Service Station
. We Pump Your Gas!
Strange’s Eastport- Owner: Tommy Strange 622 East Broadway | Newport, TN 37821
(423) 623-0942
We Do All Kinds Of Repairs Open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30 Again, please accept my appreciation and sincere “thanks” for voting me best mechanic. Sometimes in the rush of business we may fail to say “thanks” to our many loyal customers. You can be sure your patronage is never taken for granted at Strange’s Eastport. - Tommy Strange - Owner
9
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Debbie’s Drive-In Voted Best
Carry-Out Hot Dogs Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Place for Lunch Sandwiches Shakes/Malts
Voted People’s Choice for 18 years in a row!
Thanks Again Cocke County!
STOP BY AND TRY OUR NEW MENU! Proud to serve this community for 30 + years 157 West Broadway Newport, TN 37821
423-613-9399
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
10
Used Car/Truck Dealership
Window Tinting
Hometown Auto.......................................... Winner Miller’s Custom Tint................................... Winner
Wrecker Service Hartford Towing.......................................... Winner
COMMUNITY College
Day Care Facility
Walters State Community College......... Winner Kiddy Corner................................................ Winner
We are truly grateful for and humbled by this recognition. Thank you to our clients and the community for your vote of confidence in our legal services.
Ben W. Hooper III- Best Attorney Campbell & Hooper- Best Law Firm
Campbell & Hooper Attorneys at Law
335 E Main St | Newport, TN 37821
423-623-3082
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
11
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
12
High School Band
Dance Studio
Newport Dance and Cheer Academy..... Winner CCHS Band................................................... Winner
Laundromat
Industry
Sonoco.......................................................... Winner HomeTowne Laundry.................................. Winner
Local Event
Event Venue
The Estate at Sweetwater Creek............ Winner Harvest Street Festival............................. Winner
Family Entertainment
Local Non-Profit
Newport Speedway.................................... Winner Isaiah 117 House of Cocke County........... Winner
Thank you for voting for us Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners • Corporate Events • Parties • Church Gatherings • Family Celebrations Custom menus for gatherings large and small
-NOW BOOKING2027
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
BEST PHARMACIST Connie Suggs Suggs’ Drugs Thank you, Cocke County, for voting us Best of the Best! We’re honored by your trust and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community every day.
13
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
14
Main Street Activity Harvest Street Festival............................. Winner
(423) 608-0700 Voted Best Heating & Air
New Business 2025-2026 Vayda’s Coffee............................................. Winner
Place for a Business Meeting
Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center.............Winner 16 Year People’s Choice Place to Work The Cruz Thru............................................... Winner Winner
Serving All Makes And Models No Trip p Or Service Chargge Industrial | Commercial | Residential
Best Funeral home 25 Years Running...
Locally owned and operated
Serving Newport and surrounding counties! EPA & ASE Certified Licensed and Insured Owned & Operated By Johnny Williams
The Funeral Directors of Manes Funeral Home Thank You Cocke County for this Honor. 363 EAST MAIN STREET, NEWPORT, TN 37821 423-623-6952 WWW.MANESFUNERALHOME.COM
15
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Place to Worship
Summer Camp
Crossroads Community Church............. Winner Cocke County 4-H Camp.......................... Winner
Radio Station
Technical College/Trade School
Recycling Center
Tourist Attraction
WLIK............................................................... Winner TCAT................................................................ Winner
Myers Diversified........................................ Winner Weaver Bend, Cherokee National Forest........Winner
Utility Company
School
Parrottsville Elementary School............ Winner JCCUD........................................................... Winner
Thank you for voting us Best Drugstore, Best Pharmacy
2 0 26 2026
Voted
Best Radio Station (423) 623-3095
97.9FM 1270AM | WLIK.net
136 E Broadway St, | Newport, TN 37821
423-720-9777
16
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
17
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
18
FITNESS & BEAUTY Barber Shop
Skin Care
Elite Barber Studio..................................... Winner Glow Salon................................................... Winner
Beauty Salon
Tanning Salon
Glow Salon................................................... Winner Tan Easy......................................................... Winner
Health & Fitness Center
Weight Loss Center
Mika Moore Yoga at Newport Community Center........ Winner Dr. Kabir Harricharan’s Office.................. Winner
Yoga Studio
Nail Salon
Glow Salon................................................... Winner Mika Moore Yoga at Newport Community Center........ Winner
Thanks for Voting The Best
Appliance Store - Building Supply Store Farm Supply & Equipment - Rental Hardware/Tool Store Over 50 Years serving Cocke County! • Equipment Rental • Water Heaters & Plumbing Supplies • Full Electrical Department • Paint Supplies • Garden Tools • Propane Tanks • Electrical Service Poles Local Deliveries
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 303 Wilton Springs Road, Newport, TN 37821 www.wiltonspringshardware.com | (423) 623-9777
Authorized Dealer
19
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
FOOD & DINING Asian Restaurant
Carry-Out
Itako............................................................... Winner Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner
Bakery
Catering
Buffet
Chicken
Sweet Southern Charm............................. Winner Mountain Heart Catering by Becky........ Winner
Milanos......................................................... Winner Big Boy’s Country Kitchen........................ Winner
Burger
Chili/Soup
Sunset Grille................................................ Winner Fox & Hounds............................................... Winner
Barbecue
Coffee Shop
The Woodshed............................................. Winner Vayda’s Coffee at The Cruz Thru............. Winner
Biscuits
Decorated Cakes
Bojangles...................................................... Winner Sweet Thangs By Jessa............................. Winner
Business Lunch Place
Deli/Subs/Sandwiches
Fox & Hounds............................................... Winner Brock’s Market............................................ Winner
Butcher Shop
Desserts
Food City Meat Department.................... Winner Sweet Southern Charm............................. Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
20
Homestyle Cooking Restaurant
Fast Food
Arby’s............................................................. Winner Big Boy’s Country Kitchen........................ Winner
Fish & Seafood Restaurant
Hot Dogs
Big Boy’s Country Kitchen........................ Winner Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
French Fries
Sunset Grille................................................ Winner Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner
Grocery Store
Italian Restaurant
Food City East............................................. Winner Milanos......................................................... Winner
The City of Newport Congratulates
We are truly honored to be voted Best Florist Shop! Thank you to our wonderful customers and community. Every order is an opportunity to help make life’s special moments even more beautiful, and we are grateful to be a part of so many of them.
Flowers byy Wilma ~B BEST EST F FLORIST LORIST S SHOP HOP ~
www.flowersbywilmanewport.com Rick Gregg
Best City Employee
Louanna Ottinger Best City Politician
Justin Vinson
Best City Law Enforcement Officer
220 E. Broadway • Newport, TN 37821 423-623-1313 . 888-793-1692
21
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Local Produce Stand
Philly Cheesesteak
Shannon’s Gardens.................................... Winner Brock’s Market............................................ Winner
Meat Department
Pizza Place
Food City....................................................... Winner Milanos......................................................... Winner
Mexican Restaurant
Place for Breakfast
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant.............. Winner Big Boy’s Country Kitchen........................ Winner
New Eatery
Place for Dinner
Rissa’s........................................................... Winner The Woodshed............................................. Winner
Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical would like to congratulate
Melissa Lamb, DNP-BC, for being voted
Best Nurse Practitioner Hours: 7:45-4:45 Mon-Fri. Located at: 121 Newport Towne Center Newport, TN 37821
(423) 532-8621
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
22
Place for Lunch
Plate Lunch
Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner Big Boy’s Country Kitchen........................ Winner
Ribs
Salad Bar
Milanos......................................................... Winner Ruby Tuesday............................................... Winner
Shakes/Malts
Sandwiches
Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner Debbie’s Drive In......................................... Winner
Steakhouse
Slushies
Sonic.............................................................. Winner The Fox and Hound..................................... Winner
Sweet Tea Milanos......................................................... Winner
Voted Best
Assisted Living Facility & Senior Living Community
Thank you so much to the contest voters for this recognition. It is an honor. I am so grateful to be your Republican nominee for State Representative and to be recognized in the Newport Plain Talk Best of the Best honors. Thank you, Cocke County!
Thank you from our family to yours!
Kenny Cody Team Wellington Manor
345 Hedrick Drive, Newport, TN 37821 (423) 613-4585
23
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
HEALTH & WELLNESS Assisted Living Facility
Drug Store/Pharmacy
Wellington Manor....................................... Winner Broadway & Main Pharmacy.................... Winner
Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
Audiology Clinic/Hearing Aids
Professional Hearing Aid Center............ Winner Saber Medical............................................. Winner
Eye Care Center/Optometrist
Chiropractic Clinic
Frost Chiropractic Center........................ Winner Vision Source of Newport......................... Winner
Dental/Orthodontic Office
Home Health Care Agency
Kickliter Dental........................................... Winner Smoky Mountain Home Health................ Winner
#1 Insurance Agency Thank You for Voting me We are honored to receive your vote of confidence. Please give us a call for all your insurance and retirement needs.
250 Heritage Blvd Newport, TN 37821
Best Insurance Agent
Lifetime Resident of Cocke County Helping Customers In this Area And surrounding Counties For Over 30 Years.
(423) 623-9071
cindy@huntinsurance19.com
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
24
Home Health Care Supplies
Maternity Care
Smoky Mountain Home Health................ Winner Rural Medical Services, Inc...................... Winner
Hospice Care Agency
Nursing Home
Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice........Winner Tennova Newport Convalescent Center.......Winner
Hospital or Clinic
Pediatric Office
Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical.........Winner Newport Pediatrics.................................... Winner
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy Office
My Sister’s Bliss Salon & Massage......... Winner Benchmark Physical Therapy...........................Winner
Thanks Again for Voting Us BEST Landscaper | Landscaping Center | Landscape & Lawncare Service
Multi - Year Winner
I really appreciate your vote. Come by and Visit us at
JS LAWN & CLEANING SERVICE
657 West Hwy. 25/70 Newport, TN 37821 . (423)237-0248
25
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Senior Living Community
Physician Office
Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical........Winner Wellington Manor....................................... Winner
Walk-in Clinic Fast Pace...................................................... Winner
HOME, FARM & GARDEN Appliance Store
Asphalt/Paving Company
Wilton Springs True Value Hardware........ Winner Hommel Construction Co......................... Winner
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST! BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST BARTENDER — CHEYENNE GIBSON We’re honored to be recognized by our friends, neighbors and customers in Cocke County.
Thank you for voting us Best Lunch Place Best Chili/Soup Best Steakhouse
Thank you for making Copper Ridge Tavern one of your favorites!
Copper Ridge Tavern Where good times and great people meet. 1015 Cosby Highway Newport, TN 37821 (423) 613-5901
https://www.copperridgegrill.com/
423-623-9161 127 FOX & HOUND WAY NEWPORT, TN 37821
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
26
Building Supply Store
Farming/Agriculture Business
Wilton Springs True Value Hardware..... Winner The Farmacy................................................. Winner
Concrete/Excavating/Gravel Service
Fencing Company
Tinker’s Excavating.................................... Winner Fannon Fencing........................................... Winner
Construction Company
Flooring/Carpet Sales & Installation
Hommell Construction Co........................ Winner Hard Knox Epoxy.................................................Winner
Duct Cleaning Service
Furniture Store
AireServ of Newport.................................. Winner Freeman’s Furniture................................... Winner
Electrician Service Kip Smith Electric....................................... Winner
Farm Supply & Equipment Rental
Timeless Hospitality Meets Unsurpassed Value
Voted Best Motel/Hotell
Wilton Springs True Value Hardware..............Winner
THANK YOU, COCKE COUNTY!
We’re honored to be voted Best of the Best in both Gift Shop and Specialty Shop!
Uptown Merch
Your local destination for unique finds & gifts.
Thank you for supporting Uptown Merch and shopping local. We couldn’t have done it without you!
. Meetings . Parties . Events . Receptions
156 Hwy 25E • Newport, TN 37821
1015 Cosby Highway - Newport, TN 37821 • 423-623-8713
Call Us For
27
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Glass Company
Heating & Air Service
S&A Glass.............................................................Winner Accurate Heating And Cool...................... Winner
Greenhouse/Nursery
Home Inspection Company
Shannon’s Gardens.................................... Winner Bastion Property Inspections.................. Winner
Handyman Service
Home Mortgage Lender
Tinker Excavating....................................... Winner Newport Federal Bank............................... Winner
Hardware/Tool Store
Landscape & Lawncare Service
Wilton Springs True Value Hardware..............Winner JS Lawn Service.......................................... Winner
Thanks Again Cocke County For Voting Us Your
#1 Tanning Salon
Tan Easy Simply the Best 327 Cosby Hwy. Newport, TN 37821
Appointment or Walk-ins welcome “Multi-Year Winner”
423-623-2116
BEST OF THE BEST 2026 VOTED BEST • CONCRETE • EXCAVATING • GRAVEL SERVICE • HANDYMAN SERVICE • BACKHOE OPERATOR When the job needs to be done right, call the Best of the Best! Thank you, Cocke County, for recognizing our hard work, quality service and commitment to getting the job done.
We’re honored to be your choice!
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
28
Pest Control Service
Landscaping Center
JS Lawn & Garden Center........................ Winner Rocky Top..............................................................Winner
Pool & Spa Company
Plumbing Service
Kyker Plumbing........................................... Winner Smoky Mountain Pools & Spas........................Winner
Pressure Washing Service
Septic Tank Service
Scott’s Extreme Soft Wash and Pressure Washing................ Winner Tom Messer Septic Tank Service....................Winner
Tree Trimming Service Tim Cody...............................................................Winner
OUTDOOR RECREATION & HOBBIES Bait & Tackle Shop
Bed & Breakfast
Joe’s Sporting Goods................................ Winner Creekwalk Inn Bed and Breakfast.......... Winner
Thank y Than you for voting ting us u Bes Best st Place to o Worship! orship!
Thanks Again, Cocke County! 2 0 26 2026
Voted d 1Deli/Subs/Sandwiches #1 Sandwiches
#
Crossroads Community Church 424 Heritage Blvd., Newport, TN 37821
BROCK’S
OPEN AIR MARKET
601 East Broadway, Newport, TN 37821
423-623-2870
Debit and Credit Cards Accepted
29
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Campground
Hunting Supply Store
Paint Creek Campground......................... Winner Joe’s Sporting Goods................................ Winner
Firearms Store
Park
Golf Course
Rafting Company
Price’s Gun Shop......................................... Winner Newport City Park...................................... Winner
Smoky Mountain Golf Course................. Winner Smoky Mountain Outdoors...................... Winner
Hotel/Motel
Sporting Goods/Outfitters
Best Western Newport Inn....................... Winner Joe’s Sporting Goods................................ Winner
Vernon Dollhopff Voted Cocke County’s #1 Locksmith
OSBY LOCKSMITH
Licensed and Insured TN. Lic. Id. 2229 and 504 How many keys are out there for your home? Eliminate the risk. Let's rekey those locks. Give me a call today. Be safer tomorrow.
865.322.2063 Office: 149 Tree Road Cosby, TN 37722
We’re honored to be voted Best Event Venue! From weddings and celebrations to special gatherings, it’s our privilege to help create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
The Estate at Sweetwater S Creek Where beautiful moments become lasting memories.
https://www.sweetwatercreek.net/
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
30
PEOPLE
All winners include the persons name and their workplace, unless they are independent
Auctioneer
Accountant Julie Fine
Josh Spurgeon Cosby High School............................................ Winner Tiger Auction.................................................... Winner
Aesthetician Kylie Ball
Backhoe Operator
Glow Salon....................................................... Winner
Tinker’s Excavation.................................... Winner
Attorney Ben Hooper
Baker Kim Suggs
Campbell & Hooper........................................... Winner Sweet Southern Charm Bakery.......................... Winner
2 0 26 2026
Thank You for voting us! 423-397-6235 | AireServ/newport
31
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Bank Officer Sara Kennedy
Business Manager Alyssa Ball
Tennessee State Bank....................................... Winner The Cruz Thru.................................................... Winner
Bank Teller Jericha Raines
Business Woman Alyssa Ball
Tennessee State Bank....................................... Winner The Cruz Thru.................................................... Winner
Barber Alex Cabrera
Cafeteria Worker Jessica Frisbee
Elite Barber Studio........................................... Winner Grassy Fork Elementary.................................... Winner
Bartender
Caterer
Cheyenne Gibson Becky Sexton-Ellison Copper Ridge Tavern......................................... Winner Mountain Heart Catering by Becky.................... Winner
Beautician Beth Cooper
Certified Nursing Assistant Sydney Ball
Blush Beauty Bar.............................................. Winner Post Acute Healthcare...................................... Winner
Boss
Chiropractor
Dr. William Frost The Cruz Thru.................................................... Winner Frost Chiropractic............................................ Winner Alyssa Ball
Business Man Rusty Giles
City Employee Rick Gregg
Giles Auto Parts................................................ Winner City of Newport................................................ Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
32
City Law Enforcement Justin Vinson
City School Teacher Sara Morrow
Newport Police Department.............................. Winner Newport Grammar School................................. Winner
County Employee
City Politician
Joe Esway Louanna Ottinger Newport City Council........................................ Winner Cocke County EMA............................................ Winner
City School Principal Dustin Morrow
County Law Enforcement Danny Reece
Newport Grammar School................................. Winner Cocke County Sheriff’s Office............................ Winner
Thank you Cocke County for voting us
Best Utility Company
COCKE COUNTY! 2 26 2026
NEWPORT
Club
FRESH BISCUITS. FRESH EGGS. NEWPORT MORNINGS. Natural, Propane Gas and Appliance Sales.
122 US Highway 25E, Newport -
(423) 623-3069
BUY BREAKFAST. EARN STAMPS. GET REWARDED. 822 COSBY HIGHWAY NEWPORT, TN 37821
33
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
County Politician Macie Reed
Electrician Kip Smith
Property Assessor............................................ Winner Newport Utilities.............................................. Winner
County School Principal Jamie Clark
Family Nurse Practitioner Melissa Lamb
Grassy Fork Elementary.................................... Winner Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical............. Winner
County School Teacher
Florist
Jennifer Shults Jill Childress Cosby............................................................... Winner Flowers in the Fork........................................... Winner
Daycare Provider Donna Guzman
Funeral Director Chris Austin
Knee High Child Care........................................ Winner Manes Funeral Home........................................ Winner
Dental Assistant Tammy Odell
Funeral Home Attendant Amy Austin
Rural Medical Services...................................... Winner Manes Funeral Home........................................ Winner
Dental Hygienist Elly Reece
HVAC Tech Johnny Williams
Kickliter Dental................................................. Winner Accurate Heating and Cooling........................... Winner
Dentist/Orthodontist
Insurance Agent
Dr. Matthew B. Kickliter Cindy Hunt Kickliter Dental................................................. Winner Hunt Insurance Solutions.................................. Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
34
Landscaper Josh Spurgeon
Mechanic Jarrett Ball
JS Lawn & Cleaning Service.............................. Winner ICC Motorsports............................................... Winner
Librarian April Smith
Grassy Fork Elementary.................................... Winner
Licensed Practical Nurse Tessa Mcgaha
Musician Sammy Shults.............................................. Winner
Notary Public Vanessa Dennis
Newport Medical Center................................... Winner Tennova Newport Medical Center...................... Winner
Loan Officer
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
Truitt Ottinger
Dr. Emily Eisenhower Tennessee State Bank....................................... Winner Vision Source of Newport.................................. Winner
Local Artist
Optometry/Ophthalmology Assistant
Shanon Kelley.............................................. Winner Jensen VanStratum
Vision Source of Newport.......................................... Winner
Locksmith
Pet Groomer
Vernon Dollhopf Sara Williams Cosby Locksmith.............................................. Winner The Pet S’Paw & Resort..................................... Winner
Massage Therapist Jenny Zmich
Pharmacist
Connie Suggs Journey to Wellness Therapeutic & Integrative Massage.........Winner Suggs’ Drugs.................................................... Winner
35
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Pharmacy Tech Christina Clevenger
Real Estate Agent Lisa Askew
Broadway & Main Pharmacy.............................. Winner Askew Realty.................................................... Winner
Photographer Wendy Crowder
Registered Nurse Gracie Grooms
Wendy Crowder Photography............................ Winner Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice.......... Winner
Physical Therapist Chad Ellis
School Bus Driver Clinton Shelton
Smoky Mountain Home Health.......................... Winner Grassy Fork Elementary.................................... Winner
Physician
Secretary
Dr. Kabir Harricharan
Melissa Jenkins Healthstar Physicians Premier Medical............. Winner Cosby High School............................................ Winner
Physician Assistant Caroline McSween, PA
Social Worker Cassidy Gibson
Summit Medical Group.............................................. Winner Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.........Winner
Plumber Mike Kyker
State Politician Kenny Cody
Kyker Plumbing................................................. Winner State House Candidate..................................... Winner
Radio Announcer
Store Cashier
Louanna Ottinger Vayda Coggins WNPC............................................................... Winner The Cruz Thru.................................................... Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
36
Used Car/Truck Salesperson
Store Manager
Vayda Coggins Hometown Auto Sales............................... Winner The Cruz Thru.................................................... Winner
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinarian
Michelle Finchum
Dr. Emily Ellison
Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-Op...................... Winner Appalachian Veterinary Hospital............................ Winner
Waiter/Waitress Rosie Monterray............................................. Winner
RETAIL & SHOPPING Antiques/Collectibles
Convenience Store
Roscoe’s Treasures.................................... Winner The Cruz Thru............................................... Winner
Bookstore
Custom Artwork Gallery
Our Place...................................................... Winner Bespokenly................................................... Winner
Boutique
Eyewear Store
The Pink Willow Co..................................... Winner Vision Source of Newport......................... Winner
Consignment Shop
Florist Shop
The Closet.................................................... Winner Flowers by Wilma....................................... Winner
37
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
Jewelry Store
Gift Shop
Uptown Merch............................................. Winner Jewelry Connection................................... Winner
Office Supply Store
Retail Store
Newport Printing and Office Supply...... Winner Marshalls...................................................... Winner
Sewing Store
Specialty Shop
Kelley’s Quilt Shop..................................... Winner Uptown Merch............................................. Winner
Thrift Shop
Vape Shop
Faithful Finds Thrift Store........................ Winner H&H Vapors.................................................. Winner
Women’s Clothing Store Marshalls...................................................... Winner
SERVICES Accounting/Bookkeeping/Tax Service
Bank
Smith Manes Tax............................................ Winner Tennessee State Bank.................................. Winner
Auction Company
Cell Phone Service
Goddard Real Estate & Auction.............. Winner AT&T............................................................... Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
38
Credit Union
Martial Arts School
ORNL Federal Credit Union......................... Winner Smoky Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu....... Winner
Customer Service Department
Monument Company
Tennessee State Bank............................... Winner Cocke County Monument Co...................... Winner
Finance/Loan Company Commercial Bank....................................... Winner
Notary Public Office Modern Woodmen of America................ Winner
Financial & Investment Service
Pawn Shop
Funeral Home/Cremation Service
Photography Studio
Tennessee State Bank............................... Winner Dixie Pawn....................................................... Winner
Manes Funeral Home................................. Winner Wendy Crowder Photography.................. Winner
Insurance Agency
Printing/Graphics Company
Farm Bureau Insurance............................. Winner Newport Printing........................................ Winner
Internet Service
Real Estate Agency
Newport Utilities........................................ Winner Askew Realty................................................ Winner
Law Firm
Storage Facility
Campbell & Hooper.................................... Winner R & E Storage............................................... Winner
Locksmith Service
Tattoo Studio
Cosby Locksmith........................................... Winner Pyramid 13 Tattoo........................................ Winner
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK
39
40
2026 BEST OF THE BEST - THE NEWPORT PLAIN TALK