More Than Open Prairie: The Best of the Western Edge showcases quality of life
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By James B. Miller, Jr. | Editor of The Dickinson Press
ach year The Dickinson Press sets out to highlight the very best of southwest North Dakota in our annual Best of the Western Edge contest. The purpose of this contest is to showcase the people and businesses that make our corner of the world a remarkable place to live, do business and flourish. The “Legendary State” is made all the more so by the Western Edge and her serene prairie paradise, kindhearted people and economic mobility. We seek in this publication to recognize the countless individuals, professionals, organizations and businesses who comprise the soul of our community and were voted on as the very best by YOU, our readers and digital members. The final numbers are in and we want to thank the 6,549 people who voted,
2 | 2025 BEST OF THE WESTERN EDGE
casting 61,104 (up 4,906 from prior year) nominations between Nov. 27 through Dec. 8, 2024. Of the nominated businesses and individuals, the top 3 (or more if there was a tie) moved onto voting held from Dec. 11 through Dec. 22, 2024, where 107,384 votes (up 14,456 from prior year) were cast and 278 (up 19 from prior year) were determined winners. Today we announce the winners of categories that run the gamut of life on the Western Edge, from the best burger and pizza, to the best healthcare professional services and Realtors, to the best retail specialties and gas stations. The winners are a selection of some of the best personal services that keep our homes in order, children educated, spirits high and communities strong.
The winners have many reasons to be proud, but not everyone can finish first. Know that it does not diminish the commitment or the effort of the countless unnamed individuals, businesses and groups who share the same passion and desire to be the best they can be every day. Each and every one who gets up each morning and pulls on their boots and goes to work and tries to be the best that they can be to make a difference in our communities are the real winners. We at The Press want to congratulate the winners and encourage everyone to take notice of the awards displayed in their place of business or employment. Our goal since the beginning has been to recognize and celebrate what was this year’s Best of the Western Edge, as voted by you. Join us today in this celebration.