The Murray State News

BEST OF MURRAY 2015

A special publication of The Murray State News Photo by Kory Savage/The News

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Best of Murray

The News April 3, 2015

The News April 3, 2015

Best of Murray

BEST TATTOO

BEST PIZZA

My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing

By Zachary Orr

Tattoos are serious business. The personification of this idea is why Murray State voted My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing as the best place to get a tattoo. The friendly and knowledgeable staff and artists are the perfect conduit to the self-expression that body piercings and tattoos create.

My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing offers free tattoo touch-ups to its clients, as well as free after care for all their piercings. Priding itself as the largest and most well equipped

studio in the area, My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing established itself with an honest dedication to its clients as well as a strong presence on social media.

Alongside the hard work that the artists provide daily, My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ offers the largest body jewelry selection in Murray.

It also carries InkAddict merchandise as well as its own clothing line.

My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing is located at 707 S. 12 Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Appointments are available Monday and Sunday.

Matt B’s Main St. Pizza Amanda Grau

Matt B’s Main St. Pizza, located right across from the University with Main Street running between, is a local food staple.

Voted Best Pizza for the 14th time, Matt B’s continues to bring America’s favorite Italian food to Murray.

Randy Fraliex, manager and Murray State junior from Eddyville, Ky., said Matt B’s pizza could be categorized as New York style pizza.

The secret to its success?

“It’s the atmosphere,” Fraliex said.

“It takes a certain kind of person to work here.”

Matt B’s also maintains a high quality of pizza for its customers, he said. The pizza doesn’t just look good – it tastes good too.

“If something’s not to our standard, we’ll toss it,” Fraliex said. “If it doesn’t look right, we’ll throw it out. People know they’re getting a high-quality product.”

Matt B’s is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sundays. They serve breadsticks, salads, spaghetti, calzones and, of course, pizza.

Hannah Fowl/The News

My Reality Tattoo ‘n’ Piercing was chosen for best place to get a tattoo.

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Hannah Fowl/The News

Matt B’s Main St. Pizza has won best pizza 14 times over the last 16 years.

Thank you again for voting us “Best of Murray” 9 years in a row!

The News

Best of Murray

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April 3, 2015

BEST HAIR SALON BEST PLACE TO LIVE ON CAMPUS Hair Ink

By Madison Wepfer

Are you in need of a pampering day at the salon? Well look no further than Best of Murray’s winner of best hair salon, Hair Ink. Not only does Hair Ink offer customers hair and salon services, it also offers nail care and waxing services. The salon prides itself on its well-trained stylists who are able to take care of women, men and children in need of an affordable new hair style.

“We do most all hair services,” said Kela Travis, owner of Hair Ink. “We are a full service salon, so we offer everything from haircuts to colors, chemicals and relaxers to nails.”

Hair Ink opened in Murray in almost six years ago and contin-

ues to be a favorite for Murray State students and Murray residents.

“We have a great balance of both (community members and students),” she said. “We really learn from the students and it’s really funny how they stay with us throughout their college career. Then we get to meet the people they know in the sororities or fraternities and they send them in also, so that’s really cool.”

Travis said it is an honor to be voted Murray’s best salon for a second year because there are so many great salons around town.

“There is a huge selection of salons in Murray, it seems like one around every corner and to be voted the best by Murray State students for a second year in a row is truly an honor,” she said.

Lee Clark Residential College

By Madison Wepfer

Lee Clark Residential College was founded in 1996 by Lee Clark, a prominent farmer and Murray State board member. The college is four stories tall and offers double rooms, suite-style living and private rooms, along with numerous study lounges and common areas.

It has been voted residential college council of the year for two years in a row, and this is its third year winning best place to live on campus.

Residential advisor Desiree Isaac said Clark is

the best place to live because of the community among residents.

“We have a strong community fostered by amazing residents who are constantly involved in college activities such as programs offered by RAs and the RCC,” Isaac said. “We have an excellent staff of student leaders who seek to improve the lives of every resident living in Clark.”

Clark offers many programs and opportunities for involvement during the school year such as Clark Stock, an event where students sign up to show off their musical talents.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A DATE Jasmine Thai and Sushi

By Madison Wepfer

Jasmine is a restaurant featuring Thai cuisine and sushi. This is their second win for best place to take a date in Best of Murray.

It also won Best Japanese Food and Sushi in Western Kentucky, according to the Paducah Sun in 2014.

According to its website, it is known in Western Kentucky for the best sushi, Thai, service, best place to bring a date and best place to have a girls’ night out.

Perhaps the reason it has been so successful the past couple of years is because of its diverse menu and restaurant ambiance.

Jasmine offers a wide variety of food from yum yum noodles to edamame. The chefs and staff at Jasmine strive to bring their customers the freshest ingredients and superior service.

The food is “inspired by culture, elegance and art,” according to the website.

The restaurant opened its doors in 2005, and four years later in 2009, they decided to open another location in Paducah, Ky.

BEST GOLF COURSE

Miller Memorial Golf Course

By Kayla McAllister

Haley Hays/The News

Hair Ink was voted best hair salon by students, faculty and staff.

Miller Memorial Golf Course boasts a classic 18-hole course comprised of two distinctive nines.

The course is par-71 and incorporates sand bunkers, water hazards and Bermuda grass. For these reasons and more, Miller Memorial was voted best golf course by Murray State students, faculty and staff.

“The outward nine is set on hilly terrain and requires pinpoint accuracy from tee to

green, whereas the inward half rewards length and accurate long iron play,” according to Miller Memorial’s website.

Located on Pottertown Road in Murray, both recreational and competitive golfers can play the traditional course, practice on one of three putting greens, work on their swings at a two-level practice tee or check out the driving range.

The facility also has golf carts, a club repair service, a snack bar and a pro shop.

“Miller Memorial is carved out of a beautiful 175 acre tract

of land donated to the MSU Foundation in 1979 by L. D. Miller, a 1937 University alumnus and prominent Murray businessman who died in 1992,” according to the course’s website.

A one-game fee, called a Green Fee, for University faculty and staff is $25, and an Annual Green Fee Pass is $550.

A Green Fee for students is $10 and the MSU Student Green Fee Pass is $125 per semester and $150 for the summer.

The News

Best of Murray

April 3, 2015

BEST PLACE TO NAP

Murr-Vegas All Stars

Waterfield Library

By Carly Besser

When it’s time to get down to business, it has decades-old university archives, microfilm converters, seemingly endless volumes and digital databases.

But when it’s time to wind down and take a nap, Waterfield Library is the prime place on campus.

Located across from the Price Doyle Fine Arts building, Waterfield is most recognizable for its concrete benches and windows that invite students to take a quick snooze.

Free earplugs, comfortable couches and the quiet upper and lower floors of Waterfield pro-

Photo Illustration by Nicole Ely/The News

Seth Dias, sophomore from Indianapolis, sleeps on a couch in Waterfield. vide the best sleeping environment for those who don’t have enough time to make it back to their own beds.

Out of the two campus libraries, Waterfield gets the most traffic, but students who want to talk are restricted to

BEST BAND

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the main floor.

Because it’s close to popular class buildings like Faculty Hall, the Fine Arts Center, Wilson Hall and the Oakley Applied Science Building, students have enough time to wake up, grab an energy drink from the library’s cafe and head to the next stop on their schedule.

Waterfield Library offers extended study hours during finals week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

For more information about Waterfield’s study hours, visit and like its Facebook page or follow the University Libraries on Twitter at @murraystatelibs.

By Breanna Sill

Local band the MurrVegas All Stars have taken the award for the best local band in the Murray area.

It’s no Grammy, but we at The News think it is close.

The band is led by their lead singer, Stephen Keene. Also in the band is Drew Collins on guitar and Bill Cramer on the bass.

The band creates its

own sound that is a classic mixture of blues, Motown and classic rock and they have fans throughout western Kentucky. The Murr-Vegas All Stars play regular shows in not only Murray, but Paducah, Ky., as well.

As voted by the Murray and Murray State community, the Murr-Vegas All Stars are considered the “best of Murray.”

Photo Courtesy of Murr-Vegas All Stars

Murr-Vegas All Stars, a local band, performs at venues in Murray and Paducah regularly.

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The News

April 3, 2015 Best of Murray BEST PLACE TO LIVE OFF CAMPUS BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION

By Madison Wepfer

Alpha Gamma Delta

Alpha Gamma Delta is a pan-hellenic sorority on Murray State’s campus. This is their third win for “Best Organization on Campus.”

President Madie Pelletier said she is proud to be part of Alpha Gamma Delta and she is grateful to win this award.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by the University for this awesome achievement,” Pelletier said. “We pride ourselves upon living

with purpose and there is no better validation that we are purposefully impacting the campus than receiving this award.”

Recently Alpha Gamma Delta also won the Overall Grand Champion award at the Alpha Phi Alpha Step-Off and first place at the Alpha Phi Alpha Stroll-Off competition.

“On behalf of Alpha Gamma Delta, I would like to say thank you to everyone who saw within us attributes reflecting that of the best organization on campus,” Pelletier said.

Haley Hays/The News

Members of Alpha Gamma Delta came together to support their team for this year’s 15th annual Alpha Phi Alpha Step Off where they won Overall Grand Champion.

Cambridge Rentals

By Breanna Sill

While living in the residential colleges is all good and fun for some students, others choose to take advantage of Murray’s many off-campus living communities. This year, those students have voted Cambridge as their favorite place to live off-campus.

Cambridge is a neighborhood on Bailey Rd. that has everything from duplexes, triplexes, bedroom apartments and full apartment complexes.

Although the neighborhood is not the largest in Murray, it does offer students and Murray Residents who live there a safe and fun atmosphere to come home to.

“I never feel scared or afraid walking outside after dark in Cambridge,” said Caitlin Kerley, junior

from Caruthersville, Mo. “It is just such a fun place to live and I am so glad I chose to move here after my freshman year in the residential college. There are always people out and about.”

Another thing that draws students to the Cambridge community is the fact that many of the apartments allow pets. Kerley said it is not uncommon to see people outside walking their pets on a beautiful day.

During this semester’s “snow break” students in Cambridge also took the opportunity to come together and sled down the hills in the community.

“I honestly wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in Murray,” Kerley said. “I am not surprised at all that it won as being the best in Murray.”

The News April 3, 2015

Best of Murray

BEST TO-GO OR TAKE OUT Papa John’s

By Kayla MacAllister

Heart shaped-pizzas for Valentine’s Day, pizza-sized cookies and brownies and the Racer Special are just a few of the things Papa John’s Pizza offers Murray State students.

The North 12th Street location offers the classic bread and cheese sticks, while also providing less traditional items for pizza places like wings and chicken poppers.

The Racer Special is a large one-topping pizza for $6 or one extra large one-topping pizza for $8. It can be carried out or delivered onto campus only, with presentation of a Racer ID. Variety and quality are the names of the game at Papa John’s. Students can choose from a variety of dipping sauces, including barbecue, blue cheese, buffalo, cheese, honey mustard, pizza, ranch and special garlic sauces.

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BEST SANDWICHES/SUBS

Gigabites and Subway

By Mallory Tucker

Murray State students, faculty and staff voted two different businesses with two very different atmospheres and menus as the best sandwich shops in Murray. Subway, a franchise restaurant located at 622 N. 12th St. and Gigabites Cafe & Deli, a local shop located at 104 N. 15th St., tied amongst students for best sandwich.

Subway, a casual counter-serve shop known for health-conscious build-your-own sandwiches and salads is a favorite for Kyna Finley, sophomore from Cloverport, Ky., who eats there almost every day of the week.

“I just like that you get to customize it and it’s a healthier choice than McDonald’s,” Finley said. “And it’s still pretty cheap.”

On weekdays, Subway opens

at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. On Saturday, the doors open at 8 a.m. and on Sunday at 9 a.m., closing at 10 p.m. on weekends as well.

While many students enjoy the familiarity of a chain like Subway, others love the small-town quality of Gigabites.

In addition to taking the occasional catnap on the Cafe and Deli’s couches, Alexis Lowdermilk, senior from Murray, enjoys the close proximity to campus.

“It’s really convenient,” Lowdermilk said. “They play good music, and it has a great chill atmosphere to relax in between classes.”

Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, the local coffee house specializes in breakfast items, custom sandwiches, wraps, paninis and has daily soup specials.

BEST TAXI SERVICE

Mama Nancy’s Cabs

By Kayla MacAllister Kory Savage/The News

St. Leo Catholic Church is located at 401 N. 12th St. in Murray.

BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP

St. Leo Catholic Church

By Mallory Tucker

Students, faculty and staff voted St. Leo Catholic Church as the best place to worship in Murray.

St. Leo’s offers many options for students’ busy schedules. With regular weekend masses at 5 p.m. and a Spanish mass at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services - in addition to various weekday masses - and a 6 p.m. Sunday mass geared towards Newman House students.

As the only Roman Catholic parish in Calloway County, St. Leo is led by Fr. Jason W. McClure and Associate Pastor Fr. Will Thompson, with the help of two permanent deacons and three staff members.

Founded in 1943, St. Leo’s most current building was dedicated in

1963. It stands at 401 N. 12th St, a short distance from campus.

The parish mission as a culturally diverse Catholic community, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which is committed to worshiping God and providing for the spiritual development of the parish and the larger community through liturgy, service and evangelization.

Jeff Loesche, freshman from Freeburg, Ill., walks to worship at St. Leo every Sunday.

“I’ve just gone to church all my life and it’s the closest Catholic Church to campus,” Loesche said.

Familiarity, a welcoming atmosphere and the Newman House’s presence on campus draw students to St. Leo Catholic Church day after day as they choose to grow in both their faith and their education.

Mama Nancy’s Cabs and their drivers have built a cult-like following among Murray State students that has earned them several consecutive titles as Best Taxi Service by Best of Murray.

The most Murray State-popular cab service in Murray was started eight years ago by Nancy Couch. She manages 11 cabs and eight employees.

When Couch worked for another local cab company prior to her own startup, Murray State students dubbed her “Mama Nancy” because she took care of them, and the name was a hit.

The cabs’ fare is $7 per ride to destinations in Murray, and the price goes up if passengers wish to travel farther. However, if a passenger gets sick inside a cab, there is a $25 puke fee so that the vehicle can be cleaned.

Mama Nancy’s business is promoted heavily via student-to-student contact.

Some First Year Leaders give their groups the taxi service’s number during their first meetings.

Kalli Bubb/The News

Mama Nancy’s Cabs have been named the best in Murray for multiple years straight.

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BEST BREAKFAST Cracker Barrel

By Amanda Grau

For some students, finding time to eat breakfast is next to impossible, making winning “best breakfast food” year after year quite a feat for Cracker Barrel.

Cracker Barrel is famous for its breakfast and that it offers it all day long.

With a variety of options, the restaurant appeals to an array of restaurant-goers, from meat lovers to healthy eaters and from the young to the young at heart.

Cracker Barrel serves both meaty breakfasts and lighter options like yogurt, bran muffins and fruit.

Patrons can come in for pancakes and sausage or bacon and eggs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Dinner and lunch menus are also available, along with low-calorie options and desserts throughout the day.

Cracker Barrel also does pick-up orders – hungry students can get their home-style breakfasts made to go to better suit busy schedules.

But for a lazy Saturday morning, Cracker Barrel is also the place to go for a sit-down home-style breakfast based on this year’s vote.

BEST HANGOVER CURE

Mary’s Kitchen

The News April 3, 2015

BEST PLACE TO GET GAS

Kroger

By Amanda Grau

Mary’s Kitchen held its own against other latenight restaurants once again as it was voted by students as best place to cure a hangover for another year.

“Mary’s Kitchen – where everyone is family!” reads the restaurant’s tagline, exemplifying why students continue to choose Mary’s for their late-night cravings year after year.

Many of the customers Mary’s sees come after bars close at 1 a.m., and most of the night owls are college students coming in after drinking, ready to soak up the alcohol with home style food.

Situated off Stadium View Drive next to Zaxby’s, Mary’s serves home-style “soul food” and “southern” cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner at low prices, according to the website.

Mary’s is known for burgers like the A-Train – between two grilled cheese sandwiches is a halfpound hamburger patty covered in melted Swiss cheese – or the College Burger – two slices of Texas toast surrounding two patties with two types of cheese, bacon and grilled onions.

With smoking and non-smoking sections to accommodate for every type of customer, Mary’s is ready for whatever hangover needs the citizens of Murray have.

Jenny Rohl/The News

By Carly Besser

With gas prices headed back up, students, faculty and staff are on the hunt for the best deal and decided Kroger is the best place to get the most gas for their money.

With the free Kroger Plus fuel program, members earn points toward cheaper gas every time they shop for groceries.

Every dollar spent at Kroger equals one fuel point at the pump.

Double points can be earned when customers buy gift cards, no-contract wireless phones and airtime cards.

When members go to fuel up, they’re told the size of the discount they earned and asked how much of that discount they would like to use, giving them flexibility with their points.

Discounts range from 10 cents to $1 off the price of gas per gallon, savings that add up for students, faculty and staff.

The News April 3, 2015

9 Best of Murray BEST BOOKSTORE BEST PLACE TO WORK ON CAMPUS

The University Store

By Mari-Alice Jasper

T-shirts, textbooks and technology are all available at The University Store in the Curris Center.

Karol Hardison, director of The University Store, said the store strives to be a one stop shop for students by providing everything they might need in one convenient location.

This year, the University Store has expanded their selection of textbooks for rent and added RadioShack products to their list of merchandise available. They have also worked to update all of the apparel and gifts with the new school logo.

“The students are the reason why we are here,” Hardison said. “And they are the key to our success.”

Housing

By Mari-Alice Jasper

Jenny Rohl/The News

David Wilson, director of Residential Life and Housing, said being recognized as the best place to work by students is a testament to the positive work environment they strive to create in their facilities.

“Student jobs in the Housing Department are not the easiest, nor most glamorous jobs,” he said. “But I believe we have the best student employees at Murray State.”

Housing offers several different opportunities for Murray State students seeking part-time employment, including positions as resident advisors, resident directors, desk clerks and maintenance workers. Duties vary from signing in residents to keeping tabs on students in their rooms.

Wilson said he was very excited housing received this award and he thanked students for voting Housing as the best place to work.

BEST HEALTHCARE Primary Care Medical Center

Nicole Ely/The News

BESTWaterfield PLACE TO STUDY Library

Nicole Ely/The News

By Mari-Alice Jasper

By Mari-Alice Jasper

A place to charge your phone, grab a snack and hit the books: Waterfield Library has got it all.

The three story library in the center of campus has desktop computers and laptops for students to use to do their homework as conveniently as possible.

Waterfield Library is usually open from 7 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., but holds special 24-hour days during finals week each semester.

Waterfield Library was founded at Murray State in 1922, and is constantly renovating to meet the needs of the students.

Recently, the third floor of Waterfield – “the quiet floor – was opened to give students a place where they can work quietly by themselves.

Bobbie Albertson, junior from Newburgh, Ind., said she studies at Waterfield Library three to four times a week between classes.

Albertson said she likes the snacks in the library and that it isn’t usually crowded.

“I can study and see my friends at the same time,” she said.

Waterfield library hosts Starbooks, a small cafeteria that serves snacks and coffee to people in the library.

Katelyn Campbell, junior from O’Fallon, Ill., said Waterfield Library is a good place for students to stop between classes, especially for students who don’t live on campus.

She also said she was more productive when she worked on school assignments in the library.

“When I am here I can’t get distracted by Netflix,” she said.

All kinds of medical assistance for Murray State students is available just down the road from the University at the Primary Medical Health Center.

Primary Care offers a variety of services including women’s healthcare, lab services and dermatology.

Physicians at Primary Care are able to run

blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds in house instead of outsourcing.

About 21 years ago Primary Care was created by the merger of two smaller medical offices: Clark Family Medical Center and Hughes Medical Office.

Since then the medical center strives to serve it’s community as best as possible.

In 2000 the Primary Care Medical Center

was one of the first and only primary care offices to be open seven days and seven nights a week.

In 2007, the group at the Primary Care Medical Center relocated to a new state of the art facility, adding Obstetrics and Gynecology services, and specialists in cardiology and orthopedics making it as up-to-date as possible.

BEST CLOTHING STORE Ribbon Chix

By Madison Wepfer

Ribbon Chix is a small boutique located on S. 12th Street. They specialize in women and children’s clothing and accessories.

They aim to offer the most current trends and specialty brands.

Two sisters began the

business in 2008, and it has grown in popularity ever since.

Ribbon Chix’s goal is, “We always want to help our customers look and feel FABULOUS!” according to the Ribbon Chix website.

They offer clothing and accessories at their Murray location and on

their website at ribbonchix.com.

Ribbon Chix is also active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Ribbon Chix is located at 414 S. 12th St. You can also contact them via phone at 270-761-CHIX (2449) or email at chixcustomerservice@gmail.com

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BEST CAR DEALERSHIP Parker Ford

By Zachary Orr

Parker Ford is the epitome of what a car dealership should be. This makes sense, considering they have served the community for 87 years.

As the oldest dealership in Murray, Parker Ford has learned the quality work ethic it takes to make a business last.

Its commitment to not only finding customers the best deal on quality vehicles, but also providing the necessary maintenance to keep that vehicle on the road for years to come is why Murray State voted Parker Ford as the best car dealer-

ship.

The dealership prides itself in offering the best variety of new Ford and Lincoln vehicles as well as quality preowned vehicles from a variety of makes.

David Parker, whose grandfather started the business, said he is ecstatic that Murray State chose Parker Ford as best car dealership.

“We’re humbled and appreciative for the confidence that has been shown to us,” Parker said.

Parker Ford is located at 701 Main Street and is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Best of Murray

The News April 3, 2015

BEST DONUTS Murray Donuts

By Zachary Orr

It’s hard to mess up a donut. However, it’s even harder to perfect one. By the looks of it, Murray Donuts is on the right path.

The savory taste of Murray Donuts’ hometown glaze provides relief from the flavor of chain-restaurant and packaged donuts.

That’s why it’s University students’ pick for best donuts.

Murray Donuts prides itself in offering a fresh variety of donuts and bagels, prepared fresh each day.

Whitney Carver, sophomore from Murray, said she believes Murray Donuts offers the freshest donuts in town.

“I much prefer them over Dunkin Donuts,” Carver said. “It just seems like they try harder.”

Murray Donuts is located at 506 N. 12 Street and is open Monday through Saturday from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hannah Fowl/The News

The News April 3, 2015

Best of Murray

BEST FACULTY MEMBER

BEST STAFF MEMBER

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Bob Valentine and Bob Long Marion Hale and Don Robertson

By Kelsey Randolph

Coming in with a tie, senior lecturer of advertising Robert Valentine and visiting distinguished professor of nonprofit leadership Robert Long share the title of best faculty member.

Valentine began his teaching career in 1970 for the University of Maryland’s Armed Forces Institute. He then continued on to the University of Kentucky, Bethel College and finally Murray State.

Valentine said his shining moment of pride was when he discovered that one of his former students had decided to go into full-time college teaching.

“There are scores of caring, highly skilled and proficient teachers on this campus who, I am sure, are more effective than I could ever hope to be,” Valentine said. “To be classed in the same company with Professor Long is very humbling– he is a world-

“To be classed in the same company with Professor Long is very humbling–he is a world-class talent in the classroom.”

–Robert Valentine Senior Lecturer of Advertising class talent in the classroom.”

Long began his career at Murray State after retiring in 2008 from a working career in the nonprofit and philanthropic fields.

Long said his best moments are every day when he sees students experience the real joy of their own power and capacity to make a difference in others’ lives.

“I am genuinely humbled by the vote” Long said. “By providing a foundation and creating an endorsing environment, we play a small role in the lives of truly powerful, dedicated emerging leaders. I am honored to be associated with them.”

By Kelsey Randolph

With nearly 20 years experience, administrative assistant Marion Hale shares the title of best staff member with vice president of student affairs Don Robertson who has been here almost 24 years.

Hale said she came to Murray State looking for a long-term job that she knew would support her. She knew of the area because he mother worked for Murray State as well.

Hale originally worked for the College of Fine Arts but has since spent the majority of her time at Murray State in the Journalism and Mass Communications department where she serves as support for the department chair and takes care of daily operations within the department.

“What I enjoy the most is working with the people – the administration, faculty, staff and especially students,” Hale said. “The students keep me

‘young at heart’ and make me smile.

I sincerely hope that I can help one person have a better day each day that I am here.”

Robertson has been with the university since 1991 and said he was attracted to Murray State by the students he met, the type and size of the University and the quality of the Student Affairs staff.

“My career goal was to be vice president for student affairs which I consider to be the best job on campus,” Robertson said.

Since Robertson got his job as the vice president of Student Affairs, he has been able to travel and represent the University in developing partnerships and recruiting students in Asia, Europe and South America.

“We have some of the best students and student leaders of any campus,” Robertson said. “I love the diversity of our campus and the strong community and family feel.”

The News

Best of Murray

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April 3, 2015

BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE Cameron Payne

By Kelsey Randolph

Being a student athlete can be difficult but all the hard work pays off when you shoot more than 16 points per game on average.

Sophomore guard, Cameron Payne is the best student athlete according to Murray State students. Leslye Choate, junior from Mayfield, Ky. said she

thinks he’s the best athlete because when she watches him play, he sees the court better than anyone else.

“He sees who is open and passes them the ball,” Choate said.

“He doesn’t really care about him being the best on the court he only cares about what’s best for the team and what’s going to help them win.”

Payne came to Murray State from Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Tenn., where he was on a team that won the Tennessee 2A Private School Championship with a 25-4 record.

Payne serves as a starting player for the Racers and helped the team go undefeated in the Ohio Valley Conference regular season for 2014-15.

BEST BURGER

The Station Burger Co.

Fumi Nakamura/The News

Sophomore guard, Cameron Payne runs the ball down the court at the OVC Championship semi-finals against Morehead State.

BEST CAMPUS TRADITION Shoe Tree

By Kelsey Randolph

By Mallory Tucker

When Murray State students have a craving for a good burger they head to The Station Burger Co. The Station, as students refer to it, is regionally owned and operated out of Paducah, Ky. According to thestationburger.com they opened in 2010 with the goal to serve high quality food and honor the men and women who serve as local fire officials.

“I love the Station because they are locally owned,” said Lauren Panosh, freshman from Paducah, Ky. “Plus their fries are amazing.”

The Station’s walls are covered with faces of men and women serving the community. According to thestationburger.com, their mission to have exceptional customer service and atmosphere because the faces on their wall are the people who save lives and the Station believes it is good to thank them every day.

The shoe tree was voted by students as the best tradition on campus. The shoe tree symbolizes students’ and former students’ love that was found and fostered at Murray State.

Haley Sipes, junior from Murray, feels a special connection to the tree as her parents nailed their shoes to it and she plans to do so with her husband, Cody, next fall after the birth of their first daughter.

“It’s special for me personally because my parents have their shoes on the shoe tree and have been married for 30 years,” Sipes said. “Murray State had a lot to do with our relationship. The tree is so symbolic of ours and others’ marriages–I think it’s a perfect place to do that.”

The current shoe tree is the second to be used on campus after the first was struck by lightning and caught fire. The standing tree’s limbs were cut off to minimize the risk of fire.

BEST ICE CREAM/YOGURT Yogurt Your Weigh

By Mallory Tucker

Kory Savage/The News

A cup of vanilla yogurt with some of the variety of toppings provided by Yogurt Your Weigh.

Yogurt Your Weigh was voted by students as the best ice cream or frozen yogurt shop in Murray for the 2014-15 school year.

It is within walking distance of campus and provides students with the opportunity to customize their flavor of yogurt, toppings and sauces.

Its menu offers

smoothies, protein shakes, bubble tea and sandwiches in addition to their namesake: frozen yogurt.

Providing indoor and outdoor seating, Yogurt Your Weigh’s atmosphere may match their prices. The prices vary depending on the weight of each custom creation and they offer various discounts and promotions for students.

Rated 4.7 out of five stars on Facebook and with a 100 percent like rating on urbanspoon. com, it is a hit amongst college students and other community members alike.

“It’s a fun environment and it’s healthier than ice cream,” Brittany Fowler, junior from Elkton, Ky., said.

“They offer a ton of variety and always get new stuff.”

The News April 3, 2015

Best of Murray

BEST GETAWAY Land Between the Lakes

By Mari-Alice Jasper

Less than 30 minutes away from Murray State, students can get away from their everyday stressors to the warm lakes and fresh air at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Land Between the Lakes is about 170,000 acres, including Barkley Lake, Kentucky Lake and rivers.

Swimming, fishing and hiking are some of the many different activities that are popular at the recreation area. Other visitors may enjoy the planetarium, Elk and Bison Prairie or the museum.

Students also like to go down to the lakes for weekend camping trips and off-road driving. The recreation area also has nature walks and eagle spotting tours that students

can attend.

Jordan Robbins, sophomore from Morris, Ill., said she especially enjoys boating and tubing on the lake during the summer.

She said the recreation area has great trails that she likes to hike and she likes to see the sunset on the lake because it is so pretty.

“I’ve been to Land Between the Lakes a few times this semester to hike the trails,” Robbins said. “Going to the lake is a nice break from school and altogether a great stress reliever.”

Nicole Ely/The News

Land Between the Lakes won “Best Getaway” this year because of their warm lakes and fresh air. LBL offers many outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing and hiking.

BEST Wal-Mart CAR REPAIR

13

By Zachary Orr

Wal-Mart: It’s the place for everything.

No, literally, everything.

Murray State students know if someone needs to pick up groceries, school supplies and a kitchen table all in one trip, Wal-Mart is the place to go.

Because of Best of Murray voting, Murray State has proven that Wal-Mart is servicing the public with more than just a wide variety of consumer goods; Wal-Mart is also the place to go for all car repair needs.

The Murray location offers students the convenience of a flexible schedule to take care of whatever weird signals, noises and even smells any car is emitting. WalMart service all makes and models and offer competitive prices for

Nicole Ely/The News

Wal-Mart Auto Center staff work on a mini-van. Wal-Mart’s convenience and flexible schedule is what won them “Best Car Repair.” all repairs.

Wal-Mart also can help students prepare for any big storms coming by offering a large selection of tires as well as brake repair and replacement.

Dylan Miller, sophomore from Murray, said he has gone to Wal-Mart

the last two times he needs new tires.

“I go first of all because it’s convenient,” Miller said, “but also because the workers there are always friendly and polite.”

Wal-Mart is located at 809 N. 12th Street.

Best of Murray

14

The News April 3, 2015

BEST BAR, LIVE MUSIC AND BEER ON TAP Mr. J’s Grill and Pub

By Carly Besser and Kayla MacAllister

Located just across the street from Wilson Hall, Mr. J’s Grill and Pub is the place for students to go to the bar and enjoy a cold beer on tap accompanied with live music.

Since opening in 2013, Mr. J’s has kept a steady customer base with its cozy atmosphere, flat screen televisions for trivia night and sporting events, a wide beer collection and open venue for local artists who want to perform.

The family-run business grew significantly in popularity after launching its Facebook account, which highlights menu specials, announces which bands will perform and posts times for Live Buzztime Trivia.

Mr. J’s features live acoustic night every Tuesday, open mic night every Wednesday, Karaoke every Thursday and live music every Friday.

As of March 20, the pub offers 24 beers on tap, ranging from traditional Anheuser-Busch selections to regional choices like Tin Man Brewing. Its wide variety of domestic and craft beers are why students also voted for Mr. J’s as the best beer on tap.

Its convenient location, frequent specials and updated events are some examples of what make Mr. J’s the bar to be for students who have long days of classes.

Mr. J’s is open Monday and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to midnight. For more information regarding specials, check out the pub’s Facebook page or Twitter account.

Jenny Rohl/The News

Hannah Fowl/The News

The News April 3, 2015

BEST LIQUOR STORE

The Cask Wine and Spirits

Best of Murray

BEST PLACE TO GET COFFEE Future Grounds

Kalli Bubb/The News

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

15

Los Portales

Jenny Rohl/The News

Haley Hays/The News

By Carly Besser

By Amanda Grau

By Breanna Sill

Since Murray voted for the city to become wet in 2012 and started selling packaged liquor in 2013, students voted twice for The Cask Wine and Spirits as the best liquor store.

The Cask keeps a loyal customer base with Saturday tastings, a diverse collection of wine, beer, craft beer and liquor and a self-service growler station. The store is located at 1304 Chestnut St., which is a short walk from the residential side of campus.

Sal Moran, manager at The Cask, said he rotates growler station beer and liquor tastings weekly.

“I think our location helps us mostly,” Moran said.

“We’re close to campus and most of our staff is students. And we have good prices.”

The Cask is open from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Student discounts are given with a valid Murray State ID.

Previously known as Fidalgo Bay, Future Grounds is the favorite place to ease coffee addictions for the third year in a row.

When Future Grounds opened in August 2007, it was a family effort from owners Sara Fineman, Bernie Fineman and Terry Strieter.

“This gives us flexibility to bring additional products that our customers request,” its website states.

That flexibility brings students back to Future Grounds, said Faith Crowell, store manager. It maintains the coffee shop’s personality.

Most of Future Grounds’ baristas are Murray State students, adding an extra level of love for students, Crowell said.

“We’re family-owned and we love our students and customers,” Crowell said. “We try to get to know customers one on one.”

Murray State students have spoken and voted Los Portales the best place to get Mexican food in Murray.

The restaurant is located in Olympic Plaza in Murray and offers diners a unique Mexican dining experience and a large traditional Mexican menu.

“I always like to eat there because the food tastes like real Mexican food,” said Derek Rogers, senior from Cadiz, Ky. “It’s so much better than a lot of the other Mexican places I have been before.”

The restaurant has been in operation in Murray for many years has been a long-time favorite of not only Murray State students, but also of community members.

“I can’t think of another Mexican restaurant in Murray that I would vote for above this one as the best,” Rogers said. “There is no competition.”

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