Best of
MURRAY 2018
Photo Courtesy of Brock Kirk
A special publication of The Murray State News
The News
March 29, 2018
Best of Murray
Page 3
AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
Best Asian Restaurant JASMINE THAI & SUSHI
Best bookstore MSU BOOKSTORE
Best local band 641
Best Mexican restaurant DON SOL
Best place to get a donut MURRAY DONUTS
Best golf course MILLER GOLF COURSE
Best Place to get BBQ BAD BOB’S BBQ
Best food delivery PAPA JOHNS
Best taxi service MAMA NANCY’S
Best place to cure a hangover COOK OUT
Best place to get a tattoo AIN’T THAT ART
Best place to take a date JASMINE THAI & SUSHI
Best place to get breakfast CRACKER BARREL
Best student organization ALPHA GAMMA DELTA
Best pizza in town MATT B’S
Best fast food restaurant COOK OUT
Best fraternity PI KAPPA ALPHA
Best vape shop VAPE LOUNGE
Best Bar TAP 216
Best sorority ALPHA GAMMA DELTA
Best place to get a late-night snack COOKOUT
Best place to get a home-cooked meal CRACKER BARREL
Best boutique RIBBON CHIX
Best place to get coffee SHAFFER’S COFFEE CO.
Best staff member TRESSA ROSS
Best place to take your parents when they come in town DUMPLINS
Best grocery store KROGER
Best faculty member ROBERT VALENTINE
Best liquor store GLOBAL WINE AND SPIRITS
Best place to live off campus CAMPUS EVOLUTION
Best tanning salon CAMPUS TAN
Best getaway spot LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES
Best place to get a haircut PROFILES SALON AND SPA
Best place to study WATERFIELD LIBRARY
Best place to bank CFSB BANK
Best beer on tap TAP 216
Best clothing store RIBBON CHIX
Best place to worship THE JOURNEY
Best place to get your car fixed HARLAN AUTOMOTIVE
Best place to grab a sandwich SUBWAY
Best consignment store GOODWILL
Best student athlete JONATHAN STARK
Best hotel to have your family stay at HAMPTON INN Best place to go for entertainment CHERI MOVIE THEATRE Best sporting event at Murray State BASKETBALL Best place to work MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Best cell phone provider AT&T Best bakery SAMMON’S BAKERY Best on campus event ROCK-A-THON Best place to workout MSU WELLNESS CENTER Best high school in western Kentucky MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL
The Murray State News would like to congratulate all the winners and thank them for their service to the Murray community.
The News
Best of Murray
Page 4
March 29, 2018
BEST STUDENT ATHLETE Jonathan Stark By Gage Johnson
In Murray, Kentucky there are many things to adore. Along with the many local restaurants, stores, and many other places to explore, people love their Murray State Racers. A major aspect that fans enjoy at Murray State is its basketball. Those same fans that cheered their Racers all the way to a 26-5 record and a trip to the NCAA tournament, voted senior guard Jonathan Stark the best student-athlete at Murray State. Stark was named to the All-OVC First Team to go along with the OVC player of the year honor in his senior season. This was Stark’s second time being named to the all-conference team and his first By Destinee Marking
Alpha Gamma Delta has been voted the best student organization on campus. The international women’s fraternity promotes academic excellence, philanthropic giving and strong sisterhood, and that is
Player of the Year honor. This was also the second-straight season that he led the OVC in scoring (21.7 PPG). Not only was Stark recognized for his hard work on the court, he was recognized for his effort in the classroom. Stark made it an emphasis to be a leader for his team on and off the court this season and he did just that. “It just shows that hard work always pays off,” Stark said. “I try to work as hard as I can, and be the best that I can. I practice and shoot everyday, so I can perform well in the games, and I do the same in the classroom. No matter how busy he may have been with basketball, Stark always made sure to put in just
as much of an effort in the classroom as he did on the hardwood and believes that anyone can do so. “You just have to put in the effort,” Stark said. “Whatever you do, you just have to go 100 percent at it. If I had homework I got it done, and if I had tests I made sure I studied a few days ahead. I know I’m not perfect, but I try to be the best that I can be. I know working harder in the classroom is how you get that done.” Stark will now endeavor in achieving his dreams of playing professional basketball. Stark has signed with an agent and will be starting training while he awaits for the NBA Draft Combine and then the NBA draft.
Jonathan Stark strives to excel on the court and in the classroom.
why Lindsay Crafton, junior from Bragg City, Missouri, believes Alpha Gamma Delta won the title. With their philanthropy being Fighting Hunger, Crafton said the group volunteers with Murray Calloway County Need Line and hosted two annual philanthropy events this year.
Through Rock-A-Thon in November, $19,694.34 was raised, and through XOXO Gossip Squirrel in February, the group raised over $1,000. Aside from their philanthropic focus, Crafton said the group participates in all other Greek organizations’ philanthropy events in order to support.
As well as helping others, Crafton said being part of Alpha Gamma Delta has positively affected her personally. “During my time in Alpha Gam, I have found my home away from home, gained my biggest support system and grown as an individual and as a leader,” Crafton said. “There’s nowhere
Bryan Edwards/The News
else I’d rather be.” Alpha Gamma Delta’s 2017-2018 Man of the Year, Grant Knox, senior from Lexington, Kentucky, said the organization is consistent in being a leading student organization when it comes to philanthropic efforts and participating in campus events. “These ladies, as well
as their faculty adviser Tressa Ross, do a phenomenal job of encouraging excellence in academics, philanthropy, leadership and sisterhood,” Knox said. “Even before I got involved with the sorority, these efforts were quite evident, so in my opinion, this reward is very deserving.” Photo contributed by Tressa Ross
BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION
Alpha Gamma Delta
200 N 15TH ST, MURRAY, KY 42071 | 270 8731014
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The News
Best of Murray
Page 6
March 29, 2018
BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP Journey Church By Sara Howell
Journey Church has been voted by students, faculty and staff as the best place to worship in Murray. Cody Bowers, junior and member of the Journey worship team, said he has been attending and playing music in the church band since the fall of 2016. After his first service he immediately wanted to be involved because his experience was different than any other church he had ever attended. “While some people connect with sermons, many connect with God through a musical encounter, especially when experiencing difficult times,� Bowers said. “It is truly an
honor to be able to serve our community in this way and help them overcome their troubles.� He said the worship team always strives for improvement, whether it be with new techniques, learning new songs, or continually holding auditions. “There is always room for growth,� Bowers said. “The Journey uses that growth to serve the community and to glorify Jesus.� He said they try to create an inviting, caring and comfortable atmosphere for every member attending, especially newcomers. “This hits home for many people, being that attending a new church can be a daunting
task,� Bowers said. “There are no unnecessary pressures to fit in or have it all together before attending.� He also said the lead Pastor, Matt Johnson, instills this by preaching their mission every Sunday. The mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, according to the church’s website. “No matter what stage of life you are in or what you believe, The Journey welcomes you and accepts you as you are.� Bowers said. Identical services are held on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the CSFB Center. Look for The Journey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: journeycalloway.
Photo courtesy of Julio Casado
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The News
March 29, 2018
Best of Murray
Page 7
BEST CLOTHING STORE Ribbon Chix
By Paige Effinger
Julie Boeker/The News
Ribbon Chix carries a wide variety of items from clothes and shoes to jewerly and purses.
For the second year in a row, students have voted Ribbon Chix “Best Place Clothing Store.” Ribbon Chix opened nine years ago. They specialize in women’s apparel, clothes, shoes, purses and accessories. The boutique is run by two sisters, Krista Hatchett and Michelle Flota. The competition for “Best Place to Shop” is stiff; there are a lot of boutiques for women’s apparel in Murray. In order to be competitive in this market, Hatchett said they try to offer a wide range of items and prices. “For Murray State students in particular, we offer an all-year-round 15 percent off discount as long as you bring your stu-
dent ID in,” she said. They also offer a reward system where customers receive points for each item they buy, eventually leading to another discount. The reward points, wide range of clothing and student discounts are what make Ribbon Chix a popular store for college students. Kayla Winstead, sophomore at Murray State and Murray local, said those reasons are why she loves the store. “What I love about Ribbon Chix is they offer student discounts as well as reward points,” Winstead said. “Not only that, but they have a variety of clothing options such as formal wear or just something to wear to the Murray State games.” Ribbon Chix also has a
strong social media presence. This allows them to reach more people, especially students. Winstead said she likes to keep up with them on their social media pages to see when they have sales or when they receive new merchandise. “We do a really good job with taking pictures and showing how to wear the item of clothing,” Hatchett said. “We try to give people great ideas of how they can wear things.” As Ribbon Chix continues to grow in popularity among students, Hatchett said it is an honor and blessing to be receiving this award. “I’m glad to know that we have customers out there who feel valued and who like to come to our store,” she said.
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The News
Best of Murray
March 29, 2018
Page 9
Best place to take a date: Jasmine Bridgette McAuliffe
Staff writer
bmacauliffe@murraystate.edu
The winner of the Best Place to Take a Date award goes to Jasmine Thai Cusine & Sushi Bar. Its relaxed environment provides the perfect atmosphere for a more formal date in Murray. Nicholas Bushnell, senior from Louisville, Kentucky, said he frequently visits Jasmine once to twice per month. “I always come back for the quality hospitality, food and atmosphere,” Bushnell said. Bushnell said he definitely believes Jasmine
is the best place in Murray to take someone on a date. “With the environment being very relaxed, a wide variety of meal options spanning from sushi to other Thai delicacies and excellent service, it is easily a place someone or a couple can revisit many times,” Bushnell said. Bushnell said he has gone on multiple dates to Jasmine and has always had a positive experience. “There were dishes that suited both of our tastes,” Bushnell said. Bushnell said it’s difficult to choose, but his favorite part of Jasmine is the food, with his
favorite dish being the Chicken Pad Thai. The food and outstanding service are what really stand out to other students when it comes to deciding where to eat out. Maddy Powell, junior from Benton, Kentucky, is another student who frequently eats at Jasmine as often as she can. “I usually go twice a month,” Powell said. “I keep going back because it’s so good, and I also enjoy the atmosphere.” Powell said she enjoys the variety of food the restaurant offers. You can order many different entrees as well as enjoy a variety of different sushi.
“My favorite dish is the sunset roll,” Powell said. “The sunset sauce is a must!” Powell said Jasmine is the perfect place for a date. It’s a nice restaurant and she said the food is great, making any date to Jasmine a treat. Jasmine Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar is sort of a local gem, with locations only in Murray, Paducah and Nashville. According to their website, “to eat intelligently is an art.” The Murray location is located at 501 North 12th Street. For hours and to order online for a special night in, visit cravejasmine.com.
Kalea Anderson/The News
Jasmine Thai Cusine & Sushi Bar is located on 501 North 12th Street.
BEST PLACE TO GET COFFEE Shaffer Coffee Co.
“
-LEAH HECHT
-KAIT GREER
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I think that college students enjoy that the Shaffer coffee’s atmosphere is unlike anything else Murray has to offer. It’s relaxing and just far away from campus life so they can leave their homework worries behind for an hour or so to enjoy a great cup of coffee and just hangout with their friends.
-BETHANY CALHOON
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Shaffer’s is more than a coffee shop. From behind the counter, I have looked on at an entire generation changing a stereotype. People our age are said to be consumed with themselves and technology. While this remains true, at Shaffers I see actual relationships being built! I see humans communicating with other humans. It’s a place where people go to talk to one another. That was lost in this town until now.
-JAMES BOONE
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I think college students love Shaffer not only because it’s a new, cool place to go, but also because it makes them feel like they aren’t in Murray anymore. It’s an awesome atmosphere.
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I think it’s the idea of a city vibe in such a small town. There’s no other atmosphere like Shaffer in Murray. It’s a place where they can hang out with their friends, go on a date, or study.
The Vaper’s Lounge Appreciates being voted #1 by the Murray State community. We greatly appreciate your business!
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The News
Best of Murray
March 29, 2018
Page 11
Best faculty member: Robert Valentine By Grant Dillard Professor
Robert Valentine, senior lecturer in advertising in the department of journalism and mass communication, was voted best faculty member. Valentine has worked in the department for over 20 years, and he has also been faculty head of Elizabeth Residential College. In his time at Murray State, he has worked with the internship program, the Ads Club and as a faculty adviser to Sigma Chi. Valentine has also done exceptional work when it comes to teaching, from freshman classes to the capstone class in advertising. Murray State student, Colleen la Rochelle expressed high praise for Valentine’s work in teaching. “I have had many wonderful professors, who I can think of that do deserve this award,”
Rochelle said. “Professor Valentine is a wonderful professor who cares about his students and is preparing them for the real world outside college.” Leigh Wright, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications, has known Valentine for nearly 30 years. “I remember Valentine coming into JMC 168 when now-retired chairman Dr. Robert H. McGaughey taught it when I was a freshman in 1989,” Wright said. “They used skits to teach about communication theories, and those skits were so much better than a lecture.” “Valentine is a gifted storyteller who brings real-world concepts to life in his classes with his stories and anecdotes about the media and advertising industry,” Wright continued. “He has had decades of experience in media sales and business and
brings those skills to the students.” Valentine feels grateful to be awarded this honor, but he said his fellow academic colleagues are just as deserving of the recognition. “It’s a bit embarrassing,” he said. “Because of my work with the residential colleges and other organizations on campus, that there are many, many faculty members on our campus who do wonderful work in mentoring, advising, teaching and counseling our students both personally and professionally. I might be more visible than most faculty for one reason or another, and I’ve been here longer than Wells Hall, but there are so many faculty members who deserve notice and commendation that you don’t have room in an entire newspaper to do them justice. I’m just proud to be associated with them.”
Kalea Anderson/The News
Robert Valentine, senior lecturer in advertising, has worked in the JMC department for more than 20 years.
Best staff member: Tressa Ross By Rhiannon Branch
Tressa Ross, coordi-
Rhiannon Branch/The News
Tressa Ross works as the coordinator of the College of Education and Human Services Recruitment and Retention Center.
nator of the College of Education and Human Services Recruitment and Retention Center, has been voted best staff member in the annual Best of Murray survey. Ross is involved with recruiting potential students during Racer days, Racer Roundup and open house events. Once students are admitted, she assists with summer orientations, teaches transitions courses and advises students who are registering for upcoming classes. “No one is going to work harder as an advocate for students than Tressa Ross,” co-worker Robert Lyons said. “If
a student is in trouble, Tressa is going to do all that she can to help. She recognizes that each of us needed help at some point in our lives, so she is on point to do her part.” Ross earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Murray State. She has worked at Murray State for 16 years and has held her current position for the past five. “My favorite part of my job is meeting students who are interested in MSU and getting them here,” Ross said. “I love the opportunity to interact with them as freshman and watch them graduate. I hope that I can show students why Murray State is the best decision they can make
and that this is a great place to make amazing memories.” Ross also devotes her time as an adviser for Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and helps guide her students to their fullest potential, both in and out of the classroom. “Tressa was one of the first faces I met at my summer orientation before my first semester,” student Aaron Smith said. “Right off the bat she was helpful and had this exciting energy that seemed to rub off on everyone in the room. She stands as a great role model for students and staff because anyone around her can see the amount of effort that she puts into everything that she does.”
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