Best of Dawson 2024

2024 Dawson

BEST OF

Thank you to our community for always supporting us and voting us the best heating and air company seven years in a row. As a lifelong resident of Dawson County, this recognition is such an honor. We look forward to continuing to serve you.

~

Tim & Lindsay White

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Congratulations to each winner of the Best of Dawson 2024!

The winners you’ll see listed in this magazine represent the best of the best in each of their respective fields, from professionals to businesses and everything in between. Their hard work and dedication to their professions and to their fields have pushed them to the very top.

Over the past several years of working with the Dawson County News and becoming more and more ingrained in the community here, one of the things I’ve grown to love the most about Dawson County is how supportive everyone is for everyone else. Community members truly love and support local businessmen and women, and this is made even more evident through the thousands upon thousands of votes that community members take the time to cast for their favorite businesses and individuals each year in the Best of Dawson contest.

For the fourth year in a row, this year’s Best of Dawson awards gala will take place at Lilly Creek Farm and will be made possible by presenting sponsor John Megel Chevrolet. During the event, winners will have the

chance to network and celebrate one another and all their accomplishments.

This year, we at the Dawson County News are excited to present the fourth annual Gordon Pirkle Heart of Dawson award to someone in the community who exhibits the love and passion for Dawson County that Pirkle himself does so well.

We’re also proud to have the chance to present the third annual Roger Slaton Servant Leadership award to a community member who displays the volunteer heart and servant leadership attitude that Slaton will always be remembered for.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and to each of the businesses and individuals represented in this magazine, and thank you to each and every community member who took the time to nominate and vote for their favorite businesses. The Best of Dawson contest couldn’t be what it is without you.

Congratulations to every local business and individual who has been named a winner of the 2024 Best of Dawson contest!

Thanks for reading,

Erica Jones, Editor

April

Courtney

Adrienne

Out the Mud LuxuryPools

Hello neighbors! Out The Mud is a familyowned full-service outdoor living installation company. What separates us from the other Landscapers and companies is that we are State Inspector Certified in Erosion Control and Land Development by the Georgia Soil Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and a Certified Aviva Pool and Spa Installer/Dealer. We pride ourselves in creating stunning custom landscapes and hardscapes that are not only beautiful but are functional in coinciding with water flow and erosion control. Every aspect is taken into consideration when designing and

implementing your project. We pay very close attention to detail leaving no stone unturned and using the very best materials available. Cutting corners and sacrificing quality is not our “M O”. We specialize in large-scale residential projects helping homeowners achieve the outdoor living space of their dreams, creating the functional vision, and bringing it to reality! We would like to thank the community for voting Out The Mud for the best of Dawson 2024 and look forward to bringing continued hard work, dedication, and knowledge to our industry and customers!

SEE WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING...

TIFFANY LAMBERT

“Jesse and his crew did a great job for us! We wanted a nice walkway and some steps leading into our backyard. We also had some drainage and erosion issues that needed attention. Jesse took the time to listen and came up with a beautiful solution that addressed all our needs.”

BRANDY BISIG

“They just completed a large project on our yard and we couldn’t be happier! They fixed our erosion issue and were professional, honest, efficient and worked day and night until the project was finished!”

JENNIFER OUSMAN

“Once Jesse began the work his vision became ours. Jesse and his crew know what they are doing X 10 and do not cut corners. Even after adding to the plan Jesse came through. Can not imagine using any one other than Out The Mud Erosion and Land Development ever again.”

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AUTO & MARINE

AUTO BODY SHOP

Disharoon Automotive

AUTO GLASS REPAIR/REPLACEMENT

Southern Auto Glass

AUTO PARTS STORE

NAPA Auto Parts

BOAT SERVICE OR REPAIR

AAA Boat & Dock Repair Services

CAR WASH

Bamboo Car Wash

DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT

John Megel Chevrolet

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE

North Atlanta Golf Carts

INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Silver City Tire & Automotive

NEW VEHICLE DEALERSHIP

John Megel Chevrolet

OIL CHANGE-INDEPENDENT

Grease Monkey

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR/SALES

Silver City Tire & Automotive

TIRE STORE

Silver City Tire & Automotive

TOWING SERVICE

K&K Towing and Recovery

USED CARS-DEALERSHIP

John Megel Chevrolet

USED CARS-INDEPENDENT

Primary Jeep Argo Powersports Golf Carts

BUSINESS

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Magnolia Senior Living

BAIL BOND COMPANY

Delta Bail Bonds

BANK/CREDIT UNION

United Community Bank

BANQUET/EVENT FACILITY

Lilly Creek Farm Events

BARBER SHOP

Dawsonville Barber Shop

BOUNCE HOUSE RENTAL

JumpnJacks Moonwalk

CARPET CLEANING

KG Cleaning Service Inc.

CHILD CARE CENTER

White Oak Learning Academy- Dawsonville Locations

CLEANING COMPANY

Oopsy Daisy Cleaning LLC

DANCE STUDIO

Cumming Dance Academy - Dawsonville

DRY CLEANERS

Top Cleaners

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Carl Pruitt Electrical

ELECTRONIC DEVICE REPAIR

AML Computer Services, LLC

EQUIPMENT REPAIR

C.C. Forklift Company

FAMILY/CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES

Rock Creek Park & Recreation

FENCING CONTRACTOR

North Georgia Fence & Stain

FITNESS CENTER/GYM

Dawson CrossFit

GARBAGE/WASTE REMOVAL

Evans Garbage Services

GRADING & HAULING

Joe Mele Trucking & Construction Services

GUTTER SERVICE/INSTALLATION

Sheffield Gutters

HAIR SALON

Sage Hair Studio

HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY

Krumm Agency, LLC

HOME RENOVATION/REMODELING

Fusion Construction Group

HOME REPAIR/HANDYMAN

Freedom Painting & Handyman Services, LLC

HOTEL/LODGING

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

INSURANCE COMPANY (NOT INDIVIDUAL AGENTS)

VanKeith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville

JUNK REMOVAL

400 Waste & Scrap LLC

KITCHEN/BATH REMODEL

Brandon Nahlik Construction

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LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN COMPANY

Hood Landscaping and Erosion

LAWN CARE/WEED CONTROL

ALF Lawn and Pest Solutions

LOCKSMITH

North Georgia Key Works

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Destiny Mortgage Lending

NAIL SALON

Moon Nails

NURSERY/GREENERY

Abbott Creek Nursery

PAINTING COMPANY

Freedom Painting & Handyman Services, LLC

PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Duncan Exterminating

PET BOARDING

Country Home Kennels, LLC

PET CARE

Country Home Kennels, LLC

PLACE TO WORK

Black’s Mill Elementary School

PRESSURE WASHING

Sprayed Pressure Washing

PRINTING & GRAPHICS COMPANY

400 Ink Printing & Graphics

PROPANE COMPANY

Amicalola Propane

REAL ESTATE COMPANY-COMMERCIAL

The Welch Team - Keller Williams Realty, Community Partners

REAL ESTATE GROUP OR FIRM

The Welch Team - Keller Williams Realty, Community Partners

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Edge Roofing LLC

SECURITY SERVICE OR SYSTEM

Blue Sky Systems

SELF STORAGE FACILITY

Byrd’s Mini Storage

SEPTIC SERVICES

Bigfoot Septic Pumping LLC

SPA SERVICES

A Touch of Hope

STRETCH/YOGA

Stretch Zone Dawsonville

SWIMMING POOL/SPA DESIGN/SERVICE

Out The Mud Luxury Pools

TANNING SERVICES

Sun Tan Inc

TATTOO SHOP

Blind Faith Tattoo Company

TRAVEL AGENCY

Radiant Travel-Dream Vacations

TREE SERVICE

Superior Arbor Management (SAM)

VAPE SHOP

The Vaperz Den

WATER WELL AND PUMP SERVICE

Max Bolton Well & Pump Co.

WATER/FIRE DAMAGE/MOLD REMEDIATIOIN

Lanier Home Restoration

WEDDING VENUE

Lilly Creek Farm Events

WINDOW TINTING

TopLine Tint, LLC

COMMUNITY CHURCH

The Soul Filling Station

CIVIC CLUB

Rotary Club of Dawson County

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Dawson Community Food Bank & Thrift Store

PLACE TO VOLUNTEER

Dawson Community Food Bank & Thrift Store

SPORTS LEAGUE/INSTRUCTION

Swim Warriors

TOURIST ATTRACTION

Burt’s Pumpkin Farm

VOLUNTEER

Lauren Woody

EDUCATION

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Mandy Smith, Black’s Mill Elementary

BUS DRIVER

Brenda Daniel

PRINCIPAL

Cindy Kinney, Black’s Mill Elementary

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Lighthouse Christian Academy

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PUBLIC SCHOOL

Black’s Mill Elementary School

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Kyle Ramsey, Black’s Mill Elementary School

TEACHER

Will Anglin, Dawson County High School

FOOD & BEVERAGE

AMERICAN FOOD

Papa’s Place

APPETIZER

LongHorn Steakhouse

ASIAN RESTAURANT

Little Peking

BAGELS

Big Red’s Biscuits & Deli

BAR

Miller’s Ale House

BARBEQUE

Big D’s BBQ

BEST BEER SELECTION

Miller’s Ale House

BEST WINE SELECTION

Dawson Fine Wine & Spirits

BREAKFAST

Papa’s Place

BUSINESS LUNCH

LongHorn Steakhouse

BUTCHER/MEAT PROCESSOR

The Steel Buffalo Butchery

CATERING

Dawsonville Pool Room

COFFEE

Because Coffee

DELIVERY RESTAURANT

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza

DESSERT

Da Vinci’s Donuts

DINNER

LongHorn Steakhouse

DONUT SHOP

Da Vinci’s Donuts

FAMILY RESTAURANT

Papa’s Place

FAST FOOD

Chick-fil-A

FINE DINING

The Blue Bicycle A Bistro

FRENCH FRIES

Chick-fil-A

FUN ATMOSPHERE

Friends Dawson Grill

HAMBURGER

Dawsonville Pool Room

HAPPY HOUR

Miller’s Ale House

ICE CREAM

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Brooklyn Joe’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill

LUNCH

Big Red’s Biscuits & Deli

MARGARITA

Senor Fiesta

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Senor Fiesta

PIZZA-DINE IN

Brooklyn Joe’s Pizza, Pasta & Grill

PLACE TO CELEBRATE SPECIAL OCCASION

LongHorn Steakhouse

PRODUCE STAND OR STORE

City Produce

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT (DATE NIGHT)

The Blue Bicycle A Bistro

SALAD

Zaxby’s

SANDWICHES

Jersey Mike’s Subs

SEAFOOD

Kajun Seafood - Dawsonville

SOUP

Panera Bread

SOUTHERN COOKING

Papa’s Place

SPORTS BAR

Taco Mac

STEAK

LongHorn Steakhouse

SUSHI

Osaka Steak & Sushi

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SWEET TEA

Chick-fil-A

TAKEOUT

Fajita Grill

WINGS

Old Dad’s Wings

MEDICAL

AUDIOLOGY/HEARING AIDS

North Atlanta ENT & Allergy

CARDIOLOGY

Georgia Heart Institute - Dawsonville

CBD STORE

Your CBD Store

CHILDREN’S DENTIST

Bright Smiles

CHIROPRACTIC

Annis Family Chiropractic

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry

DERMATOLOGY

Goodman Dermatology

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT (SUBSTANCE ABUSE)

Alpha Hope Counseling, Inc.

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALISTS

North Atlanta ENT & Allergy - Dawsonville

FAMILY PRACTICE

Chestatee Emergent Medical Care

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry

HOME HEALTHCARE

Caritas Hospice Care

HOSPITAL PRESENCE

Northeast Georgia Health System

IMAGING SERVICE

Imaging Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center

MASSAGE THERAPY

A Touch of Hope

OB/GYN PRACTICE

NGPG OB/GYN Dawsonville

OPTOMETRY PRACTICE

Dawson Eye Group

ORTHODONTICS

Lanier Orthodontics

ORTHOPEDICS

NGPG Orthopedic Surgery and Sports

Medicine Dawsonville

OUTPATIENT/AMBULATORY SURGERY

North Atlanta Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Center

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Cleaver Medical Group

PEDIATRICS PRACTICE

Dawson Pediatrics

PHARMACY

Dawson Pharmacy

PODIATRY

Dr. Gruen, Gruen Podiatry

THERAPY-MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Vance T. Wood, Positive Solutions For Life

THERAPY-PEDIATRIC

Prosper Therapy Services

THERAPY-PHYSICAL

Atlanta Rehabilitation & Performance Center, Inc.

URGENT CARE

Chestatee Emergent Medical Care

PROFESSIONALS

ACCOUNTING/TAX PREP

Christine Hinton CPA

ATTORNEY-CIVIL

Patterson Moore Butler LLC

ATTORNEY-CRIMINAL

Patterson Moore Butler LLC

ATTORNEY-DIVORCE

Patterson Moore Butler LLC

ATTORNEY-ESTATE PLANNING

Shelly Martin, Law Office of Shelly Martin LLC

ATTORNEY-PERSONAL INJURY

Steven Leibel, Leibel Law

AUTO MECHANIC

Lance Disharoon

BANK TELLER

Pamela Pilcher, United Community Bank BARBER

Jarod Strickland, J&C Legacy Salon

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT (CPA)

Christine Hinton, CPA

CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION

Fusion Construction Group

ESTHETICIAN (SKIN CARE SPECIALIST)

Grace Berry (formerly Hall) -A Touch of Hope

FAMILY LAW

Patterson Moore Butler LLC

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Alexandria Williams, The Piedmont Group

HAIR COLORIST

Sable Lucas, Dawson Hair Studio

HAIR STYLIST

Morgan Shea, Live Fast Dye Pretty

HEATING/AIR SERVICE

Elite Heating & Air

HOME INSPECTOR

Mike Phillips, 4 Seasons Home Inspection

INSURANCE AGENT

Mandy Davis, VanKeith Insurance Agency of Dawsonville

LOAN OFFICER

Kendra Charles, Mountaintop Mortgage

Powered By Nexa

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Hope Chism, A Touch of Hope

NAIL TECHNICIAN

Kylee Carroll, K. Sloan Beauty

NON-MD MEDICAL PRO (RN LPN PA, ETC.)

Amberly Hatcher, MS, APRN, FNP-C, Chestatee Emergent Medical Care

PEDIATRICIAN

Honorio Bulos, MD, FAAP, Dawson Pediatrics

PERSONAL TRAINER

Tiffany Bryson, Faithfully Fit Fitness

PET GROOMING (BUSINESS)

Mandy’s Pet Spa

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paige Sweany, Sole Photography

PLUMBING SERVICE

Manning Plumbing & Septic

REAL ESTATE AGENT (INDIVIDUAL AGENT)

Karmen Pharris, Your NGA Team Realty

TATTOO ARTIST

JC Welch, Blind Faith Tattoo Company

TRAVEL AGENT OR AGENCY

MaKayla Green, Making Memories with MaKayla

VETERINARY SERVICES/VETERINARIAN

Whitmire Animal Hospital

SHOPPING & RETAIL

ACCESSORIES STORE

Sweet Sassafras Boutique

ANTIQUE STORE

Days Gone By Vintage Market

ART GALLERY/STUDIO

Bowen Center for the Arts

BOUTIQUE

Sweet Sassafras Boutique

CARPET/FLOORING STORE

Sovereign Flooring LLC

FEED & SEED STORE

Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply

FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Dawsonville Florist

FURNITURE STORE

NLB Thrift Store & Donation Center - Dawsonville

GROCERY STORE

Ingles

GUN STORE

Appalachian Armory & Off Road, Inc.

HARDWARE STORE

C&W Hardware - True Value

HEALTH & BEAUTY RETAIL STORE

A Touch of Hope

HOME DECOR/FURNITURE

Days Gone By Vintage Market

JEWELRY STORE

Tripp & Company Jewelers

LIQUOR STORE

City Liquor

OUTDOOR SPECIALTY STORE

Brooksher Feed & Farm Supply

PAWN SHOP

Dawsonville Gun & Pawn

SPECIALTY RETAILER

Days Gone By Vintage Market

SPORTING GOODS RETAIL

Appalachian Armory & Off Road, Inc.

THRIFT STORE

Pathfinders Family Thrift Store

VITAMIN STORE

Nature’s Health Store

WILD BIRD SUPPLIES

Wild Birds Unlimited

WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Sweet Sassafras Boutique

Johnny and Kathy Burt honored

WITH 2024 GORDON PIRKLE HEART OF DAWSON AWARD

By Erica Jones | ejones@dawsonnews.com

This year’s recipients of the Gordon Pirkle Heart of Dawson Award are Johnny and Kathy Burt, whose commitment to and love for Dawson County have built a longlasting legacy in their community.

Both Johnny and Kathy Burt grew up in Dawson County, and their greatgrandchildren are the ninth generation of their family to live on the farm. The couple met in school, and they have three children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Throughout the years, the Burts have built up their farm, Burts Pumpkin Farm, to what it is today: a true staple of Dawson County and an example of the kind of family-run business that helps make Dawson County what it is.

In 1972, Johnny and Kathy had the idea to grow and sell pumpkins from their front

TOP: Johnny and Kathy Burt hold the resolution from the State of Georgia declaring Oct. 18, 2022 as Burt’s Pumpkin Farm Day in the state. (photo by Erica Jones)

LEFT: Since its beginning over 50 years ago, Johnny and Kathy Burt have built Burts Pumpkin Farm up to a true staple of the Dawson County community (photos by Erica Jones)

yard at the entrance of Amicalola Falls. Back then, they sold around 300 pumpkins a year, their son Russell Burt previously told DCN. Through years of hard work and dedication to their business and their county, they built a barn and a few pumpkin sheds on the family land where the farm is currently located.

Today, they grow and sell 50 to 70 acres of pumpkins a year, and in 2022 they celebrated the farm’s 50th anniversary.

“Today, as visitors wander through the pumpkin patches and festive attractions of Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, they’re not just experiencing a seasonal tradition — they’re stepping into the legacy of Johnny and Kathy Burt,” a recent blog post by the farm says. “Their unwavering love and commitment have touched the lives of countless individuals, learning a mark on the hearts of all who visit.”

The Gordon Pirkle Heart of Dawson award was created by the Dawson County News in 2021 in honor of local pillar of the community Gordon Pirkle, whose heart for his hometown and love of the community is evident in all that he does.

Each year, the award will be presented each year at the Best of Dawson event to a community member who embodies the giving spirit and love for Dawson County that Pirkle does.

Pirkle and his family were instrumental in selecting Johnny and Kathy as this year’s award recipients, describing how Johnny and Gordon’s fathers grew up together and they’ve known each other all their lives. According to comments made by the Pirkle family, the Burts are deserving recipients of this year’s award because of their lifelong love for and commitment to their county and the long-lasting legacy that they have worked so hard to build.

TOP LEFT: Johnny and Kathy at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. TOP

RIGHT:Johnny and Kathy at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration (photos by Burts Pumpkin Farm)

Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart at John Megel Chevrolet. With a wide selection of quality vehicles, we strive to meet the diverse needs of our customers. As we look towards the future, we are excited to keep exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships with our community. Thank you for making us your trusted dealership for the past 25 year.

John Megel Chevrolet

John Megel Chevrolet drives home excellence and outstanding customer service.

John Megel Chevrolet’s consistent recognition as Dawson County’s preferred dealership is a testament to their commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service. Winning Best of Dawson for the ninth consecutive year, and in three categories no less, speaks volumes about their dedication to providing exceptional service across the board. Located on Hwy 400 in Dawsonville, they have established a legacy of prioritizing both customer and employee satisfaction. “We see the growth on the 400 corridor and we see the opportunities to serve more people in Dawson County,” says Executive Manager, Shawn Boyd. “The customers that come through our doors see the same people working here that are also involved within the community and other businesses we sponsor with the community like golf tournaments, football, and The Moonshine Festival. The familiarity helps to cement our impact in Dawsonville.” explains Boyd.

Shawn Boyd’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by John Megel’s employees in the company’s success underscores the significance of fostering a positive work environment. John Megel Chevrolet cultivates a culture of excellence and dedication by prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of their team members, which in turn extends to their customers. Boyd rightly attributes their competitive edge to the pride and dedication exhibited by their staff towards ensuring customer satisfaction. Their collective efforts and hard work translate into the best possible experience for every individual who walks through the dealership’s doors. “Our people here set us apart with their pride and dedication to customer satisfaction. They work hard to make sure that folks walk away happy,” says Boyd. This cycle of care and attention to both employees and customers distinguishes John Megel Chevrolet from its competitors. It’s this commitment to nurturing relationships, both within the organization and with clientele, that ensures each customer receives the best possible experience when purchasing

a new or used vehicle. Ultimately, John Megel Chevrolet’s success is not just about selling cars; it’s about building meaningful connections and providing exceptional service that leaves a lasting impression.

As the county grows, so does the potential for business for John Megel. “Our goal, outside of selling and making more, is to serve more people and see more people come to us specifically. We want folks to have the greatest experience here and we can make that happen”. Says Boyd. His perspective on the county’s growth reflects John Megel’s deep understanding of the evolving needs of the community. While they recognize the potential for increased business with this growth, their focus remains steadfast on serving individuals and families with unmatched service. This commitment goes beyond mere transactions; it’s about fostering positive experiences and building lasting relationships with every customer who walks through their doors.

John Megel Chevrolet has distinguished themselves as more than just a dealership, they are a trusted partner in the community. Whether someone is purchasing a new or used vehicle or seeking maintenance services, they can expect personalized attention and care that goes above and beyond their expectations. In essence, John Megel Chevrolet’s goal is to not only meet but exceed customer needs, ensuring that their impact on the community extends far beyond the showroom floor. “Our dedication to service excellence is what sets us apart” explains Boyd. This dedication reinforces their position as Dawson County’s preferred dealership.

“Winning Best of Dawson for the ninth time is really the ultimate compliment to our business and our employees. We look forward to growth and to continue doing what we do best by serving others. We applaud all businesses that make up Best of Dawson. We know it’s people that make the difference.” expressed Boyd. John Megel Chevrolet looks forward to continued growth and to fulfilling their mission of serving others with dedication and integrity.

Reggie Stowers honored

WITH 2024 ROGER SLATON SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD

By Erica Jones ejones@dawsonnews.com

This year’s recipient of the Roger Slaton Servant Leadership Award is Reggie Stowers, who will be honored for his years of hard work and dedication to the county’s children and its agriculture programs.

Stowers’ family is all from Dawson County, with his grandparents and parents growing up and graduating from Dawson County High School. He was born in Texas due to his father’s military career taking them there, but his family moved back to Dawson County in 1968 following his father’s death and Stowers graduated from Dawson County High School in 1975.

Upon graduating, Stowers began his career in education, first teaching for two years in Barrow County before

returning to Dawson County where he taught agriculture classes for the next 32 years.

“I taught agriculture; of course the subjects changed as time changed,” Stowers said. “I started out doing a lot of animal science, and then the basics of planting a garden; there was always forestry, dairy cattle, all the basics of any kind of animal -- but agriculture education has turned into more than just production farming -- it’s all of the surroundings, the mechanics, the electrical and the welding.”

Throughout his tenure as the high school’s agriculture teacher, Stowers’ passion for the field led to the school being recognized in the region and the state in a variety of FFA events. Stowers himself also earned recognition in several different ways as he was named to the Georgia

Agriculture Hall of Fame and was named as the school’s teacher of the year and STAR teacher, among other recognitions.

Since retiring in 2013, Stowers has kept himself busy with several part-time jobs: working as a bailiff for the court, an usher at Bearden’s Funeral Home and a hayride driver at Burts Pumpkin Farm. He is also a member of the Dawson County Retired Educators Association. But one of the most notable ways he’s continued to support agricultural education in the county has been through his work with the FFA Alumni, a group which he currently serves as the treasurer for.

“I am just one little piece of the FFA Alumni and I would love to highlight all the FFA Alumni do because it all ties into the livestock program and agriculture,” Stowers said.

Reggie Stowers speaks at the 2023 DCHS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. (photo by Rio White)

The FFA Alumni are made up of past FFA members, parents and other community members who provide support for the students in the high school’s Future Farmers of America program through many ways, including raising money for the group through fundraisers, organizing and helping with trash pickup during the Moonshine Festival, sponsoring and helping with local FFA competitions, helping train teams and helping provide transportation for the students’ animals to FFA shows throughout the year.

As a former agriculture teacher and FFA advisor himself, Stowers said, he understands firsthand the amount of support that a group like the FFA Alumni can provide to the students and to current FFA Advisor Keith Pankey.

“We used to have to limit what species we could show; I had to organize transportation of the animals and transportation of the students and equipment,” Stowers said. “And now the FFA Alumni are here to help drive the trucks, take the supplies and help the fundraising.”

This year, something especially poignant for Stowers and the other FFA Alumni members was getting to sponsor and help with the first two FFA competitions in the new Roger D. Slaton AgriScience Center, which officially opened on the high school’s campus in May of 2023.

“We had a dairy show in December and a beef show in January; we had 60-plus dairy heifers here in December and we had 84 beef heifers in January,” Stowers said.

And both shows went very successfully, he said, with the facility and parking lot packed full and with lots of involvement from community members, local elected officials and the school’s Exceptional Tigers.

Seeing the agriscience center officially open, Stowers said, is very exciting to him and many other people. Back when he started teaching, the agriculture students themselves built their first barn, a 30- by 30-foot barn that they used until moving it to where the junior high school now sits and building their own larger 50- by 100-foot barn. When the junior high school was built and that barn was torn down, the high school then built the students a barn behind the high school that they used up until the agriscience center was built.

And the new agriscience center, he said, is thanks to years of hard work by many people, including Roger Slaton himself who encouraged and championed the center’s construction from his seat on the Dawson County Board of Education.

“Had we not had Roger there that building would never have occurred,” Stowers said. “He got interested in agriculture because his kids showed cows, and I think that’s kind of what made Roger say ‘this is a good thing’.”

The Roger Slaton Servant Leadership Award was created by the Dawson County News in 2022 in honor of late Dawson County business leader Roger Slaton. A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Slaton poured himself into serving his community in any way possible, from serving on the Board of Education to his roles with the Dawson County Chamber of

annual Future Educators

Signing Day on May 2, 2023.

his business and his church.

Each year, the award will be presented to a community member who embodies Slaton’s servant leadership, heart for the community and selfless spirit for which he will always be remembered.

Slaton’s family was instrumental in choosing Stowers as this year’s award recipient, citing the years that he poured into helping build up the high school’s agriculture programs and the many hours that he continues to volunteer to help keep it running today.

“I’ve got a little time and I still want to see [the DCHS agriculture program] survive and do well; I was so excited when Mr. Pankey came because he’s working hard to keep things going like they were,” Stowers said. “And I’m just one small piece of it.”

TOP: Reggie Stowers addresses DCHS students during the school’s

(photo by Erica Jones)

LEFT: Reggie Stowers sings the national anthem to begin the DCHS FFA’s December Dairy Heifer Show. (photo by DCHS FFA)

Commerce,

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We are a turn key solution that offers the complete package to

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“Providing excellent patient care is the main priority here at Dawson Pharmacy.”

From opening in November of 2015, integrity has been the driving force that keeps customers coming back for all of their prescription needs. Let’s work together for your health!

This pharmacy is outfitted for both retail and compounding pharmaceutical needs which allows us to serve you with any prescription. Compounding needs can include pain creams, hormone replacements, veterinary, and many more.

Fusion Construction Group

Fusion Construction Group seals win for Best of Dawson

Fusion Construction Group’s commitment to excellence is evident from their motto, “Doing it right the first time,” which is prominently displayed on their website. This dedication to quality and reliability resonates with clients seeking a worry and hassle-free experience, making Fusion the recipient of Best Home Renovation/Remodeling and Contractor/Construction awards in the Best of Dawson competition.

Whether it’s residential, commercial, multifamily, or restoration projects, Fusion Construction Group delivers on their promise to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Joe King, Fusion’s COO, emphasizes that “customer gratification is our top priority above all else.” By placing such emphasis on customer gratification, Fusion Construction Group not only delivers exceptional results but also fosters long-lasting relationships with clients.

The company’s origins, rooted in owner and CEO Daniel Charles’s background as a licensed welder and owner of Daniel Charles Welding, exemplify Fusion’s diverse skill set and expertise. The fusion of welding and construction services led to the creation of Fusion Construction Group in response to customer demand for comprehensive construction solutions. “We started getting requests from our customers when working as Daniel Charles Welding, if we could also do outside projects for residential and commercial construction. After that the growth continued and we decided to create Fusion to add to our repertoire. Our clients were happy with our work and encouraged us to keep going.” explained King.

What truly sets Fusion apart, according to King, is their dedicated personnel who are committed to delivering the highest quality workmanship on every project. Clear communication, collaboration

with clients every step of the way, and meticulous attention to detail ensure that each project is executed to perfection. Additionally, Fusion’s efficient reporting methods and adherence to schedule requirements contribute to their uniqueness in the construction industry, creating customer loyalty and satisfaction. Their employees are handpicked, and as King explains, “without them, we couldn’t do what we do.”

Fusion Construction Group’s vision for the future involves strategic expansion of their customer base, potentially extending their reach into other states. Additionally, they are considering venturing into building homes from the ground up, albeit with a cautious approach towards growth. King emphasizes their aim for controlled expansion, ensuring that they maintain the same level of excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction that has earned them accolades such as Best of Dawson. Winning this award serves as both validation and inspiration for Fusion Construction Group to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of their business. “It’s really a feather in our cap and we feel so honored and happy to have been chosen for this award. It motivates us to continue to do our very best,” says King.

Ultimately, Fusion’s success can be attributed to their unwavering dedication to customer service, quality workmanship, and transparent communication throughout the construction process. These core values will undoubtedly continue to guide them as they pursue their goals for the future and uphold their reputation as a trusted leader in the construction industry. Fusion Construction Group’s ethos revolves around putting the customer first, ensuring that each project is executed with precision, professionalism, and a relentless focus on ensuring the utmost satisfaction of their clientele.

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