Best of the Best 2021

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December 1, 2021


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WOMANOFTHEYEAR

Soon after taking office, Jones began making a difference By John Surratt The Vicksburg Post July 2, Penny Jones made history, becoming the first woman to be sworn in as Vicksburg police chief. And it didn’t take long for her to begin having an impact on the community as she instituted several programs to give the police department a greater presence in the neighborhoods. A 22-year veteran of the department, Jones is a Vicksburg native who initially started out to be a nurse but was sidetracked when she became pregnant. She later graduated from Alcorn State University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in criminal justice and will receive a master’s in workforce education in 2022. But she didn’t put her criminal justice degree to work immediately. “After my daughter was born, the casinos opened and I was able to get a job at a casino where I worked for 10 years before I actually joined the police force,” she said. “At the time the casinos came, they paid more money than the average job in Vicksburg, so I stayed there for a while. I made a decent salary.” It took a friend, Roosevelt Bunch, a member of the “Lucky Seven” — the police department’s first black police officers — “who kind of convinced me to take the test,” Jones said. Bunch, former officers Clyde Harris, Carl Bennett, “and so many others that I knew in the community kind of egged me on and convinced me that it would be a good career, especially for a female in law enforcement. They kind of walked me through,” Jones said. “Some of the old hands around here, the ones who had been around here probably before I was born.” Besides, she added, “It (law enforcement) runs in my family. My aunt is a retired police officer in Detroit, Michigan. Many years ago, my father was in law enforcement. I have another cousin who’s in law enforcement and a slew of relatives who are already in it. I think it’s almost in my blood.” Jones’ daughter, Alexis Hall, is a Vicksburg police officer as well. Joining the police department, Jones said, was probably one of the most exciting things she ever experienced. The police academy “was the toughest thing I experienced besides having a baby.” After joining the department, she said, she had an opportunity to work in different divisions. “I was very curious,” she said. “Though I was not assigned to specialized divisions, on my days off I would ask the supervisors if it was OK if I could come in and shadow you guys just to see what you are doing because I definitely wanted to

PHOTO BY JOHN SURRATT | THE VICKSBURG POST

Penny Jones, the first woman to be sworn in as Vicksburg police chief, has been named the 2021 Woman of the Year in The Vicksburg Post’s annual Best of the Best campaign. see what I wanted to do here at the police department.” Jones found two areas of interest — narcotics and domestic violence. Domestic violence, she said, held the most interest and still does. Even as chief, Jones said, she works with those cases. Jones followed Sgt. Beverly Prentiss as the department’s domestic violence officer and worked with Prentiss before taking the position. “She reared me in the best tactics to fulfill in helping a victim,” Jones said. “I remember she taught me a lot in the position and even when she was working part-time she still helped me work on cases. Even when she retired, we would talk about different things I could do, so many ideas to keep the focus going in domestic violence.” When she joined the police department in 1999, Jones said she was aware of domestic violence “because I knew of people fighting. I had been exposed to it, because I was a victim.” Helping victims, she said, was a passion before she joined the department. “Domestic was just me being a victim and me wanting to help because ultimately that was my goal for being a police officer. Our motto is to ‘Serve and Protect.’ I think that was my motto before I ever got here.” She never stopped working domestic violence cases, she said, even after her promotion to patrol commander and later as deputy chief for patrol. She has organized the Peni Center, an education

center for victims — she calls them “victors” — of domestic violence to teach them how to get to a better life. The shelter teaches them how to do resumes, learn life skills, manage their money, build their credit report and work on the computer. “Just basic skills,” Jones said. The shelter is located in a building on Sky Farm Avenue that was donated to her for a shelter. Jones said she was surprised when Mayor George Flaggs Jr. appointed her police chief. “I’m thankful he chose me at the time,” she said. “I had an opportunity to fulfill my educational dreams to work in every division at the police department to get the experience in every division; so it’s almost easy to be in the position because I feel like I’ve already done it.” Moving mobile headquarters to different neighborhoods of the city was one of Jones’ first projects. “My goal was to serve and protect,” she said. “In serving and protecting what do you do? You have to come up with creative ideas to keep people safe in the community. The mobile command center is probably one of the most unused tools that we have here in the police department and it can open up the door for so many things. I chose to take it to the neighborhoods because we can’t be there all the time. The police can’t be there all the time, but the mobile command center can be there for the community.” She decided from the beginning the center’s first

stop was the New Main Apartments. “There were so many issues going on (there) at the time, especially when we started this in July,” Jones said. “I knew that that would be the first place I would want to go because it was almost like they were crying out for help. “I knew what that mobile command center could do so it was easy to make a choice to go there first.” The command center, she said, is able to show other areas of the city that while the police can’t always be in a particular neighborhood, they can put officers in the area to respond to calls. Another program Jones began is Operation Blitz, a program where areas of town are saturated by a team of officers to write citations, serve warrants and make arrests. The idea, she said, came from a discussion with then-Lt. Jeff Merritt, a New Orleans Saints fan who explained the blitz. “I said, ‘You know what?’ That’s what I’m going to call my new team.” So far, Jones said, Operation Blitz has been able, almost on a daily basis, to get a gun off of a juvenile on the street. “That’s one less gun out on the street, one less citizen in the community that can get hurt at the hand of a juvenile,” she said. Blitz officers have worked cases and solved several murders. “We’ve also served a lot of misdemeanor and felony warrants,” she said. A program she hopes to operate in the spring is the Citizens on Patrol Academy to give residents an opportunity to observe police officers on the job. She has asked some retired police officers to teach in the program. Residents, she said, will get an opportunity to see how cases are worked, go to the firing range, and ride in a patrol car to learn how officers determine if someone is driving under the influence. “It’s just a one-on-one way to see how we work,” Jones said. She also plans to work on solving some of the department’s cold cases. “I would like to bring closure to families who have waited so many years to find out what happened to their loved one and to put the person in jail who committed that heinous crime,” Jones said. She also plans to revive the police department’s streetball program, but include computer classes and other educational programs and provide better nutrition along with the basketball. Jones’ term is four years but it could run longer. Whenever her tenure ends she hopes people will review it and say, “I helped the citizens in the community to get to a better place. That she served and protected the way that a chief should have, that I accomplished the goals,” she said.


4 • WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1, 2021 • VICKSBURG POST

MANOFTHEYEAR

PHOTO BY TERRI COWART FRAIZER | THE VICKSBURG POST

Julian Tolliver, paramedic with the Vicksburg Fire Department and personal trainer/owner at Rejuvenating Fitness, has been named the 2021 Man of the Year in The Vicksburg Post’s annual Best of the Best campaign.

Tolliver impacts community through personal training, paramedic service By Terri Cowart Frazier The Vicksburg Post Whether it’s serving as a paramedic with the Vicksburg Fire Department or training clients, Julian Tolliver is making an impact in the community. So much so, he was voted Man of the Year in The Vicksburg Post’s Readers’ Choice Awards. “This took me by surprise, and I am humbled and honored,” Tolliver said, after learning he was chosen. “I just didn’t see this coming. I had no idea and that just shows you what God has for you,” he said. Tolliver has been with VFD for 13 years and serves as a captain. He became certified in per-

sonal training four years ago and in July opened Rejuvenating Fitness, located at 4000 S. Frontage Road Ste. 107. With two jobs, Tolliver has little time for anything else, he said. “I am 100 percent committed to providing the service as a firefighter and a paramedic to the community and also providing that service of a personal trainer,” Tolliver said. “I still work 24hour shifts at the fire department and when I get off, I take my son to school and then train from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and then go home to a wife and two kids.” Before becoming a personal trainer, Tolliver worked in Jackson with the American Medical Response ambulance service. But after several years of traveling back and

forth, he said, the stress was taking a toll on him and his family. Therefore, he decided to take a “leap of faith” and become a personal trainer. “I wanted to do something I liked and loved, which was fitness,” Tolliver said. Shortly after becoming certified, Tolliver began training two women, and since then his business has grown. Tolliver continued to stay committed to his clients when the pandemic hit and the gyms closed by finding an alternative location to train them. He held workout sessions outside at the Vicksburg National Military Park and even invited those who were not clients to join in for a nominal fee. In addition to his clients, Tolliver said, he

credits his success to his family. “My wife has been 100 percent supportive, and my daughter has been my biggest cheerleader,” he said. “My whole family has been very supportive of the decision to open my own training facility,” Tolliver said. While there were others who were deserving in the running for Man of the Year, Tolliver said he was grateful for the recognition. “I mean, I didn’t go to any four-year college and get a degree. I am a hard-core blue-collar worker out here just providing and being a servant to the community and I was nominated Man of the Year and it’s just humbling. I had no idea my influence was this big. This makes me look at myself differently knowing people look at me like they look at me,” he said.


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2021 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS Best Business: Cannon Motors Man of the Year: Julian Tolliver Woman of the Year: Chief Penny Jones AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO SERVICE DEPT. (DEALERSHIP) BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors AUTO SERVICE DEPT. (NON-DEALERSHIP) BEST OF: David Smith Automotive Repair ONE OF THE BEST: Cj’s Tire & Auto AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cj’s Tire & Auto BODY & DETAIL SHOP (DEALERSHIP) BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors BODY & DETAIL SHOP (NON-DEALERSHIP) BEST OF: Vicksburg Body Shop ONE OF THE BEST:Thorne Collision Center CAR WASH BEST OF: D&T Mobile Express Services, LLC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors GLASS/WINDSHIELD REPAIR BEST OF: Barnes Glass ONE OF THE BEST: Sweet’s Glass Repair MECHANIC BEST OF: Marty Stokes, George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: John Herrin NEW CAR DEALER BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors NEW CAR SALESMAN BEST OF: Angel Robinson, George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Kelsey Merideth, Cannon Motors

Boss of the Year (Over 20 Employees): George Carr Buick GMC Leadership Team Boss of the Year (Under 20 Employees): TyAnn Ellis, Billy’s Italian Restaurant & Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

PREOWNED CAR DEALER BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors

CHEF BEST OF: Kevin Roberts ONE OF THE BEST: William Furlong

KIDS MEAL BEST OF: McDonald’s ONE OF THE BEST: Chick-fil-A

TIRE DEALER BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors

CHICKEN BEST OF: Walnut Hills ONE OF THE BEST: Chick-fil-A

LIQUOR STORE BEST OF: Toney’s 61N Liquor & Wine ONE OF THE BEST: F & G Beverages

WINDOW TINT BEST OF: The Tint Shop ONE OF THE BEST: Josh Stuckey

COFFEE BEST OF: The Coffee House Cafe ONE OF THE BEST: Bohemia Cafe & Bakery

LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT BEST OF: The Gumbo Pot ONE OF THE BEST: Rusty’s Riverfront Grill

FOOD & BEVERAGE

DELI BEST OF: McAlister’s Deli ONE OF THE BEST: Newk’s Eatery

LUNCH BEST OF: Billy’s Italian Restaurant ONE OF THE BEST: Main Street Market Cafe

DESSERTS BEST OF: Bohemia Cafe & Bakery ONE OF THE BEST: Walnut Hills

MEXICAN FOOD BEST OF: El Sombrero ONE OF THE BEST: Los Parrilleros

DOWNTOWN DINING EXPERIENCE BEST OF: 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill ONE OF THE BEST: Rusty’s Riverfront Grill

PIZZA BEST OF: Billy’s Italian Restaurant ONE OF THE BEST: Fox’s Pizza Den

ASIAN BEST OF: China Buffet ONE OF THE BEST: Asian Kitchen BAKERY BEST OF: Bohemia Cafe & Bakery ONE OF THE BEST: Once Upon a Cupcake BAR BEST OF: Beechwood Restaurant and Lounge ONE OF THE BEST: The Biscuit Company BARBECUE BEST OF: Culley’s BBQ ONE OF THE BEST: Goldies Express BBQ & Catering BLUE PLATE SPECIAL BEST OF: Waterview Casino ONE OF THE BEST: Walnut Hills BREAKFAST BEST OF: Bohemia Cafe and Bakery ONE OF THE BEST: Chick-fil-A BRUNCH BEST OF: Anchuca ONE OF THE BEST: Cocktails 101

FAST FOOD BEST OF: Chick-fil-A ONE OF THE BEST: McDonald’s FINE DINING BEST OF: Rusty’s Riverfront Grill ONE OF THE BEST: Relish Bistro FRIENDLIEST SERVICE BEST OF: Chick-fil-A ONE OF THE BEST: Bohemia Cafe & Bakery GUMBO BEST OF: The Gumbo Pot ONE OF THE BEST: Main Street Market Cafe

BUFFET BEST OF: The Turkey Leg Shack ONE OF THE BEST: Pizza Inn

HAMBURGER BEST OF: Bohemia Cafe & Bakery ONE OF THE BEST: Goldies Express BBQ & Catering

OIL CHANGE BEST OF: George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Cannon Motors

CATERING BEST OF: The Gumbo Pot ONE OF THE BEST: Fit Chef

HOMECOOKING BEST OF: Walnut Hills ONE OF THE BEST: Southern Sisters

PRE OWNED CAR SALESMAN BEST OF: Scott Mullen, George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Steve Barber, George Carr Buick GMC

CATFISH BEST OF: The Gumbo Pot ONE OF THE BEST:Toney’s Grill and Seafood Market

ITALIAN BEST OF: Billy’s Italian Restaurant ONE OF THE BEST: Relish Bistro

QUICKEST DRIVE THRU BEST OF: Chick-fil-A ONE OF THE BEST: McDonald’s SEAFOOD BEST OF: Toney’s Grill & Seafood Market ONE OF THE BEST: Rusty’s Riverfront Grill SOUL FOOD BEST OF: The Turkey Leg Shack ONE OF THE BEST: Suge’s BBQ and Soul Food STEAK BEST OF: Beechwood Restaurant & Lounge ONE OF THE BEST: Rusty’s Riverfront Grill TAMALE BEST OF: Solly’s Hot Tamales ONE OF THE BEST: The Tamale Place

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AESTHETICIAN BEST OF: Lee Catherine Pickering, Hair Envy ONE OF THE BEST: Corrie Jones, The Vintage Belle Salon ATHLETIC INSTRUCTOR BEST OF: Jessica Henderson, River City Royals Tumble & Cheer ONE OF THE BEST: Rob Morgan, Warren Central High School


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2021 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS BARBER BEST OF: April Sterling, Cut Up’s ONE OF THE BEST: Todd Downey, Downey’s Barber & Style Shop BARBER SHOP BEST OF: Cut Up’s ONE OF THE BEST: Downey’s Barber & Style Shop CHIROPRACTOR BEST OF: Paul Murry, HealthSource Chiropractic ONE OF THE BEST: Tom Houseal, New Health Chiropractic

HAIR STYLIST BEST OF: Lauren Forte, The Salon Suites ONE OF THE BEST: April Sterling, Cut Up’s HEARING AID CENTER BEST OF:Vicksburg Hearing Health ONE OF THE BEST: All Mississippi Hearing, Inc. HOME HEALTH AGENCY BEST OF:Washington Home Health Agency LLC ONE OF THE BEST: Kindred at Home HOSPICE AGENCY BEST OF: St. Joseph Hospice ONE OF THE BEST: Kindred Hospice

COUNSELING SERVICE BEST OF: Grace Christian Counseling ONE OF THE BEST: Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health

MASSAGE THERAPIST BEST OF: Sandra Brown, Jypsy’s Salon-Spa ONE OF THE BEST: Kaylon Little The Loft Salon & Spa

DANCE STUDIO BEST OF: Debra Franco School of Dance ONE OF THE BEST: RiverPointe Dance Academy

MEDICAL CLINIC BEST OF: Mission Primary Care Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Medical Associates of Vicksburg

DENTAL HYGIENIST BEST OF: Jenny Turner, Chaney Family Dental ONE OF THE BEST: Dana King

NAIL TECHNICIAN BEST OF: Aimee Hartley, The Loft Salon & Spa ONE OF THE BEST: Penny Frith, Hair Envy

DENTIST BEST OF: Martin Chaney, Chaney Family Dental ONE OF THE BEST: Jordan Crocker, Crocker Family Dental EYE CARE SPECIALIST BEST OF: Jill Frier, Acute Vision Eye Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Samuel & Miles Ashley, The Vision Clinic EYE CLINIC BEST OF: The Vision Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Acute Vision Eye Clinic FACIALS BEST OF: Lee Catherine Pickering, Hair Envy ONE OF THE BEST: Corrie Jones, The Vintage Belle Salon FITNESS CENTER BEST OF: Rejuvenating Fitness ONE OF THE BEST: Wyatt’s Gym HAIR SALON BEST OF: Cut Up’s ONE OF THE BEST: TwiZted Halo

NURSE BEST OF: Ken Lambert, Merit Health River Region ONE OF THE BEST: Melody Grey, Merit Health River Region NURSE PRACTITIONER BEST OF: Christina Hossley, Mission Primary Care Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Kay McDaniel, Mission Primary Care Clinic NURSING HOME BEST OF:Vicksburg Convalescent Home ONE OF THE BEST: Heritage House of Vicksburg Nursing Center OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST BEST OF: Catelyn Skipper, Elite Performance & Rehab ONE OF THE BEST: Heather Calnan Sumners, Elite Performance & Rehab PEDIATRICIAN BEST OF: Debbie Smith, Merit Health River Region ONE OF THE BEST: Lisa Fairchild, Merit Health River Region

PERSONAL TRAINER BEST OF: Julian Tolliver, Rejuvenating Fitness ONE OF THE BEST: Buff Harris, FitLife Fitness PHARMACIST BEST OF: Peoples Drug Store Pharmacists ONE OF THE BEST: John Storey, Battlefield Discount Drugs PHARMACY BEST OF: Peoples Drug Store ONE OF THE BEST: Helping Hand Family Pharmacy PHYSICAL THERAPIST BEST OF: Scott Robbins, Scott Robbins Physical Therapy ONE OF THE BEST: Kurt Cooksey, Elite Performance & Rehab PHYSICIAN BEST OF: Sam Pierce, Medical Associates of Vicksburg ONE OF THE BEST: Calvin Masterson, Mission Primary Care Clinic RETIREMENT HOME BEST OF: Heritage House Retirement and Assisted Living Center ONE OF THE BEST: Vicksburg Convalescent Home TANNING SALON BEST OF: Sunsational Tanning & Salon ONE OF THE BEST: Sunset Images Tanning Salon

HOME & GARDEN

APPLIANCE DEALER BEST OF: Wells & LaHatte ONE OF THE BEST: Cowboy Maloney CARPENTER BEST OF: Al Gullett & Troyce Gullet ONE OF THE BEST: Curtis Whatley CLEANING SERVICE BEST OF: SERVPRO of Vicksburg & Yazoo ONE OF THE BEST: Bridget Calvert, Bri’s Brooms CONTRACTOR BEST OF: Al Gullett ONE OF THE BEST: Ray Johnson ELECTRICIAN BEST OF: Wesley Jones ONE OF THE BEST: Philip “Sonny” Jones

FLOORING/CARPET BEST OF: Carpet One ONE OF THE BEST: Thad Pratt FRAMING BEST OF: Al Gullett ONE OF THE BEST: Michelle’s Framing GARDEN STORE/NURSERY BEST OF: The Flower Center ONE OF THE BEST: Delta Outfitters GLASS DEALER BEST OF: Barnes Glass ONE OF THE BEST: Price’s Glass & Mirror Co HANDYMAN BEST OF: Curtis Whatley ONE OF THE BEST: Rick Hill HARDWARE STORE BEST OF: Haden Hardware ONE OF THE BEST: McCoy’s Building Supply HEATING & COOLING SERVICE BEST OF: Ed Hampton Air Conditioning & Heating LLC ONE OF THE BEST: Coleman Heating & Cooling HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE BEST OF: McCoy’s Building Supply ONE OF THE BEST: Haden Hardware INTERIOR DESIGN BEST OF: Megan Buckner ONE OF THE BEST: Mary Kaylin Gray, Helen’s Florist LANDSCAPING BEST OF: Maynord Landscaping Inc ONE OF THE BEST: Palmer Property Maintenance LAUNDRY MAT BEST OF: Caldwell’s ONE OF THE BEST: United Cleaners MOVING COMPANY BEST OF: Barnette Brothers Professional Moving Services ONE OF THE BEST: Tri-State Tire Shop PAINT DEALER BEST OF: Farrell-Calhoun ONE OF THE BEST: Sherwin Williams


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2021 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS PAINTER BEST OF: Ray Johnson ONE OF THE BEST: Eddie Hayes PEST CONTROL BEST OF: Turner’s Pest Control ONE OF THE BEST: Gary Jones Pest Control PLUMBING SERVICE BEST OF: Chris Busby, River City Plumbing ONE OF THE BEST: Piazza Plumbing Co POOL MAINTENANCE BEST OF: Oasis Pool & Spa ONE OF THE BEST: Joe’s Pool Service ROOFING COMPANY BEST OF: Jason Vega’s Roofing LLC ONE OF THE BEST: Coleman Roofing STORAGE FACILITY BEST OF: Magnolia Self Storage ONE OF THE BEST:Vicksburg Self Storage

DAY CARE BEST OF: Cross Point Daycare & Sisters of Mercy Early Learning Center ONE OF THE BEST: Porters Chapel Academy DRY CLEANERS BEST OF: United Cleaners ONE OF THE BEST: Delta Cleaners ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIAL BEST OF: Sheriff Martin Pace ONE OF THE BEST: Mayor George Flaggs

NONPROFIT BEST OF: Southern Heritage Air Foundation ONE OF THE BEST: Haven House Family Shelter

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION BEST OF: Trustmark ONE OF THE BEST: Mutual Credit Union

PASTOR BEST OF: TJ Tennison, Crossway Church ONE OF THE BEST:Tony Winkler, My Refuge Church

VET CLINIC BEST OF: Animal Medical Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Woodland Animal Clinic

FINANCIAL PLANNING REPRESENTATIVE BEST OF: Wayne Pratt, Edward Jones ONE OF THE BEST: Easy Biedenharn, Monument Financial Partners

PET BOARDING BEST OF: Bark Avenue ONE OF THE BEST: Animal Medical Clinic

VETERINARIAN BEST OF: Tony Loper, Woodland Animal Clinic ONE OF THE BEST: Rachel Potter, Animal Medical Clinic

FUNERAL DIRECTOR BEST OF: Vinnie Testa, Fisher-Riles Funeral Home ONE OF THE BEST: Doug Huskey, Glenwood Funeral Home

WINDOWS & DOORS BEST OF: Thad Pratt ONE OF THE BEST: Price’s Glass & Mirror Co

FUNERAL HOME BEST OF: Glenwood Funeral Home ONE OF THE BEST: Fisher-Riles Funeral Home

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

INDUSTRIAL PLANT BEST OF: Ergon ONE OF THE BEST: International Paper

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST BEST OF: Brenda Massey, George Carr Buick GMC ONE OF THE BEST: Caitlin Beard, ERDC AESTHETICIAN BEST OF: Lee Catherine Pickering, Hair Envy ONE OF THE BEST: Corrie Jones, The Vintage Belle Salon ATTORNEY BEST OF: Blake Teller ONE OF THE BEST: Mike Bonner BANK TELLER BEST OF: Robin Callaway, Mutual Credit Union ONE OF THE BEST: Christian Brewer, RiverHills BANKER/BANK MANAGER BEST OF: Laura Bradley, RiverHills ONE OF THE BEST: David Blackledge, RiverHills

MORTGAGE PROVIDER BEST OF: Trustmark, Candy Francisco ONE OF THE BEST: RiverHills

TEACHER (JR. HIGH/ HIGH SCHOOL) BEST OF: Teandrea Rowell,VWSD ONE OF THE BEST: Candice Reeder, Vicksburg Catholic School TEACHER (PRESCHOOL/ ELEMENTARY) BEST OF:Valerie French,Vicksburg Warren School District ONE OF THE BEST: Liza Tidwell,Vicksburg Catholic School

TREE SERVICES BEST OF: McCain Tree Service ONE OF THE BEST: Palmer Property Maintenance

ACCOUNTANT BEST OF: Boolos + Oakes ONE OF THE BEST: May & Company

MEAT PROCESSOR BEST OF: Dave’s Custom Meats ONE OF THE BEST: Jeff Hearn

INSURANCE AGENCY BEST OF: State Farm, Lindsay Dedeaux Agency ONE OF THE BEST: Alfa Insurance, Kade Oldenburg Agency INSURANCE AGENT BEST OF: Kade Oldenburg, Alpha Insurance ONE OF THE BEST: Diane Kemp, State Farm LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BEST OF: Sheriff Martin Pace ONE OF THE BEST: Chief Deputy Billy Joe Heggins LAW FIRM BEST OF: Teller, Hassell & Hopson ONE OF THE BEST: Ellis, Dees & Sadler LOAN OFFICER BEST OF: Jessica Hearn, Mutual Credit Union ONE OF THE BEST: Candy Francisco,Trustmark

PET GROOMER BEST OF: Kay Edwards, Wags ONE OF THE BEST: Bark Avenue PET TRAINER BEST OF: Lindsey Jordan ONE OF THE BEST:Vicksburg Dog Obedience PHOTOGRAPHER BEST OF: Racheal Hollowell, Bella la Vita Photography ONE OF THE BEST: Snapped and Framed Photography REAL ESTATE AGENT BEST OF: Tonya Bounds, Keller Williams ONE OF THE BEST: Harley Caldwell, Coldwell Banker All Stars REAL ESTATE COMPANY BEST OF: Coldwell Banker All Stars ONE OF THE BEST: Keller Williams SCHOOL (ELEMENTARY) BEST OF: St. Francis Xavier Elementary ONE OF THE BEST: Redwood Elementary School SCHOOL (JUNIOR HIGH/ HIGH SCHOOL) BEST OF: St. Aloysius High School ONE OF THE BEST:Warren Central High School STAFFING SERVICE BEST OF: Staffing Solutions ONE OF THE BEST: Express Employment Professionals TAXIDERMY BEST OF: Robert Belk ONE OF THE BEST: River City Skulls/Brex Bailey

SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT

ANTIQUE SHOP BEST OF: The Open Market ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street Market Place ART CLASS BEST OF: Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation ONE OF THE BEST: That’s Soo Cool ART GALLERY BEST OF: The Attic Gallery ONE OF THE BEST: H C Porter Gallery BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE BEST OF: River City Royals Tumble & Cheer ONE OF THE BEST: Silver Creek Equestrian Center BOOKSTORE BEST OF: Lorelei Books ONE OF THE BEST: Peterson’s CASINO BEST OF: Waterview Casino ONE OF THE BEST: Ameristar Casino CLOTHING BOUTIQUE BEST OF: STRUT Boutique ONE OF THE BEST: TwiZted Halo CONSIGNMENT/ THRIFT SHOP BEST OF: The Open Market ONE OF THE BEST: Lifting Lives Ministries FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY BEST OF: Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum ONE OF THE BEST: Bowling


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2021 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS 2021 BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS

FEED & FERTILIZER FEEDOF: &Delta FERTILIZER BEST Outfitters BEST OF OF:THE DeltaBEST: Outfitters ONE Bovina Co-op ONE OF THE BEST: Bovina Co-op FURNITURE STORE FURNITURE STORE BEST OF: Marcus Furniture BEST OF OF:THE Marcus Furniture ONE BEST: The Open Market ONE OF THE BEST: The Open Market GIFT SHOP GIFTOF: SHOP BEST GLOWE Apothecary BEST OF OF:THE GLOWE ONE BEST:Apothecary The Cinnamon Tree ONE OF THE BEST: The Cinnamon Tree GROCERY STORE GROCERY STORE BEST OF: Corner Market BEST OF OF:THE Corner Market ONE BEST: Super Junior ONE OF THE BEST: Super Junior HUNTING EQUIPMENT/ HUNTING EQUIPMENT/ SPORTING GOODS SPORTING BEST OF: 601GOODS Sports BEST OF OF:THE 601 BEST: SportsDeltaOutfitters ONE ONE OF THE BEST: DeltaOutfitters

NIGHT SPOT/LIVE MUSIC NIGHT MUSIC BEST OF:SPOT/LIVE The Biscuit Company BEST OF OF:THE The Biscuit CompanyCasino ONE BEST: Ameristar ONE OF THE BEST: Ameristar Casino PAWN SHOP PAWN BEST OF:SHOP USA Pawn BEST OF OF:THE USABEST: PawnTop Dollar Pawn & Gun ONE ONE OF THE BEST: Top Dollar Pawn & Gun TOY STORE TOY STORE BEST OF: Peterson’s BEST OF OF:THE Peterson’s ONE BEST: The Cinnamon Tree ONE OF THE BEST: The Cinnamon Tree

TOURISM TOURISM ANNUAL EVENT

ANNUAL EVENTWings & Wheels BEST OF: Warbirds, BEST OF: Warbirds, & Wheels ONE OF THE BEST:Wings Porchfest ONE OF THE BEST: Porchfest

BED & BREAKFAST BED & BREAKFAST BEST OF: The Duff Green Mansion BEST OF: The Duff Mansion ONE OF THE BEST:Green Anchuca ONE OF THE BEST: Anchuca

JEWELER JEWELER BEST OF: Magnolia Jewelers BEST OF OF:THE Magnolia ONE BEST:Jewelers Carter Jewelers ONE OF THE BEST: Carter Jewelers

BEST KEPT SECRET (LOCATION) BESTOF: KEPT SECRETPlace (LOCATION) BEST The Tomato BEST OF: The Tomato Place ONE OF THE BEST: Mint Springs ONE OF THE BEST: Mint Springs

JEWELRY STORE JEWELRY STOREJewelers BEST OF: Magnolia BEST OF: Magnolia ONE OF THE BEST:Jewelers Carter Jewelers ONE OF THE BEST: Carter Jewelers

BEST PLACE TO CATCH A SUNSET BESTOF: PLACE TO CATCH A SUNSET BEST Fort Hill BEST OF: Fort Hill ONE OF THE BEST: 10 South THE BEST: ONE OF Rooftop Bar10& South Grill Rooftop Bar & Grill

HOTEL HOTEL BEST OF: Waterview Casino & Hotel BEST OF OF:THE Waterview Casino & Inn Hotel ONE BEST: Hampton & Suites ONE OF THE BEST: Hampton Inn & Suites MOST MISSED DURING COVID MOST MISSED DURING BEST OF: Time with family &COVID friends BEST OF OF:THE TimeBEST: withChurch family & friends ONE ONE OF THE BEST: Church MUSEUM MUSEUM BEST OF:Vicksburg Civil War Museum BEST OF OF:THE Vicksburg War Museum ONE BEST:Civil Southern Heritage Air ONE OF THE BEST: Southern Foundation Museum Heritage Air Foundation Museum

CEREMONY VENUE CEREMONY VENUE BEST OF: The River House BEST OF OF:THE The BEST: River House ONE Levee Street Warehouse ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street Warehouse ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT BEST OF: The Chill BEST OF OF:THE The Chill ONE BEST: Doctor Zarr’s Amazing ONE OF THE Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk BEST: Monster Funk Monster FORMAL WEAR FORMAL WEAR BEST OF: King of Hearts Tuxedos BEST OF: King of Hearts ONE OF THE BEST: Suit Tuxedos City ONE OF THE BEST: Suit City

RIVERBOAT RIVERBOAT BEST OF: American Queen BEST OF OF:THE American ONE BEST:Queen Mississippi Queen ONE OF THE BEST: Mississippi Queen

GOWNS & ALTERATIONS GOWNS & ALTERATIONS BEST OF: Bridal Studio 61 BEST OF: Bridal Studio 61 ONE OF THE BEST: Monogram Creations ONE OF THE BEST: Monogram Creations

TOUR GUIDE TOUR GUIDE BEST OF: Patty Mekus, Southern BEST OF: Patty Mekus, Southern Heritage Air Foundation Heritage Air Foundation ONE OF THE BEST: Bertram Hayes-Davis, THE BEST:Old Bertram Hayes-Davis, ONE OF Vicksburg Town Tours Vicksburg Old Town Tours

HAIR & MAKE UP HAIROF: & MAKE BEST Gellisa UP Fevrier, All Curly Girlz BEST OF: Gellisa Fevrier, AllDeRossette Curly Girlz ONE OF THE BEST: Haley ONE OF THE BEST: Haley DeRossette Nevels, TwiZted Halo Nevels, TwiZted Halo

TOURIST ATTRACTION TOURIST ATTRACTION BEST OF: Southern Heritage Air Foundation BEST OF: Southern Heritage Air Foundation Museum Museum ONE OF THE BEST:Vicksburg National THE BEST: Vicksburg National ONE OF Military Park Military Park VICKSBURG NATIONAL VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY MONUMENT MILITARY MONUMENT BEST OF: Illinois Monument BEST OF: Illinois Monument ONE OF THE BEST: Mississippi Monument ONE OF THE BEST: Mississippi Monument

WEDDING WEDDING REGISTRY

is one of Vicksburg's best Barber Shops! Todd Downey is One of Vicksburg's Best Barbers!

HOTELS & LODGING HOTELS & LODGING BEST OF: Courtyard by Marriott BEST OF: Courtyard by Marriott ONE OF THE BEST: Hampton Inn & Suites ONE OF THE BEST: Hampton Inn & Suites INVITATIONS INVITATIONS BEST OF: Merry Mail/Margie Heltzel BEST OF OF:THE Merry Mail/Margie Heltzel ONE BEST: Paper Plus ONE OF THE BEST: Paper Plus PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER BEST OF: Jessica Slade Photography BEST OF: Jessica Slade Photography ONE OF THE BEST: Snapped and Framed ONE OF THE BEST: Snapped and Framed Photography Photography

CALLIGRAPHER CALLIGRAPHER BEST OF: Lisa Grant BEST OF: Lisa Grant ONE OF THE BEST: Debbie Freeman ONE OF THE BEST: Debbie Freeman

PLANNER PLANNER BEST OF: Erin Hern and Erin Southard BEST OF: Erin Hern,Vicksburg ONE OF THE BEST: Dawn Stevenson, Convention Center Timeless Eventz ONE OF THE BEST: Dawn Stevenson, Timeless Eventz RECEPTION VENUE BEST OF: The River House RECEPTION VENUE ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street BEST OF: The River House Warehouse ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street Warehouse REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE BEST OF: The River House REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street BEST OF: The River House Warehouse ONE OF THE BEST: Levee Street Warehouse RENTALS BEST OF: Function Junction Premium RENTALS Party Goods And Rentals BEST OF: Function Junction Premium ONE OF Party THE BEST: Sheffield Rentals Goods And Rentals

CATERER CATERER BEST BEST OF: OF:The The Gumbo Gumbo Pot Pot ONE OF THE ONE OF THE BEST: BEST: Fit Fit Chef Chef

ONE OF THE BEST: Sheffield Rentals TRANSPORTATION BEST OF: TNT Mobile Concepts TRANSPORTATION ONE OF Sheffield Rentals BEST OF:THE TNTBEST: Mobile Concepts

REGISTRY BEST OF: Sassafras BEST OF: Sassafras ONE OF THE BEST: The Cinnamon Tree ONE OF THE BEST: The Cinnamon Tree

RINGS & WEDDING BANDS RINGS & WEDDING BANDS BEST OF: Magnolia Jewelers BEST OF: Magnolia Jewelers ONE OF THE BEST: Carter Jewelers ONE OF THE BEST: Carter Jewelers FLORIST FLORIST BEST OF: Helen’s Florist BEST OF: Helen’s Florist ONE OF THE BEST: The Ivy Place ONE OF THE BEST: The Ivy Place CAKES & DESSERTS CAKES & DESSERTS BEST OF: Once Upon A Cupcake BEST OF: Once Upon A Cupcake ONE OF THE BEST: Amanda Boland-Smith ONE OF THE BEST: Amanda Boland-Smith

ONE OF THE BEST: Sheffield Rentals


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VICKSBURG VICKSBURGPOST POST••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,DEC. DEC.1, 1,2021 2021••19 19

Thank you, Vicksburg, for voting us your BEST PHARMACY and BEST PHARMACISTS! We are proud to bring you the best every year!


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Vicksburg's #1 Moving Company! Barnette Brothers' Professional Moving Company, Home Cleaning, & Lawn Services

Call Barnette Brothers Vicksburg's BEST, at 601-618-1918 for any professional moving, home cleaning, and lawn services needs!


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to all of the Vicksburg Post readers for voting these City of Vicksburg employees as “The Best” Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. Voted one of Vicksburg’s Best Elected Public Officials Chief of Police Penny Jones Voted Vicksburg’s Woman of the Year

Moving forward together.


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Thank you,Vicksburg, for voting Trustmark Best Financial Institution for 2021! & Congratulations to our award-winning associate! Candy Francisco Member FDIC

Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS# 464588 Voted Best Mortgage Provider and One of the Best Loan Officers


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MAN OF THE YEAR

Julian Tolliver is

Vicksburg's #1 Personal Trainer two years in a row, 2020-2021!

Rejuvenating Fitness is Vicksburg's

#1 FItness Center! Thank you, Vicksburg. I will continue to bring you the BEST every year!

(601)642-2001 rejuvenating-fitness.com


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Over 40 years

and six companies later... Ergon has been a member of the Vicksburg community since 1977. In that time, we have steadily expanded operations and added new businesses, helping to grow the city we call home.

Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply Ergon Maintenance Services

To learn more, visit Ergon.com

Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Ergon Refining Ergon Trucking Magnolia Marine Transport Company


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From everyone here at Woodland Animal Clinic, Thank You, Vicksburg, Dr. Loper #1 Veterinarian & Woodland Animal Clinic one of Vicksburg's best Vet Clinics!!

Congratulations to our team members !

Deborah Smith, MD Best Pediatrician

Ken Lambert, RN Best Nurse

Lisa Fairchild, MD One of the Best Pediatricians

Melody Grey, RN One of the Best Nurses

2100 Highway 61 North Vicksburg, MS 39183

601-883-5000 MeritHealthRiverRegion.com

There’s Merit in a JOB WELL DONE.


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THANK YOU, VICKSBURG! VOTED VICKSBURG'S BEST KID'S MEAL!

ONE OF VICKSBURG'S BEST FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS & QUICKEST DRIVE THRU!

Come see us at any of our 3 locations: 2316 Iowa Blvd. OPEN 24 HOURS 2400 Clay St. WVC_Dec21_VburgPost-BestOf_10x4.865.pdf 1 11/22/21 2237 N. Frontage Rd.

9:19 AM


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The River House

Redefining The Standard of Excellence for Your Happiest Moments

The River House is Vicksburg's BEST Venue for 2021: Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception, & Rehearsal Dinner!

Contact TheRiverHouseVenue@gmail.com Where Your Dreams Come True


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Thank you, Vicksburg for voting Diane Derivaux Kemp One of Vicksburg's BEST Insurance Agents!

Now that's teamwork! When I say "good" Call for a Quote 24/7 you say "neighbor." 1221 Clay Street 601-636-0553 www.dianekemp.com


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