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A supplement to the Craig Daily Press 2016

Best of Moffat County

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2016 survey results for the best businesses and community services in Moffat County.

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Page 1: Best of Moffat County

A supplement to the Craig Daily Press

2016

Page 2: Best of Moffat County

2 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Morgan scott – joe kenady – John Fisher – Seth minor – Del rae curry

for voting our Pharmacy Team #1 in Moffat County!

We are proud to be a part of this community

Thank you Moffat County

505 W. Victory Way, Craig CO 970-824-4449

Page 3: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 3Best of Moffat County

Thank you to our dedicated employees for helping makeCook the Best Auto Dealership in Moffat County.

21139466

Best AutoDealership

6 YeArs in A row

2011-2016

CHeVroleT www.cook-cars.com970-824-2100 • 1776 W. Victory Way Craig, CO

Check out our Downtown Location!535 Yampa Ave, Craig CO • 970-826-1552

YearsRUNNING6 Thank You

For Making Us Your First Choice!

Page 4: Best of Moffat County

4 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

970.824.4455508 Yampa Avenue Craig, CO

www.cornerstonerealtyltd.com

Friends helping Friends buy & sell real estate

Thank You Moffat County for all of your continued support. This honor is not taken lightly, and we are so

blessed to be a part of this community!

Voted Best Real estate agency2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016!

Congratulations to Kim Coxfor being voted

Best Real Estate Agent!

21221109

Congratulations to Stacey Mathers

for being votedBest Musical Soloist/Band!

Page 5: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 5Best of Moffat County

970-824-7031 CraigDailyPress.com

PublisherRenee Campbell 970-875-1788

Circulation ManagerGary Cole 970-875-1785

editorNoelle Leavitt Riley 970-875-1790

Advertising ManagerSheli Steele 970-875-1782

Writers & PhotographersAndy Bockelman 970-875-1793

Patrick Kelly 970-875-1795Michael Neary 970-875-1794

AdvertisingCori Kroese 970-875-1783

Melissa Valentine 970-875-1781

Advertising DesignJanette Najera

Julia Perry

Layout designLindsay Porter

Administrative AssistantChristy Barnes 970-875-1797

Larry Cook, left, and son Scott Cook stand next to a Chevrolet truck at Cook Chevrolet & Subaru in Craig. The father and son business won Best Auto Dealership in Moffat County.

BestAuto

Dealer

All of us at State Farm would like to thank Moffat County for voting us Best Local Insurance Agency!

www.justinstokesinsurance.com

for voting us Best Carpet Cleaning Service in Moffat County! Thank You to our loyal customers and

employees for making us so successful!

9 7 0 - 8 2 4 - 4 1 0 3

21221962

Thank You!

Page 6: Best of Moffat County

6 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Best BAkeryFirst place: KS KreationsSecond place: City MarketThird place: Jessica Anderson — Simply Cakes Best BArFirst place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillSecond place: Cassidy’s Bar & LoungeThird place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & Taphouse Best BArtenderFirst place: Jesse Montoya — Cassidy’s Bar & LoungeSecond place: Michelle Jones – JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Amanda Tomlinson — JW Snack’s Bar & Grill Best BreAkFAst restAurAntFirst place: Village InnSecond place: Cool Water GrilleThird place: Los Jilbertos Best BurritoFirst place: Los JilbertosSecond place: Vallarta’s RestaurantThird place: Fiesta Jalisco

Best cAkesFirst place: Kassie Vesely — KS KreationsSecond place: Jessica Anderson — Simply CakesThird place: Shirley Cromer — Sweet Edibles

Best cAtering serviceFirst place: Brother’s Custom ProcessingSecond place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & Taphouse Best cocktAilFirst place: Margarita — Vallarta’s RestaurantSecond place: Cherry Limeade — JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Bloody Mary — Cool Water Grille Best cuP oF coFFeeFirst place: Mudd ShackSecond place: StarbucksThird place: Downtown Books Best dinner restAurAntFirst place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & TaphouseSecond place: Vallarta’s RestaurantThird place: JW Snack’s Bar & Grill Best hAmBurgerFirst place: The OP Bar & GrillSecond place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill

Best itAliAnFirst place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & TaphouseSecond place: Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & GrillThird place: Castle Ranch Steakhouse Best lunch sPotFirst place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & TaphouseSecond place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Vallarta’s Restaurant Best mexicAnFirst place: Vallarta’s RestaurantSecond place: Fiesta JaliscoThird place: Los Jilbertos Best outdoor diningFirst place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillSecond place: The OP Bar & GrillThird place: Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill Best PiZZAFirst place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & TaphouseSecond place: Pizza HutThird place: Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill Best PlAce to WAtch the gAmeFirst place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillSecond place: The OP Bar & GrillThird place: Cassidy’s Bar & Lounge

Best riBsFirst place: Brother’s Custom ProcessingSecond place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillThird place: Mountain Meat Packing Best sAndWichFirst place: DC Sandwich — Carelli’s Pizzeria & TaphouseSecond place: Subway Club — SubwayThird place: Philly Steak — Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill Best serverFirst place: Cherissee Murphy — JW Snack’s Bar & GrillSecond place: Flint Dillon — Castle Ranch SteakhouseThird place: Jenna Wright — Mudd Shack Best steAk dinnerFirst place: Castle Ranch SteakhouseSecond place: The OP Bar & GrillThird place: Carelli’s Pizzeria & Taphouse Best WingsFirst place: JW Snack’s Bar & GrillSecond place: Ocean PearlThird place: Gino’s Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill

BestBakery

DiningBest

KS Kreations wins Best Bakery. Kassie Vesely, left, stands with her mother Kandee Dilldine. They own and operate KS Kreations in Craig. Kassie also won Best Cakes.

Page 7: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 7Best of Moffat County

STORY AND PHOTO BY ANDY BOCKELMANThere are few places less likely to boast a gulf

coast Cajun eatery than the mountains of Colorado, and that’s exactly what compelled the owners of JW Snack’s Bar & Grill to open shop.

After just recently celebrating 10 years in business, JW Snack’s won a slew of awards through Best of Moffat County to prove its longevity in Craig, tying with Carelli’s Pizzeria & Taphouse for the most total first-place honors in the restaurant category for own-ers Danny and Teri Griffith.

The key is consistency, the couple said.“Good food, good prices, good service,” Teri said

of the focus on keeping things high quality.Some tastes may change, but maintaining the same

recipes is important, Danny noted.“I want the general public to know if they come in

for lunch for the first time, and it’s really good, when they come back in again, it will be just like it was,” he said.

JW earned the distinction of Best Outdoor Dining and Best Place to Watch the Game, a showcase of the duality of the location’s possibilities. During the warm months, the patio is alive with mirth at any point during the day, particularly as the live music of the Summer Concert Series takes over, while during football season, the energy is hardly lessened indoors as sports fans gather to cheer on their teams.

“Everybody gets a little fed up with cold and snow, so we wanted a place where somebody could go on a mini-vacation,” Danny said of the tropical vibe, which he hopes is the same in January or July.

Food-wise, JW Snack’s took Best Wings with an offering the restaurateur can’t help but brag about to people.

“We smoke them fully, let them cool, refrigerate them and cook them to order,” Danny said. “When the sauce is gone, the meat has its own standalone flavor. If you order them dry, they’re still a kick-ass wing.”

Bringing up such selections, as well as the barbe-

cue, burgers, seafood and other items that make up the menu is Cherissee Murphy, who after work-ing for the establishment for over a year — starting December 2014 — took Best Server.

“Hands down, what makes this place successful is our staff,” Danny said. “Cherissee is just as genuine as they get, and we’re fortunate to have her on our team. Great sense of humor, and if she ever com-plains, it’s because we’re not busy enough.”

Murphy said customers and coworkers are part of the reason she enjoys her job, though it’s the larger picture of JW Snack’s that she loves.

“We’re a family place, not just a bar, not just a restaurant, but you can bring your kids in any time of day and get that family service,” she said.

As for the fifth first-place award it won this year, it’s one the staff of JW takes seriously.

Best Bar is an honor, Danny said, not just because of being considered a standout by the community, but also because of the extra responsibility in taking care of customers.

“I’m fortunate enough to hold a liquor license, and we let everyone have as much fun as they possibly can without getting too out of hand,” Danny said.

The conundrum of owning a bar is letting people have a good time but also knowing when to step in and prevent bad choices.

“We preach all we can, buy taxi cabs rides, give people rides home, but we do anything we can to keep everybody out of trouble,” Danny said.

He added that as much as he likes to meet and greet people each day, the first thing he’d prefer to see the morning after a big weekend is a parking lot full of cars that were there the night before, an indica-tor that patrons chose not to get behind the wheel intoxicated.

“It warms my heart to see that,” he said, adding that a temporary inconvenience is much better than the alternative. “People are finally getting the mes-sage, and I love it.”

Cherissee Murphy takes a quick break between serving customers on the patio of JW Snack’s Bar & Grill. Murphy was selected Best Server in the Best of Moffat County awards, she’s been on staff at the restaurant for nearly 18 months.

JW snAck’s — gulF coAst good-ness Wins multiPle locAl AWArds

BestServer

STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL NEARYMacho Nuñez, one of the owners of Vallarta’s Restaurant, can recall

some of the most popular food items on the menu. Nuñez, who also works as waiter, mentioned asada tacos, super burritos and crispy chile rellenos as among the favorites.

But the 2016 winner of Best Mexican Restaurant in Moffat County endears itself to customers in ways that transcend food — as a group feasting on dinner recently explained.

“The atmosphere is awesome,” said Margaret Perez.“It’s very family-friendly,” added Camaron Hammond.Leta Kernen also noted the way “you’re never rushed” in the restau-

rant.Vallarta’s also won Best Cocktail in Moffat County in 2016 for its

margarita.Nuñez said that his four older brothers — Roy, Mario, Pepe and

Cubas Nuñez — started the restaurant back in 2008. He said his moth-er, Margarita Gomez, is the restaurant’s main chef.

“Without my mom, I don’t think we’d be in business,” he said.Macho Nuñez described the sort of interaction that occurs among

people in the restaurant.“We try to be friends with everyone,” he said. “We talk about how

life is, how they’ve been doing during the week.”He said that professional labels tend to drop away during conversa-

tion with customers.“They don’t treat me like a waiter but more like a friend,” he said.

“And I treat them more like a friend than like a customer.”Vallarta’s has also gained a reputation for community service. Macho

Nuñez said the restaurant has helped out children playing sports and recently helped raise money for a resident with cancer.

“We try to do something for the people who need it,” he said.The Craig Chamber of Commerce named Vallarta’s the Large

Business of the Year for 2013, noting the restaurant’s commitment to community service.

It’s a commitment that radiates beyond the restaurant — but based on the customers’ reflections, it radiates within the restaurant, as well.

Macho Nuñez is one of the owners of Vallarta’s Restaurant, in Craig.

community service, Friendly demeAnor comPlement PoPulAr mexicAn-style Food

BestMexican

Restaurant

Page 8: Best of Moffat County

8 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Home ServicesBest

Best APPliAnce storeFirst place: Miller Family ApplianceSecond place: Intermountain ApplianceThird place: Kmart

Best cArPet cleAning service First place: Great Divide Cleaning ServiceSecond place: New Life Carpet CareThird place: Jerry Paulson Chem Dry

Best contrActor/construction comPAnyFirst place: Jenison Custom BuildersSecond place: APH ConstructionThird place: Three Sons Construction

Best electricAl contrActorFirst place: Corey ElectricalSecond place: Royal T ElectricThird place: D ‘n T Electric

Best electriciAnFirst place: Don Williams — D ‘n T ElectricSecond place: Roger Corey — Corey ElectricalThird place: Yancy Price — YAP Electric

Best eQuiPment store/rentAlFirst place: Samuelson’s True ValueSecond place: Severson Supply & RentalThird place: MJK Ace Hardware Best excAvAting contrActorsFirst place: Anson Excavating & PipeSecond place: Duran & PearceThird place: Bower Brother’s Best Flooring retAilerFirst place: Cramer FlooringSecond place: TLC Carpet OneThird place: Abbey Carpet Best Furniture storeFirst place: The Furniture GallerySecond place: Furniture ConnectionThird place: Homemaker Lease to Own

Best home & gArden suPPlierFirst place: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplySecond place: MJK Ace HardwareThird place: Bears Ears Landscaping

Best hvAc comPAnyFirst place: Masterworks MechanicalSecond place: Shepherd & SonsThird place: Advanced Plumbing

Best lAndscAPing serviceFirst place: Bears Ears LandscapingSecond place: Careful Kut Lawn CareThird place: Tunies & Such

Best PAint storeFirst place: MJK Ace HardwareSecond place: Samuelson’s True ValueThird place: Walmart

Best PAinterFirst place: Tim MascarenasSecond place: Cliff ShultzThird place: Eli Vesely

Best PlumBerFirst place: Bobby GillamSecond place: Vic UpdikeThird place: Darin Hickey

Best PlumBing contrActorFirst place: Masterworks MechanicalSecond place: Action ServicesThird place: Roto-Rooter Best reAl estAte AgencyFirst place: Cornerstone RealtySecond place: Country Living RealtyThird place: King Homes and Land Realty Best reAl estAte AgentFirst place: Kim Cox — Cornerstone RealtySecond place: Sandra King — King Homes and Land RealtyThird place: Sari Cobb — Cornerstone Realty

BestCarpet Cleaning

Owners Andrea and Dale Camp display one of their vans and equipment for Great Divide Cleaning Service.

FILE PHOTO

Page 9: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 9Best of Moffat County

STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICK KELLYIf you need to call a plumber, you’re prob-

ably not having the best day.“When your house is flooding, you want

to be reassured that the problem is get-ting corrected,” said Bobby Gillam, Moffat County’s Best Plumber for 2016.

Gillam has worked for Masterworks Mechanical for 12 years.

He might have taken the No. 1 spot for Best Plumber in the 2016 Best of Moffat County but two of his coworkers were right behind, locking up the number two and three spots.

And the entire team’s hard work at Masterworks certainly played a part in the business walking away with the top spot for HVAC and plumbing contracting, too.

Gillam said there is plenty of competition when it comes to plumbing in Craig and Moffat County and he appreciates the rec-ognition.

“You’re in pretty elite company,” he said. “There’s some really good plumbers in town.”

Doing the job right has everything to do with getting to know the customer and being consistent, Gillam said.

“That’s what I always strive for — the good, reliable service,” he said. “They can trust you and rely on you. Every time you go over there, they know they’re going to get a good, quality job from us.”

Gillam said he enjoys working in a small community where he can get to know the people, has a great employer and enjoys working with the other Masterworks employ-ees.

“Masterworks is one of the best places I’ve ever worked at,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed all the years that I’ve spent here.”

As for the award, Gillam said he was grateful for the recognition and he intends to keep doing the job right.

“It’s wonderful being appreciated by those that you do work for,” he said. “If you call me and Masterworks, you can count on me getting that great quality service that I strive to provide every day.”

Best PlumBer Works For Winning Business

Bobby Gillam is Moffat County’s Best Plumber for 2016.

STORY AND PHOTO BY PATRICK KELLYProblem solving is an important part of

being an electrician.Don Williams, master electrician at D ‘n

T Electric, said his imagination and creative nature are a big part of what make him good at his job.

“My imagination is one of the biggest things,” he said. “I still do service calls and when you do service calls, you have to figure out what someone else did. You don’t have days to do it and you’ve got to think of how to fix something.”

Williams said his experience, ingenuity and enjoyment he gets out of working with people probably play into why he was voted Best Electrician in the Craig Daily Press’s 2016 Best of Moffat County contest.

“That’s quite a deal,” he said after hearing of his award.

For 21 years, Williams has been serving the Craig and Moffat County community as an electrician alongside his wife, Tina Williams.

“It’s a team effort,” he said. “Tina does mostly the books and keeps control of me so I don’t go bonkers.”

Williams has master and contractor certi-fications, qualifying him for a wide range of work.

“I’m doing things that a lot of electricians won’t even tackle,” he said.

He also currently employs one other elec-trician, Clint Rogers, who has been with him for 10 years.

Beyond bringing his skills to customers, Williams also serves the community in sev-eral ways.

He sits on the board for the Moffat County Humane Society and helps wire up commu-nity events pro bono.

“I do a bunch of volunteer work,” he said. “Grand Olde West Days, out at the fair, I’ll set up temporary power for them and I don’t charge anything for that. It’s part of the com-munity service.”

Williams said he was happy to win the award and is grateful to work with the com-munity.

“I’d just like to thank the residents of Moffat County,” he said.

BestPlumber

moFFAt county’s Best electriciAn uses skill to serve community

Clint Rogers and and Don Williams from D ‘n T Electric.

BestElectrician

Page 10: Best of Moffat County

10 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Best AnnuAl eventFirst place: Whittle the Wood RendezvousSecond place: Moffat County Balloon FestivalThird place: Grand Olde West Days

Best community volunteerFirst place: Robin SchiffbauerSecond place: Randy LooperThird place: Tony St. John

Bet elected oFFiciAlFirst place: Chuck CobbSecond place: Ray BeckThird place: Chuck Grobe

Best elementAry teAcherFirst place: Peggy Green — Sunset Elementary SchoolSecond place: Stacy Durham — Ridgeview PreschoolThird place: Amy Coupe — Ridgeview Elementary School

Best emtFirst place: Stayon Mosbey First place: Rachel NicodemusSecond place: Jennifer TippThird place: Richard Nichols Best FireFighterFirst place: Jim BohrerSecond place: Chris MercerThird place: Troy Hampton Best high school teAcherFirst place: Amanda McDermottSecond place: Tanner LinsacumSecond place: Lance ScrantonThird place: Karen Chaney Best lAW enForcement oFFicerFirst place: Brian GonzalesSecond place: KC HumeSecond place: Ryan FritzThird place: Brian Soper

Best middle school teAcherFirst place: Alicia TownsendSecond place: Becky FieldSecond place: Kelly Anne KirkThird place: Chari Gomez Best PlAce to recreAteFirst place: Elkhead ReservoirSecond place: Loudy-Simpson ParkThird place: Browns Park Best PlAce to Work 20 or more emPloyeesFirst place: Trapper MineSecond place: City MarketThird place: Bank of the San Juans

Best PlAce to Work under 20 emPloyeesFirst place: Big O TiresSecond place: Bank of ColoradoSecond place: Yampa Valley BankThird place: Craig Physical Therapy Best school Bus driverFirst place: Tony St. JohnSecond place: Lorrae MoonThird place: Colleen Monroy Best sPorts coAchFirst place: Todd TrappSecond place: Justin FolleySecond place: Joe PadonSecond place: Keith Gille Best sPorts FAnAticFirst place: Shane HadleySecond place: Amanda TomlinsonThird place: Shane Camilletti

CommunityBest

BestAnnual Event

Joe Wenal cuts into his log and sprays sawdust everywhere during the opening day of Whittle the Wood Rendezvous.

PHOTO BY ANDY BOCKELMAN

Page 11: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 11Best of Moffat County

tony st. John exudes kindness on the school BusSTORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL NEARY

Tony St. John likes to acknowledge each child who gets on his school bus with a quick fist-bump and a greeting.

“It’s just a little fist-bump as they’re getting on the bus,” he said. “I’ll say good morning to them and ask them how they’re doing.”

St. John has driven a bus for the Moffat County School District for three years, beginning in 2013. It’s work that he took on in retirement while he was a member of the board of education — where he served two terms.

And in 2016, St. John was named Best School Bus Driver in Moffat County.

“When you first become a bus driver, in my opinion, the kids will test you,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s a testing period, and you just have to work it out. Today, my kids are great. I love my kids. You still have your ups and downs, but I have far more ups than I do downs.”

St. John’s passengers run the gamut of elementary, middle and high school students.

“My high-schoolers sit in the back,” he said, adding that it’s by choice. Sometimes, he said, students from different grades sit together — an arrangement that works out just fine.

St. John said students strike up lots of conversations with him, often recounting things that have happened during the

day.“They’ll just talk to me,” he said. “Especially if they’re

sitting behind me, they’ll ask me how my day has gone. They’re nice kids. They’re good kids.”

St. John speaks Spanish, something that helps him con-nect with many families on his route.

“I have a lot of Spanish-speaking kids on the bus,” he said. “I’m bilingual — I speak Spanish — and that’s been a good asset for me with the parents when I pick up the kids. They know that I can speak Spanish, and sometimes they’ll come to me and say something about their child.”

St. John said he’s received notes and candy from children thanking him for his work. He also said that he heard from a parent, at the end of the school year, that two of her children were crying after they’d gotten off the bus.

“It scared me, because I thought I did something wrong,” St. John said. But the reason they were crying, the parent explained, was that, “We’re not going to see Tony any-more.”

Until next year, that is.As St. John was recalling his experiences driving the bus,

he mentioned that he and his wife were celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary — and that they were receiving appreciative notes from their own children.

“You don’t know the effect that you have, whether it’s

your children or children on a bus,” he said. “You don’t know the effect until something happens — like it’s the last day of school and they’re going to miss you. And I’m going to miss them.”

Lonnie Douglass, director of transportation for the Moffat County School District, noted St. John’s warm manner with other people.

“Tony’s just good with people,” Douglass said. “He just really is a good guy, and he’s definitely been good for this company.”

Douglass extended those thoughts to the rest of the bus-driving squad.

“We have an amazingly good crew here,” he said. “Everybody really came together (this past year) and made things work.”

But Douglass said the district needs more school bus driv-ers: he’s looking for six of them before school starts. He said the process of training for the Class B CDL license, as well as learning the route, takes about three to five weeks, and he offers training for the license at no charge.

Douglass is looking for safe drivers as well as people who are good with children.

“It’s actually the greatest part-time job in the world,” he said, and then added: “for the right person.”

Tony St. John was named Best School Driver in Moffat County for 2016.

BestSchool Bus

Driver

Thank you for voting

Thank you to all my customers for all their loyal support!

Best nAILteCH

& 2nD PLACeBest HAIRstyLIst &

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33 W. Victory Way • craig, co 970.824.2271

21221108Romney Pfeifer Law Office

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I appreciate Moffat County and I am happy to serve

such a wonderful community

Thank you foryour support!

Page 12: Best of Moffat County

12 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

chuck coBB Wins Big recognition From moFFAt countySTORY AND PHOTO BY NOELLE LEAVITT RILEY

After only a year and a half in his first role as an elected official, Chuck Cobb received major recognition in the 2016 Best of Moffat County competition.

Chuck won first place for Best Elected Official.His management style and friendly demeanor prob-

ably had something to do with the honor, and his staff has nothing but nice things to say about him.

“He’s a really good guy and easy to work for,” said Loy Cotten, mineral and agriculture assessment techni-cian at the assessor’s office. “We are so glad a family, hometown face came in.”

The feeling is mutual, Chuck said.“They’re really knowledgeable and capable, and I

don’t micromanage them,” he said of his staff. He also acknowledges that he inherited a great team from for-mer Moffat County Assessor Robert Razzano.

Chuck beams Moffat County pride through and through. Both he and his wife, Sari Cobb, were born and raised in Craig and have greatly given back to the community in various ways over the years.

Sari co-owns Cornerstone Realty in Craig, and she’s usually seen at any and all of Craig’s big events. Chuck is always at her side.

Chuck sat on the school board for eight years from 1984 to 1992 and he’s also served on Moffat County United Way board as president for eight years. He’s held various other roles and jobs throughout the coun-ty.

Before being elected assessor, Chuck helped run Cornerstone Realty with his wife. He also worked at Yampa Valley Golf Course as director of golf from 1978 to 2008.

He’s managed budgets, built budgets and watched Craig’s ever-changing economy.

Perhaps the biggest question he gets from constitu-ents revolves around home values.

“It’s always been a boom-and-bust market,” Chuck said, noting that the stagnant real estate market has become the new normal.

As much as anyone, he’d love to see Craig diversify, but he’s also realistic about what the dip in oil prices mean for Moffat County.

“The rest of the market follows the ebbs and flows of that,” Chuck said, which is what house values are often tied too.

Between answering questions about housing prices and values and assessing properties, Chuck likes to hunt, golf and spend time with his family.

Sari and Chuck have two grown children, Morgan and Tony Cobb.

In regards to the job, “I’m just getting my feet wet. I have no agenda. I came in from outside of govern-ment.”

Prior to being elected, he often would visit the asses-sor’s office to meet the team, Cotten said.

“He was really good about coming in and saying ‘hi,’” she said.

Moffat County Assessor Chuck Cobb won Best Elected Official in Best of Moffat County.

BestElected Official

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Page 13: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 13Best of Moffat County

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f o r s h o w i n g y o u r s u p p o r t !

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Page 14: Best of Moffat County

14 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

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THANK YOU MOFFAT COUNTY FOR VOTING VALLARTA’S THE BEST

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Thank you for voting us the Best Auto Parts Store in Moffat

County the past 7 years!

Proudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County forProudly Serving Moffat County for

21222289

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It’s Wedding Season!Come see us for your Wedding Dress & Bridal Party Care. We also have Men’s Formal Wear!

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Moffat County for

Voting us the Best

Dry Cleaners

3 Years in a Row!

Page 15: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 15Best of Moffat County

CALL US TO SCHEDULE A PAINT JOB.

We appreciate your continued support!

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970-824-2368 | 385 Ranney Street, Craig www.furnituregalleryofcraig.com

www.americasmatress.com

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Thank you for voting us amongst the best in customer service in Moffat County! We are proud to have one of the best servers, our very own Jenna Wright!

(Mudd Shack located at Centennial Mall Behind O’Reily Auto Parts)

Thank you for voting us Be� Cup of Co� � !

21221132

Page 16: Best of Moffat County

16 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

SPORTS, SPIRITS & SPARERIBS • DINE IN OR CARRY OUT • 210 E. V ICTORY WAY • 970-826-0468

Thanks to Moffat CountyFor Voting for us!

— 1ST PL ACE —

BEST BAR – BEST OUTDOOR DININGBEST PL ACE TO WATCH THE GAME – BEST WINGS

BEST SERVER CHERISSEE MURPHY

— 2ND PL ACE —

BEST CATERING – BEST COCKTAIL CHERRY L IMEADE BEST HAMBURGER – BEST LUNCH SPOT – BEST RIBS

BEST BARTENDER MICHELLE JONES

— 3RD PL ACE —

BEST BARTENDER AMANDA TOMLINSONBEST DINNER RESTAURANT

Thanks to Moffat CountyFor Voting for us!

BEST SERVER

LUBE PLUSWHERE THE PLUS IS THE SERVICE

Proudly serving the beSt PeoPle in Moffat County!

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Thank you for votingDr. Eckroth and Dr. Hansen

Best of Moffat County.

Don’t miss out on our

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1111 W. Victory Way, Suite 110Craig, CO 81625

(970) 824-3488

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Page 17: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 17Best of Moffat County

965 West Victory Way • Craig, CO 81625 Phone: 970.824.3425 • Fax: 970.824.6008

21222288

A sincere thank you thank you to all of our patients and Moffat County for

voting us best dental practice in Moffat County. We look forward to many years

of taking care of your dental needs!

Congratulations to Cricket DeWall and Peyton Pogline for being voted into the

best Dental Hygienists in Moffat County! Your continued hard work and dedication

is more than appreciated.

970-326-8471 • 970-629-2815

commercial • Residential • New construction • Remodel • And Now horticulture!

Thank youMoffat Countyfor voting us

2016 Best Electrician!

We appreciateour customers and

the community!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST LANDSCAPING SERVICE AND ONE OF THE BEST HOME AND GARDEN

SUPPLIERS IN MOFFAT COUNTY!

Thank You to everyone who voted for us!

970.824.8888 | 441 W. Victory Way | Craig, CO

Come into Ocean Peal and find out why our wings were voted one of the best in Moffat County!

Sunday thru Thursday 11:00am – 9:30pmFriday & Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pmTuesdays - Call for Hours

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Thank you Moffat County for voting us among the best for Hamburgers, Italian, Outdoor Dining, Pizza,

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich and Wings!

We look forward to continuing to serve this amazing community!

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THANK YOU, VOTERS!

Page 18: Best of Moffat County

18 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

970.824.9380211 W. 4th St. Craig

22222222

Thank You Moffat County for voting Miller

Family Appliance Best Appliance Store for the 4th year in a row!

To recognize our wonderful customers and community we want to invite you to ourCustomer Appreciation Sale Saturday June 25th

EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS ON SALE!

Thank You

265 South Ranney St. 970-824-6023

For voting us the

Best Feed Store!

We have the Best Employees serving the Best Customers!

KINGHomes and Land

REALTY, LLC

Sandra E. King,ABR, CDPE, CRS, ePRO

Owner/Broker

970-629-0596504 W. Victory Way

[email protected]

Thank you to all who voted me one of Moffat County’s

best realtors!I am truly

honored by yourcontinued trust.

Dog Grooming Salon

Angie Boss: 970-824-6364406 Yampa Ave, Craig, CO 81625

Thank you forvoting us one

of Moffat County’s Best Dog Groomers!

I appreciate all of your continued business & support!

Page 19: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 19Best of Moffat County

Thank you for standing with Trapper. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our employees, the needs of our local community and our commitment

to protect the environment.

Thank you for voting us the best place to work in Moffat County!

�2�1�2�2�0�2�7�6

First PlaceBest Lunch Spot

Best Italian Food – Best PizzaBest Sandwich (The DC)Best Dinner Restaurant

Third PlaceBest Bar

Best CateringBest Steak Dinner

465 Yampa Ave. Craig, CO • 970-824-6868

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Thanks for the love, Moffat County!

Page 20: Best of Moffat County

20 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Thank you to the community,generous sponsors and participating

restaurants for making our Pick a Dish event a great success.

All funds benefited Horizons Moffat County Adult Services.

www.horizonsnwc.org

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

CASTLE RANCH

DAD’S COOKHOUSE

GINO’S NEIGHBORHOODPIZZERIA & GRILL

HATTEN ENTERPRISES

KS KREATIONS

MOUNTAIN CAFE

THE VILLAGE INN

VALLARTA’S

WOLF MOUNTAIN PIZZA21220783

Page 21: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 21Best of Moffat County

STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL NEARYAlicia Townsend recalls the fear she had, as a new teacher,

of standing in front of a group of students. It’s a fear that may have made her a better teacher.

“I had done all the education classes, but I thought to stand up in front of a class of kids would be terrifying,” she said. “And so when I have kids in my class who are terrified to speak publicly, (I) just have to let it happen slowly, but (I) have to make them do it.”

Townsend, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Craig Middle School, was named Best Middle School Teacher in 2016 for Moffat County.

As Townsend reflected on her teaching, she contemplated the way her approach to students has changed throughout the years. She started teaching at Craig Middle School in the 1992-93 school year.

“Today I see relationships with kids as probably the most important thing,” she said, and then she recalled what she described as a tendency of new teachers to tell students what they ought to do if they want to avoid failing.

“A lot of times people think by using threats like that, it’s going to make kids do better,” she said. “And it doesn’t.”

Townsend noted the importance of helping students to think hard — and for themselves.

“You have to do simulations where they have to think,” she said, and she described a unit called “Perfect Society.”

For this exercise she assigns the students to create the

best society they can, to share the results and, ultimately, to rate each other’s societies. Townsend said she makes one, too.

“I come up with the worst society that I could possibly think of,” she said. “Everybody’s robotic.”

Townsend said her society eliminates the right of people to believe what they want, as well the need to learn or to think. But their physical needs are met.

“They have to rate each other’s societies, and they always give me a zero or a minus 10,” she said.

The exercise, she explained, allows them to see the power — and value — of thinking. She said the students have, at times, created model societies that ban gay people or Muslims from membership.

“I have to let that discussion continue,” she said. “I can’t say, ‘You can’t hold that opinion,’ because then they’re never going to be able to have a discussion like that without being defensive.”

But that’s where the society she creates can help students to think. Townsend said her sample society — as an example of the most oppressive she can conjure up — does not allow for any religion.

“So then they say (to me), ‘You should be able to believe what you want to,’” she explained.

It’s a realization that may spark students to re-examine their own thinking.

Townsend has also taken on active roles in projects that

seep outside of classroom boundaries, such as National History Day, for which students created projects exploring historical topics as part of a larger competition.

“When they get it done, they’re proud of their work, and it gives them confidence in other areas,” she said. “When they go up to the high school, they have not only had a per-formance challenge, but they’ve done the research and they can back up their research.”

Townsend acknowledged that middle school posed unique challenges for children who find themselves in a kind of tran-sition.

“They’re trying to separate themselves, they’re trying to grow up,” she said. “But they’re right at that in-between stage where they’re still in a lot of ways a little kid and in a lot of ways reaching for adulthood.”

Townsend said, too, that she’s always open to growing and changing as a teacher — in the area of technology, for instance, where her tech-savvy students might be a few steps ahead of her.

“The kids will show me … and they’ll laugh at me, and make fun of me,” she said. “But they have to be able to see that I’m going to fail sometimes, too.”

And excitement, Townsend said, is always a key part of teaching.

“You have to be excited, or they’re not going to be,” she said. “And then you just become that Charlie Brown teacher.”

BestMiddle School

Teacher

AliciA toWnsend Builds connections, sPArks thinking For students trAnsiting to Adulthood

Alicia Townsend was named the 2016 Best of Moffat County Middle School Teacher.

Page 22: Best of Moffat County

22 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

mAny hours oF giving eArn roBin schiFFBAuer Best volunteer

BestVolunteer

Robin Schiffbauer enjoys the silence of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where she has done much of the volunteer work that got her voted Best Community Volunteer in Best of Moffat County. Among the projects she’s helped is the Community Kitchen.

STORY AND PHOTO BY ANDY BOCKELMANA giving spirit can be found in many small-

town residents, but the people of Moffat County recognized one of Craig’s most self-less as the Best Community Volunteer.

Robin Schiffbauer took the title this year as the area’s most active do-gooder, having a hand in many facets of Craig that strive to improve the lives of others.

A day job as office manager of Moffat Family Clinic is one that sees her aiding the sick, but it’s the tasks that don’t come with a paycheck that helped earn her the honor, primarily her work with St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Schiffbauer helped found the church’s Community Kitchen, which regularly provides meals for residents from all walks of life. Additionally, she chairs the board for the supervisory committee of St. Michael’s credit

union, serves on the finance committee for the church and assists with youth group.

“The Holy Spirit just said, ‘this is what you need to be doing,’ and God has given me lots of energy,” she said. “Even when I don’t feel like I have enough time, it seems to work.”

Were it not for the plethora of people who also volunteer their time for things like the Community Kitchen, she might have more difficulty, and Schiffbauer credited the many folks who make it a success.

Not all her efforts are faith-based — she also participates in Craig Rotary Club and is the board treasurer for the Craig Chamber of Commerce.

Whether through a church or other avenues, it’s the work that happens and the difference it can make in the community that matters, though.

“Just seeing progress and projects done, hopefully in a positive way,” Schiffbauer said of her motivation.

Schiffbauer has lived in Craig for 37 years, and it was once her daughters Crystal, 36, and Andrea, 30, were involved in school and activities like 4-H and dance that she and her husband, Martin, started the foray into volunteering.

In recent years, both Rotary and Moffat County United Way have recognized her as a standout volunteer, though she prefers to remain humble.

“Mostly I would just like to thank the com-munity for giving me such an honorable, special award,” she said. “Each time it’s won-derful. I love my community, and I hope it shows that in being who I am I’ve left Craig better than I found it. I think with God’s help, it’ll all be the way it’s supposed to be.”

466 Yampa Ave. 970-824-7484

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Page 23: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 23Best of Moffat County

Best Auto deAlershiPFirst place: Cook Chevrolet & SubaruSecond place: Victory MotorsThird place: Cook Ford

Best Auto PArtsFirst place: Napa T&H PartsSecond place: O’Reilly AutoThird place: Carquest Auto Parts

Best Automotive rePAir & serviceFirst place: Precision AutomotiveSecond place: Yampa Auto BodyThird place: Cook Chevrolet & Subaru

Best clothing storeFirst place: Maurice’sSecond place: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplyThird place: Hibbett Sports Best home dÉcor storeFirst place: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplySecond place: MJK Ace HardwareThird place: The Giving Tree Best hotel/motel/lodgingFirst place: Clarion Inn & SuitesSecond place: Hampton Inn & SuitesThird place: Best Western Plus Deer Park Inn

Best liQuor store First place: Stockmen’s LiquorSecond place: Eastside LiquorThird place: Dark Horse Discount Liquor Best meAt retAilerFirst place: Brother’s Custom ProcessingSecond place: Mountain Meat PackingThird place: City Market Best PlAce to Buy A giFtFirst place: Spirit PassSecond place: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplyThird place: Bargain Barn

Best seWing/crAFt/Quilting storeFirst place: The Embroidery ShoppeSecond place: KS KreationsThird place: Quilters Quest Best tire storeFirst place: Big O TiresSecond place: A&E TireThird place: TDS/GCR

ShoppingBest

BestPlace to

Buy a GiftChris Muzik, owner of Spirit Pass, stands in front of a selection of offerings sold at her store. Spirit Pass won first place for Best Place to Buy a Gift in this year’s Best of Moffat County.

Thank youfor voting us

Best FitnessCenter in

Moffat County!

261 Commerce St.970-824-6932

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Page 24: Best of Moffat County

24 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Lori Gillam leans out the drive-thru window at Stockmen’s Liquor.

STORY AND PHOTO BY NOELLE LEAVITT RILEYLori and Lennie Gillam decided to buy Stockmen’s

Liquor 14 years ago so they could spend more time together.

“We wanted a business where we could be togeth-er,” Lori said. “To each other, we’re the most impor-tant things in our lives.”

You could call it a love story or perhaps just wise business, but the couple is doing something right, as they won Best Liquor Store in the 2016 Best of Moffat County competition.

“We have some awesome customers. They take care of us,” Lori said.

And Lori and Lennie take care of them too, offer-ing a point system for each purchase. For every dollar spent, customers get points. Once they reach $100 — or 100 points — they receive a $5 discount.

Additionally, the liquor store offers huge discounts on bulk beer each weekend, making it an affordable

place to shop, Lori highlighted.“We buy quantity, so they can get the better

deals,” she said.Lennie also works full-time as the director of Moffat

County facilities, but he steps in and helps Lori when needed.

“I make most of the decisions. It’s kind of my baby,” Lori said.

Prior to the couple buying Stockmen’s Liquor, Lori worked as a Colorado State Patrol dispatcher, she said.

But the liquor store offers her and Lennie more time together, and the summer keeps them busy.

They recently hired two more part-time employees to help with the increased business.

In total, excluding themselves, Lennie and Lori employ nine people.

Lori said they treat their employees and customers like family.

stockmen’s liQuor tAkes toP honors in Best oF moFFAt county

BestLiquor

Store...

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Thank You for voting Mascarenas Painting one of the Best of Moff at County & voting me, Tim Mascarenas the #1 Painter in Moff at County for the

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Best PhotographerBest PhotographerI am honored to be named

Moffat County’s BestLocal Photographer

Thank youto the community and allof my wonderful clients!

Page 25: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 25Best of Moffat County

Best AccountAntFirst place: Don Jones — Jones & AssociatesSecond place: Donna Myers Accounting ServiceThird place: Pam Taylor — THPK Best AttorneyFirst place: Sherman RomneySecond place: Heather Cannon LawThird place: Thomas Thornberry Best BAnkFirst place: Yampa Valley BankSecond place: Bank of ColoradoThird place: Bank of the San Juans Best BAnk tellerFirst place: Heather Brumblow — Bank of the San JuansSecond place: Kaby Rogers — Bank of the San JuansThird place: Flor Duarte — Bank of the San Juans Best cell Phone ProviderFirst place: Union WirelessSecond place: Verizon WirelessThird place: Sprint Best chiroPrActic serviceFirst place: Rummel Chiropractic Second place: McKey Chiropractic ClinicThird place: Rita Petersen Best customer serviceFirst place: Flint Dillon — Bank of the San JuansSecond place: Travis Wondra — Big O TiresThird place: Jenna Wright — Mudd Shack Best dentAl hygienistFirst place: Cheryl Ivy — Dr. Neal FentonSecond place: Cricket DeWall — Craig Family DentalThird place: Peyton Pogline — Craig Family Dental Best dentAl PrActiceFirst place: Craig Family DentistrySecond place: Neal FentonThird place: Dushan Voyich Best doctor or PhysiciAns AssistAntFirst place: Larry Kipe — Moffat Family ClinicSecond place: Neilene FolksThird place: Shannon Becker

Best dry cleAnerFirst place: Loyd’s CleanersSecond place: A1 LaundryThird place: The Laundry Best Feed storeFirst place: Snyder & CountsSecond place: Murdoch’s Ranch & Home SupplyThird place: MJK Sales & Feed Best FinAnciAl AdvisorFirst place: Kevin Peck — Edward JonesSecond place: Justin Kawcak — Greenfields Financial ServicesThird place: Bryan Ludgate — Edward Jones Best FinAnciAl servicesFirst place: Greenfields Financial ServicesSecond place: Kevin Peck — Edward Jones Third place: LPL Financial Best gAs/convenience storeFirst place: Kum & Go NorthSecond place: Loaf N JugThird place: Kum & Go West Best glAss storeFirst place: Northwest Auto GlassSecond place: Black Mountain GlassThird place: Ding Dr. Best gym/Fitness centerFirst place: Trapper Fitness CenterSecond place: Breeze Street 24-Hour FitnessThird place: Rising Star Youth Training Center Best hAirstylistFirst place: Daina WagnerSecond place: Ali CraigThird place: Shey Ellis Best internet ProviderFirst place: CenturyLinkSecond place: Zirkel WirelessThird place: Verizon Best locAl ArtistFirst place: Ryan OtisSecond place: Roberta HawksThird place: Janele Husband Best locAl insurAnce AgencyFirst place: State Farm InsuranceSecond place: Mountain West Insurance & Financial ServicesThird place: Draper Insurance

Best locAl music soloist/BAndFirst place: Stacey MathersSecond place: River City BandThird place: Nick Cocozzella Best locAl PhotogrAPherFirst place: Carrie Hertzog PhotographySecond place: Janele HusbandThird place: Amanda McDermott Photography Best mAssAge therAPistFirst place: Megan CookSecond place: Kacey LyonsThird place: Kimberly Swenson Third place: Kia Fedinic Best nAil techFirst place: Allie Craig — Allie OoopSecond place: Kelsie Dimick — Stylz 5th AvenueThird place: Tawnya Carter —Icon Salon Best nurse or nurse AssistAntFirst place: Maria Pilar Sanderson — The Memorial Hospital CNASecond place: Jessie Grandbouche —The Memorial HospitalThird place: Jennifer Hergenreter — The Memorial Hospital Best oil chAnge shoPFirst place: Lube PlusSecond place: Victory MotorsThird place: Cook Chevrolet & Subaru Best oPtometristFirst place: Craig Eckroth — Eyecare SpecialtiesSecond place: Ron Shaffer — Victory VisionThird place: Natalie Hansen — Eyecare Specialties Best outFitterFirst place: Double H OutfittersSecond place: Hellander OutfittingThird place: Big Rack Outfitting Best PAint contrActorsFirst place: The Paint DabbersSecond place: Mascarenas PaintingThird place: Jenison Custom Builders Best PersonAl trAinerFirst place: Jessie CramerSecond place: Daina WagnerThird place: Jeff Boss

Best Pet groomerFirst place: The Dog & ISecond place: D’Tail Dog Grooming SalonThird place: Paddy Whack All Natural Pet Foods

Best PhArmAcyFirst place: City MarketSecond place: WalgreensThird place: Walmart Best PhysicAl therAPy PrActiceFirst place: Craig Physical TherapySecond place: Pearson PhysiotherapyThird place: The Memorial Hospital Rehab Center Best PlAce to get A hAircutFirst place: Daina Wagner SalonSecond place: Stylz 5th AvenueThird place: Allie Ooop Best tAnning sAlonFirst place: Under the Sun TanningSecond place: Allie OoopThird place: Studio 7 Best tAxidermistFirst place: Bullseye TaxidermySecond place: Big Cat TaxidermyThird place: Mountain Man Taxidermy

ServicesBest

Page 26: Best of Moffat County

26 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

STORY AND PHOTO BY ANDY BOCKLEMANA banking institution without its own automated

teller is a rarity in the 21st century, but the people inside the building can make all the difference in how a patron does business.

The Craig branch of Bank of the San Juans took first in two Best of Moffat County categories as employees Heather Brumblow and Flint Dillon cashed in with Best Bank Teller and Best Customer Service, respectively.

The awards for financial services were varied across the board this year, and while Yampa Valley Bank took Best Bank, the staff of San Juans swept the teller cat-egory, with Kaby Rogers and Flor Duarte second and third behind Brumblow.

Brumblow, who has worked at the branch for slightly more than a year, credited her win to a personal touch with all who walk through the bank’s doors.

“I have my following,” she laughed. “My thing is I just like to treat everyone like they’re my friend. We all like working here, we all get along, and all our

customers are not only our customers but our friends, our community.”

She added that after moving to Northwest Colorado following 14 years with a husband in active-duty military, Craig is one of the best communities she’s seen out of many where she’s lived.

“Everybody’s looking out for their neighbor,” she said.

Dillon has been with the bank for roughly seven years and was recently promoted to operations offi-cer two months ago.

“All of our crew here, I think we get along as a team, people feel welcome, and I think that’s a really good environment,” he said. “I think if you’re person-able and willing to go the extra mile for a customer, that really helps.”

Dillon cited the bank’s philosophy that they exist to help people make their dreams come true under the San Juans moniker, which changed in 2014 from First National Bank of the Rockies.

Change is ever-present in many industries, banking among them, and while some people who do busi-ness with the company are strictly online, many, if not more, prefer the personal touch.

“They want to talk to an actual person, they find comfort in that, with one-on-one help,” Dillon said. “We strive to be there for every aspect of it.”

Likewise, Brumblow said she feels no competition from the bank’s ATM in providing great service to customers.

“An ATM’s not going to have your information ready before you walk up and give you anything dif-ferent from 20s and understanding what you want,” she said. “It might be fast and easy but just not with the customer service.”

PersonAl touch PAys oFF For BAnk oF the sAn JuAns emPloyees

Bank Teller Heather Brumblow and Operations Officer Flint Dillon won Best of Moffat County awards for their work with Bank of the San Juans. Brumblow has been with the institution about 15 months and Dillon about seven years.

BestBankers

2016 Moffat County’s Best Accountant

458 Yampa Avenue . Su i te 200 Cra ig , Co lorado 81625

Phone 970.824.2010

Thank youMoffat County for your continued support and voting Don Jones as

Best Accountant for 2016. “My team and I are honored to serve

such a remarkable community.”

21221550

Thank you for voting us Best Liquor Store in Moffat County.

We are honored to be your choice and look forward to

serving you in the future.

212231445 74 Pe r s h i n g S t r e e t , C r a i g C O

Page 27: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 27Best of Moffat County

mAthers APPreciAtes ‘Privilege’ oF shAring her musicSTORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL NEARY

Stacey Mathers has been singing just about all her life, but 10 years ago or so her singing began to take a more public turn.

“I accepted Christ as my savior,” she said. “That was the turning point.”

She described the effect this acceptance had on her music.

“It really kind of brought me out of my shell — being able to sing Christian music. I call it a God thing, because you’re called to share your gift.”

Mathers, named Best Local Music Soloist in Moffat County for 2016, is also the co-owner of Cornerstone Realty — and she recalls singing as far back into her childhood. Born in Florida, she moved with her family to Alaska when she was about 10 years old and then returned to Florida later. She moved to Craig in 1992.

She divided time between high school in Alaska and Florida, and she recalls singing for vocal groups and choir during those high school years.

“I’ve always loved music,” she said. “I think music is kind of the universal language for most people. Most people can connect to music in some form.”

Mathers describes music as a powerful force that, once it wells up inside a person, can be hard to turn away.

“It’s something you can’t just shake off and put over to the side,” she said. “It’s like you have to sing. It propels you.”

Mathers said she sings gospel music for her church, Calvary Baptist Church, every

Sunday. She’s sung in other situations, as well.

“I was fortunate enough to record an album in 2013 in Nashville,” she said.

She recorded the Christian-themed album, called “It’s About Love,” with Rio Vida Music in 2013. She said one of the people she worked with was Tony Elenburg, the execu-tive producer who wrote a number of the songs on the album — songs that allow the strong and graceful qualities of Mathers’ voice to emerge.

“Several of the musicians who played on the album played for Reba (McEntire), played for a lot of the big-name country art-ists,” she said. “There’s so much love and talent that went into that.”

Mathers also sings for Stonecroft, which she described as a women’s ministry — a network of Christian women throughout the country.

“My business partner Sari (Cobb) — she speaks, so we do a speaking-singing combo and travel around to different women’s groups,” she said. “Word has gotten out about our speaking and singing, and it has evolved to where we travel a couple of times a month to different venues.”

Mathers is slated to lead the music activities in Breckenridge this September for Stonecroft’s annual retreat.

Music has always played a strong role in Mathers’ life, but she said her approach to music has evolved from the days when she was singing as a child.

“It’s definitely bigger,” she said.

Mathers speaks slowly and thoughtfully about sharing her singing, and watching the effect it has on other people.

“When you’re sharing your gift and you see the reaction on people’s faces with how

it touches them,” she said, “it just ends up being such a blessing that I’m able to share that. It’s a privilege to share it.”

Stacey Mathers was named Best Local Music Soloist in Moffat County for 2016.

BestMusic Soloist

Page 28: Best of Moffat County

28 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

douBle h outFitters BAgs Best hunting cAmPBY PATRICK KELLY

Hunting is big in Moffat County.Big game and a beautiful backdrop draw

a big crowd and one outfitter stood above the rest.

In the 2016 Best of Moffat County con-test, Double H Outfitters was voted the Best Hunting Outfitter in the county.

Owner Casey Herod has been running his outfit for three years and he said it was “pretty cool” to be voted best of Moffat County.

Herod said his operation is all about cus-tomer service and game management.

“We make sure our clients have a 110 per-cent good time so they want to come back,” he said.

Double H offers lion, elk, deer and ante-lope hunts.

“If you chose to hunt with Double H Outfitters you can expect a life time mem-ory, quality food, great accommodations, knowledgeable guides, quality hunt, laughs and a desire to come back,” Double H Outfitters’ website states.

Herod said even though he is new to the game, he is starting to get a lot of repeat customers and his business has doubled each year.

“I’ve had very few people go home unhappy,” he said.

Running a good outfitting operation comes down to several factors, Herod said.

“It’s comes down to good hunters, good guides, good landowners that we lease

property from and good game management practices,” he said.

For information on Double H Outfitters and pricing information visit their website at www.herodinc.com/double-h-outfitters/ or find them on Facebook.

Herod said he appreciated the award and intends to continue providing quality outfit-ting services.

“We must be doing something right. We appreciate the community’s support,” he said.

He also thanked his team.“Camie Haskins and I could not run and

be so successful with our hunting business without the following hel:, Joe Herod, Grant Jones, Tony Graejda, Jess Haskins, Josie Haskins, Dallin Staker, Roger Richmond and Lynn Haskins,” Herod said.

Hunter Jim Morris shows off his mountain lion with Double H Outfitters guides Josie Haskins and Tony Graejda. COURTESY PHOTO

BestOutfitter

The Kawcak Family, and all of the employees at MJK Sales & Feed Inc., would like to “Thank You” for voting us number one! We are proud to serve our great

community for over 30 years now and will continue to provide you with the best service and products in the Valley.

mjk lumber & design290 ranney street, Craig, CO

(970) 329-4396MondaY-FrIdaY 7aM- 6pM

SaTurdaY 8aM-5pMSundaY 9aM-4pM

mjk aCe hardware2315 w. 1st street, Craig, CO

(970) 824-6581MondaY-SaTurdaY 7aM- 6pM

SundaY 9aM-5pM

mjk Feed stOre290 ranney street, Craig, CO

(970) 824-6582MondaY-FrIdaY 7aM- 6pM

SaTurdaY 8aM-4pM & cloSed SundaY

21222279

Thank You Moffat County!

paintstore

Best

THANK YOU!We appreciate your continued support.

Clif Shultz970-824-6093

Thank you to our clients for voting us the best in Moffat County. Here’s to many more years!

L I K E U S O N F A C E B O O K !

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Page 29: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 29Best of Moffat County

BEST BEST RIBSIBS

BEST CATERING SERVICE

BEST MEAT RETAILER

Thank you for choosing us the Best Meat Retailer, Best Catering Service, and Best Ribs for 5 years, 2012-2016

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# 1 F I V E Y E A R S R U N N I N G !

970-824-3855 • 383 East 1st Street, Craig CO 81625

•McDonald’s•TheMemorialHospital

•MCTA• CraigDailyPress• SolutionsOriented

Systems• TrapperMine• DraperInsurance• RockyMtnTLC• Stockman’sLiquor• BlackMtnGlass• BankofColorado• YampaValleyBank• Colowyo• 3BEnterprises• Murdoch’s• MJK• CraigPowerSports

• RockyMountainMachinery

• UsTractor&Trailer• ColoradoWest• SeversonSupply• Domino’s• CoolWaterGrille• JWSnack’s• Carelli’s• TheO.P.• LaCabana• StrongLumberCo• Pepsi• MoffatCounty

Commissioners• KRAI• ClarionInn• CandlewoodSuites• EastsideLiquor

Sponsors 2016

WhittleWoodthe

2016Whittle

Woodthe

2016

CraigPark&

Recreationw

ouldliket

osay

Thank You!toou

rsponsors

forsuppo

rting

Yourcontin

uedsuppo

rtis

greatlyap

preciated!

21141905

ThankYouMoffatCountyforVotingus#1Event!

Page 30: Best of Moffat County

30 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County

Thank you MoffaT CounTy for voTing us

Best HVAC ContractorBest Plumbing Contractor

Congratulations to

ryan oTisarTisT of The year

Congratulations to our plumbers for a Clean sweep

best plumber Category

1sT plaCe: BoBBy gillaM

2nd plaCe: viC updike 3rd plaCe: darin hiCkey

Join us July 21st for our customer appreciation BBQ!

970.824.4840461 Yampa Ave. Craig, COwww.masterworksmechanical.com

Page 31: Best of Moffat County

A Supplement to the Craig Daily Press June 2016 | 31Best of Moffat County

We can’t thank Moffat County and our amazing customers enough for voting us Best Flooring Retailer again! It’s our customers and our installers that make it a pleasure and success doing the great business we do here in our community! If you haven’t been a customer of ours, you

should come see why we’ve been voted best again this year!

Thank you to the Moffat County community for voting us best personal Trainers! And to all of our athletes for hanging tough... you all make being your coaches fun and extremely fulfilling! You

inspire and teach us as much as we teach you... Thanks Guys!

Now offering kids circuit training for 3yrs and up! Located in the East End of The Centennial Mall

Stop in from July 5th- 8th for ourCustomer Appreciation/Birthday Sale at our newest location!

Everything in stock will be on sale!Thanks again, we are thankful to be part of this great community!!

37 East Victory Way 970.826.4000

Jessie Cramer, WP TrainingDaina Wagner, The Ringer970.629.3537

Page 32: Best of Moffat County

32 | June 2016 A Supplement to the Craig Daily PressBest of Moffat County