Best Of Tuolumne County Award Winners

Sonora, Ca — A group of Tuolumne County residents will be recognized for their positive impact on the community at the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce´s Installation and Honors Banquet scheduled for November 15th at the Sonora Elks Lodge.

The Citizen of the Year award will be given to Tom Atkin, Tuolumne County Animal Control Officer. Atkin is also a first responder and volunteer firefighter in the Groveland area. Atkin often takes time to go into elementary school classrooms and teach children how to care for animals.

Eric Davis is the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year. Davis and his wife have owned and operated Diamondback Grill in downtown Sonora for over 15 years. Recently the business moved into a new building across the street which has increased its seating capacity three-fold.

The Excellence in Government award will go to Sheriff Jim Mele. The Sheriff has instituted a new organizational structure for the department that should make it more efficient and responsive to the community.

Summerville High School´s Kathy Horak will be honored with the Teacher of the Year award. She has taught at the school for over 20 years. A year ago, her daughter was a recipient of the Student of the Year award.

This year´s Students of the Year awards have not been announced.

For more information on the event, you should contact the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce at 532-4212.

Written by BJ Hansen