The Dawson News & Advertiser today launched its annual Readers Choice awards contest for the 2015 BEST OF in Dawson County.

Starting with todays edition, ballots will run for three weeks. Each week, one ballot will be selected at random to win $25.

The contest ends Aug. 14.

Dawson County residents know what they like, and they dont hesitate to pick up a pen and vote for their favorite restaurant, hair stylist, doctor, auto mechanic, insurance agent or even the best place to get sweet iced tea.

Last year, the newspaper received more than 500 ballots from readers who told us their preferences. And, we rewarded the winners in every category with a plaque and their picture in a special BEST OF edition of the newspaper.

It tells me people are happy and satisfied with the care they received in our office, said Northside Physician Dr. Larry Anderson, who was voted best doctor in 2014. Its very heart warming that people will take the time and that extra effort to fill out the ballot. Whenever people go out of their way to do something nice for someone else, we are very grateful.

Anderson said he also appreciates the newspapers efforts.

It nice they encourage community involvement by listing a lot of categories of places we go or people we see every day or every week, he said. The businesses and people that take care of us get a chance to be recognized. Im glad to see that. Its not just about the good news and bad news, its about the people who live and work here.

Frank Kunkel who owns Kunkel & Son Jewelers, feels similarly.

Our customers are our friends, the elder Kunkel said. It means a lot that they take the time to complete the ballot and let us know they appreciate our work.

Roger Slaton with State Farm was voted best insurance agent in 2014.

Last year, I got a new customer from England, Slaton said. The folks came here to buy land, meet a contractor, and they saw in the BEST OF section that State Farm was voted No. 1. They came to our office and we wrote their account. Customers are spreading the good word about State Farm.

Completed ballots (page 10) can be dropped off at the Dawson News & Advertiser, 40 Hwy. 9 North, next to the Dawsonville Pool Room or mailed to P.O. Box 225, Dawsonville, Ga. 30534.