Best Community Role Model Dawne Gee Once upon a time, when I worked at a grocery store that starts with a K and sounds like ogre, Dawne Gee came through, and you would have thought she was everyone’s best friend. She talked to everyone like they were a long-lost relative, and everyone wanted to meet her. Because no matter what you think of local TV news, Dawne Gee is as sincere as they come, and we are a better community, thanks to her just being here. —Ethan Smith #2. Muhammad Ali #3. Mayor Greg Fischer
Best Place you Wish had Never Gone out of Business Ear-X-tacy Since the departure of Ear-X-tacy, I have no doubt that my musical tastes have fallen into the bland zone. Sure, I could find any band, any song and any genre of music I ever dreamed off on the internet, but the idea alone of diving into that much content gives me anxiety. That’s where Ear-X-tacy came in. You could pop-in while you were out, listen to the staff’s picks on the listening stations, and leave with a new favorite CD that you had never heard of until then. It was pretty nice, while it lasted. —Ethan Smith #2. Lynn’s Paradise Cafe #3. WHY Louisville
Best Thing That’s Happened this Year The Lincoln Bridge Yes, The Lincoln Bridge is an interesting piece of architecture added to our city skyline. And walking on the bridge for the opening ceremony was pretty cool, too (who knew so many people would come out to see the opening of a bridge?). But I have a feeling most people voted this to the top simply because it means we are that much closer to fixing the cluster-fuck that is downtown traffic! —Ethan Smith #2. Turkey Run Park #3. Recbar opened
Best Local Sports Person of the Year Muhammad Ali When I think back on Muhammad Ali’s funeral earlier this year, the first thing that hits my mind is that kid who ran along side the hearse, shadowboxing. There’s a possibility that the kid’s dad wasn’t born before Ali’s last fight, which shows just how legendary The Greatest was — through the sort of ability that will probably never be matched, and the sort of courage outside the ring that was monumental in so many ways. His legacy is timeless. —Scott Recker #2. Teddy Bridgewater #3. Lamar Jackson
Best Entrepreneur Gill Holland We all owe Gill Holland, and his wonderful family, a huge thank you. His time, energy and commitment to transforming East Market Street into the NuLu neighborhood has brought immeasurable change to our city. What was once drive-past territory is now a thriving hub of shops, art galleries and food … lots of amazing food. Now, he’s working on the Portland neighborhood. While there will undoubtedly be frustrations and setbacks, Gill is showing the patience, determination and vision to, once again, transform the culture of Louisville. He’d actually make an amazing member of the Metro Council … which he is running for this year. Good luck Gill! You have our (my) endorsement! —Aaron Yarmuth #2. Junior Bridgeman #3. Aaron Yarmuth
