Rocky Top Log Furniture & Railing honored as Garrard County "Business of the Year"

Lancaster, KY - October 17, 2008

By BOBBIE CURD
bcurd@amnews.com

LANCASTER -The Lancaster Baptist Church Life Center was full of locals Thursday night as the Garrard County Chamber of Commerce honored three citizens and a business for their contributions to the community.

As Susan Ledford, secretary of the chamber, took tickets at the front door, she said the banquet has seen as many as 230 participants in the past, and last night's crowd was looking no different.

A long table just inside the door was lined with various items for a silent auction that continued throughout the evening, and was made possible by merchants who donated goods.

University of Kentucky football tickets tucked inside a tailgating package; tools; tickets to the New York Philharmonic; and multiple services were some of the items offered.

Mike Carter, who retired after 33 years as Garrard County agricultural agent, was named farmer of the year.

His wife, Betty, tried to keep the award a secret, but he knew something was up. "Well, I saw the note posted on the fridge, and we hardly plan anything ahead of time," said Carter.

Rocky Top Furniture was named business of the year.

Aside from doing a booming business with custom-made log designs, the company has donated time and materials to multiple projects with the popular television show ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

The company has spent time on projects in Maine, Indiana, for instance, and were recently contacted to participate again.

Owners Gwen and Tommy Mitchell didn't have time for this one, though. Tommy is overseeing the new log structure restaurant being built in Mercer County by country star Eddie Montgomery.

"The roof is about to go on the steakhouse, so we've been a little busy," Tommy said.

Christian Wyler and Katherine Rucker were named Garrard County High School students of the year.

Copyright:The Advocate-Messenger 2008