With over 45 years of history in Warren County, CHEER Mental Health has grown to 44 employees and approximately 4,000 patients.
CHEER held its annual meeting and Bell Ringer Award Banquet on Thursday to elect officers and present awards. Coy Hatchcock, minister at Westwood Church of Christ, was the guest speaker.
Charles Wesley Pedigo Johnson was the 40th recipient of the prestigious Bell Ringer Award. He is employed with the county in the finance department, but worked the previous 10 years for the Southern Standard.
While at the newspaper, Johnson covered county government and took pleasure in covering positive stories, such as the annual CHEER banquet.
“I am very honored to be here and receive this recognition, after all, I’ve covered it for the newspaper for nine years,” said Johnson. “I really feel the employees and staff of CHEER are the true winners. They are the ones who forged the bell. I just helped ring it so people could hear the beautiful sound it makes.”
Awards were also presented to Somer Burnett as Case Manager of the Year, and to Tammie Gribble as the Employee of the Year.
Employees recognized for 10 years of service included Dr. Carla Brock, Claudia Davis and Lawrence Griffin.  Fifteen-year employees recognized were Steve Grayson and Ronnie Lee.
Lou-Shawna Scott and Gary Coppinger were praised for their many hours of service to the garden and outdoor areas of the facility.
Officers for the upcoming year include Harry Dunn, president; Janell Hawkins, vice president; Bryan Herriman, secretary; and Jane Hall, treasurer.