The Nevada Appeal’s Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels feature recognizes achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out other acts that missed the mark.
SILVER DOLLAR: Who needs Joey Chestnut, we have our own “Average Joe” Jeff Copple, who gobbled 12 1/2 pancakes in three minutes to win the Greater Nevada Union Pancake Eating Contest last week in Carson City. Praise to all those involved in the event to raise awareness for the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics to be held March 19 at Lake Tahoe.
SILVER DOLLAR: To Samantha Byassee, who was crowned the new Miss Carson City last weekend and Karrina Ferris, who was named Miss Carson City Outstanding Teen.
SILVER DOLLAR: To Carson City’s Krysta Palmer, who was again named as the Mountain West Diver of the Week for the University of Nevada.
SILVER DOLLAR: To Dayton native Matthew Willhite, who was able to stop a potential armed robbery at the 5th Avenue Mall in Anchorage, Alaska, with his quick action.
SILVER DOLLAR: To three local basque restaurants — J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room in Gardnerville, rated the best in the state, Carson City’s Villa Basque Deli & Cafe (fifth) and Carson Valley Country Club Restaurant & Bar (sixth) — for being ranked among the state’s best Basque restaurants by onlyinyourstate.com.
SILVER DOLLAR: To Dayton veteran Donald Podlas for being honored as Gov. Brian Sandoval’s Veteran of the Month.