There are good people doing great things in Newton County, even in these tough economic times.

On Thursday, the Covington/Newton Chamber of Commerce handed out three honors in recognition of excellence at its annual meeting.

Its most prestigious honor, the R.O. Arnold Award went to Covington dentist Melvin O’Neal Baker.

Dr. Baker has been a guiding light for our county, the consummate renaissance man who gives of himself to his business, church and the community at large.

The Oxford resident has earned accolades all around, and has also been recognized with the 2010 Martin Luther King I Have A Dream Award and a 2010 Legends award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Merryvale Assisted Living was awarded the Dick James Small Business Award. Gena McClendon, Merryvale’s director, accepted the honor.

The chamber also honored Ric Burnette of Wheeler Funeral Home with its Spirit of Excellence Award for extraordinary volunteer service.

Congratulations to each of the honorees. They are examples of the entrepreneurial spirit and community boosterism that will pull Newton County through the economic doldrums.