ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — For years, when Western North Carolina residents turned on the local news, it was Darcel Grimes who told them what was happening in the world around them.

“She is an institution, there’s no other way to put it. Her almost 40 years in the WLOS newsroom made her a wealth of knowledge about the community and its concerns,” former WLOS News Director Brian Nemitz said.

On Tuesday, Grimes and Chief District Court Judge Calvin Hill received North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

The prestigious award, presented by North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, celebrated the pair’s service and contributions to their community and state.

“Darcel is thoughtful, considerate, always tried to empathize with others even if she didn’t always agree with them. She was just a thoughtful person, and you could see it when she was out in the community. She had ‘star’ power without having to work at it. It just came naturally. She just had it. People gravitated to her, and she always was considerate and would greet folks warmly,” former WLOS Sports Director Stan Pamfilis said.

“As far as work, she was fair. Darcel’s main thing … ‘We need to get it right.’ That’s a pretty good journalistic mantra. She is so worthy of this award.”

Nemitz agreed.

“As news director, I was never Darcel’s ‘boss.’ I relied on her for advice to lead me and our newsroom in the right way,” he said. “She not only knew the news of the day, she knew all of the history and context behind each of those stories. Being able to work along side someone of her experience was an honor for me, and I took full advantage of it!”

Former WLOS anchor and reporter Frank Kracher said Grimes’ commitment to the community and desire to be fair and get the story right made her an exceptional journalist.

“Darcel had a great sense of what was going on around her, determining what was most important and how best to effectively communicate the stories of the day,” Kracher said. “Her commitment to the community was genuine, having respect for the audience both as a broadcaster and longtime neighbor. Darcel knew how critical it was to be fair and to get it right the first time. Those are just a few of the strengths as a journalist that earned her the respect of News 13 viewers and colleagues alike.”

But perhaps it’s the former WLOS anchor’s love for people that truly sets her apart.

“Darcel is intensely loyal and caring. My return to broadcasting after a traumatic brain injury was not an easy one. Darcel recognized the difficulties I was having and did everything she could to help, to make sure I succeeded,” Kracher said. “I am forever grateful. We shared our experiences of everyday life, talking about the parenthood and family, some tears, but many more laughs. Being her co-worker was fulfilling and fun. Over the course of more than two decades, we developed a true friendship that continues to this day.”

Nemitz said some of his favorite times with Grimes were when she would stop by his office to chat about life

“She’s lead a fascinating life and still loves to laugh. Even after she retired, she will still check in and see how things are going. I appreciate her as a friend, as a colleague and as a person” he said.

Hill, who admitted Grimes was his favorite anchor, too, has served as the chief district court judge for the 28th Judicial District, serving Buncombe County, in 2010.

“Judge Calvin Hill is absolutely deserving of this recognition,” Judge Alan Thornburg said. “Every decision that he has made in the courtroom and in his administrative capacity as chief district court judge has been made with an eye for upholding the integrity of the judiciary and the fairness of the justice system.”

Judge Jackie Grant, who has known Hill for about 30 years, said he always wanted to make a difference.

“And he has made a difference,” she said. “He always treated defendants that came in front of him with respect.”

He has been a role model in the community, showing young people what came be done if they apply themselves.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this award,” Grant said.