By Bonnie Culverhouse

Beverly Manning has been dishing out tough love and Big Macs for 40 years.

Tuesday, her Minden McDonald’s family dedicated their new building on Homer Road in her honor with a surprise ceremony planned by co-workers and family.

Ms. Bev was there for the opening of the first McDonald’s on Homer Road. She has climbed the employee ladder and was recently promoted to supervisor.

“The people are what’s kept me here,” she said. “I love serving our customers and working with this crew.”

Owner/operator Charles Chrisman said Ms. Bev has trained almost every employee – sometimes with tough love.

“But she’s not retiring,” Chrisman said. “She is just starting her second 40 years.”

McDonald’s employs a number of high school students and Minden High School Principal Dr. Rebecca Wilson said Ms. Bev helps them with more than just their jobs.

“If we have students who are struggling with grades, Ms. Bev tells them school is what’s important, graduation is the goal,” Wilson said. “We had two students that graduated because of Ms. Bev. She and I sometimes sit down with them to help them understand – as only she can – that it is all about academics.”

Dr. Wilson brought members of the Minden High School Band to play at the ceremony for Ms. Bev Tuesday. She was given flowers, a proclamation by Minden Mayor Nick Cox and two plaques – one that will be placed on the outside of the building and one to take home “to remind her to get up and come to work the next morning,” Chrisman said.