Racehorse and racetrack owner Jeff Gural was recently honoured in New York as 'Man of the Year' for his outstanding community service.

The annual WATS/WAVR radio stations’ community service honour for 2015 was presented to Gural on Dec. 21. The WATS/WAVR radio stations broadcast out of Waverly, N.Y. in Tioga County, a town not far from Gural's Tioga Downs.

The New York real estate developer was recognized for the indomitable spirit and never-give-up attitude that eventually secured a casino license for the Nichols facility (which will bring vital economic benefits to the twin tiers) and for his generous support of Tioga Central schools, which saved extra curricular activities in that district which resulted in the state football championship.

The annual Individual of the Year award is named in memory of the late Sayre businessman Joe Wolf, who was known far and wide for his community service activities.

(with files from Tioga)