Cover Story
Best Of Springfield 2023Ⓡ
Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting. While one out of every three votes cast…
Latest state school report card shows proficiency gains, but persistent gaps on racial lines
Elementary and secondary students in Illinois showed consistent improvements in their reading and math scores while the state’s high school graduation rate reached a 13-year high for the most recently concluded school year. Those are some of the conclusions from the most recent annual statewide school report card, released Monday, Oct. 30, by the Illinois…
Ginna’s Café & Coffee at SCHEELS
I’ve been to SCHEELS, and knew that somewhere in the back of my mind the store served soda, coffee and fudge. What I didn’t know is that Ginna’s Café & Coffee at SCHEELS offers a full menu. Indeed, I visited Ginna’s Café & Coffee with a group of friends that goes out for chili once…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
Antique or vintage store Springfield Vintage 215 S. Fifth St., (217) 652-8413 Finalists: Abe’s Tradin’ Post, Dear Yesteryear, Barrel Antique Mall, Silvernicks New & Used Auto dealer new Isringhausen Imports 229 E. Jefferson St., (877) 364-6099 Finalists: Green Hyundai, Freedom Chevrolet – Virden, S&K GMC, Friendly Automotive, Green Subaru Auto dealer used Isringhausen Imports 229…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS
Biggest cannabis selection Ascend Horizon Drive 3201 Horizon Drive, (217) 718-6355 Finalists: Ascend Downtown, Maribis – Lindbergh Boulevard, Maribis – Denver Drive Biggest CBD selection CBD Botanicals 2538 S. Koke Mill Road, (217) 588-8161 Finalists: Penny Lane, Prairie State Hemp, Simply CBD, Happy Daze Budtender and location Samantha Allen – Maribis of Springfield 3025 Lindbergh…
UP-AND-COMING LEADER
Some people know her as the Lasagna Lady, but her real name is Beth Ballinger, and she is the founder of Feeding Springfield One Lasagna at a Time. She lives by the motto: Nobody goes to bed hungry. Ballinger’s parents taught her early on how to give to others. Every Thanksgiving her parents would invite…
MEAT SELECTION
Even on a non-holiday weekday afternoon this fall, the energy at the Humphrey’s Market meat counter is contagious. Staff and butchers engage with customers not only behind the counter, but in the aisles, with discussions about specific cuts of meat and how they want it packaged. Such personalized attention has been repeated in thousands of…
DRUMMER
Here we have another first-time winner in a popular category, and it’s likely not a coincidence that our top vote-getter is the drummer (with vocals) in the band Deja Voodoo, which took top honors for overall band as well as cover band for 2023. Chris serves up more than the beat and rhythm behind his…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Abraham Lincoln historic site Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 212 N. Sixth St., (217) 558-8844 Finalists: Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Tomb, Old State Capitol State Historic Site Actor – Female Chrissy Mauck – Beauty and the Beast Finalists: Alyssa Shultz – Fiddler on the Roof and…
NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN and NEW BAR
As Elizabeth Wake explored her entrepreneurial dreams, she thought about what downtown Springfield really needed. Her conclusion was a late-night coffeehouse and fully non-alcoholic bar, and The Wakery was born. Wake received the 2022 Isringhausen DRIVE Small Business Grant, which was instrumental in her ability to open The Wakery. On your first visit to The…
GYMNASTICS
Springfield Gymnastics Center is much more than gymnastics. Owner and coach Brad Epperson says the mission is to encourage kids to be active and healthy and appreciate what it feels like to learn to do new things. Most of all, it’s about building confidence, and all of this can be learned through gymnastics. This is…
FEMALE VOCALIST and KEYBOARDIST
Our readers must surely like the way Ashley Staley sings, because they keep voting her our best female vocalist, first back in 2021, and now again in 2023. This year she’s added keyboards to her Best of Springfield winner’s wall, and it’s notable that no one has done both in the same year before. Her…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
Bass player Ty Ellis Finalists: Kortney Leatherwood, Chris Harris, Bruce Williams, Harrison Ketchum Choral group Rochester High School Madrigals 1 Rocket Drive, Rochester, (217) 498-9761 Finalists: Springfield High School 7 & Senators, Glenwood Titan Fever, Lincoln Troubadours, Sound Celebration Chorus Cover music band Deja Voodoo Finalists: UNCHAiNED, Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters, Off…
ELECTRICIAN
Ryan Electrical Solutions has built a solid reputation, providing residential and commercial electrical service, generators and audio/visual systems. In business for nearly 30 years, the company has grown to 40 employees. According to Ann Getz, whose father, Dennis Ryan, started the business in 1994, “When we ask new customers, they tell us it is word-of-mouth…
THRIFT STORE
Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is well known for creating and maintaining housing for the community through new construction, providing wheelchair ramps for accessibility and offering critical repairs to address urgent plumbing issues and roof damage. The organization draws hands-on construction professionals and laypeople as volunteers. With a dozen employees and a team of…
ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE STORE
Decor, fashion, jewelry, furniture and other quirky styles from the 1940s through the 1980s might remind you of your grandmother, but are still very popular and relevant today. Such one-of-a kind finds can be found downtown at Springfield Vintage, says store owner and ultimate-vintage buyer, Linda Renehan. Springfield Vintage is about a vintage lifestyle, according…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: KIDS STUFF
Children’s support organization Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery 1011 N. Seventh St., (217) 525-6800 Finalists: Compass for Kids, Girls on the Run, Children’s Miracle Network, YMCA Children’s clothing store Once Upon A Child 4225 Wabash Ave., (217) 679-7134 Finalists: Just Kids, Luers, Sweet Pea Consignment – Chatham, Carter’s Children’s Store Dance studio Springfield Dance 5531 International…
CHICKEN STRIPS
Raising Cane’s has a tight menu, so it’s no surprise that Springfield dubbed its chicken strips the best. Even though Cane’s only entered the crowded Springfield fried chicken market this past March, it has already made a strong impression among residents. Raising Cane’s serves just chicken strips, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and coleslaw – allowing it…
PEDIATRIC CENTER
It should be easier to get kids to see their pediatrician when the doctor’s office looks like fun with statues of dogs, brightly colored hallways, fish tanks, treats and a slide that leads to the exit. This is what families will find at Springfield Clinic’s new state-of-the-art pediatrics facility at 3501 Old Jacksonville Road. Dr.…
AUTO DEALER, NEW and AUTO DEALER, USED
Isringhausen Imports is a big part of Springfield’s historic downtown, where it’s been in business since 1981. With a campus sprawling from Second and Fourth streets to Madison and Washington streets, the auto dealership and service departments occupy a large physical presence. But beyond that, the company is committed to making a solid contribution to…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HOME AND GARDEN
AC/Heating company Henson Robinson Co. 3550 Great Northern Ave., (217) 544-8451 Finalists: Rich Gatschenberger Heating & Cooling, MB Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, Rick Ray Plumbing, Eades Heating and Cooling Air duct cleaning Duct Dusters, LLC (217) 553-0272 Finalists: Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services, Nyilas Cleaning Service, Klughart Mechanical & Construction Contractors, Tiger Plumbing,…
FRIED FISH
Just about a year ago, business partners and siblings Ray and Jay Quttum became the new owners of Carter’s Fish Market. The two brothers, who are in their 20s, are natives of Madison, Wisconsin. They migrated to the Springfield area to join extended family after spending time working in restaurants and convenience stores in northern…
LIVE MUSIC VENUE – SMALL and PLACE TO DANCE
If you talk about making something out of nothing, then you better start talking about Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, because there wasn’t much out there on Toronto Road west of I-55 until owner and operator Ron Metzger got this place rolling back in 2018. Going from “Where is that at?” to become…
NEW BUSINESS (NOT DOWNTOWN)
It took almost a year for Mike and Kelly Donaldson to renovate the historic Naramore House, building solid relationships along the way. Opening week was packed with customers, and they were surprised by the outpouring of support, allowing them to add staff and additional hours much sooner than they expected. Eight months later, Yellow Bird…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Assisted-living community Concordia Village 4101 W. Iles Ave., (217) 793-9429 Finalists: The Villas Senior Care Facility – Sherman, Rochester Estates, Illinois Presbyterian Home, Springfield Supportive Living, Carriage Crossing Senior Living Chiropractor Dr. Tana Frisina – Frisina Family Wellness 1533 S. MacArthur Blvd., (217) 787-4345 Finalists: Dr. Samantha Waggener- Waggener Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Dr. Kyle…
ITALIAN
Razzo’s (which means “rocket” in Italian) is located just a short drive away in Rochester, which our readers found was well worth the trip. For those who aren’t familiar with Razzo’s and its story, it opened in 2008 after the soon-to-be restauranteurs dined at a Rochester pizzeria and decided that they could do it better. The…
ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND
ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND UNCHAiNED MALE VOCALIST David Allen GUITARIST Cooper Marx BASS PLAYER Ty Ellis What can you say about a band that just keeps moving along, progressing toward goals and doing what needs to be done to get there, other than let’s wish them the best and vote them the best, too? Since their…
MEDICAL SPA
“Aesthetics-Wellness is a place where people can feel comfortable receiving treatments to improve their natural beauty,” says founder Courtney Wilbern. “I want people to feel comfortable with me and my staff. I want them to know they can trust us to work with them.” Wilbern has 19 years of nursing experience and is a certified…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
Accountant Troy A. Washko, CPA 1924 E. Sangamon Ave., (217) 522-3300 Finalists: Danielle Alstott, David Humke, AJ Lust, Clay Rotherham, Bryan Martin, CPA – Taxstra Apartment community Lake Pointe Apartments 1600 Toronto Road, (217) 529-2900 Finalists: Prairie Vista Apartments, Ash Grove, West Woods Apartments, South Grand Apartments Auto detail Robert’s Automotive 4440 Wabash Ave., (217)…
TACOS, FOOD TRUCK and PUBLIC ART/MURAL
The Taco Joint has been operating as a food truck on South Grand Avenue since 2017. It currently offers customers picnic tables under a pergola for those who prefer to dine on site. The place is always busy when we go past, so it’s no surprise that Springfield agrees that The Taco Joint has the…
BEST TEA
Part of the Adams Family business community, Whimsy Tea is one of many unique and artsy businesses that continue to spring up along the intersection of Fourth and Adams streets. Owners Gordon and Laura Davis, along with their children, have staffed, dreamed and grown Whimsy Tea since its inception in response to the closing of…
AUTO SALESPERSON
It is easy to understand why Brian Mitchell has earned honors in auto sales, considering that he started at Isringhausen washing cars, devoting more than three decades to become detail manager, service adviser and senior Mercedes sales consultant. “I started in the business at ground level and have worked to understand what’s underneath and inside…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: FOOD AND DRINK
Bartender & location Natalie Bernal – Luminary Kitchen & Provisions 3121 Hedley Road, (217) 679-1819 Finalists: Alyssa – Locals, Katie Hopper – The Wakery, Katie Kauffman – Coz’s Pizza and Pub, Shane G. – Papa Frank’s Beer garden Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery 500 S. Sixth St., (217) 670-0627 Finalists: Route 66 Motorheads Bar,…
SUSHI
Restaurant owner Hiro Kim serves up Happy Sushi and existential wisdom, always greeting customers with a warm smile, asking “Hi, how are you?” As he skillfully wields steel yanagiba knives, the Japanese/Korean chef works quickly to serve a wide menu of authentic appetizers, sushi, sashimi and teriyaki, artfully preparing chicken, shrimp, tuna, salmon and a wide variety of…
WEDDING VENUEs
Arlington’s is a great story. It first opened as a popular restaurant about 10 years ago but then converted to an event venue during the COVID-19 shutdown. Owner Ebben Moore used that time to slow down and reflect on what would be the best future for him and his unique space – which ended up…
BICYCLE SHOP
Quick turnaround time for tune-ups and repairs has made Ace Bike Shop a winner for generations of customers. The business was started in 1957 by Thomas “Ace” Meeker on the corner of 18th and Brown streets in Springfield. It later moved to a garage on South Holmes Avenue, where the business became a neighborhood landmark, thriving…
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CIVIC AND COMMUNITY
Business giving back to the community Café Moxo 411 E. Adams St., (217) 788-8084 Finalists: AZ-T-CA, BRANDT, Bewitching Botanicals, W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law, Green Family Stores City official Misty Buscher – mayor Finalists: Lakeisha Purchase – Ward 5 alderwoman, Shawn Gregory – Ward 2 alderman, Erin Conley – Ward 8 alderwoman, Larry Rockford…
PLACE FOR KARAOKE and OVERALL BAR
For a venue that’s known far and wide for hosting one of the best live sound stages around, what’s up with this consistent winning in the DJ and karaoke categories? Well, the answer is easy – DJ Mikee is the best at spinning tunes so you can enjoy yourself and Debbie Cakes is the best…
THEATER PERFORMANCE, FEMALE LEAD
If you’ve ever heard Chrissy Mauck talk about the role of Belle, it’s easy to understand how much it means to her. Once, as a child, she dressed in the iconic gold gown for a Halloween event at her grade school, only to be told by some unkind classmates she could never be Belle because…
DJ
For a venue that’s known far and wide for hosting one of the best live sound stages around, what’s up with this consistent winning in the DJ and karaoke categories? Well, the answer is easy – DJ Mikee is the best at spinning tunes so you can enjoy yourself and Debbie Cakes is the best…
THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE LEAD
THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE LEAD BEST DIRECTOR In the IT review of the Springfield Muni Opera’s Fiddler on the Roof, it was noted: “Gus Gordon has starred in a long list of musicals and Tevye is a great role for him now. Always considered a go-to song-and-dance man, Gordon uses his humor to guide us…
NAIL SALON
With 5,000 square feet of spa and salon space and 2,000 nail color options, Galaxy Nail Bar offers options that are out of this world. The business opened in April in a newly built strip center adjacent to AMC Classic Springfield 12 Theatre off Wabash Avenue. Huy Vuong, who also developed the unique Sky Lounge…
BEST COMEDIAN
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to share the theater stage with other actors who are testing their ability to think on their feet by doing improv? You don’t know the answer until you try, and you can do so right here in Springfield. Capital City Improv is a nonprofit organization established…
Assault weapon registration period remains open as Illinois State Police seeks further input
People who own certain guns and other items now prohibited under the state’s assault weapons ban still need to register them with the Illinois State Police. But ISP says it plans to hold additional public hearings about that process and may refine the rules before they become permanent next year. “We are happy to address…
Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agency
Vowing to make Illinois the top state in the nation for child care accessibility, Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled a plan Oct. 24 to consolidate all the state’s early childhood programs and funding into one new state agency. “Early childhood program governance has to be unified in its focus on serving children and families, easing the…
RADIO PERSONALITY
When he began as a part-time disc jockey at WMAY in 1990, and even when he went to work full time for the station in 1995, Jim Leach never thought he would be able to sustain such a long and satisfying career in radio. The Springfield native left the Riverton-based AM station in late June…
BEST LANDSCAPE COMPANY and BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Take a closer look to the west of the Horace Mann building downtown and you’ll see not only plants and fountains and a small waterfall, but an entire ecosystem that is self-sustaining and educational. “We were able to construct a complete, self-sustaining natural ecosystem in the heart of downtown Springfield that looks as if it…
TV Game Show Night to aid Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
Most people are familiar with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to create and sustain housing, in partnership with the community, for those in need. In Sangamon County, the local branch has a yearly fundraiser that helps fund that mission. This year’s event, the 10th annual Raise the Roof!, allows participants to relive the excitement of their…
Best Photographer / Best Visual Artist
Best Photographer Best Visual Artist Zach Adams has been interested in photography since he was introduced to it by his high school art teacher. Adams has been working solely as a photographer since July 2022. Whether it’s event coverage, high school seniors, families, or models or creative art, “pretty much anything you need a picture…
CASHIER
With a husky voice, an easy smile and greetings such as “Hey baby” and “Hey gorgeous,” Bernedette Wallace tries to show kindness and spread happiness in the morning drive-thru lane at McDonald’s. Customers have responded by voting Wallace best cashier in Illinois Times’ 2023 Best of Springfield Readers Poll. “I think it’s wonderful,” said Wallace,…
Killers of the Flower Moon almost achieves greatness, Pigeon Tunnel examines spies, Old Dads a tired joke
Bloated script keeps Moon from achieving greatness Flawed yet compelling, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a portrait of unconscionable greed and willing compliance, an examination of one of the most heinous crimes of the 20th century and a metaphor for the corruption in the United States. Based on the book by David…
PLACE TO VOLUNTEER and NONPROFIT
Animal welfare is a group effort at the Animal Protective League, according to executive director Deana Corbin, of her “incredibly dedicated and hard-working staff.” She admits, “It’s not always sunshine because there’s lots of dirty work behind the scenes at APL. We prioritize sick and injured animals, and we take animals that have nowhere else…
BEST TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL
The great windstorm that upended Springfield and Sangamon County early in the afternoon of June 29 that left thousands of people without power also left thousands of branches and trees in unwanted places — and that’s a kind way of saying it. “We had 97 calls within the first four hours after the storm for…
BEST TIRE SHOP
A familiar site on Wabash Avenue is the giant Lauterbach man, who was decapitated by a tornado in 2006 but later restored and still proudly garnishes a popular retail area. This is not the first year Lauterbach is the winner of Illinois Times’ Best Tire Shop recognition. “What a nice validation of what we try…
UNSUNG HERO
Emma Shafer, 24, was a much-beloved community activist, friend and family member whose life was taken suddenly and far too soon on July 11, 2023. Her life and her death have greatly impacted our community. Emma was involved in a multitude of social justice and community activist groups including Resistor Sisterhood, Faith Coalition for the…
USED CLOTHING STORE and CONSIGNMENT OR RESALE STORE
“Clothes Mentor is resale unlike any other,” says owner Angela Slifer. “What sets us apart is that we are not consignment. We buy all seasons at any time throughout the year, and when you bring clothing, purses, coats, jewelry or whatever you want to sell that is recent fashion within the last two years, our…
OVERALL BAND and COVER BAND
We could try to make a pun on the deja vu reference here, but since this is the first time this band has ever won a Best of Springfield category, that might sound somewhat silly. But for Deja Voodoo to come out on top in our two generally most highly-contested music spots for a first-time…
