Vol. 49, No. 13
Best Of Springfield 2023Ⓡ
By Michelle Ownbey
Assault weapon registration period remains open as Illinois State Police seeks further input
State Police plan more hearings on assault weapons
By Peter Hancock
Pritzker proposes creation of new standalone early childhood agency
New agency to consolidate early childhood services
Latest state school report card shows proficiency gains, but persistent gaps on racial lines
Reading, math scores up; graduation rate at 13-year high
Ginna’s Café & Coffee at SCHEELS
By Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
Killers of the Flower Moon almost achieves greatness, Pigeon Tunnel examines spies, Old Dads a tired joke
By Chuck Koplinski
TV Game Show Night to aid Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
By Daron Walker
THEATER PERFORMANCE, FEMALE LEAD
Crissy Mauck, Belle in Beauty and the Beast
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE LEAD
Gus Gordon, Fiddler on the Roof
BEST COMEDIAN
Capital City Improv
RADIO PERSONALITY
Jim Leach
Best Photographer / Best Visual Artist
Zach Adams
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HOME AND GARDEN
ELECTRICIAN
Ryan Electrical Services
BEST LANDSCAPE COMPANY and BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Knob Hill Landscape Company
BEST TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL
Sangamon Tree Service
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: KIDS STUFF
GYMNASTICS
Springfield Gymnastics Center
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: MUSIC
ORIGINAL MUSIC BAND
UNCHAiNED
OVERALL BAND and COVER BAND
Deja Voodoo
DRUMMER
Chris Mizera
FEMALE VOCALIST and KEYBOARDIST
Ashley Staley
LIVE MUSIC VENUE - SMALL and PLACE TO DANCE
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
DJ
DJ Mikee, Curve Inn
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: RETAIL
NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN and NEW BAR
The Wakery
NEW BUSINESS (NOT DOWNTOWN)
Yellow Bird Coffee House
MEDICAL SPA
Aesthetics-Wellness at Ophthalmology Center of Illinois
ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE STORE
Springfield Vintage
AUTO DEALER, NEW and AUTO DEALER, USED
Isringhausen Imports
AUTO SALESPERSON
Brian Mitchell, Isringhausen Imports
BICYCLE SHOP
Ace Bike Shop
CASHIER
Bernedette Wallace
USED CLOTHING STORE and CONSIGNMENT OR RESALE STORE
Clothes Mentor
THRIFT STORE
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
WEDDING VENUEs
Arlington's Catering & Historic Venue
PLACE FOR KARAOKE and OVERALL BAR
Curve Inn
NAIL SALON
Galaxy Nail Bar
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: FOOD AND DRINK
CHICKEN STRIPS
Raising Cane's
FRIED FISH
Carter's Fish Market
ITALIAN
Razzo's Family Pizzeria
TACOS, FOOD TRUCK and PUBLIC ART/MURAL
The Taco Joint
SUSHI
Happy Sushi
MEAT SELECTION
Humphrey's Market
BEST TEA
Whimsy Tea
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: GOODS AND SERVICES
BEST TIRE SHOP
Lauterbach Tire and Auto Service
PLACE TO VOLUNTEER and NONPROFIT
Animal Protective League
UNSUNG HERO
Emma Shafer
UP-AND-COMING LEADER
Beth Ballinger, Feeding Springfield One Lasagna at a Time
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CIVIC AND COMMUNITY
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: CANNABIS
WINNERS AND FINALISTS: HEALTH AND WELLNESS
PEDIATRIC CENTER
Springfield Clinic Pediatrics
UIS Performing Arts Center Open House
@ UIS Performing Arts Center
Thu., Sept. 19, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Chicago mayor elevates controversial figure
By Rich Miller
Seven finalists for Sangamon County Sheriff
By Scott Reeder
ADM carbon sequestration project violated Safe Drinking Water Act, per EPA
By Andrew Adams,
Police, protesters clash at demonstration
By Dean Olsen
