BEST DJ TALK RADIO HOST

Jim Leach Fast talking for sure, but it’s his fast thinking that makes Jim Leach the best of the bunch within the talk radio DJ world of our capital city. As the main morning man on WMAY 970 AM, Leach also captains the entire ship on Springfield’s only alllocal, all-day station where folks call in to talk about the issues of the day. Known for his liberal stance which instantly sets him apart from those “other guys” on the airwaves, Springfield born and raised, he runs The Jim Leach Show with swagger and candor, tact and confrontation and a whole bunch of brazen bravado, all without ever seeming to take a breath. With the Butthead of the Week as a popular portion of every Friday program, Jim gives everyone a chance to pick a popular public puddinghead and nail them to the wall. Go get ’em, Jim.

BEST LOCAL THEATER PERFORMER

Gus Gordon Well known about town from his nightly appearances as chief meteorologist on WICS Newschannel 20 since 1990, Gus Gordon began acting in local community theater the year after his arrival in central Illinois from Cincinnati, Ohio. His character portrayals and local productions over the next 20 years are too numerous to mention, giving Gordon a deservedly honored spot in area show business history. IT readers regularly bestow the tribute of whatever “Best of” category comes closest to describing the good work of the ubiquitous performer and producer. This year, of the many performers mentioned, Gordon outdistanced them all quite handily.

In 2011 he portrayed the Cowardly Lion in the Muni’s The Wizard of Oz, plus presented shows at the Hoogland through his Gordon Productions. Honestly it’s hard to imagine Springfield theater without the influence of Gus Gordon. Congratulations Gus, and thanks for the memories.