BEST APARTMENT COMMUNITY
Lake Pointe Apartments
1600 S. Toronto Road, 529-2900
It’s sometimes difficult for renters to feel like they’re truly part of a community because they don’t own the place they live, and it’s often only a matter of time before they move again. The key to any community, however, is relationships. Voters chose Lake Pointe Apartments as the best apartment community, and there may be several reasons for that. Maybe it’s because there’s a mix of college students, young professionals and more mature residents, making the place feel like a neighborhood. It could also be the communal swimming pool, the 24-hour fitness center, or the lighted sidewalks which are monitored by security cameras. Or perhaps it’s that the management and maintenance crews at Lake Pointe are fast and professional. (One reviewer said the management is “super nice” and will “bend over backwards to help you.”) Whatever the reason, it’s neat to see an apartment complex be appreciated as its own community. Runners-up: Lincoln Square Apartments, St. Nicholas Apartments
BEST ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART
Old Capitol Art Fair 500 block of East Washington St.
One of the most exciting things about summer in Springfield – or late spring, in this case – is the Old Capitol Art Fair. Sure, you can find all flavors of art around town throughout the year, but nothing brings together such an incredible variety of artists from Springfield and the rest of central Illinois like the art fair in mid-May each year. Walking from tent to tent is an adventure, revealing pensive portraits, intricate wood carvings, blown glass of every color and plenty of other treasures. The styles range from evocative and otherworldly to bright and whimsical. Even if you don’t have a penny to your name, it’s thoroughly enjoyable to simply admire the beauty these artists have captured and the diversity of inspiration that drives their craft. Best Arts and Crafts Festival Runners-up: Downhome Music, Beer and Art Festival; Edwards Place Fine Art Fair Best Place to Buy Local Art Runners-up: Studio on 6th, The Blue Door
BEST HISTORIC BUILDING
Dana-Thomas House
301 E. Lawrence Ave., 782-6776
To us, the Dana-Thomas House is special for many reasons. Obviously, any Frank Lloyd Wright building deserves a nod, but there’s more to it than that. The Dana-Thomas House was ahead of its time when ol’ Frank designed it in 1902 as a renovation to an existing home, and it continues to help define the cutting edge of architecture even today. From the stunning woodwork inside to the crisp brick exterior, the Dana-Thomas House exudes a timeless style and class. Even though the house is 12,000 square feet, it feels much cozier, yet it never feels cramped. Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Dana-Thomas House Foundation, the house is in good shape and contains a fantastic collection of original Wright art glass and furniture. Whether you’re a Wright fanatic or you don’t even know who that is, check out the Dana-Thomas House. It might just blow your mind. Runners-up: Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol
BEST DENTIST
Tanya DeSanto – Prairie Dental Group
2900 Greenbriar Drive, 546-0412
Most people don’t think of a dentist’s office as fun, but Dr. Tanya DeSanto and her partners at Prairie Dental Group make their office as comfortable and welcoming as possible. DeSanto is a highly accomplished cosmetic dentist, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the founder of the Prairie Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In practice since 1993, DeSanto says she sees cosmetic dentistry as a combination of art and science. “I like artistry, pottery and working with my hands, but I also like science and helping people,” she said. “It was the perfect combination.” Dr. Elizabeth Knoedler, one of DeSanto’s partners at Prairie Dental Group, said the whole office is like a family. “We treat our patients like they’re a part of our family, as well,” Knoedler said. DeSanto agreed. “We try to make a small difference in this little world of ours.” Runners-up: Keith Cummins – Magna Dental, Timothy Lonergan – Chatham Dental Center
BEST LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL 
Wes Bar
Sangamon County Sheriff
Long before Wes Barr was elected Sangamon County sheriff in 2014, he earned a reputation in Springfield as a tireless volunteer, coordinating the local Toys for Tots drive, serving as president of the board at Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, and working the United Cerebral Palsy telethon, among other roles. In fact, he won our “best volunteer” category so many years in a row that we had to change it. Barr served in the Marines and spent more than 20 years in the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office before being elected to lead it. That’s not an easy job, even on the best of days, but somebody has to do it and, according to BoS voters, Wes is best. Runners-up: Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, Ward 6 Ald. Cory Jobe
BEST LOCAL PODCAST
Ray Lytle’s Morning Disaster
You never know what you’re going to get with Ray Lytle’s Morning Disaster podcast. Recent topics have included granny panties, painful poops, public nudity and urination fetishes. The one thing you can count on, however, is that you’ll laugh. The show originally ran from 1995 to 2005, but it has been resurrected with new episodes over the past year. Lytle and his team of goofy sidekicks keep it real – very real. The forecast for this podcast is humorous discussion of personal issues with an 80 percent chance of strong language. Expect to occasionally be grossed out, but mostly, you’ll be thankful it’s someone else’s life and not your own. Check it out at www.morningdisaster.net. Runners-up: Lincoln’s Legends, Mind Grenade
BEST CHARITY EVENT
Memorial Festival of Trees
Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds Who doesn’t like Christmas trees? No one. Which is why the annual Festival of Trees has been going strong for more than a quarter century. There is nothing like more than 200 Christmas trees and wreaths, all elaborately decorated – don’t try this at home, you’ll never come close to making your own look this nice – to get you in the holiday spirit. The gingerbread houses look too good to eat. Organizers say that more than 30,000 people come to the festival held each year in November to gaze and eat. Sponsors that receive trees donate as much as $25,000, with proceeds going to fund health programs that have received nearly $4 million since annual festival began. Runners-up: Fat Ass 5k, SOHO Music Festival
BEST HOTEL
Crowne Plaza Springfield
3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, 529-7777
The highlight of the Crowne Plaza hotel is definitely the rooftop patio which lets you see for miles and miles. Below that, you’ll find 10 floors of spacious rooms, a comfortable bar, a café and a restaurant. So far, so good. The Crowne Plaza is one of the go-to convention spots in Springfield, boasting gobs of space for big or small gatherings, ample free parking and a grand lobby that makes you feel like you’re in a classic Manhattan hotel. It’s also right next to Interstate 55, several restaurants, a strip mall and a movie theater. Some of the rooms have been recently renovated, and reviewers rave about the deluxe suites on the upper floors. If a view is important to you, ask for a room facing the Illinois State Capitol. Runners-up: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Hilton Springfield
BEST DOCTOR 
Dr. Nicole Florence, Koke Mill Medical
Associates 3132 Old Jacksonville Road, 862-0800
For as long as she can remember, Dr. Nicki Florence of Springfield wanted to go to medical school. “I’ve always wanted to take care of people,” Florence said. A graduate of Springfield High School and SIU School of Medicine, Florence is a doctor of internal medicine and pediatrics at Koke Mill Medical Associates. She has been in private practice for 15 years. Florence jokes that she originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but she had allergies, so she focused on humans instead. She is clearly passionate about what she does, referring to her patients as family. “I really love what I do, and I love my patients,” she said. “I’m hoping to make a difference in people’s lives. If I can make your day better and eventually make your life better, I think that’s my purpose.” Runners-up: Dr. Bryan Albracht of Springfield Clinic, Dr. Scott Morton of Springfield Clinic
BEST LIVING LOCAL AUTHOR/ WRITER
Ken Bradbury
Playwright, author and speaker
If we have to grow up some day, we want to be like Ken Bradbury. The 65-yearold playwright, author and speaker from Arenzville is at once witty, humble and wise. Bradbury’s first play was published in 1971, and he jokes that at the time, he was just hoping no one realized he didn’t know anything about writing plays. His work – including several plays, five books and years of newspaper columns – spans a variety of topics, but much of it draws from his own life and observations. Bradbury is also an adjunct instructor at Lincoln Land Community College’s Jacksonville campus, where he teaches theater. Bradbury says that as he has grown and matured, so has his writing. “I used to think that to write for a living, you had to be creative,” he muses. “I’ve since learned that’s not the case. You just have to be human.” Runners-up: Courtney Westlake, Cat Mann
BEST FARMERS MARKET BEST REASON TO GO DOWNTOWN
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Adams Street between Fifth and Second streets
The Old Capitol Farmers Market is a cornucopia of fresh produce and quality products from Springfield and the surrounding area. You’ll find the usual farmers market staples like tomatoes and green beans, but also scrumptious treats like honey, meat, bread and pies. The selection changes with the season, so head back often. In addition to nature’s bounty, you’ll find cooking demonstrations, live music, art and more. Sometimes, we like to visit the farmers market just to walk around and delight our senses in the sights, smells and sounds. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that JP Kelly’s – with their Saturday morning Bloody Mary bar – is located right next to the vendor tents. The farmers market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., all the way from May through October. Most – if not all – vendors are set up to accept LINK, debit and credit cards. Best Farmer’s Market Runners-up: Illinois Products Farmers Market, Eastside Farmers Market Best Reason to Go Downtown Runners-up: Hoogland Center for the Arts, Feed Store
BEST HANDYMAN CONTRACTOR
Buraski Builders
3757 S. Sixth St., 529-5172
Who needs a licensed, bonded and insured contractor to repair the fence or stop a roof leak when there are all sorts of Mr. Fix-Its on Craigslist who charge rock-bottom prices and boast that no job is too small? As Miles Redd, the interior designer, once said, “Buy the best and you only cry once.” Fooling around with fly-by-nighters is, well, fooling around, and your property is too important for that. If you want something fixed right, the first time, then call Buraski. Not only is no job too small for them, no job is too big, and so if a Band-Aid approach isn’t going to work, they have the expertise to come up with the right solution, plus a reputation for excellence they’re not going to sacrifice for the sake of a quick buck. Buraski is, perhaps, best known for building houses and remodeling, but they’re happy to do the little stuff, too, from painting to cleaning gutters to installing doggie doors. The peace of mind is worth it. Runners-up: Schneider Construction, Jeff Ryan
BEST GOLF COURSE 
Long Bridge Golf Course
1055 W Camp Sangamo Road, 744-8311
We’ll be honest: we don’t really have enough patience or self-control to be good at golf, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Long Bridge Golf Course, located about a mile north of the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, is beautiful enough with its gently rolling hills and wooded surroundings that we don’t care how many strokes over par we are. Owner and designer Merle Buerkett had a vision when he started the project in 1998, and it has really come to fruition. We’ve heard others say Long Bridge is a pretty challenging course with several elevated greens and long fairways, and we’ll agree, but that’s kind of the point. On Friday nights, the Long Bridge clubhouse turns into a party destination, with live music and a pretty respectable craft beer list. The clubhouse has also developed quite a reputation as a wedding hotspot, with an extensive catering menu. Runners-up: The Rail Golf Course, Brookhills Golf Club
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER FOR HIRE
Terry Farmer Photography 4133
Old Jacksonville Road, 698-6000
If you want a memory preserved with style, Terry Farmer can handle it. Along with his wife, Sandy, Farmer has been in business 25 years, starting in 1990 at a small downtown studio before moving to a 9,000-square-foot studio on Old Jacksonville Road. Since those early days, he has built a reputation as both a talented photographer and a consummate professional. Farmer’s photos would look right at home in a glossy national magazine, and even though he sets the bar for photography in Springfield, he’s still humble and easy to work with. Besides photographing the typical stuff like weddings and high school seniors, Farmer does aerial photos, graphic design and impressive restoration of old photos. You can find his work all over town, from local businesses to your next door neighbor. Runners-up: Kari Bedford Photography, Christopher Withers Photography
BEST PLUMBER 
Ken Easterday, Easterday Plumbing
1601 N. 32nd St., 527-8000
Although Ken Easterday started his plumbing business, Easterday Plumbing, in 2001, he has been a plumber for about 40 years. He oversees a crew that handles general plumbing, sump pumps, water heaters, water purification systems and more. Easterday Plumbing is rated A+ and accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which shows no complaints against him since at least 2002. Easterday didn’t campaign to win “best plumber,” and he didn’t even know he had been nominated until one of his employees told him. That should say a lot about the reputation he and his team have built. They’re also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies, and they’ve clearly got a sense a humor. “Hey Ken,” one employee said with a smirk, “I’ve been alive only three years longer than you’ve been a plumber.” Runners-up: Ridings Plumbing, Allied Plumbing
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY/DJ BEST RADIO SHOW
Dave & Dina 101.9 The Wolf
It’s hard not to like Dina Michaels and Dave Daniels, the morning radio hosts on 101.9 The Wolf. Whether they’re interviewing famous musicians, riffing about weird news or just shooting the breeze, “Dave and Dina” have an easy chemistry and a shared sense of humor. When he’s not on the radio, Dave works as program coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network at St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield. In addition to the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. early morning show, Dina also solo hosts a 9 a.m. to noon show. When Dave and Dina are in the studio together, however, it’s just a good time. Sometimes they’re serious, and sometimes they’re goofy, but they’re always entertaining. Best Radio Personality/DJ Runners-up: Jim Leach – WMAY News Talk 970, Bondsy – 99.7 KISS FM Best Radio Show Runners-up: Jim Leach – WMAY News Talk 970, 99.7 KISS FM Morning Grind