sunday, February 3, 2019
no m i
R E A D E R S’
CHOICE AWARDS
HERALD & REVIEW
2019 special advertising supplement | nominations open Feb. 3-11
ns tio na
BESTof
2 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
Let your voice be heard! hear Celebrate your favorite ar area businesses! The Nomination Round is now open!
Stage One: Nominate (February 3-11)
Now through 6 p.m. Feb. 11th, nominate your favorite area businesses for a chance to go through to the voting round of Readers’ Choice 2019! Businesses with at least at five nominations will make it through to the voting round, so make sure to come back and nominate your favorites daily! Please note that you will need to be logged in or create an account (email and username) if you do not already have one.
Stage Two: Vote (Feb. 3 - March 5)
Businesses with at least five nominations from each category will be available as choices in the voting stage. Even if you didn’t nominate anyone, you can still vote for your favorite places. Winners announced in the March 31st edition of The Herald-Review. ROUND 1: Vote for the best Services, People, and Medical February 13-19 ROUND 2: Vote for the best places to Eat, Drink & Play February 20-26 ROUND 3: Vote for the best places to Shop February 27-March 5
What is the Readers’ Choice: The Best of 2019?
The Readers’ Choice: The Best of 2019 is a promotion of the Advertising and Marketing Departments. Readers’ Choice represents the preferred businesses and individuals by nomination and vote in each category. Results are unscientific and meant for entertainment purposes only. All votes will only be accepted through online voting. The printed edition is for viewing only and no votes will be accepted through print ballots. No purchase necessary to vote. Visit herald‐review.com/readerschoice to submit votes. We are not responsible for any ballots that fail online submission due to technical malfunction, lack of internet service or due to any interruption in website functionality. Readers’ Choice 2019, will feature the top three businesses or individuals in each of the categories. All decisions are final. You must be 18 years or older to participate. The Herald & Review is the final authority on all issues. No purchase necessary. Prize winners agree to have their photos taken and used along with their name, for promotional purposes. Employees, carriers and independent contractors of the Herald & Review and Lee Enterprises or those living in their households are eligible to vote but are not eligible to win prizes.
We are proud to serve in our community. VOTE for Reader’s Choice - DECATUR’S BEST BANK
MEMBER FDIC
HICKORYPOINTBANK.COM
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 3
Thank you
for choosing our family to care for your smile! We appreciate your vote!
MWA
Mike Wilhoit
VOTE FOR US! Best Apartment Complex
Accounting & Income Tax On behalf of myself and the girls,
Thank You
Drs. Natalie & Chad Corley
217-330-6217 60 W. McKinley
WE APPRECIATE YOUR BEST RV DEALER
for your votes!
Best Accountant
decatur’s premier residency for those 55+
Speed Lube continued excellence award winner,
let’s keep decatur And
macon county bee-utiful
business beautification contest
VOTES!!!
322 N. State Highway 121 Mt. Zion, IL 62549
(217) 864-1850 www.mikewilhoitaccounting.com mike@mikewilhoitaccounting.com
BRAVES NATION!
• FREE Heat, Water, & Trash • Controlled Access • Laundry on Each Floor • Walk-In Closets • Library/Computer Center • 1 & 2 Bedrooms
• Beauty Salon • Community & Sun Room • Private Patio/Balcony • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Service
call for a private tour
217-424-8604 1035 S. main Street decatur, il 62521 www.theSterlinggrp.com
2018
www.fourwindsrv.com • Maroa (US 51) 217-794-2292 E. Peoria (Hwy 116) 309-699-6231 • A Route 66 Dealer
We aPPreciate YOUr vOte!
#1 Best aPartMent rental cOMPanY
YOUR FIRST CHOICE IN APARTMENT LIVING Over 2500 rental units in
80+
lOcatiOns
in central Illinois Efficiencies, 1 & 2 Bedrooms, Rental Homes
☛ Maintenance 24 hours a day ☛ Wide range of affordable apartments ☛ Licensed real estate professionals ☛ Courteous, friendly & dependable staff ☛ Flexible lease terms ☛ Short Term, Elderly, and Corporate Housing ☛ Certified Commercial Leasing Specialist ☛ Certified Property Manager
Shop online at www.swartzprop.com 950 W. Pershing Rd., Decatur • 217-877-8703
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4 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
ir pa
N
Re o t r Au u o Y For All Lindsey Kreher
Everyone at JJ Swartz Co. appreciates your Business and your Vote!
to Receive 2 to 10% OFF! Call us for Details!
Owner
Macon County’s First ASE Certified Repair Facility 3 ASE Master Technicians Towing Available
You have voted us #1 for twelve consecutive years. Help us keep it going!
217-429-5870 1675 South Franklin St. Rd. Decatur, Il 62521 Southshoresauto@sbcglobal.net www.southshoresauto.com
Best Pla Weddingce for a Venue Mt.
Conventi Zion on Cente r
1 for 2018!
#
217-877-2611 www.jjswartzco.com
PREMIER MEETING & EVENT VENUE
MEETINGS • REUNIONS • WEDDINGS • RECEPTIONS • TRAINING SEMINARS
www.mtzconventioncenter.com (217) 864-5424
We appreciate your vote!
#1 Pool and SPa SuPPlieS
THANK YOU for voting Lockharts Barber Shop #1 Barber Shop five years in a row! We are central Illinois’ #1 source for quality men’s haircuts. Now taking appointments via the Booksy App, and walk-ins daily.
2540 N. Martin Luther King, Decatur
217-877-3488
Pools, Spas & Accessories | Pool Tables & Accessories
The Secret Garden 664 W Eldorado, Decatur
217-362-8081
Monday-Friday • 9am-6pm Saturday • 9am-4pm
Help us keep that #1 spot ~ Cast Your Vote today for best flower shop!
www.secretgardendecatur.com
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 5
#1 Body Shop
Thank you for voting us your Readers Choice Winner for the last 14 years!
Sawgrass Kennels has live in resident who personally checks on each pet at bedtime Owner lives on premises Each pet stays in a spacious central heated and air conditioned indoor-outdoor run Trained long-term staff members affiliated with Sawgrass Kennels
At Sawgrass Kennels our mission is to provide pet owners peace of mind while you are away.
217.877.7632
www.newellsautobody.com WE’VE
HAD Y OUR SINCE
Thank you for voting us the #1 Real Estate Agency the last 13 Years!
1958
7681 Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL 62526
217-877-3647 #1 Real Estate Agency #1 Broker - Carla Brinkoetter #1 Realtor - The Doolin Group #2 Realtor - Carla Brinkoetter #3 Realtor - Tony Piraino
#1 Blog - Brinkoetter #3 Blog - Carol Risby #3 Local Website #3 Local Facebook Page #3 Best Place to Work
WWW.BRINKOETTER.COM
Brinkoetter & Associates, Realtors has been supporting this community and its local businesses since we opened our doors in1965. After voting for your favorite local businesses we are confident you will go away realizing how blessed we are to live in such a wonderful, vibrant community with so many things to offer. Thank you for voting us your #1 Real Estate Agency for the last 14 years. We hope that our service and dedication instills your vote for 2019.
6 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE! Vote Us #1 Home Painter
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING
ILLINI PAINT COMPANY FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED
• • • • • • • • •
Tree and Stump Removal Pruning/Deadwooding Emerald Ash Bore Injections Sweet Gum, Iron Deficiency, other Injections 65’ and 75’ Aerial Trucks Firewood and Mulch Free Estimates • Fully Insured 24 Hour Emergency Service 2 Full Time Certified Arborists on Staff
Family Owned Celebrating 50 Years!
(217) 422-8500
Romer Bros. Tree & Shrub Service Inc. 217-877-1596 • 4243 N. Bearsdale Rd., Decatur
VOTE FOR US!
Check Us Out On Facebook!
#1
Best Tree Service
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! Taste the Experience. Experience the Taste.
s! and your voTE your businEss TE ia Ec pr ap WE r st. / decatu 237 n. Main com o. tr is lb / so 217-330-6483 r ne nn di f your 5/31/19. t coupon. Expires Enjoy 10% of visit. Must presen check per it one coupon per No cash value. Lim
DAILYLS! A SPECI
VOTE
POP'S PLACE Food & Spirits
Appetizers • Burgers • sAndwiches 4335 W. Main St. Decatur, IL
217-330-6546
#1 Heating & air We appreciate
your votes!
Thanks for voting us Best Assisted Living Community & Best Independent Living Community
ALL MAKES • ALL MODELS RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
offering the widest range of senior living options in the area
Call Today to see if you Qualify for Huge Ameren Rebates Available Now! Our large service department offers Same Day Service
217-423-9949 Heating & cooling
airkinginc.com
HickoryPointChristianVillage.org 565 W. Marion Ave. • Forsyth, IL • 217.872.5899
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 7
#1 Best Dentist I Appreciate Your Vote! ✔ BRACES ✔ CROWNS ✔ RESTORATIONS ✔ IMPLANTS ✔ And More
DR. ADAM FRITZGERALD D.M.D
We would appreciate your vote as
Best Vet/Animal Hospital
Larry Baker, DVM & Associates at
Northgate Pet Clinic No
Accepting new Patients 1080 E Mound Rd., Decatur, IL 62526
217-875-5020
Gentle words. Capable hands. Caring hearts. Ge
2800 N Martin Luther King Jr Dr Decatur, IL | 217-877-4393
The Truck Stop Inc. Decatur II. 217-875-8003
0% FINANCING FOR 3, 6, OR 12 MONTHS NOW AVAILABLE!
• RUNNING BOARDS • SPRAY-IN BEDLINERS • REMOTE STARTS • HEATED SEATS • GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! • WINDOW TINTING • LIFT KITS • WHEELS & TIRES
Quality Products and Great Service since 1996
Thank You to all of our Central Illinois customers! Follow us on Instagram @The_Truckstop
1955 E. Pershing Rd., Decatur, IL 62526 • (217) 875-8003 • thetruckstopinc.com
VOTe FO
8 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
#1 FLOORING COMPANY COMe See OuR NewLY, exPANded ShOwROOM!
Come See How New Flooring Can Transform You Carpet | CeramiC | Hardwood | Laminate We are a full Service, Sales and Installation Showroom with over 39 years of experience. We are a premier provider of floor coverings from the world’s leading manufacturers.
We are experts trained in flooring sa We will help you find the perfect floo floor quickly and professio
2904 n. oakland ave 217-330-9314 • Cell 2 Fax 217-542-7 email: Just_Flooring@ www.justfloorin
OR uS!
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 9
Nothing Beats the Comfort of New Carpet
ur Home!
Outdoor
Residential
Commercial
| VinyL
ales and designs. or and Install your onally.
e., decatur 217-619-2427 7960 @yahoo.com ng.net
When it comes to choosing new flooring for your home, we have an incredible selection of beautiful, fine flooring options at competitive everyday prices!
217-330-9314 www.justflooring.net
Come In and See Why We Are #1!
10 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
Thank you Decatur and Central Illinois for making us your
#1 Readers’ Choice for Investment Planners.
Ensuring Your Significant Future www.investment-planners.com
Securities and investment advice offered through Investment Planners, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC) and IPI Wealth Management, Inc. 226 W. Eldorado St., Decatur, IL 62522. 217-425-6340.
THANK YOU
DECATUR AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOR CHOOSING SMITH TIRE AS YOUR FAVORITE TIRE STORE
Established in 1933 2119 E Pershing Rd Decatur, IL 62526 877-5051 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am – 5pm & Sat 7:30am – 12pm www.smithtireco.com
We Appreciate Your Vote! #1 BEST GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY #1 BEST GIFT SHOP
#1 BEST LANDSCAPER #1 BEST LAWN MAINTENANCE
We offer a unique shopping experience including our garden center and a gift shop.
We offer a full service lawn, landscaping and landscaping designs.
217-875-3331
217-875-3506
OPENING MARCH 18 3231 East Mound Rd., Decatur
www.cedarlakegardens.com
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 11
VOTE US #1 BEST HOME PEST CONTROL! We AppreciAte
Your Votes for #1
mi pueblito authentic mexican cuisine
bar & grill
Vote for your favorite Mexican restaurants
this year!
employment service. Thank you to our clients and associates. We appreciate the opportunity to work with so many people in Decatur and the surrounding communities.
BesT MexicaN BesT MargariTas BesT Tacos
2017 TOP-RATED RESTAURANT
655 W Pershing Rd. Decatur, IL 62526
(217)872-7400
R E S T A U R A N T. C O M
Job seekers: call or apply online at www.expresspros.com
Don’t forget to Vote for your faVorite: Taco’s aND MargariTa’s.
Presented by
JOIN THE HERALD & REVIEW IN HONORING NURSES! Be part of our Nurses: The Heart of Health Care nomination, Special Section and Awards event. This multi-pronged initiative celebrates those amazing nurses throughout the Decatur area. Sponsorships are available in a variety of categories and will brand your business with these superstars who are the heart of health care.
For more information, contact Angela Stewart at angela.stewart@lee.net or 217-421-8941
12 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE! VOTED #1 ROOFING COMPANY TWO #1 ROOFING COMPANY YEARS THREE IN A ROW — 2015 AND 2016. YEARS IN A ROW THANK YOU TO THANK YOU ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
TO ALL THANKS OUR A SPECIAL TO MY EMPLOYEES! CUSTOMERS!
FREE ESTIMATES | REFERENCES | LICENSED, INSURED & BONDED | 217-433-2957
Vote Us #1 Residential - Commercial Industrial - Loading Dock
GARAGE DOOR COMPANY 5 Years in a Row!
UPGRADE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME
WITH A NEW GARAGE DOOR!
Sales • Service • Parts • Installation 24 Hr. Emergency Service
• Turn on any light in your house from your remote/phone
(217) 422-8030 • (800) 420-4800
2373 N. Route 121, Decatur
www.midstateohd.com
Elite Series 8550W
• Open and close your garage door anywhere in the U.S.with your phone.
Vote 139 S. Oakland St, Decatur, Il Hours 11AM to 7PM
Vote Us #1 Slots • Video Gambling
(217) 706-5110
OPEN MON-SAT 7am-2am SUN 10am-2am
Vote Best tattoo shop again for 2019
VANDERLAAN’S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, INC.
Thank You
We Appreciate Your
Business & Your Votes!! ConSECUTiVE WinnER SinCE 2015! • Best Auto Repair • Best Auto Detailer Owner COdy Flanders
• Best Boat Detailer • Best Car Wash
Specializing in RV Service & Detailing! Ask About our 0% Financing!
Experience a Better Level of Service with Affordable Prices!
Call Today! 217-864-1196
Specializing in Diesel Repair!
6335 E. US 36 Decatur
2125 E Pershing Rd., Decatur, IL 62526 (217) 330-9401
WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE
1
#
COMPUTER COMPUTER REPAIR
DECATUR COMPUTERS, INC. We specialize in providing outsource technology support and effective IT solutions for small and medium-size businesses, non-profit organizations and schools in the Macon County, Illinois area.
Your trusted advisors for all your technology needs 1234 N. Water St., Decatur
217-475-0226
www.decaturcomputers.com
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 13
Vote Us #1 Fried Chicken-Pizza-CatererAll Around Restaurant 3190 N Woodford Decatur, IL 62526
217-429-2260
THEWAGONDECATUR.COM OPEN MONDAY – SATURDAY, 11:00 A.M.
We
ve pass ser io n
f a m i ly r e s ta u r a n t
breakfast
Decatur, il
lunch
Dinner
Vote us #1 at HeraldReview.com/ReadersChoice for a chance to win $100 Gift Certificate
• Diner • Breakfast • Coffee • Desserts • Video Gambling • Pie/Cake • Chili • Fried Chicken • Soup Open Mon.-Sun. 6:00am to 9:00pm 2959 N Oakland, Decatur, IL 62526 • 217-875-6051 diamondsfamilyrestaurant.net
I want to say thank you to all my Thank you Central Illinois for you support wonderful clients forforvoting for me over the past years and your continued support thisyou year. one? every year. Are And, as always, call me today for a quote not, me aforcall. and If I will give give you a gift card a FREE Jimmy John's Combo Meal. Why wouldn’t ya?
Free $25
with any new insurance quote
No purchase necessary, Limit one per household per year. Quote must be for a new line of business.
Jeff Ludwick
AUTO I HOME I LIFE I BUSINESS I RETIREMENT Auto, Home, and Commercial policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company , COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company , or COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company®. Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®. Fixed Annuities issued by COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®. Issuing companies located in Bloomington, IL 0119-145 ®
®
133 E Barnett Ave in Forsyth Call me today! • (217) 877-2830
NEW HOMES, REMODEL, ROOM ADDITIONS & INGROUND POOLS
Thank you for your vote! We want to be your #1 Pool Builder and #1 Remodeling Contractor and Home Builder
Dave Munson Construction
2540 N. Martin Luther King, Decatur
217-877-3511
14 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
CATEGORIES
BESTof R E A D E R S’
CHOICE AWARDS
HERALD & REVIEW
SERVICES Vote Feb. 13-19
Best Accounting Firm Best Air Duct Cleaner Best Animal Day Care Best Apartment Rental Company Best Appliance Service Best Assisted Living Best Auction Company Best Auto Body Shop Best Auto Detailer Best Auto Repair Shop Best Bank Best Barber Shop Best Boat Detailer Best Car Wash Best Carpet Cleaning Best College/University Best Computer/Smartphone Repair Best Contractors/Remodelers Best Credit Union Best Day Care Best DJ Service Best Electrician Best Employment Service Best Estate Sale Company Best Financial Institution Best Financial Planning Best Floor Cleaining/Care Best Florist Best Funeral Home Best Garage Door Company Best Granite/Marble company Best Hair Salon Best Home Builder Best Home Cleaning Best Home Painter Best HVAC Company Best Independent Living Best Insurance Company Best Interior Design Best Investment Firm Best Kennel/Boarding Best Landscaper Best Law Firm Best Lawn Maintenance
SERVICES CONT. Best Learning Center Best Massage/Spa Center Best Mortgage Company Best Nail Salon Best Oil Change Center Best Pest Control Best Pharmacy Best Place to Work Best Place of Worship Best Plumber Best Pool Builder Best Pool Supplies Best Pressure Washer Best Private School Best Remodeling Company Best Roofing Company Best Siding & Window Company Best Spa Best Tanning Salon Best Tax Preparation Best Trade School Best Travel Agency Best Tree Service Best Window Treatment
MEDICAL
Vote Feb. 13-19 Best Birthing Center Best Cancer Center Best Chiropractor Best Cosmetic Services Best Dentist Best Dermatologist Best Doctor Best Doctors Office Best Eye Center Best Health Club/Gym Best Hearing Aid Center Best Hospital Best Medial Equipment Supplier Best Physical Therapist Best Plastic Surgeon Best Veterinarian
2019
PEOPLE
Vote Feb. 13-19 Best Accountant Best Auctioneer Best Bartender Best Chef Best Hair Stylist Best Insurance Agent Best Lawyer Best Massage Therapist Best Mortgage Loan Officer Best Newspaper Carrier Best Photographer Best Realtor/Real Estate Team Best Tattoo Artist/Parlor
EAT, DRINK, PLAY Vote Feb. 20-26
Best All Around Restaurant Best Art Gallery Best Bakery Best Banquet Facility Best Bar Best BBQ Best Bingo Hall Best Breakfast Best Brewery Best Burger Best Burrito Best Candy/Nut Shop Best Catering Best Chicken Wings Best Chili Best Chinese Best Coffee Best Community Event Best Children’s Entertainer Best Cupcakes Best Dance Studio Best Delivery Best Dessert Best Diner Best Donuts
EAT, DRINK, PLAY CONT. Best Event Facility Best Fast Food Best Fine Dining Best Fish Fry Best Foodtruck Best Fried Chicken Best Golf Course Best Gyros Best Historic Site Best Horseshoe Best Hot Dog Best Ice Cream Best Indian Best Italian Best Karaoke Best Live Music Venue Best Live Theatre Venue Best Local Sports Team Best Margaritas Best Mexican Best Movie Theater Best Night Time Hot Spot Best Pie/Cake Best Pizza Best Place for Family Fun Best Place for Kid’s Parties Best Salads Best Sandwich Best Seafood Best Slots/Video Gambling Best Soup Best Steak Best Sushi Best Tacos Best Vegetarian Coldest Beer Favorite Weekend Activity
SHOPPING
Vote Feb. 27-Mar. 5 Best Antique Shop Best Appliance Store Best Auto Dealer Best Bicycle Shop Best Butcher/Meat Shop Best Flooring Store Best Fresh Produce Best Furniture Store Best Garden Center/Nursery Best Gift Shop Best Grocery Store Best Hobby Store Best Home Improvement/ Hardware Store Best Jewelry Store Best Ladies Apparel & Accessories Best Lighting Store Best Liquor Store Best Locally Owned Business Best Lumber Store Best Mattress Store Best Mens Apparel & Accessories Best Music Shop Best Optical Shop Best Paint Store Best Pawn Shop Best Pet Grooming & Supplies Best Resale Shop Best RV Dealer Best Sewing Store Best Shoe Store Best Sporting Goods Store Best Tire Store Best Toy Store Best Vape Store Best Wine Selection
February 2019 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | 15
THE
BIG GAME
SALE HERALD & REVIEW DIGITAL PLUS E-EDITION SUBSCRIPTION
ONLY
99
¢
YOUR FIRST MONTH
SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT HERALD-REVIEW.COM/SUBSCRIBE TO GET FAST, UPDATED COVERAGE OF THE BIG GAME
16 | READERS’ CHOICE BALLOT | February 2019
Nominate Ashley Homestore Decatur
3705 N. Water St. Decatur, IL (217) 791-6282 Ashley Furniture HomeStore Mattress Showroom
Furniture Store
Queen Set
Come experience all Ashley Homestore Decatur has to offer!
Your Decatur Ashley Homestore loves being a part of the Decatur community and would like to thank all our customers for making 2018 another incredible year. We were honored to be voted the 2017 Reader’s Choice #1 Mattress Showroom and #1 in Best Furniture Store. We look forward to many more years of giving you exceptional service on the highest quality, most stylish and affordable furniture and mattresses in the area.
America’s
A portion of your mattress purchase helps provide a mattress to deserving children in our community
#1 Furniture & Mattress Store
Over 900 Tempur-Pedic mattresses were donated to the Special Operations Forces Community in 2018