Readers Choice 2024
The people have spoken! These pages recognize some of the best people, places, and organizations that make Logan County a wonderful place to live. They were selected by those who use and know them best: the people of Logan County.
Inside
Best of Food, Drinks and Entertainment ..................... 2 Best of Goods and Services. 3-6 Best of Faces and Places........... 7-8
Readers Choice is a special supplement to the JournalAdvocate and South Platte Sentinel
Copyright Prairie Mountain Media, 2024
Parts and Labor Brewing Food, drinks & entertainment
In 2016, Dylan and Kimberly Harford took a leap of faith and opened a craft brewery in Sterling inside a renovated century-old Cadillac dealership repair shop. The brewery restaurant is constantly innovating and ever changing, with the beer and food menu in constant flux as they grow and learn new techniques, find new inspiration and hone their craft in what is truly a labor of love. 402 Main St., Unit B, Sterling, 970-425-7540, www.partsandlaborbrewing.com
RUNNER UP FOR BEST BURGER AND COLDEST BEER IN TOWN >>
BEST BURRITO
Santiago’s
Santiago’s signature breakfast burrito has the right level of heat for you: hot, mild or half and half In addition, they’ve got a full menu of faithfully authentic Mexican food, made to order with fresh ingredients that you can enjoy in their dining area or take with you. 123 N Fourth St., Sterling, 970521-0179, eatatsantiagos.com/Sterling.
RUNNERUP>> Mi Ranchito, 203 Broadway St., Sterling, 970-526-6173, miranchitosterling.com.
Hootenannies, 324 W. Main, Sterling, 970-522-0204, facebook.com/HootenanniesInc
RUNNER UP FOR BEST PLACE TO EAT>> J&L Cafe, 423 N. Third St., Sterling, 970-522-3625, Facebook JL-Cafe
RUNNER UP FOR BEST STEAK >> The Hot Spot Smokehouse at Sky Ranch, 17408 County Road 28, Sterling, 970-526-542, Facebook The Hot Spot Smokehouse — Sterling
BEST BREAKFAST
J&L Café
Start your dAy off right with a stop at J&L Café, a hometown café and place to gather, serving breakfast all day and offering daily specials. 423 N. Third St., Sterling, 970-522-3625, Facebook JLCafe
RUNNER UP >> Village Inn, 203 N. Fourth St., Sterling, 970-522-4882, www.villageinn.com
Food, drinks and entertainment
BEST DESSERT
Simkins Parlour
Sterling’s source for hardscooped ice cream has been satisfying local sweet tooths since 2016 The locally-owned business also offers a variety of delicious foods and drinks, from salads to cabbage pockets to lattes. 316 Main St., Sterling, 970-522-0896, www.simkinsparlour.com
COURTESY PHOTO
Ice cream from Simkins Parlour
BEST COFFEE
Hot Java Express, LLC
Hot Java has been providing Sterling with a morning pickme-up since November 1996. The drive-thru espresso shop offers a full slate of espresso drinks, blended drinks, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and
bakery goods. 931 W. Main St., Suite C., Sterling, 970-522-6244, sterlingsbestcoffee.com
RUNNER UP (TIE) >> Pi Kappa Cino, 100 Broadway St., Sterling, 970522-2039,106 S. Lincoln Ave., Fleming,PKC at the Carnegie, S. Fourth St., Sterling, www.pikappacinocoffees.com.
Scooter’s Coffee, 420 Main St., Sterling, 970-526-6025, https:// www.scooterscoffee.com/
BEST LOGAN COUNTY EVENT
Logan County Fair & Rodeo
The Logan County Fair is one of the highlights of the year for the area Each year brings quality entertainment, great food, fun rides and the excitement of competition 1120 Pawnee Ave., Sterling, 970-522-0888, Ext., 222, lcfair.org.
RUNNERUP>> Sugar Beet Days, third weekend of September at the Logan County Courthouse Square.
BEST PIZZA
Domino’s
Domino’s is all about pizza — and from the day its doors opened, the chain has been dedicated to making and delivering delicious food with high-quality ingredients. Domino’s operates more than
BEST FRENCH FRIES
McDonald’s
McDonald’s World Famous Fries® are made with premium potatoes such as the Russet Burbank and the Shepody With 0g of trans fat per labeled serving, these epic fries are crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. 214 W. Main St,, Sterling, 970-522-
The Hot Spot Smokehouse — Sterling
RUNNER UP >> Hot Spot Smokehouse, 17408 County Road 28, Sterling, 970-526-5402, Facebook
A farm train ride provides fun for youngsters at the Logan County Fair SunValley Rides Carnival in August of 2023.
14,000 pizza restaurants in more than 85 countries, and delivers more than 1.5 million pizzas each day. 701 W Main St., Sterling, 970522-3030, dominos.com
RUNNERUP>> Papa Murphy’s, 712 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-4900, www.papamurphys.com
1407, www.facebook.com/McDonalds214WMainSt
RUNNER UP (TIE) >> Parts and Labor Brewing Co., 402 Main St., Unit B, Sterling, 970-425-7540, www. partsandlaborbrewing.com
Wendy’s, 1205 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-521-0945, www.wendys com
BEST MARGARITAS, BEST TACOS
Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Mi Ranchito’s full-service bar offers all your favorite adult beverages, and is paired with an extensive menu featuring the au-
thentic flavors of Mexican food. 203 Broadway St., Sterling, 970526-6173, miranchitosterling.com
RUNNER UP FOR BEST MARGARITA >> Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, 807 Sidney Ave., Sterling, 970-5260401
RUNNERUPFORBESTTACOS>> Baja Tacos, 231 Broadway St., Sterling, 970-522-5563, Facebook Baja Tacos
Goods and services
BEST AG EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLY STORE
Bomgaars
The Sterling Bomgaars location opened for business in November of 2011 as the 60th store in the company, which has locations from Central Iowa to Colorado. With more than 66,000 square feet of retail space and as a farm/ranch and general merchandise retailer they carry a multitude of products, so you can get “What you need, when you need it at Bomgaars.” 102 N. 12th Ave., Sterling, 970-522-2612, bomgaars.com
RUNNERUP>> 21st Century Equipment, 18793 U.S. Highway 6, Sterling, 970-522-6697, 21stcenturyequipment.net.
BEST EYEWEAR STORE
Kim’s Fashion Eyewear
Whether you view the world through rose-colored glasses or some other color, Kim’s Fashion Eyewear has the right pair for you The business has been offering all the latest trends in eyewear, from lenses to frames to sunglasses, to customers since 2000. 502 W. Main St., Sterling, 970522-7819, Facebook Kims-Fashion-Eyewear-511100152264816
RUNNERUP>> Creative Eyeworks, 100 Broadway, No 26, Sterling, 970-522-5294, facebook.com/ pages/Creative-Eyeworks
BEST ASSISTED LIVING/NURSING HOME
The Harmony Home
The Harmony Home, established in 2017 by Scott and Kendall Rubottom, believes that residents deserve the highest quality of care. Well-trained staff treat residents like family members, promoting a healthy lifestyle in a nurse assisted environment 703 Holly Dr., Sterling; 604-610 Jay Dr., Sterling, 970-466-9775, https://www.theharmonyhome org/
RUNNER UP >> Devonshire Acres, 1330 N. Sidney Ave., Sterling, 970522-4888, www.devonshireacrescare.com
BEST AUTO PARTS STORE
University Auto Parts
University Auto Parts is your locally owned and operated NAPA Auto Parts store in Sterling. This is your source for everything you need to keep everything you have running! 1370 W Main St., Sterling, 970-522-1334, www.napaonline.com/en/co/sterling/store/24551
RUNNER UP >> OK AutoParts — Carquest, 230 S. Front St., Sterling, 970-522-4384.
BEST COMPUTER SERVICE
Terry’s Computer Asylum
At Terry’s Computer Asylum, you may be a customer when you first walk in the door, but you’ll be a friend when you walk out the door. Owner Terry Dowis’ mission is to provide a fresh and new experience to repairing your computer. 101 Main St., Sterling, 970522-6834, computerasylum.com/
RUNNER UP >> Matt’s Custom Computer Works, 970-521-0755, Facebook Matt’s Custom Computer Works, LLC
BEST BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Bank of Colorado
As a family-owned business serving more than 49 communities across the state, Bank of Colorado’s values of honesty, integrity and clarity guide every decision They continue to innovate and adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, ensuring they can fulfill their mission of helping customers achieve their financial goals. 131 W Main St., Sterling, 970-522-3333, bankofcolorado.com.
RUNNER UP >> Sterling Federal Credit Union, 822 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-0111,sterlingcreditunion.org.
BEST CAR DEALER Transwest
Chevrolet Buick
Are you interested in finding a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle for yourcommute?VisittheTranswest Chevrolet Buick dealership in Sterling to find the perfect Buick or Chevrolet car, truck or SUV for you andyourlifestyle 1200W MainSt., Sterling, 970-522-2700, transwestchevroletbuick.com.
RUNNER UP >> EB Autos, 302 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-0822, www.ebautos.com
From newborn and pediatric care to adult and geriatric care, UCHealth family medicine providers deliver a full range of health care services, including routine physicals, maintenance of chronic conditions like diabetes or cholesterol management, as well as behavioral health services. UC Health offers convenient same-day appointments and advance check-in for appointments, as well as electronic medical records linked with the main hospital and email access to providers 620 Iris Dr., Sterling, 970-522-7266, uchealth.org
RUNNERUP>> Northeast Colorado Family Medicine, 1405 S. Eighth Ave. Suite 103, Sterling, 1414 S Third Ave., Sterling, 970-7403304, www.necofammed.com
Goods and services
Total Lawn Care & Landscape
As a family-owned and operated company, Total Lawn Care & Landscape is known for high quality, personalized, and dependable services. Total Lawn Care provides a
BEST HAIR SALON/ BARBER SHOP
Sir’s Hair Styling, Sweetgrass
Boutique Studio, Hair by Ashley
Whether you’re in need of a trim or a whole new look, Sterling has some great options to get your ‘do
comprehensive range of services, and pride themselves on meeting customers’ needs, staying within budget and most importantly, exceeding customer expectations. 16251 County Road 32, Sterling, 970-520-3646, https://totallawn. net/
RUNNER UP >> Barre Ground, 36784 County Road 51, Peetz, 970-466-3915, Facebook Barre Ground
looking its best.
Sir’s Hair Styling, 825 S. Division Ave., Sterling, 970-522-8391
Sweetgrass Boutique Studio, (located in Sterling Sheet Metal & Roofing), 120 N Fourth St., Sterling, 970-449-3181, https:// www.sweetgrassboutiquestudio.com/
Hair By Ashley, 605 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-520-3070, Facebook Hair By Ashley
BEST GIFT SHOP
Barb’s Main Street Gifts & Baskets
Home decor, greeting cards, clothing, jewelry, gourmet foods, kitchen gadgets and more — Barb’s Main Street Gifts & Baskets has it all. With an ever changing inventory, you’ll find something new every time you walk in, but you can always count on finding “Special gifts for special people.” 422 Main St., Sterling, 970-526-9415, Facebook barbsmainstreetgifts.
BEST GAS STATION
Valero River Station
This locally-owned, locally-operated business is more than a convenience store and gas station The station pays homage to the location’s history as the former site of
RUNNER UP >> Sweetly Vintage, 108 Main St., Sterling, 970-425-2112, https://sweetlyvintage.com/wp/
Bauer’s Market, and offers everything you need for the road and more, including top tier fuel and Hunt Brothers Pizza. 1912 Highway 6, Sterling, 970-522-7611, www.facebook.com/valeroriverstation/
RUNNER UP >> Eagle Travel Stop, 930 W. Main St., Sterling, 20974 U.S. Highway 6, Sterling, 970-5226626, https://lstump5.wixsite.com/ eaglecstoreandtravel
Barb’s Main Street Gifts and Baskets has plenty of outdoor and indoor items for shoppers to enjoy
Goods and services
BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART
Total INK
Walk-ins are welcome at Total INK, a tattoo and piercing shop that has been providing body modifications in Sterling for over a decade Services include tattoos, restorations, custom tattoos, body piercings, body jewelry and skin
BEST PET SERVICES
Posh
Paws Dog Grooming
Get your four-legged friend looking their best with a visit to Posh Paws Dog Grooming. They have
BEST NAIL SALON
DD Nails
Visit DD Nails for all your manicure and pedicure needs The downtown business also offers eyelash extensions and waxing. 103
BEST NEW BUSINESS
Fashion & Rations
Fashion & Rations opened its door in June to serve the farm and ranch community in Logan County. The store offerings com-
care. Owner Dianna Fecht and her artists love what they do, which is reflected in their work. They look forward to continuing to serve Sterling for years to come 1005 W Main St., Sterling, 970-520-0275, Facebook: Total INK
RUNNER UP >> Inkfinity, 109 S. Second St., Sterling, 970-380-8039, https://www.facebook.com/Inkfinity23Tattoos
experience working with dogs of all kinds of breeds and temperaments. 1010 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-526-6010, Facebook Posh Paws Dog Grooming, LLC
RUNNER UP >> The Bow-Wow Barn, 264 E. Chestnut St., Sterling, 970521-7297, www.bow-wowbarn.com/
Main St., Sterling, 970-526-6400, Facebook DD Nail Spa Sterling.
RUNNER UP >> Kolor Me Krazy, 115 N. Second St., Sterling, 970-5204381, www.facebook.com/kolormekrazy15
BEST
PHARMACY/ DRUG STORE
Walker
Pharmacy
Since opening in 1960, Walker Pharmacy has remained privately owned and locally operated, continuing the tradition of “caring for you and about you.” They provide free delivery of prescriptions within Sterling city limits, vaccinations such as flu shots and pneumonia shots, and also offer a wide variety of gifts, well-
BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWER/PLANTS
Cattelya by Steele Terrain
Cattleya by Steele Terrain is the place where flowers are uniquely designed and affordably priced! Cattleya can assist
ness items and much more 410 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-1302, www.facebook.com/walkerpharmacy2/.
RUNNERUP>> Lorenzo Apothecary, 306 Main St., Sterling, 970-5220828, lorenzoapothecary.com
with local as well as worldwide deliveries, and welcome corporate accounts. They also offer daily floral delivery to local funeral homes and hospitals. 328 Chestnut St., Sterling, 970-5227686, www.cattleyafloral.com
RUNNER UP >> The Flower Barn, 202 W. Main St., Sterling, 970520-2038, www.the-flowerbarn. com/
bine western apparel and livestock supplies, positioning it to serve the large 4-H and FFA population who show livestock throughout the year. 514 Sidney Ave., Sterling, 970-522-7586, Facebook Fashion and Rations
RUNNERUP>> Starbucks, 425 Poplar St., Sterling, 970-458-8010, www. starbucks.com
S&S Auto Repair
Founded in 1979, S&S Auto Repair has over 40 years of experience providing automotive repair with care. The full-service
auto and light truck repair facility can provide all your repair and maintenance needs, including oil changes, brakes, engine and transmission repair and replacement, shocks, struts and more. 115 Broadway St., Sterling, 970-5262668, www.sandsrepair.com
RUNNER UP >> Herzog Automotive, 415 S. 10th Ave., Sterling, 970-5220957, herzogautomotive.com BEST VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP
JEFF RICE — JOURNAL-ADVOCATE Sterling’s Walker Pharmacy has served the community for over 60 years.
Faces & places
BEST EMERGENCY RESPONDER
(TIE)
The City of Sterling has a lot to be proud of when it comes to emer-
BEST ATTORNEY
(TIE)
Bryson Fredregil is a member at Williamson Lowery Fredregill, Ltd. 214 Poplar St. Ste 201, Sterling, 970522-2341, wlflawfirm.com
BEST TEACHER
Tonya Wilson
Tonya Wilson is a special education teacher at Campbell Elementary.
BEST WAITPERSON
Erin Schmitz
Erin Schmitz serves customers with a friendly smile at J&L Cafe.
RUNNERUP(TIE)>> Dakota Wilder at
BEST BUSINESS THAT GIVES BACK J&L Cafe
From placing top bids at the Logan County Fair Livestock Sale to donating thousands of meals to
BEST CONTRACTOR
Larry Maker
gency response.
Matt Williams is a member of the Sterling Police Department
Chief Lavon Ritter, Jenny Breuer and Dylan Manuello serve the Sterling Fire Department.
Mark Earnhart of Earnhart & Associates focuses on estate planning and tax law. 316 Poplar St., Sterling, 970-522-3081
Nick Schaefer is a criminal defense attorney who can handle a variety of legal issues. 113 S Second St., Sterling, 970-522-8689
RUNNER UP (TIE)>> S he lbi Nestor, Merino Elementary
Janelle Nicolaus, Campbell Elementary
Sam & Louie’s
Erika McMahon at J&L Cafe
Keri Haney at Parts & Labor
Tonya Wilson at Parts & Labor
Carrie at Hootenannies
hungry residents, J&L Café has a tradition of giving back to the community 423 N. Third St., Sterling, 970-522-3625, Facebook JL-Cafe
RUNNERUP>> Bank of Colorado, 131 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-3333, bankofcolorado.com
BEST CIVIC CLUB
Sterling
Lions Club
Chartered in 1920, the Sterling Lions Club has been serving the community since. They meet at noon Tuesdays at the Sterling Elks Lodge. www.facebook.com/sterlingcolions/
RUNNER UP (TIE) >> Sterling Elks Lodge No. 1336, 321 Ash
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Michael R. Johnson
At Johnson Chiropractic, Michael R. Johnson, D.C. provides chiropractic adjustments, CDL/
BEST BARTENDER
Jessica Smith at Hootenannies
Friendly smiles and tasty drinks
CELEBRATE
St., Sterling, 970-522-0515.
Sterling Miniature Aircraft Association, 16480 C.R. 370, Sterling, www.facebook.com/SterlingMiniatureAircraft/ Logan County Chamber of Commerce, 109 N Front St., Sterling, 970-522-5070, www.logancountychamber.com/ Sterling FFA, 407 W. Broadway, Sterling, Facebook Sterling FFA Rotary Club, 970-521-6657, FacebookRotaryClubofSterling,Colorado Knights of Columbus, 421 S. 11th Ave., Sterling, 970-522-0857
DOT physicals and more. 501 W Main St., Sterling, 970-522-3260, johnsonchiropracticsterling.com.
RUNNER UP >> Dr. Kris Morrison, Morrison Chiropractic, 131 N Sixth Ave., Sterling, 970-521-7200
await. Hootenannies, 324 W. Main, Sterling, 970-522-0204, facebook. com/HootenanniesInc/
RUNNER UP >> Shauna at Henry’s Pub & Club, 138 S. Front St., Sterling, 970-522-5162
Homes built by Larry Maker of Larry Maker Construction have earned a positive reputation around Sterling.
BEST GOLF COURSE
Riverview Golf Course
Riverview Golf Course provides Northeastern Colorado with a fore-
RUNNER UP>> Kurt Miller, Kurt Miller Construction, 970-522-4452
most 18-hole experience. 300 N Riverview Rd., Sterling, 970-522-3035, www.riverviewgolf.com.
RUNNER UP >> Sky Ranch Golf Course, 17408 CO-14, Sterling, 970522-2836, skyranchgc.com/
BEST LOCAL ARTIST
Nate Laybourn Faces and places
Nate Laybourn has made his mark on Sterling, with multiple
BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL
Jerry Sonnenberg
large-scale murals adorning buildings in the city, along with other artistic contributions.
RUNNER UP>> Bradford Rhea
BEST GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE
Both the City of Sterling and Logan County have a number of employees to brag about, with a 13way tie for first place:
Jack Roys
Rick Cullip
Peggy Kircher
Chief Tyson Kerr
Erlene Dever
Jennifer Crow
Jamie Ulrich
Rob Quint
Randy Pfeifer
Cindy Benson
Tina Dobson
Deb Forbes
Kevin Blankenship
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER
RUNNER UP >> Brett Powell, Logan County Sheriff
Former state lawmaker Jerry Sonnenberg was elected to serve as Logan County Commissioner for District 3 in November 2022 in an unopposed race.
BESTCUSTOMERSERVICE
Scooter’s Coffee
There’s Just Something About Scooter’s Coffee, and it starts with excellent customer service. 430
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
Julie Fitzjohn
A visit with Julie Fitzjohn can make you feel like new. 302 N.
Main St., Sterling, 970-526-6025, www.scooterscoffee.com
RUNNERUP>> Walker Pharmacy, 410 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-522-1302, https://www.healthmart.com/
Third St., Sterling, 970-520-0269, Facebook Julie Fitzjohn Massage Therapist
RUNNER UP (TIE) >> Jai May, 115 S. Third St., Sterling, 970-522-5888. Jillian Lineberger
Brandon Steele
RUNNER UP (TIE) >> Pam Werner, 1319 W Main St, Sterling, 970-5261013
Legacy CPA & Financial Services, 209 Main St., Sterling, 970-522-1015
Brandon Steele is an Edward Jones financial advisor who believes it’s important to invest his time to understand his clients 114 N. Fourth St., Sterling, 970-5266373.
BESTREALTOR/BROKER
Julie Lenox
Julie Lenox of Lenox Realty offers real estate services for Sterling and surrounding areas. 432 W. Main St., Sterling, 970-5807261, www.lenoxrealtyllc.com
RUNNER UP (TIE)>> Wendy Jerman, Town Square Realty
Jim Schaefer, Vandenbark Realty
Dianne Budin, Vandenbark Realty
Shawna Holveck, Choice Real Estate
Michelle Owen, Remax
Doug Kaufman, Omni West
