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THE VIDETTE PRESENTS PRESENTS

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Who You Rent from Matters

With over 30 years of experience in the ISU student housing business, Meredith’s Properties has remained true to their original mission: To provide clean, comfortable, secure apartments along with personal and prompt service to their tenants. The staff at Meredith’s will know your name and what is important to you. You have the flexibility of choosing a 10- or 12-month lease and signing an individual lease (no joint leases). While the north-side location, just two blocks from the revitalized Bone Student Center and Milner Library, makes Meredith’s at Normal Avenue a convenient place to live, it’s the family service that makes Meredith’s the best place to live. Who you rent from really matters.

Campus Office (by appointment): 410 Normal Avenue

309.454.4100

meredithsproperties.com


TABLE OF CONTENTS FOOD & DRINK Breakfast Burrito Date Location Pizza Asian Cuisine Sweet Shop Wings Coffee Shop Sandwich Burger Drunk Food Downtown Bar Liquor Store Drink Special Uptown Bar Bang For Your Buck

LIVE & SHOP 2

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Customer Service Large Apartment Medium Apartment Small Apartment Tattoo/Piercing Song of the Year Concert Venue Redbird Sports Moment

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More Winners

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CONGRATULATIONS! Elizabeth Shelton on winning the Amazon gift card in The Vidette’s Best of BloNo survey. Thank you to all participants in this year’s survey.

Follow us! @The_Vidette 1

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GRACE BARBIC FEATURES EDITOR “Life is short. Brunch like no one’s watching” is local breakfast restaurant Fort Jesse Cafe’s motto. Located on Fort Jesse Road near Veteran’s Parkway, the familyfriendly cafe provides a unique homey, yet modern atmosphere with twinkle lights hung from the ceiling and rustic decor filling the walls while each customer is seated at their own kitchen table. Although it is open Monday through Friday plus weekends, it feels like sitting down at home for Sunday brunch with the family, no matter what day it is. The menu includes classic diner-style breakfast foods with some twists, along with burgers and salads, all reasonably priced. “I think what makes us unique is that we really like to focus on flavor and fun when it comes to our dishes,” Abby Boesenberg, owner of Fort Jesse Cafe said . “We try to get out of the box with some of our weekly food features and we just like to be creative and have fun with it.” When entering the parking lot, spots are filled and there is usually a line out the door of hungry customers eager to get a table, no matter what day or time. Boesenberg believes there are a few reasons why customers keep coming back for more.

Photo courtesy Fort Jesse Cafe

ANDREA RICKER NEWS REPORTER

“I think it’s the quality of our food. We really take a lot of pride in the product that we put out. I think that our team is personable and fun and they really enjoy the guests and they like engaging with everybody that walks through the door. I think that that creates a really uplifting atmosphere and it’s nice to be a part of it.”

Best Burrito Chipotle

There are three locaRUNNER UPS: Tony’s Tacos, Los Potrillos tions for this Mexican grill in the area. The first is next to campus at 701 S. Main St. The other two locations are a short drive away on East College Avenue and North Veterans Parkway. “Chipotle is the best because they give you great portions and their food is actually seasoned, unlike other places that offer burritos around town,” junior deaf education major Kyle Mlynarczyk said. The fast-casual restaurant chain offers a variety of menu items and combinations, including burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, chips and salads. There is also the freedom to select what you want in your burrito or whatever meal you get. The average burrito or burrito bowl from Chipotle costs around $7 to $8, depending on what ingredients are added. All three Bloomington-Normal locations of the restaurant are open 10:45 a.m. ­— 10 p.m. Chipotle orders can also be placed online. “They use local produce which is nice to know and reassuring,” Mlynarczyk said. “No other restaurant comes close to matching their flavor and texture.” Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

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Ali Rasper | photo editor

KEVIN KOSKI SPORTS REPORTER

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Date Location

Best Pizza

DESTIHL Restaurant

Blaze Pizza

Since opening RUNNER UPS: Medici, Anju Above its doors in 2007, DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works at 318 Towanda Ave. in Normal has offered residents of the Bloomington-Normal area a new take on upscale dining.

RUNNER UPS: Monical’s, Giordano’s

Looking for a unique, tasty pizza option that is reasonably priced around Bloomington-Normal? Blaze Pizza might be just the place for you.

DESTIHL offers award-winning craft beers and has been named in “Breweries to Watch” by Draft Magazine. “It’s a nice place to go on a date because it fits the profile of all different kinds of dates. You can order a nice steak, having an upscale date, or order a burger on a more casual occasion,” Illinois State junior Devon Kelly said.

Located at 1601 E. College Ave., Blaze Pizza is the popping pizza joint for pizza lovers of all kinds. The chain features a build-your-own personal pizza, so everyone has the opportunity to get exactly what they want. Complement that with different side items, such as garlic dough knots, and you have yourself a scrumptious meal. Blaze Pizza even has your pizza done in as little as five minutes. A large oven allows employees to throw multiple pizzas in at once, which contributes to their fast, efficient nature.

With two locations in town offering an array of drinks and food along with a unique atmosphere, DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works offers a perfect location to take that special someone out for dinner and drinks.

So, if you’re looking to check out the hype that Blaze Pizza has gained, check them out between 10:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday) in Normal.

KEVIN KOSKI SPORTS REPORTER

Best Asian Cuisine Panda Express

BLAINE LEWALLEN SPORTS REPORTER

KACEY NICHOLS NEWS REPORTER

People in BloomingtonNormal don’t have to break the bank for Asian cuisine. Located at 312 Veterans Parkway in Normal, Panda Express offers great food at a value that can’t be beat.

Best Sweet Shop Insomnia Cookies RUNNER UPS: Sugar Mama’s Bakery, The Garlic Press

Can you smell that delectable, gooey and irresistible chocolate chip cookie? It might be coming from Insomnia Cookies, where fresh cookies are baked daily.

With more than nine different cookie flavors, it is no wonder why these cookies make its way into the hearts and stomachs of Illinois State University students and community members. Insomnia is open every day until 3 a.m. and will deliver until that time as well. That being said, no one will never have to be without cookies if they are in Normal.

“I love the orange RUNNER UPS: Great Wall, chicken. I come here Kobe Hibachi Steak House all the time with my friends. It is a cheap option to get some great food,” Illinois State student Kimathi Johnson said.

Employees enjoy the hours that Insomnia offers. ISU junior education major Shayne McNally appreciates the laid-back environment that Insomnia gives its employees.

With low prices and different options of Asian cuisine, Panda Express delivers an unbeatable experience.

“Nothing too uptight here. The people that we work with always make it pretty fun. We get free cookies and free ice cream, so that’s pretty dope too,” McNally said.

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Insomnia is located in Uptown Normal on Beaufort Street. 3


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Best Wings Buffalo Wild Wings RUNNER UPS: Mugsy’s Pub, Wing Stops

JACK ATKINS FEATURES REPORTER Students looking for a quick spot on campus to enjoy delicious wings, link up with friends and watch sports on a seemingly endless amount of TVs consistently turn to Buffalo Wild Wings, making it the obvious choice for Best Wings in Bloomington-Normal for the third year in a row. Along with its 16 signature sauces ranging in heat from Sweet BBQ to Blazin’, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a wide variety of appetizer and beer selections. Located at 603 S. Main St., the restaurant is just a quick walk from campus. “I live at the Edge, so it’s perfect for when I want to meet up with friends after class or don’t feel like cooking,” ISU junior Mike Dimucci said. Buffalo Wild Wings offers customers a versatile experience of a rowdier night environment or a more relaxed crowd during lunch hours.

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Coffee Shop Coffee Hound RUNNER UPS: Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts

KACEY NICHOLS NEWS REPORTER Do you find yourself in the mood for a good cup of joe? Wake up and smell the coffee because Coffee Hound in Upyown Normal is serving up piping hot cups for reasonable prices . Coffee Hound will have you coming back for more with its calming atmosphere, drinks and community art that is showcased on the walls of the shop. With two locations in the Bloomington-Normal area, students and the community want more of the globally sourced beans that are locally roasted. Coffee Hound is open Monday through Saturday 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vidette Archive

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The restaurant also has wing specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with drink specials catered to college students.


Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Sandwich Potbelly Sandwich Shop RUNNER UPS: McAlister’s Deli, Jimmy John’s

KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM FEATURES REPORTER There may be a Subway on every corner at ISU, but students have voted Potbelly for Best Sandwich in BloNo. Whether it’s a meaty Italian, classic turkey or its signature A Wreck, Potbelly has everything one’s taste buds could ask for on two pieces of bread. Located on Main Street, this close-to-campus restaurant even has a quaint outdoor seating area, perfect for the warmer days and doing some homework outside with a sandwich in hand. Junior interior design major Sonya Klimek has worked at Potbelly for three years and says it is especially crowded during lunch hours on warmer days. “The line of customers can literally be out the door, but for the most part everyone is cooperative and understanding, despite the chaos that can occur when the shop is filled,” Klimeck said. It’s easy to get tired of the menu at a restaurant you’ve worked at for three years, and quite honestly, how many sandwich combinations can there be? But Potbelly keeps customers on their toes. “When we roll out new sandwiches here and there, it’s definitely worth trying. I’ve had nearly everything on the menu and I have zero complaints,” Klimeck said. Sandwiches are a classic lunchtime meal and whenever you need to switch it up, take a walk on over to the No. 1-voted Best Sandwich in BloNo.

“The

Best in Town”

Free small soft serve ice cream cone with the purchase of any food item.

Hard Ice Cream • Soft Serve • Frozen Yogurt Sandwiches • Coffees

601 W. Locust Bloomington 6

1700 W College Normal


Jen Haiden | Vidette Photorapher

Best Drunk Food D.P. Dough

RUNNER UPS: McDonald’s, Pub II Cheeseballs

JAKE SERMERSHEIM SPORTS REPORTER And still the reigning champion of the Best of BloNo’s Best Drunk Food — D.P. Dough. “I think it is the best drunk food because it is open late. I think it is also good because it soaks up the alcohol,” D.P. Dough enthusiast Danielle Burstyn said. “It is also a very convenient thing to eat. You can walk around with it no problem.” No one that has visited D.P. Dough after a night out should find this surprising. On the weekends it is always bustling with college students as the bars close. D.P. Dough offers a variety of food options to satisfy anyone’s appetite, serving calzones, chicken wings, tater tots and more. Seemingly the busiest time of the night is after midnight. The 3 a.m. closing time on the weekends caters to anyone needing something to eat after a night of partying. Just off campus and within walking distance of much of ISU housing at 121 E. Beaufort St., it is one of the most convenient places to grab a meal. For the second year in a row, D.P. Dough holds the title for the Best Drunk Food in BloNo.

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Burger Brewe-Ha’s

RUNNER UPS: Red Robin, Portillos

GARRETT KARSTEN FEATURES REPORTER

Brewe-Ha’s Bar and Grill offers burger baskets, classic pub grub and drink deals, making for a good hangout spot. Voted Best Burger in the Best of BloNo survey, Brewe-Ha’s also got Best Bang for Your Buck last year with the $2 burger basket, available 5 - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon - 6 p.m. on Sundays. Cheap and delicious cannot go wrong, especially when the burgers are always cooked fresh. “We make them fresh, never frozen, and are scooped daily,” owner Robert Brewe said. “We’re the only place that does that around here.” Facebook reviews and comments on the bar and grill’s page confirm its local popularity. Based on 364 opinions, Brewe-Ha’s has a 4.4 out of 5 on Facebook, along with 4/5 stars on Yelp.


MICHAEL SMITH | NEWS REPORTER

Best Drink Special

One of the most popular promotions at the bar, Pub II offers guests a unique deal in the middle of the week. The main attractopm for this location is “Pub Wednesday,” a tradition of sorts for college students. Pub II has a Wednesday evening special selling $5 pitchers for any Budweiser product on tap. Wednesdays are incredibly busy for the bar; guests often meet a line outside the door if they arrive later than 8 p.m.

Pub II $5 Pitchers RUNNER UPS: Fiesta Ranchera: Half-price Margaritas on Thursdays, Chasers $1 U-Call-It’s on Thursdays

The appeal of $5 pitchers is a steal for college students, especially those with a tight budget. Pub II employee Kimberly Pogue noted that the special is one of the reasons that the bar is jam-packed on Wednesday evenings. “Everybody likes beer, especially college students,” Pogue said. “$5 pitchers are relatively cheap for anyone looking to drink and have a good time doing so.” While other establishments certainly have its specials, none come close to matching the popularity levels that Pub Wednesday has on college students. Senior history major Kyle Jones has attended Pub Wednesday frequently. His experiences highlight the average student appreciation for the special. “As a broke college student, it feels good to know I have the support of the surrounding bars in the area with cheap drinks and great deals,” Jones said. “In particular, there’s no place I’d rather drown my sorrows than at the Pub II with their $5 Bud Light pitcher deal on a Wednesday night. Just a couple of those bad boys and I’m ready to not wake up for my classes in the morning!” Jen Haiden | Vidette Photographer

ANDREW DOUGHERTY NEWS EDITOR 707 Liquors, located on 707 S. Main St. in Normal is the hottest store in town for those who want affordable liquor. The liquor store is conveniently surrounded by The Edge, The Flats and Young America Realty apartments, which house plenty of off-campus Illinois State University students. “Our store has been here for 12 years and not only do we have the best selection of alcohol, but also the best customer service. Our customers love coming in here,” co-owner Surjit Singh said. “Another thing that makes us stand out is that we have the largest selection of craft beers among all of the liquor stores in the campus area,” he said.

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Liquor Store 707 Liquor Store RUNNER UPS: University Liquors/ Binny’s Beverage Depot, Hy-Vee

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707 Liquors inventory ranges anywhere from hard alcohol, beer, wine, soft drinks, wine coolers and even limes for those who love tequila. Apart from alcohol, 707 Liquors sells cigarettes, Advil, allergy medications, plastic cups, basic kitchen necessities and a few food options. 707 Liquors is open Monday through Sunday, opening at 10 a.m. - 1 a.m., staying open until 1:45 a.m. on the weekends.


Best Uptown Bar Pub II

RUNNER UPS: Maggie Miley’s, Brewe-Ha’s

MICHAEL SMITH NEWS REPORTER

Pub II is one of the top bars in Uptown Normal, and college students cannot get enough of it. The bar is located on 102 N. Linden St., just off Illinois State University’s campus. Pub II has been around since 1974 and has been a hub for thirsty college students ever since. The bar offers a variety of imported and craft beers along with some tasty comfort food options and daily specials. The bar includes food options such as appetizers, pizza, burgers and melts, soups and salads, and specially made Pub II sandwiches that can be ordered for dine-in or on-the-go. One of the most popular items on the menu is the bar’s famous fried cheese balls. The bar includes plenty of indoor tables and booths to sit down at, but also a beer garden where guests can enjoy the weather while drinking a cold beer.

Jen Haiden | Vidette Photographer

Inside the bar, guests have access to darts as well as karaoke. Pub II employee Kimberly Pogue says the major appeal to students is the price range for most items. “The prices for everything are super cheap,” Pogue said. “That’s why the Pub is usually pretty packed with people.” Pub II remains a staple of college life at ISU.

Best Downtown Bar Fat Jack’s

RUNNER UPS: Drifters, 8 Bit Arcarde Bar

KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM FEATURES REPORTER

It’s Thursday night, and it’s time to let some steam off after a week of classes and homework. According to Illinois State University, Fat Jack’s is the place to be. Open for almost 22 years, Fat Jack’s has been voted Best Bar in downtown Bloomington for 2019. Its signature tsunami and hurricane drinks are most popular Saturday nights, but $2 Thursdays for any well drink is not so bad either. The different atmospheres in each room and the friendly and knowledgeable staff draw in the huge crowd every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. College kids can’t pass up electric music, a lit-up dance floor or affordable drinks. “Fat Jack’s does good business all year. We definitely do better when school is in session and always look forward to the school year,” owner Tyler Holloway said. There are plenty of bars to choose from downtown, but the vibe at Fat Jack’s is unmatched and it is sure to bring a good time every time.

2018 1st Place

FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.

Vidette Archive

102 N. Linden St 309.452.0699 9


Best Bang for your Buck Brewe-Ha’s $2 burger basker RUNNER UPS: Moe’s Southwest Grill: $5 Burrito, chips/salsa & Drink on Monday

GABI GUERRERO | NEWS REPORTER While food deals continue to get better and better in Bloomington-Normal, nothing seems to beat the $2 burger basket at BreweHa’s. Brewe-Ha’s Bar offers a basket that includes a burger with choice of topping, french fries and a soda all for $2 every week day from 5 to 9 p.m. “Brewe-Has burger basket is the Best Bang for Your Buck in town. You could feed a family of five for a better price than you could find anywhere else in town,” junior nursing student Connor Hilty said. “You wouldn’t suspect such a cheap meal to be so good.” The bar even goes a step further on Tuesdays offering import beers for only $2 as well. It also allows its customers to upgrade the burger basket to a double for an additional $1.50. Brewe-Ha’s invites those of all ages to enjoy their best in town deal. Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

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Best Large Apartment Customer Service Young America Realty, Inc RUNNER UPS: SAMI, other

JONATHAN BARLAS SPORTS EDITOR

When finding a place to live around Illinois State, Young America Realty has outwardly shown that it is the gold standard of off-campus living year after year. From luxury apartments such as the Lodge on Willow, Fell Quarters, Covington House and so much more, Young America represents the value and quality of living that college students deserve. For another year in a row, Young America Realty has won Best Customer Service among large apartment agencies at Illinois State University, continuing its illustrious time at the top of campus realty. General manager Andy Netzer not only is thankful that customers directly see the impact of their customer service, but attributes the company’s success to the students who have made it what it is today. “It’s great to be recognized again for our customer service,” Netzer said. “[ISU] students have a choice for where they will live and it’s gratifying to know that our customers see [how serious we take our customer service.]” With over 1,000 rentals fit for each student’s financial implications, boasting 24-hour maintenance, online rent payment, professional and student leasing staff as well as stream-lined appliances, Young America’s standard for customer service goes above and beyond expectations. Young America resident and ISU junior construction management Sean Gogola spoke of YA’s exceptional service to both him and his roommates. “I can’t tell you how many times our door handles have fallen off, “ Gogola said. “But the [YA maitenence staff] always fixes it quickly with no problems whatsoever.” Ali Rasper | Photo Editor

Best Medium Apartment Customer Service First Site Apartments

RUNNER UPS: College Station, Redbird Property Management

GARRETT KARSTEN FEATURES REPORTER First Site Apartments, voted Best Customer Service for Medium Apartments, tries to make the living transition easy for students. First Site Vice President Ulises Napoles said the staff, including himself, are all ISU alumni that understand that transitioning from dorm life to an apartment adds to the stress of college life. “We like making the process easier for prospects and we do it from experience,” he said. Due to updated technology, customers are able to view the apartments and communities on 65-inch touch-screen monitors that display 3D models. “The office is fully equipped for all residents to make housing decisions easily,” Napoles said. The site also keeps a “true community,” with updated on-site security, pools, a workout center and clubhouse. Jenn Haiden | Vidette Photographer

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Best Small Apartment Customer Service The Edge

RUNNER UPS: The Flats, Meredith’s Apartments

years in a row is because we sell more of an experience as opposed to just an apartment,” Campbell said. “We create a fun environment for our residents to live in such as our weekly events, handing out food,”

ANDREW DOUGHERTY NEWS EDITOR

“Our staff is a huge reason as well. Our maintenance staff knows all of our residents and everything gets fixed in a timely fashion. Overall, our residents love coming in and interacting with our staff. We have more of a personal feel as opposed to a business transaction,” he said.

For the fourth consecutive year, students at Illinois State University have voted The Edge Apartments on Hovey Avenue as the Best Small Apartment Customer Service.

The Edge’s assistant manager Jackie Fisher agrees with Campbell. “We have a really great community feel with all of our different resident events we have going on. Our staff gets to know our residents and really try to make those connections that make that community feel that you won’t get with other off-campus housing options.”

The Edge is within walking distance from campus and provides residents with 24/7 maintenance service as well as numerous amenities for them to enjoy. Property manager Jacob Campbell said The Edge provides more than just a business transaction. “For us, part of the reason we’re voted best customer service four

ANDREW DOUGHERTY NEWS EDITOR

Jen Haiden | Vidette Photographer

Best Tattoo/ Piercing Place

Illinois Tattoo Co. RUNNER UPS: Smokin’ Aces, Psychopathic Ink

Illinois State University students have voted Illinois Tattoo Co. as the Best Tattoo Shop in the Bloomington-Normal area. The shop is open seven days a week and is located at 109 W. Monroe St. in downtown Bloomington. The self-described “most established tattoo studio” has six artists for customers looking to ink their bodies: Chad Ramsay, Steve McClintock, Alex Godair, Walter Olivo Turbo and Harley Heuman. Illinois Tattoo co. prefers that customers make appointments with the artists, but the studio does accept walk-ins as well. Noted for its clean studio, friendly atmosphere and professional and relaxing environment, those seeking a tattoo have the option of choosing from artists who have drawn everything from personal quotes to blossoming flowers, family crests and much more. Vidette Archive

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JAKE SERMERSHEIM SPORTS REPORTER

Best Song of the Year “This is America” by Childish Gambino RUNNER UPS: “God’s Plan” by Drake, “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco

Childish Gambino’s politically charged “This is America” was voted the best song this year. “It is so good for many reasons. It has a great beat and a powerful meaning behind it. Who could not love Childish Gambino,” freshman Alex Klotz said. Gambino debuted this song on May 5, 2018, during his live performance on Saturday Night Live. After officially releasing, it debuted on the Billboard Top 100 at No. 1. The hit song was written by Gambino, Ludwig Göransson and Jeffery Lamar Williams and produced by Gambino and Göransson. The deeper meaning of the song addresses gun violence and racism in America. To many, the most shocking and prominent part of the song is the accompanying music video. In the video, each time the beat drops, Gambino enacts a form of violence. One of these acts of violence shows Gambino shoot down a group choir, referencing the killing of nine African-Americans in a church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. Throughout the video, Gambino and a group of children can be seen dancing joyfully. This is to distract the viewer from the violence seen in the background. The joyful dancing is meant to take the eyes off the images of fire, gun violence and riots. Despite coming out early in 2018, “This is America” proved its longevity by being voted the No. 1 song in the Best of BloNo survey almost a year after its release.

Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/TNS

GARRETT KARSTEN FEATURES REPORTER Best Concert Venue The Castle Theater RUNNER UPS: Grossinger Motors Arena, Corn Crib Stadium

Castle Theatre was voted Best Concert Venue in the Best of BloNo survey.

Known for its unique architectural details, the theatre offers a selection of music spanning several generations. “We try to bring variety to the community,” venue manager Nic Poynter said. “No matter the age, it’s always a good time.” Poynter also said the theatre staff prides itself on customer relationships. “I think it’s the way we treat people,” he said. “We try to keep intimate relationships with patrons, respect everyone and just have a good time.” The theatre will host The Claypool Lennon Delirium Monday, a band featuring Les Claypool and Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son. “We’d really love to see more of the college scene,” he said. “If you have never been here, you should give us a shot.” Other shows include a Beastie Boys tribute band May 11, a Lip Sync Battle June 7 and an Ozzy Osbourne tribute June 8. A full schedule of upcoming shows can be found on the Castle Theatre website. Ali Rapser | Photo Editor

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Ali Rasper | Photo Editor Best Redbird Sports Moment

SUMMER TERM BEGINS JUNE 3 INTERSESSION BEGINS MAY 13

Men’s basketball home win over Loyola RUNNER UPS: Volleyball NCAA tourney/ co-MVC champions, football win at Colorado State

GABI GUERRERO NEWS REPORTER

Nothing compares to beating a Final Four -caliber team on your home court, and Illinois State gave its fans something to remember Feb. 2. Sharing a first-place bid in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Redbirds squared off against reigning MVC Conference champions Loyola at Rebird Arena, to win 65-57. After ISU was placed second behind Loyola in the MVC preseason poll, the ‘Birds definitely had something to prove. Redbird Arena packed an 8,000-person crowd with all eyes glued to the court, as this ESPN primetime match-up was the Redbird’s second-highest attended game of the season.

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Fans were eager to see ISU take down one of their biggest competitors of the season, especially dealing with the adversity faced beforehand, climbing to the top of the Valley standings in a matter of weeks.

TRANSFERABLE GEN ED CLASSES Business Math Humanities Science Communications

Senior Milik Yarbrough scored 21 points alongside Keyshawn Evans who added 14 to help the Redbirds defeat Loyola. “It was exciting to beat them after watching them lose such a close game the first time they played Loyola this season,” junior criminal justice major Hailey Gallagher said. “The environment of the game made it that much better. Beating a Final Four team is always fun to watch too.”

TO GET STARTED, VISIT lakelandcollege.edu/summer-online or contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232

The Redbirds put together a 17-16 record in 2018-19, solely highlighted with a 12-4 record at Redbird Arena, falling to Drake in 15


More Winners Best Sports Bar

Best Recreational Activity

Best Place to Workout

Buffalo Wild Wings

Biking

The Rec

RUNNER UPS: Bowling at Bowling & Billiards Center, Golfing at Weibring

RUNNER UPS: Pub II, Firehouse Pizza/Brewe-Ha’s

Best Place to Study on Campus

Best Movie Theater Wehrenberg Galaxy 14

Milner Library

RUNNER UPS: Coffee Shop, Atrium in the Bone Student Center

RUNNER UPS: Starplex Cinemas, Normal Theater

Best Hair Salon

Best Auto Care

Best Specialty Store

Uptown Gifts & Accessories RUNNER UPS: Apricot Lane, Mother Murphy’s

Best Healthcare/Pharmacy

Great Clips

Grease Monkey

RUNNER UPS: Kelly’s Automotive, Meineke Car Care Center

RUNNER UPS: Paul Mitchell, Fox & Hounds Day Spa

CVS RUNNER UPS: Walgreens, ISU Student Health Services

Best Late Night Transportation Uber

Best Grocery Store Aldi RUNNER UPS: Walmart, Hy-Vee

RUNNER UPS: Lyft, BN Public Transportation

CREDITS Cover Design: DARIUS DAVIS Ad Production Manager

Night Editors: KIM LARSEN AND ASHLEY VISCIONI

Graphics: FLYNN GERAGHTY Graphic Designer

Copy Editors: Kate Beste, Alex Blades, Hannah Carpenter, Ryan Cory, Megan Donnan, Madison Gottstein, Jordan Kanellis, Laura Kimlinger, Kelvin Pough

Best of Guide Editor: BECKY FLETCHER Editor-in-Chief

RUNNER UPS: LA Fitness, Gold’s Gym

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THANK YOU for voting & making us 7 years in a row

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

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BEESSTT B

WINNER 12

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BEST OF BLONO

THE BEST OF BLOOMINGTON NORMAL

2013-2014

2016 THE BEST OF

BLOOMINGTON - NORMAL WINNER

2017 BEST OF

BLOOMINGTON

NORMAL

BL O NO 2019

WINNER

At First Site, you move into an apartment which is professionally cleaned an maintained. Our staff will make your transition easy. FirstSiteApartments.com (309) 888 - 4444


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