Articles - Decatur Magazine

in this issue: April-May 2016

DecaturMag April-May 2016 Contents - Cover

features ON THE COVER – Signs of Life Spring is busting out all over Decatur with new projects, innovative connections and enthusiastic residents who believe our city is on the upswing and their own efforts can speed up the trend. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Wishes Granted Ask and you shall receive. Since we last […]

Champaign/Urbana, IL – Home to the University of Illinois, the area’s largest employer, Champaign-Urbana manages a fluctuating population of 44,000 students during the course of the academic year, creating stiff competition for appealing housing and interesting challenges for the city’s service industries. The University provides plenty of entertainment options during the school year with Big […]

features ON THE COVER – Answer Man – You have questions – we have answers. Find out what local experts have to say about hot topics on the minds of those who need to know everything. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss H2O Challenge How does the quality of Decatur’s tap water compare to a bottled brand? […]

Story and Photography by Pam Smith – Long before food icons such as Julia Child, James Beard, Martha Stewart and all the new-age foodies connected with The Food Network, there was Clementine Paddleford. Beyond having possibly the coolest name ever, the intrepid culinary journalist was before her time as a regional food pioneer. […]

By French MacLean | Photography by Bailey Broderick – It’s been nearly a century since Decatur had its own brewery, but at long last the drought has ended, thanks to four guys on a mission. Decatur Brew Works (DBW) is the latest venture in “City Limitless.” Experienced brewers and good friends of Charlie McGorray, aka, “Mr. […]

Columbus, Ohio – Home to the Buckeyes of Ohio State University and the capital of Ohio, Columbus has a student population of 65,000 during the school year, and a large government presence, with insurance and healthcare as the other top industries. Work commutes average 28 minutes in Columbus compared to the short 12-minute average drive […]

features ON THE COVER – Cool Yule – In this issue, you’ll find out how to bring a laid back vibe to the holidays with smooth tunes, hip ideas for a party and even groovy tips for cold weather cooking on the grill. Keep it real for an unforgettable holiday season with family and friends this year. […]

By Glenn Tiede – A supplement to the story in the Dec/Jan 2016 issue of Decatur Magazine. Perfect Steaks on the Grill Recommended cuts are 1-1/2 inch thick strip or ribeye steaks, or two-inch thick (8-10 ounce) beef filets. Start the coals, and season steaks with either McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning, or with coarse salt, fresh […]

features ON THE COVER – Bright Ideas – We’re not sure where the next “big idea” will come from, but we discovered that in Decatur, the most promising start out small, spark some interest, then catch on with widespread enthusiasm! Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Finders, KeepersOctober’s Finders Market, which features a wide range of vendors and […]

Greer, South Carolina – Greer is a good example of a small town that took advantage of a manufacturing base and convenient location to create jobs and increase population over the past decade, proving that opportunity does exist when a community comes together to achieve a common goal. Located in the foothills of the Blue […]

Story by Zac Shields | Photography by Lee Larkins For eons, mankind has heeded the yen to leave its imprint on public spaces. Modern muralists respond to the same primal urge as Paleolithic artists in southern France. Sociologists will tell you this is because home-grown art, when viewed on a daily basis, comes to […]

features ON THE COVER – All Access Pass –Insightful interviews, studio tours, and main stage shows are all part of the package in this issue, as we take you behind the scenes for an intimate look at the arts in Decatur. Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Behind The Camera Get an insider’s take on the […]

Memphis, Tennessee – Home of the blues and birthplace of rock and roll, Memphis still pulses with the rhythm of Beale Street, Sun Studio and the Stax soul sound, attracting music lovers from all over the world. The Peabody Hotel is a popular Memphis destination for visitors and located close to the action. Memphis is […]

By French MacLean – The torch has been passed to a new generation of Soy City restaurateurs — born since the days of Camelot; tempered by Midwest values; disciplined by economic times; proud of our heritage of first-class food preparation and presentation — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those […]

Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis is the nation’s 12th largest city and the capitol of Indiana. As the host of major sporting events and home to several professional sports teams, the Indianapolis 500, and headquarters for the NCAA, INDY has a strong sports history. With a diverse economy based in healthcare, education, insurance and manufacturing, Indianapolis […]

features ON THE COVER – Musicville – Decatur is a mecca of live music this summer, with over 20 free outdoor concerts scheduled during June and July. Check our calendar to find out who’s playing; then load up those lawn chairs for the best seat in the house! Cover Illustration by Tronnie Goss Blues Turns […]

By Randall Reyman – As a music professor at Millikin University, I spend considerable time encouraging high school musicians to choose Millikin as their college home. I talk to them and their parents at length about the value of a Millikin education, and tout the many fine attributes of our music school. I’m no […]

Story by Meredith Jackson | Photography by Julie Carter Decatur resident Jo Caulkins has experienced a great deal throughout the seasons of her life. She’s held both paid and volunteer positions with the Decatur Area Arts Council, Gallery 510, Macon County Health Foundation, Garden Club of Decatur, Decatur & Macon County Animal Care Foundation, Decatur Daycare, […]

Chicago Illinois – Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the “Windy City” attracts thousands of new residents and millions of visitors every year with its abundant supply of employment, attractions and entertainment options. Chicago is a collection of 200 unique neighborhoods with popular regional specialties that reflect the city’s ethnic roots – the city […]

St. Louis, Missouri – Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the “Gateway to the West” is known for its eclectic neighborhoods, unique architecture, family-friendly environment…and its independent nature. Seceding from St. Louis County in 1877, the City of St. Louis became an independent city, limiting political boundaries, and the ability to grow beyond […]