Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: When and where you can give blood in Champaign next week

Coming up on the Champaign Patch calendar: SIU Alumni Happy Hour & Social | Jupiter's @ the Crossing

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Hello again Champaign! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • When and where you can give blood in Champaign next week
  • Who qualifies for Champaign County's newly expanded power-bill assistance?
  • Which Champaign-Urbana farmers markets are still open this season?

Also on today's calendar: "BIG KEEF: Take Me To My Car" Comedy Tour (Champaign, IL) and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 88 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Humid with clouds and sun, temps: high: 83, low: 66.
  • Saturday: Hot and humid, with a high of 91 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Champaign and surrounding ImpactLife blood drives, week of September 28 (sjodaily.com) — Champaign residents can donate blood at a YMCA bloodmobile on Fields South Drive the morning of Sept. 30, with additional drives in Mahomet and Rantoul through Oct. 1. ImpactLife is also tying donations to a Big Ten competition, offering participants a chance to support their favorite school while helping local hospitals.
   

2. LIHEAP expands eligibility for certain Champaign County households (wandtv.com) — Champaign County residents struggling with power bills can soon apply for expanded LIHEAP assistance, with seniors, disabled people, and families with young children eligible first. In-person appointments open Sept. 21 at the Champaign LIHEAP office and Rantoul center, with broader online scheduling starting Nov. 1. Applications are first-come, first-served through August 2027, so planning ahead matters.
   

3. Regional farmers markets uplift local businesses, community (dailyillini.com) — Champaign and Urbana residents have multiple farmers markets running through October, plus a Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market starting in November. From fresh produce and organic meats to artisan crafts and seasonings, these markets highlight small local vendors, accept SNAP at several locations, and give shoppers a chance to meet the people behind their food and goods.
   

4. Carol, Aaron Ammons' trial rescheduled for December; proceedings moved away from Election Day (wcia.com) — Champaign County residents will see their clerk, Aaron Ammons, and State Rep. Carol Ammons face a federal trial now rescheduled to start Dec. 7, avoiding key November election deadlines. A judge agreed their original dates conflicted with election duties, and prosecutors did not object. The case will proceed later while ensuring election administration remains uninterrupted.
   

5. Stilettos on Steel rides with companionship, finds sisterhood (dailyillini.com) — Women motorcyclists in the Champaign area are building community through the Stilettos on Steel Champaign chapter, which has grown from a handful of riders to about 25 members in three years. The group organizes regular rides, meals, and safety-focused meetups, offering a supportive space for riders of all experience levels to gain confidence and friendship.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Savoy Fire Department will host an annual car seat safety inspection from 10 a.
    m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Savoy Fire Department, 106 West Tomaras Avenue in Savoy. The public may have a child's car seat… (Nextdoor )
  • Looking for a last minute deep clean for our home on Thursday 9/17 we had a deep clean set up but she unfortunetly had a to cancel.
    Let me know of recommendations and if anyone would be available so short notice. Thanks! (Nextdoor Ironwood)
  • Parkland College posted a job opening for Assistant Baseball Coach in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Pavlov Media posted a job opening for Customer Service Specialist in Champaign. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Champaign here.

Ok Champaign! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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