🌱 Patch AM: How Kenwood’s burned playground could return with a community-built upgrade

Good morning to you Champaign! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Kenwood's burned playground could return with a community-built upgrade
• Why John Summit chose Champaign to launch his massive arena tour
• Can a position switch at QB spark Champaign Central's first winning season?

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Clearing, a t-storm; humid, with a high of 77 and low of 61 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 79, low: 56.
• Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Champaign School Board takes step to bring playground back after fire (wcia.com) — Champaign school leaders are moving ahead with plans to replace the fire-damaged playground at Kenwood Elementary, with insurance expected to cover much of the $168,000 project. The new design features rubber surfacing, accessible ramps, shade, musical elements, and a communication board, and will be built through a community volunteer "Community Build" effort targeted for completion before winter.
   

• John Summit Cancels Four August Festival Dates Ahead of CTRL ESCAPE Arena Tour (edmsauce.com) — Champaign will host the opening night of John Summit's CTRL ESCAPE arena tour on October 1 at State Farm Center, bringing a major electronic show to town. The University of Illinois grad is canceling several August European festival dates to rest and finalize the large-scale production. His tour then moves on to major arenas across North America through December.
   

• New QB leads Central into week one conference test (wcia.com) — Champaign Central football is kicking off 2026 with a new starting quarterback, senior Luke Harding, as the Maroons chase their first winning season since 2018. With several linemen returning, strong receiver chemistry, and an unusually home-heavy schedule that keeps them in Champaign-Urbana until week six, Central opens Big 12 play hosting Danville and standout speedster D'Mario Jackson.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Champaign

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday August 20
• Knights SB-MS Girls @ Montessori Academy for Peace (Game) →
  Franklin Middle School Away - MONTESSORI ACADEMY FOR PEACE
  4:00 pm
• Knights BB-MS Boys - VS St. Teresa (Game) →
  Franklin Middle School HOME - Spalding Park Champaign IL
  4:30 pm
• Freshman Football @ Danville
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  4:30 pm
• BASEBALL @ Mahomet
  Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
  4:30 pm
• Jefferson Open House
  Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
  5:30 pm
• Lead Like A Girl
  Champaign County Chamber of Commerce CityView Banquet & Meeting Center 45 E. University Ave. Champaign
  6:00 pm
• Knitting Night @The Scratching Post CU →
  Champaign County Chamber of Commerce The Scratching Post is Champaign's Cat & Board Game Cafe. Enjoy our light snack and drink menu, purchase a game pass to access our massive library of 500+ board games, or make a reservation to visit our cat lounge where 20+ adoptable cats are waiting
  7:00 pm
Friday August 21
• Varsity Football vs. Danville
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  7:00 pm

📣 Champaign Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday August 19
• SOFTBALL @ Mahomet
  Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
  4:30 pm
Thursday August 20
• Freshman Football @ Danville
  Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
  4:30 pm
• BASEBALL @ Mahomet
  Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
  4:30 pm
• Jefferson Open House
  Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
  5:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• For those who love fried fish, who has the best fried cod (sandwiches and/or dinners) in the C-U area?
  I enjoy Culver's but want to try someplace different. Delivery is a plus! Thanks. Looking forward to your recommendations. (Nextdoor La Sell)
• Is anyone missing a small cat?
  White with black spots. Very sweet and friendly. Been on Hollycrest for several days. Will probably have to take to Animal Control. Any rescue… (Nextdoor North Church)

• Kimco Facility Services, LLC posted a job opening for Warehouse Janitorial Associate in Champaign. Apply here.
• J&P Hospitality Management, LLC posted a job opening for Housekeeper (Room Attendant) - Woodspring Suites in Champaign. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Champaign here.

🗞 Nearby News

Savoy

• In 7-0 vote, Unit 4 board adds $192 million referendum to November ballot (news-gazette.com)
• Average gas prices rebound for Illinois and U.S. as Champaign-Urbana falls slightly (wcia.com)
• Rantoul/PBL boys golf finishes eighth in Tiger Kickoff Classic (fordcountychronicle.com)

Urbana

• Urbana District 116 students return to school, parents reflect on outgoing superintendent (ipmnewsroom.org)
• Ag Day Minute: August 17th, 2026 (foxillinois.com)
• Rice is King of the Ring (urbanacitizen.com)

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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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