Hey there, Champaign! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. St. Joseph Community Consolidated School District 169 administrators rank 271st highest in state for average salary in 2025 (chambanasun.com) — Champaign County residents in St. Joseph's District 169 can see that administrators now earn an average of $122,917, up 7.2% from last year but slightly below the state average. The district serves 761 students, giving it a much higher student-to-administrator ratio than Illinois overall. Statewide data also show ongoing educator and administrator shortages that could affect local hiring.
2. Krannert Art Museum exhibit traces midcentury ceramics (jg-tc.com) — Champaign art lovers can explore midcentury studio ceramics at Krannert Art Museum's new "Centering Clay" exhibition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, opening Aug. 27 and running through Dec. 23. The show highlights influential artists, U of I's historic ceramics program, and connections between clay and glass. Related events include a Sept. 19 artist talk and a small-group clay workshop on Oct. 10.
3. Champaign County sees lowest price for E15 gas at $4.03 in week ending Aug. 15 (chambanasun.com) — Drivers in Champaign County saw the lowest reported E15 gas price at $4.03 per gallon during the week ending Aug. 15, with a countywide average of $4.11. Only two of 66 reported stations offered E15, while statewide prices matched the $4.03 mark amid broader refinery and global oil market pressures.
4. Man pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in deadly Urbana shooting (wcia.com) — A man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with a January shooting on Ellis Drive in Urbana that killed 52-year-old Benancio Crowley of Champaign. Prosecutors in Champaign County say six other charges will be dismissed at next month's sentencing, after police arrested the suspect in Champaign with SWAT assistance.
5. Pamela Kaye 'Pam' Araiza, 68 (effinghamradio.com) — Family and friends in Champaign are among those mourning Pamela Kaye "Pam" Araiza, whose daughter Siarra lives here. Pam, 68, of Effingham, was a devoted mother, grandmother, and homemaker who loved horses, oil painting, thrift hunting, and staying stylish. She is remembered by her children, many grandchildren, and siblings across Illinois and Florida.
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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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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