Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How one Champaign resident lost $215 to an upfront-payment scam

Also, don't miss SOFTBALL vs. Rantoul on the Champaign Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 25th Patch AM
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Hi there, Champaign! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one Champaign resident lost $215 to an upfront-payment scam
  • Why more are homeless in Champaign County—but fewer sleep outside
  • Where Champaign County drivers found the cheapest E85 last week

Today's riddle: What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Nice with clouds and sun, with a high of 78 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, temps: high: 83, low: 60.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Champaign reports 1 scam for week ending Aug. 15, 2026 (chambanasun.com) — Champaign logged just one scam report for the week ending Aug. 15, with a resident losing $215 after paying upfront for work that was never done. The Better Business Bureau says its Scam Tracker lets locals search similar reports and submit their own experiences. Nationally, fraud losses remain high, topping $12.5 billion in 2024.
   

2. Champaign County homelessness rose slightly in 2026 count (wandtv.com) — Homelessness in Champaign County ticked up slightly in January's official count, but fewer people are living unsheltered and fewer youth are homeless, according to local providers. Advocates credit expanded shelter options and are drafting a countywide strategic plan to end homelessness, expected in October, which will guide future funding and services for Champaign-area residents.
   

3. Lowest price for E85 gas in Champaign County at $3.24 in week ending Aug. 15 (chambanasun.com) — Drivers around Champaign County saw E85 fuel dip as low as $3.24 per gallon at one station during the week ending Aug. 15, with an average of $3.72 across reporting locations. Only seven of 66 county stations offered E85, roughly matching the statewide low. Analysts say broader oil markets, refinery output, and seasonal demand continue to drive 2026 fuel costs.
   

4. From Harvard to Gies: Inside Nate Cichy's Whirlwind Summer That Landed Him in Champaign (illiniguys.com) — A highly touted freshman receiver, Nate Cichy, chose to come to Champaign and the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business instead of honoring his commitment to Harvard. The Illinois native's last-minute flip followed a standout track season and has quickly made him one of Bret Bielema's most talked-about newcomers, energizing local Illini football buzz.
   

📸 Around Champaign

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Champaign

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📣 Champaign Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Tuesday August 25
  • Small Business Owners Resource Group sponsored by First Mid Bank & Trust →
    Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Large Conference Room, 303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, Il. 61820
    8:30 am
  • Table for Ten
    Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Beef O'Brady's 730 W. Town Center Blvd. Champaign, Illinois
    12:00 pm
  • OSF Behavioral Health Ribbon Cutting
    Champaign County Chamber of Commerce 1405 W. Park St #301 Urbana IL
    3:00 pm
  • Girls Golf vs. Monticello and Bloomington
    Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
    4:00 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

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Erolia was LOST on August 21, 2026 in Champaign, IL 61820 near N Randolph/W Vine St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Sesquicentennial)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Erolia was LOST on August 21, 2026 in Champaign, IL 61820 near N Randolph/W Vine St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Sesquicentennial)
  • Gordon Food Service posted a job opening for Part Time Freezer/Store Associate in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Jimmy John's posted a job opening for Team Member 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: If you weren't so sweet, we wouldn't be in this jam! (Thank you Patti F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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