Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What will parents tell Unit 4’s new superintendent at Friday’s session?
Also, don't miss Girls Tennis @ Normal on the Champaign Patch calendar
Good morning Champaign! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What will parents tell Unit 4's new superintendent at Friday's session?
- When SIU's Saluki Takeover Tour lands in Champaign this month
- What Ridgeline's purchase of a Champaign roofer means for homeowners
Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Wednesday: Blazing sunshine and hot, with a high of 95 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Mostly sunny; hot and humid, temps: high: 94, low: 68.
- Friday: Heavy t-storms in the morning, with a high of 93 and low of 69 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Unit 4 Parents Speak, Dr. Ponce Listens (foxillinois.com) — Champaign Unit 4 families are pressing new superintendent Dr. Geovanny Ponce for stronger academic intervention, clearer communication, and better support for multilingual households. As part of his Listen and Learn Tour, Ponce is gathering feedback that will shape district priorities and a new strategic plan, with the next public session set for Friday at 1 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library. 
2. Saluki Takeover Tour 26-27 starts Tuesday in Atlanta (siu.edu) — Southern Illinois University's Saluki Takeover Tour will visit Champaign from Sept. 17–19, giving local students and families a chance to meet SIU staff and learn about in-state tuition opportunities. After kicking off in Atlanta, the tour heads to Champaign before continuing on to Chicago and Texas, with recruiting visits and alumni events planned along the way.
3. Ridgeline Roofing Builds Out Midwest Platform (roofingcontractor.com) — A Birmingham-based contractor, Ridgeline Roofing & Restoration, has acquired Freedom Roofing & Construction in Champaign, potentially bringing more resources and growth to local roofing and exterior services. Freedom Roofing, founded in 2014, has built a strong customer-first reputation across the Champaign region that Ridgeline says it plans to expand throughout Central Illinois.
4. Caterpillar Buys the 25-Yard Line (heavyquipmag.com) — Caterpillar has signed a multi-year sponsorship with the University of Illinois, putting its logo on the 25-yard lines at Zuppke Field in Champaign and signaling a push to attract local engineering talent. The deal highlights Caterpillar's long Illinois roots and the university's role as a key source of technical graduates, though financial terms and added programs weren't disclosed.
5. Workers Employed At The Literary Bookstore & Cafe In Champaign, Illinois 'Go Union' With The RWDSU 'In Their Effort to Secure Living Wages, Consistent Scheduling & Workplace Safety' (wnylabortoday.com) — Workers at The Literary bookstore and café in downtown Champaign have voted to unionize, seeking better pay, predictable schedules, and safer working conditions. Organizing as The Lit United with RWDSU, they say a contract will help this community hub stay true to its mission while ensuring staff are treated with the same care they offer Champaign-Urbana residents every day.
📸 Around Champaign
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Champaign
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Girls Tennis @ Normal
Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
4:00 pm - Musical AUDITIONS
Centennial High School Auditorium
4:00 pm - PTA Open Table Night
Stratton Elementary School Champaign, IL 61820
4:00 pm - SOFTBALL @ Stephen Decatur
Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
4:15 pm - BASEBALL @ Edison
Jefferson Middle School Champaign, IL 61821
4:15 pm - Freshman Football @ Mahomet
Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
4:30 pm - Cross Country-MS @ Paxton (Game) →
Franklin Middle School Away - PAXTON
4:30 pm - Boys Soccer @ Mattoon
Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
5:00 pm
Thursday September 3
📣 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
- Women Elevating Women Resource Group
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Large Conference Room, 303 W. Kirby Ave. Champaign, Il. 61820
8:30 am - Girls Tennis @ Mattoon
Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
4:00 pm - Musical AUDITIONS
Centennial High School Auditorium
4:00 pm - Girls Golf @ Charleston
Central High School Champaign, IL 61820
4:00 pm
Wednesday September 2
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Dog walking help needed for my mom
Hi all! I'm posting again on behalf of my mom who is needing help walking her yorkie named Dude. She currently lives in the Hunters Pond Apartments… (Nextdoor Interstate/Neil)
- The Kraft Heinz Company posted a job opening for Production Supervisor- 3rd shift in Champaign. Apply here.
- Parkland College posted a job opening for Assistant Baseball Coach 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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