Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new state law could change lift-assist bills in Champaign

Also, don't miss Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay on the Champaign Patch calendar

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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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:

  • How a new state law could change lift-assist bills in Champaign
  • How will Phase 2 reshape parking and events in downtown Champaign?
  • Were you near Green and Mathews during this deadly hit-and-run?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay.

Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Sunshine, with a high of 37 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 46, low: 38.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 52 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. IL municipalities, fire districts can charge lift assist fees for congregate care facilities starting Jan. 1 (wandtv.com) — Champaign’s mayor is backing a new Illinois law that lets cities and fire districts charge congregate care facilities for frequent non-emergency lift-assist calls starting January 1. The change aims to reduce injury risks and rising costs for local EMS crews, while limiting fees to actual personnel and equipment expenses and only after six or more calls per year from the same facility.
   

2. Phase 2 of Champaign's Downtown Plaza work to begin this summer, run through May 2028 (news-gazette.com) — Downtown Champaign’s second phase of the Neil Street plaza will now start in July 2026, run about two years, and permanently remove a major parking lot while adding restrooms, a fountain, art, and new event space. City staff say they’ll rework nearby streets and lots to add ADA and hourly parking, but some business owners remain worried about losing convenient spaces during and after construction.
   

3. Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run accident at Green and Mathews (dailyillini.com) — A pedestrian has died and a UIPD officer was injured after a red Buick driving the wrong way on Green Street slammed into a squad car, then careened onto the sidewalk at Green and Mathews early Saturday. Urbana Police say the driver fled on foot and remains at large, and they’re asking anyone with information to contact UPD or Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.
   

4. United Way, local barbers team up to put books in kids' hands (wandtv.com) — A new “Books with Barbers” program is turning Champaign-area barbershops into mini reading rooms so kids can pick up books while they get a haircut. United Way of Champaign County and local partners hope the effort will boost reading confidence for Black boys in Unit 4 and Urbana 116, where proficiency rates remain especially low.
   

5. Big 10: 2025 Person of the Year picks, Part 3 (news-gazette.com) — Local voices from Champaign-Urbana and Champaign County share their picks for 2025 Person of the Year, spotlighting community leaders, volunteers, and everyday heroes tied to the University of Illinois and area nonprofits. From homelessness-count volunteers to United Way’s longtime leader and youth advocates, the piece celebrates how Champaign-area residents quietly shape daily life and opportunity here.
   

📸 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!

    Saturday December 20
  • Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
    The Orpheum Champaign 346 North Neil Street Champaign, Illinois 61820
    8:45 pm
    • Monday December 22
  • Open interviews
    Champaign County Chamber of Commerce , 303 W Kirby Ave , Champaign
    9:00 am
    • Friday December 26
  • Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
    The Orpheum Champaign 346 North Neil Street Champaign, Illinois 61820
    8:45 pm

📣 Champaign Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

  • Does anyone recognize this phone, I was on my daily jog around savoy area and stumbled across this.
    I figured someone may have lost it and would really like to know where they lost it at. Message me for more info where to pick it up. Thank you! (Nextdoor Rolling Acres)
  • I received a notification on my phone at about 3:30 that USPS delivered a package in or around my mailbox.
    I went outside immediately. It was not at the front door. I picked up my mail, but no package. There was no sign of a mail truck, or any other… (Nextdoor Ashland Park)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Meat Cutter and Wrapper 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: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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