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🌱 Patch AM: Why Sooie Bros. Bar-B-Que is still dark after months of dispute

Spotted on the Champaign calendar: Jingle Bell Rock Small Business Show

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Morning Champaign! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Sooie Bros. Bar-B-Que is still dark after months of dispute
  • How new IHSA football rules could reshape seasons for Champaign teams
  • How barbershops are quietly becoming Champaign’s newest literacy hubs

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 2 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Windy with periods of rain, with a high of 51 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Breezy and much colder, temps: high: 28, low: 25.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and breezy, with a high of 46 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Months after start of dispute with health district, Sooie Bros. Bar-B-Que still shuttered (news-gazette.com) — A long-running dispute with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has kept Sooie Bros. Bar-B-Que on Kirby Avenue closed since March, and the case is still tied up in court. Owner Alven Allison is suing health officials for damages and to reopen, while the district is asking a judge to dismiss his claims ahead of a February hearing.
   

2. Reaction split among area coaches on IHSA football changes: 'We will see how it goes' (news-gazette.com) — New IHSA football rules will likely boost playoff chances for Champaign Central and Centennial, while also starting the season a week earlier with fewer preseason practices. Area coaches, including those in Champaign, are split on whether expanded playoffs and first-round byes enhance opportunities for players or dilute the meaning and safety of postseason football.
   

3. New literacy program in Champaign County being promoted through area barbershops (wandtv.com) — A new “Books with Barbers” literacy program is rolling out in Champaign County barbershops, encouraging kids to read right in the barber chair. United Way of Champaign County and partners are stocking shops with culturally relevant books to boost reading skills, especially for local Black students in Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana 116.
   

4. Classic Wheels Spotlight: 1962 Corvette Convertible (shawlocal.com) — A Chicago couple’s beloved 1962 Corvette was originally discovered as a “barn find” in Champaign before undergoing a decade-long, frame-off restoration. The late owner, Bob Krug, transformed the car with a new engine, custom taillights, and fresh paint, and his wife Wendy now keeps his memory alive by showing “Little Red” at car shows and cruise nights.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Early Monday morning someone kindly used a snow blower to clear our driveway.
    We kept waiting for a bill… I heard them out there, but thought another family member arranged it so I didn’t look to see who it was. After talking… (Nextdoor Sawgrass)
  • my husband and i have been unable to clear our walks due to illness and some kind soul did our walks and steps.
    i wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart. (Nextdoor North Church)
  • ServiceMaster Clean posted a job opening for Day Porter/ Night Porter in Champaign. Apply here.
  • Fairstead ESC LLC posted a job opening for Porter 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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