KCBS Champs Announced, Including Local Competitors

The professionals took center stage Saturday at the EffingHAM JAM, but there were local competitors among them.

The two local teams were Dad's Smokin' Butt BBQ, headed by Jim Flaig of Effingham, and High Voltage BBQ, led by Taylor Frost of Effingham.

The Dad's team finished 17th in the competition, while High Voltage came in 15th of the 18 teams competing. However, Dad's won first place in the chicken competition.

First place in pork ribs went to Rural Route BBQ, led by Jeremiah Burris of McLeansboro, first place in pulled pork went to Brewmasters BBQ, headed by Nathan Grodeon of Crestwood, Missouri, and first place in brisket was won by Smokin Frypit, led by Todd Pittman of St. Peter's, Missouri.

The Grand Champion award went to There's No Place Like Smoke, headed by Wade Reeder of Hannibal, Missouri, while the Reserve Champion prize went to Blue Ridge BBQ, led by Matt Stiger of Mansfield.

Teams on hand were from Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri and from all over Illinois.