Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3

Pancake & Sausage Breakfast in Beecher City
2025-03-22
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Saturday's Sports Schedule
2025-03-22
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at Metro East Kickoff, TBA
Altamont at Carlyle, 10 a.m.
Central A&M at Neoga (DH), 10 a.m.
North Clay at Richland County, Olney, 11 a.m.
Softball
Carterville at Effingham (DH), 10 a.m.
St. Anthony at Casey-Westfield Round Robin, TBA
Pana at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Arcola, 11:30 a.m.
Boys Tennis
St. Anthony, Teutopolis at Triad Invitational, 9 a.m.
Boys Track
Newton, Teutopolis at Gene Armor Meet at Urbana, 11 a.m.
Girls Track
Newton, Teutopolis at Gene Armor Meet at Urbana, 11 a.m.
Bass Fishing
Effingham at Newton Lake, TBD
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
St. Anthony at Breese Mater Dei, 11 a.m.
Altamont at Carlyle, 10 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Eighth-Grade State, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA Tournament, TBA
NASCAR
NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, 2:30 p.m.

EFM Dinner with Elvis Tribute Artist Riley Jenkins
2025-03-22
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries is having their Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, March 22nd.
Dinner with Elvis Tribute Artist Riley Jenkins will be at the Effingham Event Center, from 6:00 – 8:00p.m., with doors opening at 5:15p.m.
Dinner Menu: Pulled pork, Italian beef, scalloped potatoes, bake beans, and a salad.
There will also be a large Bake Sale!
Advance ticket cost is $35 for a Single, $60 per Couple, or $40 per person at the door. Price includes dinner and the show.
For tickets, call 217-240-0059.

Dana-Thomas House featuring Wooden It Be Lovely Chairs
2025-03-22, 2025-03-19
PrintDana-Thomas house to feature Wooden It Be Lovely chairs for Women’s History Month
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is partnering with Wooden It Be Lovely for an exhibit of six refurbished chairs at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield during March for Women’s History Month.
The chairs were hand-painted by the women at Wooden It Be Lovely, which offers transitional employment, housing and support to women healing from poverty, addiction, and abuse. The organization also offers jobs, mentoring, recovery tools, education, networking and a safe community.
The women in the program are employed to refurbish and sell donated wooden furniture, sew unique products and craft hand-poured candles. This transitional employment empowers women to move toward economic stability and enhanced well-being for themselves and their children.
“Wooden It Be Lovely is so honored to be invited to show some of our work at the Dana-Thomas House,” said the Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup, executive director of Wooden It Be Lovely. “The women who painted the chairs feel so proud that their work will be recognized by the public. They have been telling everyone they know how excited they are. It’s so empowering to them to be honored in this way. I believe this is something that these women will never forget.”
The chairs will be available for purchase at Wooden It Be Lovely’s spring furniture showcase on April 5.
For more information visit the Dana-Thomas House website. The site is open seven days a week for free scheduled tours.
The Dana-Thomas House is located at 301 E. Lawrence Ave, Springfield. The home, built between 1902 and 1904, is perhaps the best-preserved of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie Style” homes, with more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings.

Mother Son Dance at Watson
2025-03-22

DCS Pickleball Tournament in Effingham
2025-03-22

GloBingo for Make-A-Wish Illinois
2025-03-22

EFM Dinner with Elvis Tribute Artist Riley Jenkins
2025-03-22
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries is having their Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, March 22nd.
Dinner with Elvis Tribute Artist Riley Jenkins will be at the Effingham Event Center, from 6:00 – 8:00p.m.
The cost is $35 for a Single ticket, $60 per Couple, or $40 per person at the door. Price includes dinner and the show.
For tickets, call 217-240-0059.

Free At-Home Colon Cancer Tests from St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
2025-03-22, 2025-03-19
PrintNo-Stress, Take-Home Test: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Offering Free, At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests in March
Test anxiety is real – at school, work and especially at a clinic or hospital.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital wants to put community members at ease by giving away at-home screening tests while highlighting that colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when cases for men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Individuals aged 45 or older, or those with an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer, can pick up a free InSure ONE at-home screening test March 1 through March 31. Tests can be picked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at the HSHS St. Anthony’s presurgical testing department. For easy access, please enter through the presurgical testing entrance on the hospital’s north side. Samples must be returned to the department by April 1. Please note this screening test is not a substitute for a colonoscopy.
This simple, easy test saves lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer, with nearly 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage experiencing a five-year survival rate, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While colorectal cancer rates overall are on the downswing, younger generations should pay attention – diagnoses in people under age 50 increased by nearly 2.5% each year during the 10-year span from 2012 to 2021, according to the ACS.
For more information regarding this colorectal cancer screening event, contact Tammy Probst at 217-347-3563. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

United Way Opens Grant Applications
2025-03-21

Tree Ordering from Effingham County Soil & Water Conservation District
2025-03-21
PrintThe Effingham County Soil & Water Conservation District is currently accepting orders for White Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Norway Spruce seedlings.
All orders must be placed before April 4. A pickup day will be planned for mid-April.
Call the office at 217-347-7107 x 3 or stop by for an order form.
Thank you!

Fish Fry Fundraiser at Sacred Heart Parish
2025-03-21

Friday's Sports Schedule
2025-03-21
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Marion at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Sullivan, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay vs. St. Joseph-Ogden, 11:30 a.m., vs. Marissa, 1:30 p.m. at Metro East Kickoff Classic
Teutopolis vs. Columbia at Metro Classic in Edwardsville, 4 p.m.
Okaw Valley at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Brownstown/St Elmo at Hillsboro, 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Casey-Westfield, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Okaw Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Sullivan at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
Marion at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Eighth-Grade State, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA Tournament, TBA

Navigating the Journey: Stages of Life, Stages of Business
2025-03-21
Print“Navigating the Journey: Stages of Life, Stages of Business” is an empowering event, presented by Whitney Roofing, that is designed to inspire and equip women at every stage of their personal and professional journey. Engage in insightful panel discussions, gain practical tools, and connect with like-minded women – all while discovering strategies to thrive in every stage of life and business.

Panelists:
Dot Behrns | Certified Health Lifestyle Coach, Inspired Wellness CoachingLayna Bond | Owner, Bond & Associates, LLC-American Family InsuranceShonna Kracinski | Chief Human Resources Officer, Midland States BankAmanda Settle, RND, LDN, CDCES | Owner, Nutrition WiseLisa Schafer | Co-Owner, Baseball Card Connection
Moderator: Teresa McCloy | Founder & Creator, The REALIFE Process, LLC
Date & Time: Friday, March 21, from 1pm – 4pm
1pm – 1:30pm | Vendor Booths & Networking
1:30pm | Panelists: Stages of Life, Stages of Business
2:45pm – 3:15pm | Vendor Booths & Networking
3pm – 4pm | Cheers to Her Happy Hour hosted by Wheat Penny
Location: Village Wine & Spirits, 109 South Banker Street, Effingham
Cost:
$30 for members$40 for non-membersRegistration required – payment due at time of registration.
Booths:
Bond & Associates – American Family InsuranceCity of Effingham & IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity | Small Business FundingJoe Sippers Cafe & RoasteryRevIVe with BSoothe Studios Spa & SaunaStanfield Chiropractic
Swag bag items provided by:
Baseball Card ConnectionThe Beanstalk BoutiqueEffingham Pelvic Health & WellnessHeartland Health FoodJedco Sales, Inc.Meraki ParlourMerle Norman CosmeticsPromark AdvertisingSport Design & GraphicsXCHNG
Questions:Contact Nicole Morrison at the Effingham County Chamber by calling 217-342-4147 or emailing to NMorrison@EffinghamCountyChamber.com.

Red Cross Blood Drives for March
2025-03-21
PrintThe American Red Cross is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma this month will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.
Red Cross Blood Drive Dates:
March 3, Monday, Mattoon YMCA, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
March 4, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
March 14, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
March 17, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
March 21, Friday, Mattoon Masonic Lodge #260 , 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
March 24, Monday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
To make an appointment and learn more about your health, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.
** As always, donors should NOT fast for this. The A1C test is not affected by recent food and drink.**
Donors can expect to receive the results of their test within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or online donor portal, and they are encouraged to consult their health care provider if their A1C level is elevated. A1C is the latest health insight that the Red Cross provides to blood, platelet and plasma donors, who can already access ongoing donation information such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels.
One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the CDC. The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services among other assistance.
According to the CDC, some 90% of people living with diabetes in the U.S. have type 2, a largely preventable and often reversible insulin-resistant condition that can cause dangerously high blood sugar levels. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as kidney failure, stroke and heart issues. “Type 2 diabetes develops over years and may not cause obvious symptoms until serious damage has been done,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “By understanding our own health, we can create a foundation to help prevent chronic illness, improve the quality of day-to-day living and save lives. Blood donation can now be part of that journey.”

Effingham VFW Auxiliary Meal
2025-03-21
PrintThe VFW Auxiliary Post 1769 on Veterans Drive in Effingham is having a meal on Friday, March 21st, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
On the menu: Salmon Patty or Poorman’s Steak, mashed potatoes/gravy, vegetable, dessert, coffee, tea or lemonade for $8.00

Plant Swap Program at Library
2025-03-20

Thursday's Sports Schedule
2025-03-20
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Edwardsville, 6:15 p.m.
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Blue Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
Paris at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Mascoutah, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Odin at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
Hutsonville at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Vandalia at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Wayne City, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
Flora at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
St. Anthony at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA Tournament, TBA

Library Display of Artist Liz L'hommedieu
2025-03-20

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp Enrollment
2025-03-20

Catholic Charities Tax Prep Assistance
2025-03-20, 2025-03-19

Savvy Senior Program & Luncheon
2025-03-20

Free Tax Preparation Assistance at Library
2025-03-20

Wednesday's Sports Schedule
2025-03-19
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Teutopolis vs. Staunton at Metro Classic in Edwardsville, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA Tournament, TBA

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in March
2025-03-19
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in March:
– Tuesday, March 4th , 4 – 6p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
– Saturday, March 8th , 9a.m. – Noon, Mason location
– Tuesday, March 11th , 4 – 6p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
– Wednesday, March 12th , Noon – 2p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
– Wednesday, March 19th , Noon – 2p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
– Saturday, March 29th , 8:30 – Noon, 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
For appointments, call 217-240-0059

Resource Carnival - Effingham County Connections
2025-03-18
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Please be aware of the current roadworks and closures around the Ron Diehl Center when planning your journey there.

Tuesday's Sports Schedule
2025-03-18
PrintJUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A Mulberry Grove Regional
Match 4 – Ramsey vs. Winner Match 1, 6 p.m.
Match 5 – Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3, 7 p.m.
Class 8-1A Martinsville Regional
Match 4 – Sigel St. Michael vs. Winner Match 1, 5 p.m.
Match 5 – Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3, 6:30 p.m.
Class 8-2A Hutsonville Regional
Match 4 – North Clay vs. Winner Match 1, 5 p.m.
Match 5 – Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3, 6 p.m.
Class 8-2A Champaign St. Matthew Regional
Match 1 — Bement vs. Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Match 2 — Villa Grove vs. Arcola, 5:45 p.m.
Match 3 — Oakwood vs. Paris Crestwood, 7 p.m.
Class 8-2A South Central Regional
Match 3 – South Central vs. Winner Match 1, 6 p.m.
Match 4 – St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. Winner Match 2, 7 p.m.
Class 8-3A Teutopolis Regional
Match 4 – Jasper County vs. Winner Match 1, 5 p.m.
Match 5 – Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3, 6 p.m.
Class 8-4A Charleston Regional
Match 4 – Taylorville vs. Winner Match 1, 4:30 p.m.
Match 5 – Winner Match 2 vs. Winner Match 3, 5:45 p.m.
