Constitution Week Poster Contest
2026-01-01
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Thursday's Schedule
2026-01-01
PrintNEW YEAR’S DAY
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Southeast Missouri, 7:30 p.m.

First Day Hike in Illinois
2026-01-01
PrintThe Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day.
IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public.
Among the participating parks are these in Central/Southern Illinois:
Fox Ridge State Park, Coles County
Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek state parks, Shelby County
Lincoln Trail State Park, Clark County
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Menard County
Pere Marquette State Park, Jersey County
Sangchris Lake State Park, Sangamon County
Giant City State Park, Jackson County
Participating state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #ILFirstDayHikes.
The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation. The organization began the event in 1992 in Massachusetts. The campaign encourages participants nationwide to hike, bike and engage in activities in state parks on the first day of the new year.
This year, the program is highlighting America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the outdoor places that have shaped the country’s past and present.
“IDNR invites Illinoisans everywhere to take time on Jan. 1 to explore our beautiful state parks and consider what conservation and public lands may look like in the future,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There’s no better way to clear your mind after the holidays and look ahead to a new year than to explore the outdoors.”
Illinois does not charge admission to state parks, historic sites and other locations.
For more information, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks.html.

Red Cross Blood Drives in January
2026-01-01, 2026-01-04, 2026-01-05, 2026-01-06
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in January:
January 1, Thursday, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Charleston, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
January 4, Sunday, St Joseph Stringtown Community Club, Stringtown, 6:30 AM – Noon
January 5, Monday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
January 6, Tuesday, Casey United Methodist Church, Noon – 6:00 PM
January 9, Friday, Masonic Lodge, Mattoon , 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
January 9, Friday, American Legion, Sullivan, Noon – 6:00 PM
January 12, Monday, Lions Club Building, Noble, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
January 19, Monday, Charleston First Church of God, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 20, Tuesday, First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
January 23, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 26, Monday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 27, Tuesday, Lake Land College, Mattoon, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.
Come to give from January 1 – 25 for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Super Bowl LX in Cali! More info at: rcblood.org/SuperBowl
Come give blood from January 26 – 27 for a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. See rcblood.org/heart

Emancipation Proclamation On Display
2026-01-01, 2026-01-07
PrintA copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, giving the public a rare chance to see the historic document.
Lincoln’s proclamation ordered an end to slavery in Southern states that took up arms against the United States during the Civil War, which included more than three-fourths of the nation’s enslaved African Americans. U.S. soldiers carried palm-sized copies of the Emancipation Proclamation on their march across the South to help spread the word of freedom.
The Emancipation Proclamation will be visible through February 3, when it will be replaced by the only photo of Lincoln lying in state after his assassination.
“This document and Lincoln’s signature provide a concrete connection to an incredible moment – the beginning of the end of slavery in America,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We are proud to give our visitors an additional chance to see it for themselves and to reflect on what it took to free four million Americans from enslavement.”
Typically, the ALPLM displays the proclamation during a brief window around Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in America. But a new display case using cutting-edge technology now allows the ALPLM to display rare documents much longer while still minimizing the amount of harmful light they receive.
The ALPLM’s copy of the proclamation is one of about two dozen remaining. It is signed by both Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward. These copies were made and then signed by Lincoln so they could be sold to raise money for the care of sick and wounded soldiers.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

Friday's Schedule
2026-01-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Hillsboro at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Girls Wrestling
Effingham, Cumberland at Marion Invitational, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Lawrenceville Parkview, 6 p.m.

Saturday's Schedule
2026-01-03
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Neoga vs. Shelbyville at Lake Land College, 1 p.m.
Charleston at Newton, 4 p.m.
Vandalia at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Grayville at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 3 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Altamont at Robinson (girls varsity only), 11 a.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Okaw Valley, 10:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Olney Freshman/Sophomore Tournament, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Penn State, 6 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at UT Martin, 3:30 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Carolina at Tampa Bay, 3:30 p.m.

Music and Food at Mason
2026-01-03

Disney Trivia for United Way
2026-01-04
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Ticket Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/disney-trivia

Gym Bob's Jamboree Show
2026-01-04
PrintThe Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show will be held on Sunday, January 4th, beginning at 1:00 pm!
This will be our “All 50’s and 60’s Show” and we will be featuring all your favorite oldies music, such as Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and other legends from the 50’s and 60’s, for the whole family to enjoy – performed by the Gym Bob’s Jamboree Band and Singers.
The Jamboree Show is held the first Sunday afternoon of the month at Gym Bob’s, located at 44 Apostle Lane in Bible Grove.
Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling 615-481-7418.
More information may also be found online at http://www.GymBobs.com

Sunday's Schedule
2026-01-04
PrintNational Football League
New Orleans at Atlanta, noon
Cleveland at Cincinnati, noon
Green Bay at Minnesota, noon
Dallas at New York Jets, noon
Tennessee at Jacksonville, noon
Indianapolis at Houston, noon
New York at Buffalo, 3:25 p.m.
Detroit at Chicago, 3:25 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver, 3:25 p.m.
Kansas City at Las Vegas, 3:25 p.m.
Arizona at Los Angeles, 3:25 p.m.
Miami at New England, 3:25 p.m.
Washington at Philadeohpia, 3:25 p.m.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 7:20 p.m.

High School Healthcare Bootcamp
2026-01-05
PrintHSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital will be hosting its second High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Monday, January 5, 2026. The bootcamp is designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care to experience a realistic look into various health care roles and make connections in their field of interest.
“This job shadowing experience is a great opportunity for students interested in choosing a career in health care to learn about the different roles at our hospital and experience hands-on skills sessions with our health care professionals,” said Ericka Mulroy, Nursing Professional Development Specialist for Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS).
Interested students will be able to talk directly to HSHS employment specialists about opportunities available to them in the field, opening a door in the health care industry before they graduate high school.
The High School Healthcare Bootcamp is free of charge to students thanks to HSHS St. Anthony’s Foundation.
Applications are now being accepted for the Winter 2025 Healthcare Bootcamp on Monday, January 5, 2026. The deadline to apply is November 14. Visit https://forms.office.com/r/vidqqtXa6p. Students selected will be notified by December 1.
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

Auditions for "Quest - A Play To Rule Them All"
2026-01-05, 2026-01-08

Christmas Tree Collections For Fish Habitat
2026-01-05, 2026-01-07
PrintIllinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists are collecting live Christmas trees to be used as fish habitat in local lakes after the holidays. The collected trees will be bundled together, weighted, and submerged at lakes, providing critical habitat for multiple fish species and promoting algae growth for insects that attract fish for anglers. The trees will naturally decompose over time.
Maps and coordinates of the tree habitat locations are available online or from each lake’s biologist. Visit the IDNR Office of Fisheries website for drop-off location information and instructions. Trees should be placed only in the designated area for each site and only during the designated drop-off dates. Trees must be free of stands, lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted.
Drop-off locations and dates include the following:
Fayette County: Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
Until January 18
Place trees at designated area near boat ramp.
Jasper County: Newton State Fish and Wildlife Area
Until January 18
Place trees at designated area on northwest side of the parking lot near boat ramp.
Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area
Until January 18
Place trees in designated area near southwest boat ramp.
Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
Until January 18
Place trees near in the designated area near the boat ramp.
Shelby County: Johnstowne Mall
Until March 1
Place trees in designated area northwest corner of parking lot.

Monday's Schedule
2026-01-05
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Altamont at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Fairfield, 6:15 p.m.
Girls Basketball
St. Anthony at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Vandalia, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at South Central, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Newton, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Fairfield, 5 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Cumberland at Newton, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Altamont Lutheran at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Central A&M at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Windsor at Neoga, 6 p.m.
South Central at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4:15 p.m.

Enduring Freedom Ministries January Dates
2026-01-06
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries January Dates:
Tuesday, January 6th, 4 – 6pm, Shumway
Saturday, January 10th, 9a.m. – noon, Mason
Tuesday, January 13th, 4 – 6pm, Shumway
Wednesday, January 14th, noon – 2pm, Shumway
Wednesday, January 21st, noon – 2pm, Shumway
Saturday, January 31st, 8:30 – noon, Shumway
Please call 217-868-5293 or 217-240-0059 to sign up, or go to our website and book your own date & time: www.my-christian-space.com then select either Shumway or Mason.
Shumway location is at (old grade school) 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Mason location is at 861 E. Washington Street, Mason (Mason Civic Center)

ImpactLife Blood Drive At St. Anthony's Hospital
2026-01-06

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-01-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Monticello at Teutopolis, 5:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Richland County, Olney at Effingham, 6 p.m.
St. Anthony at Robinson, 6 p.m.
Altamont at Marshall 6 p.m.
Shelbyville at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 5 p.m.
Dieterich at Paris, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Vandalia at Newton, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville, 6 p.m.
South Central at Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran, 6:15 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Nokomis at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
Dieterich at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Robinson, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Salem, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham Sacred Heart at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Dieterich, 6 p.m.

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2026-01-07
PrintThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now available for income qualified households.
The CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, now through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of people living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1 – $3,332; 2 – $4,357; 3 – $5,382; 4 – $6,407. Go to www.cefseoc.org or www.liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
To apply, the following documentation is required:
1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
2. For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and CEFS will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Appointments can be made by contacting the CEFS Effingham County Outreach office at 1010 W. Jefferson St. Effingham, phone 217-347-7514 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application we will continue to take applications in person or by phone. Required documentation can be submitted in-person, mail or electronically. If you require any special accommodation, please contact the local CEFS Outreach office in your county to arrange.
Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will continue to receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the Low-Income Discount Rates. Visit liheapillinois.com or www.cefseoc.org to know more details.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-01-07
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Okaw Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Mount Vernon, 6 p.m.
Ramsey at South Central, 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Charleston, Richland County, Olney at Effingham, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Richland County, Olney, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Effingham at Taylorville, 5 p.m.

Angeled Kids Foster Closet & Resale
2026-01-07

Thursday's Schedule
2026-01-08
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
South Central at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Mount Olive, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Ramsey at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Charleston at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Lawrenceville at Newton (VARSITY ONLY), 6 p.m.
Flora at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Mattoon at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Okaw Valley, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Salem at Effingham, 6 p.m. (one game only)
Cumberland at Paris HAS BEEN CANCELED
Teutopolis at Mattoon, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Jasper County, 6 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Shelbyville at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Neoga, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Windsor at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Cumberland at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Martinsville at Neoga (Mattoon), 4:30 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
Paris Crestwood at Windsor, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Rutgers at University of Illinois, 7:30 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at Tennessee Tech, 7:30 p.m.

165th Anniversary of Dieterich's St. John Lutheran Church - Historical Presentation
2026-01-08
PrintOn Thursday, January 8, the Effingham County Museum will present the second lecture of their historical series. The lecture will be the “165th Anniversary of St. John Lutheran Church – Dieterich, Illinois” presented by Scott Wohltman.
The lecture will be held on the 2nd floor at the Effingham County Museum, located at 110 East Jefferson Street.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the lecture begins at 7:00 PM.
This lecture was rescheduled from December due to inclement weather.

Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-01-08
PrintVolunteers are needed to walk with, or even just visit with, residents at Willowbrook Memory Care Facility in Effingham, on weekends.
If interested, call Molly Fearday at 217-994-3364.
