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

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2026-02-05, 2026-03-06
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.

Free Developmental Screenings / Preschool Round-Up In Altamont
2026-02-05, 2026-02-06
PrintThe Altamont School District and the Project HELP Preschool program will be offering free developmental screenings to provide parents an opportunity to discover how their Two to Five Year-Old children are developing in the areas of speech, language concepts, and motor skills. Vision and hearing screenings will also be provided, free of charge!
NOW is the time to start thinking about PRESCHOOL for the upcoming school year for your child! To find out what preschool options are available in your community, please schedule an appointment to have your child screened.
When:
Thursday, February 5th (9am to 3pm)
Friday, February 6th (9am to 12pm)
Where:
Altamont Christian Church
1351 South Main Street
Altamont, IL 62411
For an appointment, please call Leslie Wendling at 618-483-5171 or stop by Altamont Grade School and pick up a registration form.

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-02-10, 2026-03-10, 2026-04-14
Print
This program will run through May 2026. If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.

Elks Trade Scholarship Available
2026-02-13, 2026-02-24, 2026-03-01
Print

Cooking Across Continents Program
2026-02-24, 2026-03-24, 2026-04-28, 2026-05-19
Print
You can register for one session or any number of them. This program will run on the dates linked below:

September 30, 2025: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking93025
October 28, 2025: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking102825
January 27, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking012725
February 24, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking022426
March 24, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking032826
April 28, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking042826
May 19, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking051926

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-05-12
Print
If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.
