Mason Breakfast Buffet for Edgewood Bi-County Fire Department
2026-01-10
PrintMason Christian Church Community Breakfast Outreach will host an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet on Saturday, January 10th, from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
The menu for the breakfast includes:
Pancakes
Sausage
Biscuits & Gravy
Scrambled Eggs
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Milk, Juice, and Coffee
Price:
Ages 13 – Adult: $7.00
Ages 4 – 12: $3.00
Ages 3 & under: Free
Proceeds from this breakfast will go to the Edgewood Bi-County Fire Department.
Mason Christian Church is located just off of Route 37 in Mason.
For more information please call the church at 618-226-4152.

Enduring Freedom Ministries January Dates
2026-01-10, 2026-01-13, 2026-01-14
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)

Saturday's Schedule
2026-01-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Woodlawn at Altamont, 2 p.m.
Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay vs. Casey-Westfield at Cumberland, Turkey Tournament championship, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
St. Anthony at Flora, 10 a.m.
Woodlawn at Altamont, 2 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Cumberland, 2 p.m.
Neoga at Casey-Westfield, 1 p.m.
Teutopolis at Breese Central-Paws Shootout, TBA
Wrestling
Effingham at Carbondale Murdale Invitational, 9 a.m.
Cumberland girls at Kelly College Prep, 9 a.m.
Cumberland boys at Robinson Duals, 9 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Robinson at Teutopolis, 10 a.m.
Girls Basketball
Altamont, Dieterich, Teutopolis at Effingham Tournament, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham, Mason Clark at Teutopolis, 9 a.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Tennessee State at Eastern Illinois University, 3:30 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina, 3:30 p.m. (FOX)
NFC Wild Card Playoff
Green Bay at Chicago, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
NFC Wild Card Playoff

Traveling Holocaust Exhibit at EIU
2026-01-11, 2026-01-14
PrintEastern Illinois University is hosting a Traveling Holocaust Exhibit in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The Auschwitz Experience in the Art of Prisoners, a traveling exhibit about the Holocaust, will be displayed in the West Reading Room at Booth Library on the EIU Campus, located at 600 Lincoln Avenue in Charleston, from January 11th – 29th.
The exhibit, created by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland, features artwork by 12 Holocaust survivors who documented their experiences in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the largest German Concentration and extermination camp during WWII. Visitors will be able to see these profound pieces of art, including 60 paintings and drawings displayed thematically on 24-panels.
This will mark the second year that Booth Library has partnered with the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation’s Holocaust Education Center to host a traveling exhibit surrounding International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th. The two organizations hope to continue this partnership as an annual tradition, seeking to expand education opportunities and develop an atmosphere of tolerance and community.
The exhibit will be open to the public:
Sunday – Thursday: Noon – 6:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: Noon – 5:00 PM
Group and classroom tours may be arranged by emailing hec@cujf.org or calling 217-367-9872. For more information, visit www.cujf.org/hec

ImpactLife Blood Drive At Sacred Heart Church - Effingham
2026-01-11
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Christmas Tree Collections For Fish Habitat
2026-01-11, 2026-01-13, 2026-01-15
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.

Sunday's Schedule
2026-01-11
PrintMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Iowa City, 3:30 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Wild Card Playoffs
Buffalo at Jacksonville, noon (CBS)
AFC Wild Card
San Francisco at Philadelphia, 3:30 p.m. (FOX)
NFC Wild Card
Los Angeles Chargers at New England, 7 p.m. (NBC)
AFC Wild Card

Fundraiser for Cassidy Scott
2026-01-11

Bridal Expo
2026-01-11

Red Cross Blood Drives in January
2026-01-12
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

ImpactLife Blood Drive in Effingham
2026-01-12

Monday's Schedule
2026-01-12
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Dieterich at Patoka, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Salem at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Altamont, 7 p.m.
North Clay at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Pana at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Mount Carmel at Newton, 6 p.m.
Vandalia at South Central, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Bethalto Civic Memorial, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Teutopolis Freshman Tournament, TBA
Newton at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mahomet-Seymour at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Bethalto Civic Memorial, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Taylorville at Effingham, 6 p.m.
St. Anthony at Mount Zion, 5 p.m.
Altamont Lutheran at Effingham Sacred Heart, 6 p.m.
Altamont at South Central, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Ramsey, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Neoga, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Flora Floyd Henson, 6 p.m.
Newton St. Thomas at Sigel St. Michael, 5:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Charleston, 6 p.m.
Jasper County at LIEC at Paris Mayo, TBA
Volleyball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at St. Anthony, 5 p.m.
South Central at Altamont,
Lawrenceville at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Windsor, 4:30 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Houston at Pittsburgh, 7:15 p.m. (ABC)
AFC Wild Card Playoff

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-01-13
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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
2026-01-13

Emancipation Proclamation On Display
2026-01-13
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.

Seeds in the Snow - Program at Library
2026-01-13

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-01-13
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Newton at Effingham, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
St. Anthony vs. Neoga at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Central A&M at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Martinsville at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
North Clay at Lawrenceville, 5 p.m.
St. Joseph-Ogden at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at South Central, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Altamont at Pana, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Macon Meridian (MOVED TO JAN. 14)
Martinsville at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Neoga, 5 p.m.
Newton at Effingham, 5 p.m.
Cumberland at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Cowden-Herrick, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Mattoon, 5 p.m.
Jasper County at LEIC at Paris Mayo, TBA
Volleyball
St. Anthony at Taylorville, 5 p.m.
Cumberland at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Western Illinois at Eastern Illinois University, 7:30 p.m.

Food Pantry - Calvary Baptist Church
2026-01-14
PrintThe Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry will be taking orders for food bags on Monday, January 12th, from 4:00 – 5:30. Call 217-342-6671 to place your order.
Drive-up Pickup is on Wednesday, January 14th, from 4:00 – 5:00pm.
Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to call 217-342-6671.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-01-14
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Bethalto Civic Memorial, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Macon Meridian, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Teutopolis Freshman/Sophomore Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Jasper County at LEIC at Paris Mayo, TBA
Ramsey at Windsor, 6 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Northwestern, 7:30 p.m.

Teen And Mom Yoga and Breast Cancer Awareness
2026-01-15
Print
The Effingham County Health Department, Flying Buddha Fitness, and the Effingham Public Library will host a free Teen and Mom Yoga and Breast Cancer Awareness Program at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15, in the Library’s Workman Room.
The program invites teens and young women to attend with a mother, aunt, caregiver or other trusted adult. Vicki Funneman of Flying Buddha Fitness, a certified yoga instructor, will lead participants through easy yoga movements and partner poses suitable for beginners. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that they can move easily in and to bring a yoga mat, if they have access to one.
Catherine Bailey from the Effingham County Health Department will provide an introduction to breast cancer prevention and early detection, including the importance of starting monthly breast self-exams in your early 20s.
The event is funded by a Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure – Community Outreach Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which supports expanded outreach and education on breast cancer prevention, screening, and support services in Effingham County.
Door Prizes are sponsored by the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The event is free, but registration is required through the Effingham Public Library’s website http://www.effinghamlibrary.org and https://effinghamlibrary.libnet.info/event/15372969
More information is available by calling Catherine Bailey, from the Effingham County Health Department at 217-342-1134.

Angeled Kids Foster Closet & Resale
2026-01-15

Thursday's Schedule
2026-01-15
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Teutopolis at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Paris, 6 p.m. GAME HAS BEEN MOVED TO EFFINGHAM, LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3
St. Anthony vs. Neoga at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Altamont at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Arcola, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Charleston, 5:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Newton, 6 p.m.
South Central at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Flora at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
FRESHMEN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Teutopolis/Sophomore Freshman Tournament, TBA
Carbondale at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg AT Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Jasper County, 6 p.m.
Charleston at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at Neoga, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Newton St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Mattoon St. John at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Windsor, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Franklin Park, 6 p.m.
Jasper County at LEIC at Paris Mayo, TBA
Volleyball
Effingham at Nokomis HAS BEEN CANCELED
Newton St. Thomas at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4 p.m.
Altamont at Greenville, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Little Rock, 7 p.m.

CASA Volunteers Needed
2026-01-15
PrintThe start of a new year often comes with a list of resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are different for everyone, but one of the most common is to live a healthier lifestyle. If you’re hoping to improve your physical and mental health, there’s one option that often gets overlooked and benefits others: volunteering.
Volunteering and helping others has been found to benefit both physical and mental health, and there are a variety of options in our community. If you’re looking for a new way to make changes in your life and in the lives of others, consider resolving to help children and families in the child welfare system by volunteering with CASA for Kids.
As of January, 682 children are currently in the child welfare system in CASA for Kid’s service area, including Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Jasper, Hamilton, Marion, Wayne, and White Counties. These children have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care, sometimes far away from their families and communities. They need a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer to stand by their side and advocate for them.
“Children in foster care are often separated from their families, siblings, friends and other loved ones, and placed in an unfamiliar setting far away from everything they know,” said Zoe Bridges, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator of CASA for Kids. “CASA volunteers stand with them during this uncertain time, providing a consistent presence and speaking up for their best interest in court, school and other settings.”
CASA volunteers are everyday members of the community who are recruited, screened and trained to advocate for a child or sibling group in foster care. They get to know the child on an individual level so that they can make sure their physical, emotional and educational needs are met.
They also get to know the child’s parents, family, foster parents and other important people in their life, with the goal of working towards reunifying the child with their parents whenever safe and possible. They help make sure children have a support system of family and other reliable, committed adults who can help them both during and after their time in foster care.
CASA for Kids served 506 children in 2025 with the help of 95 CASA volunteers. CASA is always seeking more community members to step up and advocate.
“Volunteering with CASA is an opportunity unlike any other,” said Bridges. “It’s a unique chance to make a true, positive difference for a young person and their family. We need more members of the community to join the CASA movement so that we can serve 100% of children in foster care in our communities.”
In the New Year, consider becoming a CASA volunteer and make an impact in a child’s life, and your own. Every child has a chance – it’s you.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a CASA volunteer or other ways to get involved, visit casa4change.org or email zbridges@casa4change.org.

Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-01-16
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.

Friday's Schedule
2026-01-16
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Altamont at North Clay, 5 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Mattoon at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Breese Mater Dei at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
South Central at Dieterich (NO FROSH-SOPH GAME), 6 P.M.
Lawrenceville at Newton, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Patoka/Odin at Odin, 6:15 p.m.
Tuscola at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Ramsey, 6:15 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mattoon at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Cumberland, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Lawrenceville Parkview, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Effingham Sacred Heart at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Martinsville, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
