Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-01-24
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.

Fish Fry Fundraiser at Ingraham
2026-01-24
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If you have questions, call Jordan at 618-843-9322

Saturday's Schedule
2026-01-24
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Salem Invitational
Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 9 a.m. p.m. (consolation championship)
Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 10:30 a.m. (third place)
Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, noon (championship)
Little Illini Conference Tournament
At Robinson
Game 1 — Newton vs. Mount Carmel, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Lawrenceville vs. Paris, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 — Richland County vs. Marshall, 1 p.m.
Game 4 — Casey-Westfield vs. Robinson, 2:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
National Trail Conference Tournament (979XFM)
Game 12 – South Central vs. North Clay, 9 a.m.
Game 13 – Dieterich vs. Neoga, 10:30 a.m.
Game 14 – Altamont vs. St. Anthony, noon (third place)
Game 15 – Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Cumberland, 1:30 p.m. (championship)
Vandalia Tournament
Game 9 — Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 10 a.m. (seventh place)
Game 10 — Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 11:30 a.m. (fifth place)
Game 11 — Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 66, 1 p.m. (third place)
Highland Tournament
Game 23 – Winner Game 17 vs. Winner Game 18, 10 a.m. (consolation championship)
Game 24 – Winner Game 20 vs. Winner Game 21, 11:30 a.m. (fifth place)
Game 25 – Loser Game 19 vs. Loser Game 22, 1 p.m. (third place)
Game 26 – Winner Game 19 vs. winner Game 22, 2:30 p.m. (championship)
Newton at Robinson Tournament, TBA
Wrestling
Effingham at Olney Wrestling Duals HAS BEEN CANCELED
Cumberland girls at Anna Jonesboro, 9:30 a.m.
Cumberland boys at St. Joseph-Ogden Multi-Quad
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis
Girls Basketball
Altamont at Effingham HAS BEEN CANCELED
Paris at Teutopolis, 10 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-1A Effingham Sacred Heart Regional
Game 1 — Altamont Lutheran vs. Newton St. Thomas, 9 a.m.
Game 2 — Sigel St. Michael vs. Pana Sacred Heart, 10;15 a.m.
Game 3 — Ramsey vs. Mulberry Grove, 11:30 a.m.
Class 8-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 1 — Casey-Westfield vs. Oblong, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Neoga vs. Paris Crestwood, 11 a.m.
Class 8-2A Stewardson-Strasburg
Game 1 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 9 a.m.
Game 2 — St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. South Central, 10:15 a.m.
Game 3 — Effingham St. Anthony vs. North Clay, 11:30 a.m.
Class 8-3A Robinson Nuttall Regional
Game 1 — Teutopolis vs. Red Hill (Bridgeport), 9:30 a.m.
Game 2 — Paris Mayo vs. Marshall, 10:45 a.m.
Game 3 — Robinson Nuttall vs. Jasper County, noon
Game 4 — Lawrenceville Parkview vs. Cumberland, 1:15 p.m.
Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Game 1 — Rochester vs. Taylorville, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Effingham vs. Mattoon, 11:45 a.m.
Volleyball
St. Anthony, Dieterich at Newton St. Thomas Seventh-Grade Tournament, 9 a.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Cumberland Sixth-Grade Round Robin, 9 a.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Purdue, 2 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at Morehead State, 2:30 p.m.

Holistic Health Fair
2026-01-24
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Gospel Concert for Mission Team
2026-01-25
PrintFaith Lutheran Church Shumway will host a Gospel Concert with Missy Dunaway and her band Legacy Country. The concert will be on Sunday, January 25, at 6:00 PM. The public is encouraged to attend to hear many of their gospel favorites.
Faith Lutheran is located on Highway 33 with the program in the activity center of the church.
A freewill offering will be taken to benefit a planned mission team to Uganda later this year.
Refreshments will be available during the intermission.

Sunday's Schedule
2026-01-25
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
TBD at TBD, 2 p.m. (CBS)
APC Championship
TBD at TBD, 5:30 p.m. (FOX)
NFC Championship

Red Cross Blood Drives in January
2026-01-26, 2026-01-27
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

Traveling Holocaust Exhibit at EIU
2026-01-26, 2026-01-29
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

Severe Storm Spotter Training in Altamont
2026-01-26

Monday's Schedule
2026-01-26
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Tournament
Game 1 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Neoga, 6:15 p.m. (POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, JAN. 27)
Game 2 — St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. South Central, 7:30 p.m. (POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, JAN. 27)
Little Illini Conference Tournament
Game 5 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, JAN. 27)
Game 6 – Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (POSTPONED TO TUESDAY, JAN. 27)
Girls Basketball
South Central at St. Anthony (POSTPONED)
Altamont at Ramsey (POSTPONED)
North Clay at Brownstown/St. Elmo (POSTPONED TO JANUARY 28, VARSITY ONLY)
Neoga at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City (POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28)
Marshall at Newton (POSTPONED)

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Taylorville at Effingham HAS BEEN CANCELED
Cumberland at Charleston HAS BEEN CANCELED
Teutopolis at Mahomet-Seymour (freshmen), 5:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Dieterich HAS BEEN CANCELED
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 7-2A St. Anthony Sectional
St. Anthony vs. Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Sectional
Teutopolis vs. Tolono Unity, 6 p.m.
Fifth-sixth grade boys basketball HAS BEEN CANCELED
Volleyball
St. Anthony at St. Elmo/Brownstown HAS BEEN CANCELED
Effingham at Casey-Westfield HAS BEEN CANCELED
Altamont Lutheran at Altamont, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Dieterich (RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 6)
Marshall at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Stewardson-Strasburg (RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 24)

Cooking Across Continents Program
2026-01-27
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

Annual Tree Sale
2026-01-27
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-01-27
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Tournament (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Game 1 — CHBC vs. Neoga, 5 p.m.
Game 2 — SEB vs. South Central, 6:30 p.m.
Game 3 — Dieterich vs. WSS, 8 p.m.
Effingham at Chatham Glenwood, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Mount Zion, 6 p.m.
Little Illini Conference Tournament
At Robinson
Game 5 — Paris vs. Richland County, 6 p.m.
Game 6 — Robinson vs. Newton, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Effingham, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-1A Effingham Sacred Heart Regional
Game 4 – Effingham Sacred Heart vs. Newton St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Game 5 – Sigel St. Michael vs. Ramsey, 6:15 p.m.
Class 8-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 3 – Villa Grove vs. Arcola, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Hutsonville vs. Dieterich, 7 p.m.
Class 8-2A Stewardson-Strasburg Regional
Game 4 – Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Game 5 – St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. St. Anthony, 7:15 p.m.
Class 8-3A Robinson Nuttall Regional
Game 5 – Teutopolis vs. Marshall, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Robinson Nuttall vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 7:15 p.m.
Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Game 3 – Stephen Decatur vs. Rochester 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Mount Zion vs. Effingham, 7:45 p.m.
Volleyball
Charleston at St. Anthony, 5 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at St. Peter Lutheran, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Altamont Lutheran, 4:15 p.m.
Altamont at Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:15 p.m.
South Central at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Robinson at Cumberland, 5 p.m.
Oblong at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
Iuka at North Clay HAS BEEN CANCELED
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Mulberry Grove HAS BEEN CANCELED
Teutopolis at Taylorville, 5 p.m.

Elks Trade Scholarship Available
2026-01-28

Conservation Cropping Seminar
2026-01-28
PrintRegistration is open, so start making plans now to attend the Conservation Cropping Seminar. This year’s seminar brings together distinguished speakers and special guests including Ray Archuleta, Soil Health Specialist; Bryan Young, Professor of Weed Science at Purdue University; Tom Kilcer, Advanced Ag Systems; S.T.A.R Representatives; and an interactive panel of Illinois
farmers from the region.
This event is a great opportunity to gain additional knowledge about improving soil health, implementing cover crops (including for use as forage), improving weed management, and to hear the latest on agronomic research from some of the top leaders in the field.
Dates and Location:
January 28, The Double Tree Hotel – 222 Potomac Blvd in Mount Vernon, IL – Contact Deb 217-606-1153
The seminar is in-person only, so register early to reserve a spot. Register online at www.ccswcd.com/conservation-cropping-seminars or call the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District at 217-352-3536. Registration closes on January 9.
The seminar costs $25, payable by check or credit card and includes lunch. Cost for students will be reduced to $10. The event starts early and ends before 4 p.m., with time scheduled during the day to meet speakers and sponsors or visit with other participants in a small group setting. Soil and Water CEUs will be available.
The seminars are organized and made possible with the involvement and support of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District, Pro Harvest, and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with other conservation-minded experts and attendees. Register by January 9, at www.ccswcd.com/conservation-cropping-seminars. Spots are limited, so sign-up today!

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-01-28
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Tournament
Game 4 — Cumberland vs. Neoga, 5 p.m.
Game 5 — St. Anthony vs. South Central, 6:30 p.m.
Game 6 — Altamont vs. North Clay, 8 p.m.
Little Illini Conference Tournament
At Robinson
Game 7 — Lawrenceville vs. Marshall, 6 p.m.
Game 8 — Casey-Westfield vs. Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
North Clay at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Terre Haute South Vigo at Effingham, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-1A Effingham Sacred Heart Regional
Game 6 – Effingham Sacred Heart vs. Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 3 — Villa Grove vs. Arcola, 6 p.m.
Game 4 — Hutsonville vs. Dieterich, 7 p.m.
Class 8-2A Stewardson-Strasburg Regional
Game 6 – Stewardson-Strasburg vs. St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Game 5 – Stephen Decatur vs. Mount Zion, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Sectional
Teutopolis vs. Tolono Unity, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Windsor at Tri-County, 6 p.m.

Trivia Night for United Way
2026-01-29

Thursday's Schedule
2026-01-29
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Tournament
Game 7 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 5 p.m.
Game 8 — Neoga vs. North Clay, 6:30 p.m.
Game 9 — Cumberland vs. Altamont, 8 p.m.
Little Illini Conference Tournament
At Robinson
Game 9 — Paris vs. Richland County, 6 p.m. (seventh place)
Game 10 — Robinson vs. Newton, 7:30 p.m. (fifth place)
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Charleston, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Marshall at Cumberland (varsity only), 5:30 p.m.
Dieterich at South Central, 6 p.m.
Richland County, Olney at Newton, 6 p.m.
Sandoval at North Clay, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Cumberland at Tri-County HAS BEEN CANCELED
Flora at Teutopolis, 6:15 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Robinson, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 7 – Casey-Westfield vs. Villa Grove, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 83A Robinson Nuttall Regional
Game 5 — Teutopolis vs. Marshall, 6 p.m.
Game 6 — Robinson Nuttall vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 7:15 p.m.
Volleyball
St. Anthony at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Altamont Lutheran at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Jasper County at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Neoga, 4:15 p.m.
South Central at Windsor, 4:30 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Washington at University of Illinois, 8 p.m.
UT Martin at Eastern Illinois University, 7:30 p.m.

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
2026-01-30
PrintHave you ever seen America’s national bird, the bald eagle? Soaring on a 6 to 7 1/2 foot wing-span, eagles are magnificent! It is not necessary to travel all the way to Canada to see these fabulous creatures. Pere Marquette State Park is fortunate to play host to the winter season visitors. Eagles may be spotted in the trees along the Illinois River from now through March.
Pere Marquette State Park will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area, and much more. All programs will begin at the park’s visitor center at 8:30 A.M. (Reservations Required) There will be a video presentation and program followed by an observational drive to view the wintering bald eagles. Please be sure to dress warmly, have a full tank of gas, and bring binoculars!
* Programs are from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM at the Pere Marquette Park Visitor’s Center
* Wear warm clothes, water/mud resistant shoes, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
* Reservations are required – call 618-786-3323 ext. 1 to reserve your spot!
Bald Eagle Days Tour Schedule:
Friday, January 30
Monday, February 2
Tuesday, February 3
Wednesday, February 4
Wednesday, February 18
Thursday, February 19
Friday, February 20
Wednesday, February 25
Thursday, February 26
Friday, February 27
Friday, March 6
Pere Marquette State Park is located at 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Illinois 62037.

Friday's Schedule
2026-01-30
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Charleston, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Breese Mater Dei, 6 p.m.
National Trail Conference Tournament
Game 10 — South Central vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6:15 p.m.
Game 11 — St. Anthony vs. Dieterich, 7:30 p.m.
Little Illini Conference Tournament
At Robinson
Game 11 – Richland County vs. Robinson (fifth place), 5 p.m.
Game 12 –Marshall vs. Mount Carmel, 6 p.m. (third place)
Game 13 – Lawrenceville vs. Casey-Westfield, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-3A Robinson Nuttall Regional
Game 7 — Teutopolis vs. Robinson Nuttall (championship)
Volleyball
Martinsville at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Dieterich at Windsor, 4:30 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Stewardson Trinity Lutheran, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Mattoon, 5 p.m.

Enduring Freedom Ministries January Dates
2026-01-31
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)

Emancipation Proclamation On Display
2026-01-31
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.

Get Hooked On Crochet! With Diane Rounds
2026-01-31
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This free workshop is offered to all youth in Effingham County. You do not need to be in 4-H to attend.

Angeled Kids Foster Closet & Resale
2026-01-31

CASA Volunteers Needed
2026-01-31
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.

Saturday's Schedule
2026-01-31
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Shelbyville at Effingham, 4 p.m.
National Trail Conference Tournament
Game 12 — Neoga vs. Loser Game 10, 11:30 a.m. (seventh place)
Game 13 — North Clay vs. Winner Game 10, 1 p.m. (consolation championship)
Game 14 — Cumberland vs. Loser Game 11, 2:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 15 — Altamont vs. Winner Game 11, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Mount Carmel, 12:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at Pana, TIME CHANGED TO 3:30 P.M.
Paris Mayo at Jasper County, 10 a.m.
North Clay at Martinsville, 6 p.m.
Breese Central at Teutopolis, 1 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Teutopolis at Effingham, 9 a.m.
Shelbyville at Effingham, 1 p.m.
Breese Central at St. Anthony, 11 a.m.
Girls Basketball
Dieterich at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg JV Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 7-2A State Tournament
Game 1 — Peoria St. Philomena vs. Dwight, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Stronghurst West Central vs. Winchester, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 — Decatur Robertson vs. Effingham St. Anthony, 1 p.m.
Game 4 — McNabb Putnam County vs. Normal Epiphany, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5 p.m.
Game 6 — Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Class 7-3A State Tournament
Game 1 — Bradley Central (18-4) vs. Clinton (21-4), 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Teutopolis (24-3) vs. Calumet City Wentworth (15-2), 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 — Lisle (13-5) vs. Vandalia (21-4), 1 p.m.
Game 4 — LaSalle Lincoln (18-0) vs. Metamora GS (22-5), 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5 p.m.
Game 6 — Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Dieterich at Newton St. Thomas Invitational, TBA
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Pana Eighth-Grade Tournament, TBA
Neoga, St. Elmo/Brownstown at Stewardson-Strasburg Sixth-Grade Tournament, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Southeast Missouri at Eastern Illinois University, 3:30 p.m.

Winter Soup Supper to benefit Special Olympics
2026-01-31
Print
Also, Benny and friends (Benny and the Amigos) will be playing from 7-9:30.
Free admittance.

Luminaries for Life
2026-01-31
PrintSt. Anthony Church will be displaying their annual “Luminaries for Life” on Saturday, January 31st, and Sunday, February 1st. From dusk to dawn, the church steps will be illuminated with decorated bags shining pro-life messages about respecting life from the moment of conception to natural death.
Every January at the National March for Life, countless marchers from across the country and around the world unite in celebration of the gift of human life – radiating hope, unity, and a spirit that transcends politics. That’s why this year’s theme is “Life is a Gift”, emphasizing what lies at the heart of the pro-life movement – an unshakeable conviction that life is very good and worthy of protection, no matter the circumstances. Life is a Gift invites everyone to embrace life as something to be cherished and celebrated from the very beginning.
The bags will be decorated by St Anthony school students. Drive or walk by this beautiful public display of St. Anthony parish’s respect for life. It is a beacon of Christ’s love and hope in the community that will shine bright for a few nights during the weekend.
