Sunday's Schedule
2026-03-08
PrintMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Maryland, 2 p.m.
NASCAR
Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway, 1:30 p.m.

Winter Guard Championship Celebration
2026-03-08
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As far as the escorted route:
We will depart promptly at 1:45 p.m from QT gas station.
From there, we will travel south on 3rd Street to Washington Avenue, continue to Jefferson Avenue, then proceed to Henrietta Street, Grove Avenue, and arrive at the school.

Red Cross Blood Drives in March
2026-03-09
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in March:
3/3, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
3/3, Tuesday, First Baptist Church, Casey, Noon – 6:00 PM
3/9, Monday, Clay City High School Gym, Clay City, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3/9, Monday, Noble Lions Club Building, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
3/15, Sunday, St Joseph Stringtown Community Club, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
3/19, Thursday, First Baptist Church Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
3/20, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
3/23, Monday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
3/30, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Give in March for a $15 Gift Card by email & successful donations get A1C testing! More info at: rcblood.org/March
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

ImpactLife Blood Drive in Effingham
2026-03-09
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HSHS Community Connect
2026-03-09
PrintHospital Sisters Health System introduces HSHS Community Connect
Connecting communities with local resources
For 150 years, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has been a leader of health and wellness in the communities serving across Illinois and Wisconsin. To address the needs of our communities, HSHS proudly launches HSHS Community Connect, a digital database of free or reduced cost community-based programs and services available in the communities we serve.
HSHS is committed to improving community health and addressing ever-changing needs and factors within the community landscape,” said Kim Luz-Mobley, M.S., C.H.E.S., System Executive Director of Community Health. “Across our health system and the communities we serve, HSHS strives to fulfill our Mission to provide high-quality health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.”
In 2024, HSHS hospitals conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify the health status, needs and issues in the communities we serve. HSHS Community Connect is a powerful tool that will support our goal to improve community outcomes by working to address social determinants of health, including access to medical care.
“As a health care system, we see members of our community every day who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or in need of financial aid. With HSHS Community Connect, we can find local resources to connect our patients with the support they need,” said Luz-Mobley.
Across Illinois, patients and community members can find hundreds of local resources that meet their needs, including:
• Financial aid
• Food pantries
• Medical care
• Housing and temporary shelter
• Personal safety
• Baby items
• Transportation
• And more.
Patients can also access HSHS Community Connect on our website at hshs.org/connect or through MyHSHS. If you need to create a MyHSHS account, be sure to use your full proper name that matches your HSHS medical record. If you have questions about MyHSHS, call the MyChart support line at 1-866-312-5023 or email MyHealthRecordhelp@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Monday's Schedule
2026-03-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A Charleston Super-Sectional
At Eastern Illinois University
Lawrenceville vs. LeRoy, 7 p.m.
At Jacksonville Bowl Supersectional
Routt vs. Goreville, 7 p.m.
At Joliet Central Supersectional
Chicago Marshall vs. Indian Creek, 7 p.m.
At Macomb WIU Super-Sectional
Eastland vs. Tremont, 7 p.m.
Class 2A Pontiac Super-Sectional
McNamara vs. Tolono Unity, 7 p.m.
Class 2A Carbondale Super-Sectional
Quincy Notre Dame vs. Benton, 7 p.m.
Class 2A Joliet Central Super-Sectional
Farragut vs. Crane Medical, 7 p.m.
Pontiac Super-Sectional
McNamara vs. Tolono Unity, 7 p.m.
Sterling Super-Sectional
Johnsburg vs. Manual, 7 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Sigel St. Michael Sectional
Windsor vs. Altamont Lutheran 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-3A Sullivan Middle School Sectional
Macon Meridian vs. Cumberland 6 p.m. (championship)

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-03-10
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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.

Enduring Freedom Ministries March Distributions
2026-03-10, 2026-03-11
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries March Distributions:
Tuesday, March 3rd from 4 – 6p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Tuesday, March 10th from 4 – 6p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Wednesday, March 11th from noon – 2p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Saturday, March 14th from 9 – noon, Mason location at 861 West Washington Street
Wednesday, March 18th from noon – 2p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 – noon, Shumway location at 304 South West Street
We ask that the families call and make an appointment for our Shumway & Mason Distributions. Call 217-240-0059 or 217-868-5293 or go to our website: www.my-christian-space.com
Enduring Freedom Ministries is free and for everyone!

Free Tax Preparation with Catholic Charities
2026-03-10, 2026-03-11, 2026-03-12

CANCELLED - Storm Spotter Training in Effingham
2026-03-10
PrintThe Severe Storm Spotter Training Class has been CANCELLED, due to the threat of severe weather.

ImpactLife Blood Drive at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
2026-03-10

Free At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests
2026-03-10
PrintNo Prep, No Procedure, No Excuses: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Offering Free, At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests in March
Colon cancer screening just got easier.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is 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, are eligible for a free InSure ONE at-home screening test with instructions, from March 1 through March 31.
Tests can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, 503 N. Maple St., in the presurgical testing department, while supplies last. 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. Although overall death rates have fallen during the past decade due to increased screening and improved treatments, the same does not hold true for younger adults. For people under 55, death rates have been increasing about 1% per year since the mid-2000s, according to the ACS.
For more information regarding this colorectal cancer screening event, call 217-347-1858. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-03-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Softball
Newton at Red Hill (Bridgeport), 4:30 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Cisne, 4:30 p.m. CHANGED TO AT ST. ELMO/BROWNSTOWN
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Match 4 – Chrisman Scottland vs. Windsor, 6 p.m.
Match 5 – Findlay Okaw Valley vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Class 8-1A Martinsville Regional
Match 4 – Sigel St. Michael vs. Altamont Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.
Match 5 – Martinsville vs. West Salem, 5:45 p.m.
Class 2A North Clay Regional
Game 4 – North Clay vs. Casey-Westfield, 5 p.m.
Game 5 – Oblong vs. Dieterich, 6:15 p.m.
Class 8-2A Morrisonville Regional
Match 4 – Morrisonville vs. Nokomis, 6 p.m.
Match 5 – South Central vs. St. Anthony, 7:15 p.m.
Class 8-3A Lawrenceville Parkview Regional
Game 5 – Lawrenceville Parkview vs. Paris Mayo, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Jasper County vs. Cumberland, 7 p.m.
Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Match 1 – Chatham Glenwood vs. Charleston, 4:30 p.m.
Match 2 – Rochester vs. Mattoon, 5:30 p.m.
Match 3 – Taylorville vs. Stephen Decatur, 6:30 p.m.
Match 4 – Mount Zion vs. Effingham, 7:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE
Basketball
Big Ten Tournament
#17 Maryland vs. #16 Oregon, 4 p.m.
#18 Penn State vs. #15 Northwestern, 25 minutes after first game
All games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network (BTN) or CBS

Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen Display
2026-03-10, 2026-03-11, 2026-03-12

Free Problem Gambling Screenings
2026-03-10
PrintMarch is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Hour House, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. In the U.S. 2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year. Another 5–8 million (2–3%) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems. Additionally, in the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior.
“Our community isn’t defined by its challenges; it is defined by how we respond. When we come
together with compassion, understanding, and proactive solutions, we can effectively address
gambling-related harm and help shape stronger futures.” — Amy Bullington, Gambling Coordinator

A Community-Driven Approach to Awareness and Support
Throughout March, Hour House will lead efforts focused on increasing public understanding of problem gambling and ensuring individuals are aware of the available prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services in their community. Activities will include:
● March 10, National Gambling Disorder Screening Day – FREE gambling screenings available 9am-3pm by calling 217-258-6018 or by visiting 513 North 13th Street in Mattoon
● Gambling awareness social media campaigns
These efforts reflect a simple truth: when community comes together — friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers — silence is replaced with support, and isolation is replaced with connection. To learn more about problem gambling, please visit NCPGambling.org/FAQs
Hour House encourages local media, partners, and residents to join the effort by sharing resources, uplifting stories of those in recovery, and helping connect people to available support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, the National Problem Gambling Helpline TM offers free, confidential support 24/7:
Call 1-800-MY-RESET
Text 800GAM
Chat at www.NCPGambling.org/chat

Food Pantry at Calvary Baptist Church
2026-03-11
PrintThe Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry will take orders for bags of food on Monday, March 9th, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Call 217-342-6671 to place order.
Pickup will be on Wednesday, March 11th, between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
All are welcome.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-03-11
PrintJUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A Martinsville Regional
Match 6 – Sigel St. Michael vs. Martinsville, 4:30 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-3A Lawrenceville Parkview Regional
Game 7 – Lawrenceville Parkview vs. Jasper County, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Match 5 – Chatham Glenwood vs. Rochester, 6 p.m.
Match 6 – Taylorville vs. Effingham, 7 p.m.
COLLEGE
Men’s Basketball
Big Ten Tournament
Second Round
#9 Iowa vs. Maryland, 11 a.m.
#13 USC vs. #12 Washington, 25 minutes after first game
#10 Indiana vs. Northwestern,5:30 p.m.
#14 Rutgers vs. #11 Minnesota, 25 minutes after first game
All games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network (BTN) or CBS

Free Children's Orthopedic Clinic
2026-03-12
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The Effingham Elks 1016 Lodge, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation, will sponsor a free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic on Thursday, March 12.
The Clinic starts at 8:00 AM and is by-appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
The Elks will hold the clinic at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Bonutti Clinic, 1303 West Evergreen Avenue, in Effingham. Dr. Timothy Gray will be the clinician in charge.
There are no charges for any services at this clinic.
No medical referral is necessary.
The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development.

Teutopolis Boys Golf Raffle of Cardinals Green Seats
2026-03-12
PrintTeutopolis Boys Golf is selling raffle tickets to win 4 Cardinals Green Seats. This includes the Cardinals Club Buffett, a Parking Pass, and In-Seat Food and Beverage.
The game is TBD.
Raffle Tickets are: 1/$20, 3/$50, or 7/$100. They’ll be available until close to Opening Day, March 26.
To get your chances, reach out to Mike Wilson, who accepts Venmo @MikeWils13. Will need your name and cellphone number.
Thanks for your support of Teutopolis Boys Golf!

The History of Barlow Lock & Security - Presentation
2026-03-12
PrintECCCMA’s lecture on Thursday, March 12th, will be “The History of Barlow Lock & Security” presented by Cathy Bierman.
The lecture will be held on the 2nd floor of the Effingham County Museum at 110 East Jefferson Street in Effingham.
Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the lecture begins at 7 pm.
We hope to see you there!

A New Sunrise - Performance by Three Chicks & A Stage
2026-03-12
PrintA New Sunrise
Arsenic & Old… Wait, What? Join Three Chicks & A Stage for a hilariously dark comedy, A New Sunrise, featuring two charming, eccentric elderly ladies who show up on the porch of the local funeral home, ready to sip wine laced with poison and check out in style! “We thought the town could drive by and pay their respects and not have to bother about getting out. A kind of drive-in viewing…”
Performances are on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 at Tuscan Hills Winery
Tickets are $10.
Doors open at 6:00 PM – Curtain at 7:00 PM. Enter via The Stellar Cellar door.
Cash bar & food will be available.
Tickets are only available at the door. First come, first served!
Don’t miss this twisted tale of wit, wine, and whimsy!

Thursday's Schedule
2026-03-12
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A State Tournament
At University of Illinois
Game 1 – Goreville vs. Lawrenceville, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Lanark Eastland vs. Chicago Marshall, 11:45 a.m.
Game 3 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 7 p.m. (third place)
Class 2A State Tournament
Game 1 – Peoria Manual vs. Tolono Unity, 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Chicago Farragut vs. Quincy Notre Dame 4:15 p.m.
Game 3 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 8:45 p.m.
Softball
Casey-Westfield at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Match 6 – Chrisman Scottland vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 2A North Clay Regional
Game 6 – North Clay vs. Dieterich, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-2A Morrisonville Regional
Match 6 – Nokomis vs. St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (championship)
Match Class 8-4A Effingham Regional
Match 7 – Chatham Glenwood vs. Taylorville, 6 p.m. (championship)
COLLEGE
Men’s Basketball
Big Ten Tournament
Third Round
#8 Ohio State vs. Iowa, 11 a.m.
#5 Wisconsin vs. Washington, 25 minutes after first game
#7 Purdue vs. Northwestern, 5:30 p.m.
#6 UCLA vs. Rutgers, 25 minutes after second game
All games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network (BTN) or CBS

Free Bees Program
2026-03-12
PrintThe Effingham County Home & Community Education Association will be sponsoring a program on “Bees” on Thursday, March 12, at 1:00 at the U. of I. Extension Center. The Center is located at 1209 Wenthe Drive in Effingham.
The speaker for the program will be Larry Quicksall, area resident, known for his knowledge of bees.
The program is open to the public. There is no admission fee.
For further information, you may contact 217-343-1672.

Hometown Showdown Trivia Night in Teutopolis
2026-03-13

Fish or Ham Meal at VFW
2026-03-13
PrintThe VFW Auxiliary in Effingham, Post 1769 on Veterans Drive, are having a meal on Friday, March 13th.
Serving will be from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
On the menu: Fish or Ham, oven baked potatoes, vegetable, dessert, coffee, tea, or lemonade.
Price: $8.00
For more information, contact President, Chuck Meyers at 217-343-8313.
