Bethel Christian Church Revival
2026-03-05, 2026-03-06
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Thursday's Schedule
2026-03-05
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
CLASS 1A STATE TOURNAMENT
At CEFCU Arena
Thursday, March 5
Game 1 — (1) Mt. Pulaski vs. (1) Mt. Sterling (Brown County), 10 a.m.
Game 2 — (1) Deer Creek-Mackinaw vs. (1) Rockford Christian, 11:45 a.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 7 p.m.
CLASS 2A STATE TOURNAMENT
At CEFCU Arena
Thursday, March 5
Game 1 — (1) Pleasant Plains vs. (2) Breese (Central), 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 — (2) Elgin (St. Edward) vs. (1) Byron, 4:15 p.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 8:15 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Game 6 — Chrisman Scottland vs. Windsor, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-2A St. Elmo/Brownstown Regional
Match 6 – Morrisonville vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Match 7 – Paris Mayo vs. Cumberland, 6 p.m. (championship)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 3– UT Martin vs. Eastern Illinois , 6 p.m.
Game 4 — Southeast Missouri vs. Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m.

Friday's Schedule
2026-03-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A Macon Meridian Sectional Championship
Game 3 – Altamont vs. Lawrenceville, 7 p.m. (Listen on 97.9 XFM)
Class 2A Monticello Sectional Championship
Game 3 — Teutopolis vs. Tolono Unity, 6:30 p.m. (Listen on KJ Country 102.3)
Girls Basketball
Class 3A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 1 — (1) River Forest Trinity vs. (1) Chatham Glenwood, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — (3) Arlington Heights St. Viator vs. (1) Washington, 11:45 a.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 7 p.m.
Class 4A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 1 — (2) Belleville East vs. (1) LaGrange Park Nazareth Academy, 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 — (1) Wilmette Loyola Academy vs. (5) Rolling Meadows, 4:15 p.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 8:15 p.m.
Girls Track
Eastern Illinois University Indoor Meet, noon
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 4 — Tennessee State vs. UT Martin, 7 p.m.
Game 6 — Morehead State vs. Southeast Missouri State, 9:30 p.m.

Energy Assistance Program Starts
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.

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
2026-03-06
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.

Teutopolis Boys Golf Raffle of Cardinals Green Seats
2026-03-06
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!

90's Music Trivia Night in Dieterich
2026-03-06

AYCE Fish Dinner at Edgewood Legion
2026-03-06

A Nite at the Races for Ballard Nature Center
2026-03-07

Trivia Night in Altamont
2026-03-07

Benefit for Wendy Blurton
2026-03-07

Pancake Breakfast for Stewardson Lions Club
2026-03-07

Saturday's Schedule
2026-03-07
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Class 1A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 4 – Mt. Pulaski vs. Deer Creek- Mackinaw, 10 a.m. (championship)
Class 2A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 4 – Breese Central vs. Byron, noon (championship)
Class 3A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 4 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 (championship), 4 p.m.
Class 4A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 4 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 (championship), 6 p.m.
Boys Track
Eastern Illinois University Indoor Meet at Charleston, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Match 1 — Hume Shiloh vs. Windsor, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Philo St. Thomas vs. Findlay Okaw Valley, 10:15 a.m.
Match 3 — Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Homer Heritage, 11P30 a.m.
Class 8-1A Martinsville Regional
Match 1 — Altamont Lutheran vs. Newton St. Thomas, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Martinsville vs. Effingham Sacred Heart, 10;15 a.m.
Match 3 — West Salem vs. Grayville, 11:30 a.m.
Class 7-2A Morrisonville Regional
Match 1 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Nokomis, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — South Central vs. Altamont, 10:15 a.m.
Match 3 — Effingham St. Anthony vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 11:30 a.m.
Class 8-2A North Clay Regional
Match 1 — Albion vs. Casey-Westfield, 10 a.m.
Match 2 — Oblong vs. Hutsonville, 11:15 a.m.
Match 3 — Dieterich vs. Neoga, 12:30 p.m.
Class 8-3A Lawrenceville Parkview Regional
Match 1 — Lawrenceville Parkview vs. Red Hill (Bridgeport), 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Marshall vs. Paris Mayo, 10 a.m.
Match 2 — Jasper County vs. Teutopolis, 11 a.m.
Match 3 — Robinson Nuttall vs. Cumberland, noon
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 7 — Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 8 p.m. (championship)
NASCAR
GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway

‘Unsinkable Freedom’ Movie at ALPLM
2026-03-07
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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum caps off its celebration of Black History Month by introducing a new short film recounting the exciting story of Robert Smalls, who used his wits and seamanship to lead 15 people on a daring escape from slavery.
“Unsinkable Freedom” begins running at the museum on February 27, a day after its world premiere at a special event. It will run every 15 minutes throughout the museum’s day for the next three months.
Smalls was an enslaved man in Charleston, SC, when the Civil War began. He was forced to work aboard the Confederate ship Planter in Charleston Harbor and nearby coastal waters. On May 12, 1862, Smalls and the other enslaved men were left aboard ship by white officers. Seizing the opportunity, they launched a long-simmering plan to sneak their families aboard and sail to freedom.
“Unsinkable Freedom” dramatizes that dangerous trip. The 11-minute film shows how Smalls got the families aboard, impersonated the ship’s captain, sailed past Confederate checkpoints and finally reached U.S. Navy ships and freedom.
“Very few stories can match the escape of Robert Smalls for both drama and inspiration,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “He risked everything to win freedom for his friends and loved ones. And after their escape, he served with the U.S. Navy and was later elected to Congress. We at the ALPLM are proud to tell part of his amazing story.”
“Unsinkable Freedom” was written and directed by Kameron Gates, an artist and animator based in Petersburg, Illinois. It stars ALPLM actor Reggie Guyton as Smalls.
The film was created using a hybrid of production techniques from animation, VFX and video games. It has a hyper-wide aspect ratio to take advantage of the three screens surrounding audiences in the museum’s Mr. Lincoln Theater. It also features 5.1 surround sound.
The actors’ faces and body performances were recorded using motion capture. Additional animation was created using classic keyframe techniques. The historic Charleston Harbor was built and rendered inside Unreal Engine a tool created for video games that has expanded into visual effects for TV and film.
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and share with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

A.Y.C.E. Breakfast for Edgewood Fire Department
2026-03-07

Power of Place - Illinois Road Scholar Presentation with Dr. Aaron Lawler
2026-03-07
PrintThe Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site will host Power of Place- An Illinois Road Scholar Presentation with Dr. Aaron Lawler. The presentation will be on Saturday, March 7, at 2:00 pm in the Visitor Center Auditorium.
In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Lawler takes audiences on a unique tour of Illinois’ most sacred and strange landmarks; from ancient Cahokia to Casey’s “World’s Largest” mailbox, from the Baha’i Temple to the Leaning Tower of Niles. When people return again and again to the same places, they leave something behind: memory, longing, belief. Over time, these places become filled with the presence of everyone who has stood here before. In this way, America’s kitsch and its sacredness are not opposites but companions. Dr. Lawler closes the presentation with a few carefully selected “day-cation” pilgrimages, not as tourism, but as journeys of curiosity, reflection, and reconnection.
This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission’s theme, the “Power of Place,” that helps us explore how our natural and built environments have shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road, near Lerna.
To contact them, call 217-345-1845 or visit lincolnlogcabin.org

Annual Tree Sale
2026-03-08
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

Breakfast Fundraiser for Newton Family Life Center
2026-03-08
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The breakfast will have Hartrich sausage, Krusteaz (Siemer Milling) pancakes, and eggs.
There will also be a Kids Corner and other fun kids items.
Our online auction will launch that morning as well. If you would like to donate an item, stop by the Family Life Center in Newton or Effingham or call Linda at 217-342-5433 for more information.
We hope to raise $7,000 to support the free services and programs offered at the Family Life Center.

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

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
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

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
