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

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, 2026-02-02, 2026-02-03, 2026-02-04
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, 2026-02-03
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
Print
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
Print

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, 2026-02-01
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.

Newman Breakfast in Teutopolis
2026-02-01

Gym Bob's Jamboree Show
2026-02-01
PrintThe Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show will be held on Sunday, February 1st, beginning at 1:00pm!
It will be a great afternoon of all your favorite Classic & 90’s Country, and classic rock music, performed by the Gym Bob’s Jamboree Band and singers. Our special guest will be Bryor Rhodes of Beecher City!
The Jamboree Show is held at Gym Bob’s, located at 44 Apostle Lane in Bible Grove.
Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling 615-481-7418.
More information may also be found online at http://www.GymBobs.com

Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-02-01
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.

Free Throw Contest - Effingham Knights of Columbus
2026-02-01
Print
Entry Forms can be completed at onsite registration OR can be found and filled out on the K of C website at:
https://www.kofc.org/en/resources/faith-in-action-programs/community/free-throw-championship/1598-score-sheet.pdf

Sunday's Schedule
2026-02-01
PrintMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Nebraska, 3 p.m.

Pancake and Sausage Supper at St. Paul Blue Point
2026-02-01

'Cram the Cars' for Catholic Charities Food Pantry
2026-02-02
Print
In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is teaming up with Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Roy Schmidt Honda, Northside Ford-Lincoln, Goeckner Bros. Inc. – Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC Inc. in Effingham to “Cram the Car” with nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and monetary donations for Catholic Charities’ food pantry.
Donations for the annual event will be accepted the entire month of February. On March 1, HSHS Home Care staff will cram their cars with donated items before delivering them to Catholic Charities. The regional Catholic Charities’ office serves Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby counties.
“Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”
Suggested items for donations include the following:
• Boxed meals (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Jelly
• Pasta sauce
• Cereal
• Granola
• Sugar-free canned fruit
• Low-salt canned vegetables
• Large boxes of oatmeal
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Feminine products
• Razors
Donors are urged to check expiration dates.
Items or monetary contributions may be dropped off at any of these locations:
• HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital front lobby or pre-surgical entrance – Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• At one of these locations during business hours:
− Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota – 2400 S. Banker St., Effingham
− Roy Schmidt Honda – 1705 W. Fayette Ave., Effingham
− Northside Ford-Lincoln – 1312 N. Keller Dr., Effingham
− Goeckner Bros. Inc. – Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – 600 E. Fayette Ave., Effingham
− Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC Inc. – 2309 S. Banker St., Effingham
Learn more at HSHS Home Care’s Cram the Car website, or by contacting Engelbart at 217-685-0702 or Valerie.Engelbart@hshs.org.
HSHS Home Care staff help patients maintain an independent lifestyle by offering in-home services such as physical, occupational and speech-language therapy; wound care; cardiac rehabilitation; stroke care; pain management; hospice and palliative care; fall risk assessment; and pediatric care.

Monday's Schedule
2026-02-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
North Clay at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Altamont vs. Neoga at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
South Central at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Robinson, 6 p.m.
Pana at Newton, 5:30 p.m.
Ramsey at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Breese Mater Dei at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Marshall, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Breese Mater Dei, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-1A Sigel St. Michael Sectional
Effingham Sacred Heart vs. Carrollton St. John, 6 p.m.
Class 8-2A North Clay Sectional
Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m.
Class 8-3A Paris Mayo Sectional
Teutopolis vs. Monticello, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Effingham at Mahomet-Seymour, 4:30 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at Dieterich (TIMES CHANGED 3:45 P.M. EIGHTH-GRADE, SEVENTH-GRADE TO FOLLOW)
Neoga at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Charleston, 4:30 p.m.
Jasper County at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Stewardson Trinity Lutheran, 4:15 p.m.
North Clay at St. Peter Lutheran, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-02-03
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Mount Zion at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Flora at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 6 p.m.
South Central at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Dieterich, 5 p.m.
Neoga at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Teutopolis at Newton, 6 p.m.
Pana at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mount Zion at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Sandoval, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Oblong, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Macon Meridian, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Girls Basketball
Salem at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
St. Anthony at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Windsor at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Dieterich, 4:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Paris Crestwood at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.

Annual Tree Sale
2026-02-04
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-02-04
PrintVARSITY
Girls Basketball
South Central at St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (varsity only)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern at University of Illinois, 8 p.m.

Open House at St. Anthony Grade School
2026-02-04
Print
Visit the St. Anthony Grade School’s Open House on Wednesday, February 4th from 4:30-7:00pm to discover what makes the school special! Tour the building, meet Principal Rincker, and learn about the preschool through 8th grade programs, faith-based curriculum, and after-school care.
No RSVP required—just stop by!
Can’t make the Open House? No problem – call 217-347-0419 to schedule a private tour!

Freshmen/Parent Orientation at EHS
2026-02-04
PrintAs Effingham High School prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, the school has scheduled its Orientation. The 8th grade Effingham Junior High students will make a morning visit to the school on Wednesday, February 4th to get information regarding their first year of high school including registering for classes. Any 8th grade student in the area interested in attending EHS in the fall may also make arrangements to attend this meeting by calling EHS Student Services at 217-540-1152.
Parents of 8th grade students are invited for their portion of the orientation on Wednesday, February 4th at 7:00 PM in the Hearts Rock Café at the high school. This includes parents of students from Effingham Junior High or any area school or home school. It is highly encouraged for parents to attend this meeting.

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2026-02-05
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.
