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

Zion Pancake-Sausage Breakfast
2026-03-15
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Red Cross Blood Drives in March
2026-03-15, 2026-03-19, 2026-03-20
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.

‘Unsinkable Freedom’ Movie at ALPLM
2026-03-15
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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.

Gospel Sing at Faith Lutheran Church
2026-03-15

Sunday's Schedule
2026-03-15
PrintCOLLEGE
Men’s Basketball
Big Ten Tournament
Championship
Michigan vs. Purdue, 2:30 p.m. (championship)
Game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network (BTN) or CBS
NASCAR
Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 2 p.m.

Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen Display
2026-03-15

St. Isidore Spring Breakfast
2026-03-15
PrintThe St. Isidore Spring Breakfast at Bishop Creek is this Sunday, March 15, from 7 AM till Noon.
Start your week off on a lucky note with a great breakfast. The menu will include: sausage, ham, fried or scrambled eggs, pancakes, homemade bread, and rolls.
There will also be a Country Store with baked goods, raffle items, quilt chances, and mystery boxes.
Come out and help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We look forward to seeing you there!

Monday's Schedule
2026-03-16
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Monticello HAS BEEN CANCELED
Lawrenceville at Dieterich HAS BEEN CANCELED
Neoga at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Fairfield, HAS BEEN CANCELED
Softball
St. Anthony at Neoga HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MARCH 23
Cumberland Dieterich HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MAY 11
North Clay at Fairfield HAS BEEN CANCELED
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Shelbyville HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MARCH 18
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Newton at Casey-Westfield HAS BEEN CANCELED
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-2A St. Anthony Sectional
North Clay or Dieterich vs. St. Anthony or Nokomis, 6 p.m.
Class 8-2A Sigel St. Michael Sectional
Sigel St. Michael vs. either Stew-Stras or Chrisman Scottland, 6 p.m.
Class 8-3A Teutopolis Sectional
Jasper County or Lawrenceville Parkview vs. either Sullivan or Shelbyville Moulton, 6 p.m.

Free Tax Preparation with Catholic Charities
2026-03-17, 2026-03-18
Print3/12/2026 UPDATE: Due to this year’s high demand of tax assistance, we will not be accepting any more new taxes until next Thursday, March 19th

HSHS Community Connect
2026-03-17
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.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-03-17
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Altamont at Charleston, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Shelbyville HAS BEEN CANCELED
Cumberland at Vandalia HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Dieterich at Robinson HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Neoga at Teutopolis HAS BEEN CANCELED
Flora at Newton HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MONDAY, MARCH 30
North Clay at Casey-Westfield HAS BEEN CANCELED
Wiindsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Tri-County, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Robinson at St. Anthony HAS BEEN CANCELED
Altamont at Carlyle, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Cumberland HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Dieterich at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Okaw Valley at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Flora at Newton HAS BEEN CANCELED
North Clay at Olney, Richland County HAS BEEN CANCELED
Nokomis at St. Elmo/Brownstown HAS BEEN CANCELED
South Central at Pana, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Softball
Robinson at St. Anthony, after varsity game
Okaw Valley at Neoga, after varsity game
Teutopolis at Cumberland, JV innings
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA MEN’S PAIRINGS
2026 NCAA Tournament Schedule
All times CST
(First Four in Dayton, Ohio)
(16) UMBC vs. (16) Howard, 5:40 p.m.
(11) Texas vs. (11) NC State, 8:15 p.m.

Annual Tree Sale
2026-03-18
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

Enduring Freedom Ministries March Distributions
2026-03-18
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!

Teutopolis Boys Golf Raffle of Cardinals Green Seats
2026-03-18
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!

Free At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests
2026-03-18
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.

Poverty in Rural America - Presentation
2026-03-18

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-03-18
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Richland County, Olney HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO SATURDAY, MARCH 21 AT 11 A.M.
Cumberland at Vandalia, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis vs. Mascoutah at Metro Classic, O’Fallon Blazier Field, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Shelbyville, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Shelbyville at Neoga, 4 p.m.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
All Times CST
(First Four in Dayton, Ohio)
(16) Prairie View A&M vs. (16) Lehigh, 5:40 p.m.
(11) Miami (Ohio) vs. (11) SMU, 8:15 p.m.
NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
(First Four)
(11) Nebraska vs. (11) Richmond, 6 p.m.
(16) Missouri State vs. (16) SFA, 8 p.m.

4th of July Informational Meeting in Stewardson
2026-03-18
PrintThere will be an Informational Meeting about the 4th of July in Stewardson. They’re seeking community input and volunteers.
This will be on Wednesday, March 18th, at 6 p.m.
The informational meeting will be held in the Stewardson Town Hall.

N.G. Cowen Scholarship for Trade/Vocational School
2026-03-18

Free Tax Preparation with Catholic Charities
2026-03-19

History of the Heart Theatre - Presentation
2026-03-19
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In collaboration with the Effingham County Museum, board members from The Heart Theatre Inc. non-profit will present “The Heart of Effingham – Looking Back on the History of the Theatre” as part of their ongoing preservation and historical documentation efforts. The public is invited to gather on the second floor of the Effingham County Museum to learn more about the rich background of the only surviving Art Moderne/Art Deco style building in Effingham and how it became a part of our town’s shared story.
There will be artifacts from the theatre on display and we encourage all interested visitors to bring their stories, photos and any other memorabilia to share with the audience.
All attendees will have a chance to win an opportunity to have their name displayed on the Heart marquee.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Doors will open at 6pm.
Our presentation is graciously hosted by the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, Inc., an organization devoted to the preservation of the fascinating history of the county. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about local history.
There is no admission charge.

The Spongebob Musical at Effingham High School
2026-03-19, 2026-03-20

Thursday's Schedule
2026-03-19
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Triad Metro East Kickoff, 4:15 p.m.
Altamont at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 4:30 p.m.
Olney at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Mascoutah, 4 p.m.
Dieterich at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Cumberland at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Odin, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Vandalia, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Wayne City at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Paris at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Flora, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Robinson at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Teutopolis at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Paris at Teutopolis, JV innings
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Baseball
Teutopolis at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
All Times CST
(8) Ohio State vs. (9) TCU, 11:15 a.m.
(4) Nebraska vs. (13) Troy, 11:40 a.m.
(6) Louisville vs. (11) South Florida, 12:30 p.m.
(5) Wisconsin vs. (12) High Point, 12:50 p.m.
(1) Duke vs. (16) Siena, 1:50 p.m.
(5) Vanderbilt vs. (12) McNeese, 2:15 p.m.
(3) Michigan State vs. (14) North Dakota State, 3:05 p.m.
(4) Arkansas vs. (13) Hawai’i, 3:25 p.m.
(6) North Carolina vs. (11) VCU, 5:50 p.m.
(1) Michigan vs. Howard, 6:10 p.m.
(6) BYU vs. Texas, 6:25 p.m.
(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (10) Texas A&M, 6:35 p.m.
(3) Illinois vs. (14) Penn, 8:25 p.m.
(8) Georgia vs. (9) Saint Louis, 8:45 p.m.
(3) Gonzaga vs. (14) Kennesaw State, 9 p.m.
(2) Houston vs. (15) Idaho, 9:10 p.m.
NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
(First Four)
(16) Southern U. vs. (16) Samford, 6 p.m.
(10) Virginia vs. (10) Arizona State, 8 p.m.

Interview Day Prep Workshop
2026-03-19
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Interviews don’t have to feel intimidating.
“How to Prep for the Perfect Interview” will help you prepare with confidence, answer tough questions, and present yourself professionally.
The Thursday, March 19 Workshop will be from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and will be led by led by Shonna Kracinski, SHRM-SCP, from Midland States Bank.
You can join the session using the Zoom link in the QR Code above.
Meeting ID: 865 1207 9928
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Broadcast Communication Open House at Lake Land College
2026-03-20
PrintThe Lake Land College Broadcast Communication Department will host an open house on Friday, March 20, from noon – 2:00 p.m. The event will take place following Laker Visit Day, and lunch will be provided at noon.
The open house is an opportunity for prospective students to learn about Lake Land’s Broadcast Communication program. Attendees will get to ask questions, learn about career options in broadcast communication, meet with faculty and current students, enjoy hands-on activities with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment, and tour the College’s student-run FM radio station, WLKL 89.9, The Max Alternative.
Registration for the event is now open on the website: LakeLandCollege.edu/Visit.
“For anyone interested in a career in broadcast communication, this event is the perfect way to get an in-depth look into the field, but it also provides an opportunity for those looking to gain some multimedia skills,” said Greg Powers, Speech Communication/Broadcasting Instructor and Director of Broadcast Operations.
Students in the Lake Land Broadcast Communication program can earn an associate degree leading to either immediate employment or transfer to a four-year university. Students can also choose among three certificate programs.
The Broadcast Communication program includes a wide range of opportunities both on-screen and behind the camera. Students can gain experience broadcasting live on WLKL 89.9 The Max Alternative, anchoring a newscast, using equipment in the TV production control room and studio, creating a podcast, commentating on live sports events, using professional audio equipment, operating state-of-the-art camera and video equipment, and experimenting with industry-standard digital editing software.
For more information on the Broadcast Communication Open House or program, contact Powers at gpowers@lakelandcollege.edu or 217-234-5335.

Friday's Schedule
2026-03-20
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Marion, 4:30 p.m.
Sullivan at Altamont HAS BEEN CANCELED
Hillsboro at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Shelbyville, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Metro East Kickoff Classic vs. Pleasant Plains
Teutopolis vs Columbia at Metro Classic, O’Fallon Blazier Fiield,
Okaw Valley at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Central A&M at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Okaw Valley at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Sullivan, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Softball
St. Anthony at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Dieterich, to follow varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 8-1A State Tournament
At Wenona Fieldcrest
Match 1 — Peoria St. Jude vs. LaSalle St. Acutis, 4:30 p.m.
Match 2 — Sigel St. Michael vs. Ottawa Marquette, 5:45 p.m.
Match 3 — Hartsburg-Emden vs. Carrollton St. John, 7 p.m.
Match 4 — Augusta Southeastern vs. Rantoul St. Malachy, 8:15 p.m.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Men’s NCAA Tournament
(First Round/Round of 64)
(7) Kentucky vs. (10) Santa Clara, 11:15 a.m.
(5) Texas Tech vs. (12) Akron, 11:40 a.m.
(1) Arizona vs. (16) Long Island University, 12:35 a.m.
(3) Virginia vs. (14) Wright State, 12:50 a.m.
(2) Iowa State vs. (15) Tennessee State, 1:50 p.m.
(4) Alabama vs. (13) Hofstra, 2:15 p.m.
(8) Villanova vs. (9) Utah State, 3:10 p.m.
(6) Tennessee vs. Miami of Ohio, 3:25 p.m.
(8) Clemson vs. (9) Iowa, 5:50 p.m.
(5) St. John’s vs. (12) UNI, 6:10 p.m.
(7) UCLA vs. (10) UCF, 6:25 p.m.
(2) Purdue vs. (15) Queens, 6:35 p.m.
(1) Florida vs. Prairie View A&M, 7:25 p.m.
(4) Kansas vs. (13) Cal Baptist, 8:45 p.m.
(2) UConn vs. (15) Furman, 9 p.m.
(7) Miami (Fla.) vs. (10) Missouri, 9:10 p.m.
Women’s NCAA Tournament
(3) Duke vs. (14) Col. of Charleston, 11:30 a.m.
(3) TCU vs. (14) UC San Diego, 12 p.m.
(8) Oregon vs. (9) Virginia Tech, 1:30 p.m.
6) Baylor vs. Nebraska, 2 p.m.
(6) Washington vs. (11) South Dakota State, 2:30 p.m.
(5) Maryland vs. (12) Murray Statem 3 p.m.
(5) Ole Miss vs. (12) Gonzaga, 3:30 p.m.
(1) Texas vs. Missouri State, 4 p.m.
(2) Michigan vs. (15) Holy Cross, 5:30 p.m.
(4) North Carolina vs. (13) Western Illinois, 5:30 p.m.
(2) LSU vs. (15) Jacksonville, 6 p.m.
(4) Minnesota vs. (13) Green Bay, 6 p.m.
(5) Michigan State vs. (12) Colorado State, 7:30 p.m.
(7) NC State vs. (10) Tennessee, 8 p.m.
(7) Texas Tech vs. (10) Villanova, 8:30 p.m.
(4) Oklahoma vs. (13) Idaho, 10 p.m.
