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

Music and Food at Mason
2026-02-07
Print

Sunday's Schedule
2026-02-08
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Super Bowl
At San Francisco Bay Area
Seattle vs. New England, 5:30 p.m.

B and B Sale (Book and Bake)
2026-02-08

Angeled Kids Foster Closet & Resale
2026-02-09

Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-02-09
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.

CASA Volunteers Needed
2026-02-09
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.

Monday's Schedule
2026-02-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
St. Anthony at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Father McGivney Catholic at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Central A&M, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Robinson, 6 p.m.
Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville at Newton, 6 p.m.
Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran at South Central, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys
Hillsboro Freshman Tournament
Session 4: 6 p.m.
Second Place Black Pool vs. Third Place Orange Pool (Main)
Session 5: 6 p.m.
Second Place Orange Pool vs. Third Place Black Pool (Secondary)
Casey-Westfield at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay at St. Elmo Freshman/Sophomore Tournament, TBA
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Jasper County at Effingham, 3:45 p.m.
St. Anthony at Windsor, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4 p.m.
Clay City at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Dieterich, 4:15 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Newton St. Thomas, 6 p.m.

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-02-10
Print
This program will run through May 2026. If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.

ImpactLife Blood Drive at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
2026-02-10

Open House at Sacred Heart School
2026-02-10

Red Cross Blood Drives in February
2026-02-10, 2026-02-12
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in February:
2/5, Thursday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Newton, Noon – 5:30 PM
2/6, Friday, Newton High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
2/10, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, EIU Student Union Ballroom, Charleston, Noon – 4:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, Flora Church of the Nazarene, Noon – 5:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, Apostolic Center Church, Mattoon, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/13, Friday, Oblong Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
2/16, Monday, Home Church, Charleston, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/16, Monday, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/17, Tuesday, Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/17, Tuesday, Dieterich High School, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/20, Friday, Altamont High School, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
2/23, Monday, Shelbyville High School, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2/24, Tuesday, St Michael Church – Sigel, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/26, Thursday, Neal Center YMCA, Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Come give blood through February 28, for a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. See rcblood.org/heart
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in February
2026-02-10, 2026-02-11
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries February Calendar:
Tuesday, February 10th, 4-6pm, Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Wednesday, February, 11th, noon – 2p.m., Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Saturday, February 14th, 9a.m.-noon, Mason location is West Washington Street (Mason Civic Center)
Wednesday, February, 18th, noon – 2p.m., Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Thursday, February 19th, noon – 2p.m or until we run out. We are hosting an EXTRA FREE-FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE-THROUGH. This will be held on the parking lot of the EFFINGHAM ARMORY at 1206 West Temple Avenue in Effingham.
Saturday, February 28th, 8:30-noon, Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
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!

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-02-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Highland at Effingham, 6:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
St. Anthony at South Central, 6 p.m. (NO FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE GAME)
Neoga at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Patoka at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.
Martinsville at Dieterich (VARSITY ONLY), 7:15 p.m.
Newton at Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville, 6 p.m.
Grayville at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Sandoval at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Taylorville, 6 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Paris, 6 p.m.
Pana at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Dieterich (VARSITY ONLY), 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at South Central, 5 p.m.
Highland at Effingham, 5 p.m.
Cumberland at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Trinity Lutheran at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Mattoon at St. Anthony, 5 p.m.
Windsor at Altamont, 4:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Ramsey, 4:15 p.m.
Dieterich at Stewardson-Strasburg, 4 p.m.
North Clay at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Richland County, 5:45 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Wisconsin at University of Illinois, 7 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at Western Illinois, 7:30 p.m.

Free Tax Preparation with Catholic Charities
2026-02-10, 2026-02-11, 2026-02-12

‘Cram the Cars’ for Catholic Charities Food Pantry
2026-02-11
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.

Food Pantry at Calvary Baptist Church
2026-02-11
PrintThe Food Pantry at Calvary Baptist Church will be taking orders for food bags on Monday, February 9th from 4:00-5:30. Call 217-342-6671 to place an order.
Drive-up pick-up is on Wednesday, February 11th, from 4:00-5:00.
All in need are welcome. Call 217-342-6671.

Auditions for 'Pirate Island'
2026-02-11, 2026-02-12
Print
Three Chicks & a Stage will be holding auditions for their Spring Play “Pirate Island” on Wednesday and Thursday, February 11th and 12th. Auditions will be from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Effingham Elks Lodge.
The show will be April 17th and 18th.
For more info, visit 3chicksandastage.com or call at ‪812-783-0853‬.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-02-11
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Hillsboro Freshman Tournament
Session 6: 6 p.m.
First Place Orange Pool vs. Winner Session 4 (Main)
Session 7: 6 p.m.
First Place Black Pool vs. Winner Session 5 (Secondary)
Girls Basketball
Richland County, Olney at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg (SHORTENED JV GAME), 6 p.m.
Newton at Marshall, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Lawrenceville, 6:15 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
National Trail Conference Seventh-Grade Tournament
At Windsor
Match 1 — Neoga vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Match 2 — Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Effingham Sacred Heart, 5:30 p.m.
Match 3 — Sigel St. Michael vs. Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
Match 4 — North Clay vs. Altamont, 5:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at St. Elmo, 5:30 p.m.

Annual Tree Sale
2026-02-12
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

St. Francis Church Art and Architecture Historic Lecture
2026-02-12

Thursday's Schedule
2026-02-12
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
St. Anthony at Newton, 6 p.m.
Richland County, Olney at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Ramsey at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Tri-County at Kansas, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Decatur Unity Christian, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Arcola at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Sandoval at South Central, 6:15 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Hillsboro Freshman Tournament
Session 8: 6 p.m.
Effingham vs. Taylorville (Main) Championship
Centennial at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-2A State Tournament
At Kankakee Bishop McNamara
Game 5 – Carthage vs. Normal Metcalf, 5 p.m. (third place)
Game 6 – Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Morten Grove MCC, 6:30 p.m. (championship)
Volleyball
Effingham at Newton St. Thomas, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont Lutheran at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Altamont, 4:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Oblong, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Teutopolis, 4:15 p.m.
Neoga at Stewardson-Strasburg, 5:15 p.m.
Albion at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Fairfield, 6 p.m.
NASCAR
America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona International Speedway, 5 p.m.

Downtown Valentine's Weekend Shopping Weekend
2026-02-12
Print

Head downtown this Valentine’s weekend and show some love to our amazing small businesses!
Bonus: You have all three days to complete your passport, so shop, dine, and explore at your own pace!
Support local. Shop small. Win big.

Elks Trade Scholarship Available
2026-02-13

Bloody Valentine Steak Dinner at Edgewood
2026-02-13

Butterfly Pork Chop Meal at VFW
2026-02-13
PrintThe VFW Auxiliary Meal will be on Friday, February 13, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
On the menu: Butterfly pork chop, hashbrown casserole, vegetable, lemonade, tea, or coffee, and dessert for $8.00.
The VFW is located at 2304 S. Veterans Drive in Effingham.
Contact Chuck at 217-343-8313 for more information.
