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

Legion Cookout in Downtown Altamont
2026-06-20
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Just for Dad's - Downtown Effingham
2026-06-20

Saturday's Schedule
2026-06-20
PrintEFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
Tee Ball League
East Softball Diamond
Game 1 – Cool Mint vs. Military Green, 8 a.m.
Game 2 – Navy Blue vs. Island Yellow, 9 a.m.
West Softball Diamond
Game 1 – Black Heather vs. Athletic Heather, 8 a.m.
Game 2 – Cardinal Red vs. Columbia Blue, 9 a.m.
Small Fry Diamond
Game 1 – Purple vs. Maroon, 8 a.m.
Game 2—Forest Green vs. Gold, 9 a.m.
Game 3 – Scuba Blue vs. Ash, 10 a.m.
Gene A. Niccum Field
Game 1 – Kelly Green vs. Vintage Blue, 9 a.m.
Game 2 — Burnt Orange vs. Jade, 9 a.m.
Game 3 – Royal Blue vs. Neon Green, 10 a.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Toronto at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
NASCAR
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego

Indoor Whatever Sale at VSM
2026-06-20

Civil War Weekend and Encampment at Lincoln Log Cabin
2026-06-20, 2026-06-21
PrintThe Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is hosting a Civil War Encampment this Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21. The event is from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and is free for the visiting public.
Bring out Dad and spend Father’s Day at ‘Civil War Weekend‘, learning about the men who answered President Lincoln’s call for troops in 1861, those who remained on the home front, and those on the other side! Visit with General Grant and President Lincoln, soldiers and civilian reenactors, watch mounted and dismounted drilling exercises, participate in a baseball game with 1858 rules, and learn about the lives of Civil War soldiers. Special presentations are scheduled throughout the weekend, and a dance (open to the public!) will be held on Saturday evening.
Reenactors are encouraged to register online at https://tinyurl.com/bdeu8655. Limited on-site registration may be available. Reenactors and units interested in attending should email info@lincolnlogcabin.org for more information.
Plus the Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop will be open for you to pick up that unique gift for dad!
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road near Lerna. Phone number: 217-345-1845

Illinois Free Fishing Days
2026-06-20, 2026-06-21, 2026-06-22
PrintIllinois Free Fishing Days are June 19-22, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites families throughout the state to enjoy the opportunity at a lake, pond, river, state park, or private fishing hole near them.
During these four days, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp in Illinois. The goal is for those who don’t usually go fishing to discover or rediscover the activity and to introduce children to it.
IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said “Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity for Illinois families to unplug, spend time together outdoors, and discover the fun and enjoyment of fishing. Whether you’re new to the activity or simply haven’t been able to find time for it lately, I encourage residents and visitors alike to grab a rod, head to the water, and make fishing an outdoor tradition.”
Outside of Free Fishing Days, Illinois requires anyone over the age of 16 to have a fishing license to fish. At $15, Illinois has one of the most affordable standard fishing licenses in the Midwest. Licenses can be purchased at vendors throughout Illinois or online. Exclusions apply to active-duty military and people with disabilities.
Learn more about fishing in Illinois at ifishillinois.org.

Moccasin Creek Festival
2026-06-21
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Weekend Pass $130 ($137.60 with fees)’
Day Passes on sale soon!
Kids 15 & under FREE with adult.
Free, convenient parking steps from the fest
Campground short distance away
REAL FLUSH TOILETS
Food, drink, craft vendors, kids activities
Festival info & tickets at http://www.moccasincreekfestival.com
Moccasin Creek Festival is an annual 4-day music festival, which celebrates other arts and crafts as well. It takes place at beautiful Lake Sara near Effingham.
Folk, bluegrass, alternative country, roots rock, and blues – “Americana” music. This is what MCF is all about – in an outdoor setting, using a venue with great acoustics, at a beautiful time of year.
Food and beverages sold on site. Kids activities. Camping is next door to the festival venue, as well as cabins for rent at Anthony Acres beachfront campground & motel. There is a beach and golf course within walking distance. Boats, canoes and kayaks for rent. Effingham is only 5 miles away, and has thousands of hotel rooms available, as well as a plethora of restaurants catering to almost any taste.
Check out the website, moccasincreekfestival.com, and check out MCF on Facebook and Instagram. Most answers to your questions can be found there, if not, feel free to contact us. We’re looking forward to the event, and we hope you are too!
You can also get tickets via check (mail to Poss Music Works, 1915 S. Banker Street, Effingham, IL 62401) with the ticket amount and ticket information (we have multiple events) – and also please provide a name and contact info for your order.
If you see us out-and-about, you can buy tickets in cash/check in person too!!
Poss Music Works NFP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit promoting live original music, especially Americana music, in downstate Illinois.
Visit http://www.possmusicworks.com to donate or learn more.

Jasper County Fair
2026-06-21, 2026-06-22, 2026-06-23, 2026-06-24, 2026-06-25

Sunday's Schedule
2026-06-21
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Toronto at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Kansas City, 1:10 p.m.
NASCAR
Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego

Artist Johanna Stice Works on Display
2026-06-22
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The work of local artist Johanna Stice is on display, now through Saturday, June 27 in the art gallery at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library.
Stice, a native of Effingham raised in Teutopolis, has been creating art for as long as she can remember. Her artistic journey began at the age of 5, when she took her first art class and painted a piece she titled “Daisies in a Yellow Jar.” It was at that moment that Stice discovered a lifelong passion for painting.
She draws inspiration from a range of sources, finding creative influence in the world around her. She is inspired by various forms of art and the work of other artists. Her pieces often reflect her personal interests and passions, with subjects ranging from beloved cultural icons such as the Muppets to music and nature, including birds.
For Stice, art is more than a creative outlet — it is a fundamental part of the human experience. She believes that everyone engages in art in some form, whether they realize it or not. Through singing, dancing, drawing, storytelling and music, people connect with each other across generations. In this way, art serves as a bridge between the present and the past, linking us to those who lived thousands of years ago.
The art exhibit is free and a library card is not required to view the exhibit.
Contact Art Gallery Coordinator Oran Colwell at 217-342-2464 or oran@effinghamlibrary.org for more information.

Red Cross Blood Drives in June
2026-06-22, 2026-06-25
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in June:
6/1, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6/1, Monday, Clay Electric Cooperative, Flora, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

6/2, Tuesday, Greenup Village Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

6/4, Thursday, Newton Knights of Columbus, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

6/9, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

6/11, Thursday, Flora Church of the Nazarene, Noon – 5:00 PM

6/15, Monday, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

6/16, Tuesday, Dieterich Community Civic Center, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6/16, Tuesday, Grace United Methodist Church in Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

6/19, Friday, Illinois State Police Troop 9 in Effingham, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
6/19, Friday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM

6/22, Monday, Oblong Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

6/25, Thursday, Neal Center YMCA in Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Make summer shine for patients in need. Come to give blood June 1-28 for a $15 e-gift card!
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Free School Supplies - FISH Applications
2026-06-22

Raffle Tickets for Edgewood Fest
2026-06-22
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DON’T BLINK… TICKET SALES ARE ALMOST OVER!
Your chance to win $6,242.60 ends soon!
Last day to purchase raffle tickets at participating locations is June 23rd.
$10 Tickets
Drawing is June 24th at 7:00 PM
Get yours before they’re SOLD OUT!
Edgewood Fest Zip Code Day • 62426

DIY Hangout at Effingham Library
2026-06-22
PrintThe Effingham Public Library hosts:
DIY Hangout – from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, June 22, at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library. Join us for crafts and snacks. This session is for our Teens! We’ll be making Lego Succulents, friendship bracelets, and Pipe Cleaner Pals. Snacks will be provided. Registration required.
Ages 11-16.
Visit effinghamlibrary.org, email info@effinghamlibrary.org or call 217-342-2464, Ext. 1, to learn more about this or other library programs.

Monday's Schedule
2026-06-22
PrintJASPER COUNTY FAIR
Harness racing, Postponed until 1 p.m. Tuesday
3-Year-Old ISA Trot
3-Year-Old ISA Pace
3-Year-Old and Up Topline Trot
3-Year-Old and Up Topline Pace
Maiden AE Non-winners $2,000 Lifetime Trot
EFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
Tomorrow’s Stars Khoury League
At Mike Sehy Field
Game 1 – Russ Braunecker Cadillac, GMC vs. Kiwanis Club, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Taylor Law vs. Northside Ford, 7 p.m.
Prep League
At Evergreen Baseball Diamond
Game 1 — Culver’s vs. Effingham Asphalt, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Mid-Illinois Concrete vs. Holiday Inn & Express Suites, 7:30 p.m.
Minor Softball League
At East Softball Diamond
Game 1 – New Heights Crane Service vs. Arrow Pest Control, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Bahrn’s Equipment vs. REMAX, 7 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.
Arizona at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

Patriotic Home-Decorating Contest in Edgewood
2026-06-23
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EDGEWOOD’S PATRIOTIC HOME DECORATING CONTEST IS BACK!
This year’s contest means a little more
As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Edgewood Fest, we’re honored to present:
The Deana Hollar Memorial Award
Deana loved her country deeply.
She was a proud St. Louis Cardinals fan, a collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, and a true lover of life’s simple joys
She adored her cats … and her one-of-a-kind rooster, “Trumpster”
But more than anything, Deana had a special place in her heart for kids
She was known for handing out the best Halloween treats in town, always putting time and thought into making it special for them
That same care, creativity, and pride is what this contest is all about
Decorate your home in red, white & blue all throughout June!
Open to anyone with a 62426 zip code

Dog Obedience Classes
2026-06-23

Homeschool Planning Connection
2026-06-23

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-06-23
PrintJASPER COUNTY FAIR
Harness racing, 1:00 p.m. (Monday’s Postponed Card)
3-Year-Old ISA Trot
3-Year-Old ISA Pace
3-Year-Old and Up Topline Trot
3-Year-Old and Up Topline Pace
Maiden AE Non-winners $2,000 Lifetime Trot
Harness racing, 6:30 p.m.
2-Year-Old ISA Trot
2-Year-Old ISA Pace
2-Year-Old Topline Trot
2-Year-Old Topline Pace
IHHA 3-Year-Old & Up Pace
EFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
Tomorrow’s Stars Khoury League
At Mike Sehy Field
Game 1 – Elk’s Lodge 1016 vs. Dan Hecht Chevrolet, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Heritage Builders vs. Effingham Noon Rotary, 7 p.m.
Prep Softball League
At West Softball Diamond
Game 1 — Joe’s Pizza & Pasta vs. J&R Collision Centers, 7 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.
Arizona at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

Raffle Tickets for Edgewood Fest
2026-06-24
PrintWhile raffle tickets are scheduled to be sold until 6:59 PM on Zip Code Day, they are subject to availability. There will be a limited number of tickets remaining and are getting close to selling out.

DON’T BLINK… TICKET SALES ARE ALMOST OVER!
Your chance to win $6,242.60 ends soon!
Last day to purchase raffle tickets at participating locations is June 23rd.
Tickets will be available for sale on June 24th, from 5:00pm – 6:59pm, just before the drawing.
$10 Tickets
Drawing is June 24th at 7:00 PM
Get yours before they’re SOLD OUT!
Edgewood Fest Zip Code Day • 62426

Edgewood Fest
2026-06-24

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-06-24
PrintEFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT
Tomorrow’s Stars Khoury League
At Mike Sehy Field
Game 1 – Northside Ford vs. Russ Braunecker Cadillac, GMC, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Kiwanis Club vs. Elk’s Lodge, 7 p.m.
Prep League
At Evergreen Baseball Diamond
Game 1 – Teutopolis vs. Country Financial, Meinhart/Donsbach, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2 – Brown’s Drug Store vs. Mid-Illinois Concrete, 7:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.
Arizona at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.
